French Bulldog Breed Information, Characteristics, Photos

The French Bulldog is an adorable and pointy-eared pooch that has recently become one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world.

To this day they are known for being the pampered pet of the rich and famous.

These little lap dogs are born to be spoiled but there is much more to them than meets the eye.

Frenchies are surprisingly intelligent and very in tune with their owners’ feelings.

What is a French Bulldog?

A French Bulldog is not really French at all!

This lap sized Bulldog is from England but earned its name because of its popularity in France. They are a distant cousin of the English Bulldog however their personality and appearance are very different.

Frenchies are classified as non-sporting dogs and were originally bred as companions for wealthy city residents. While French Bulldogs have their unique characteristics, it’s interesting to note that their English Bulldog relatives have distinctive eating habits. English Bulldogs are known for their enthusiastic and often comical approach to mealtime. With their wrinkled faces and loose skin, they might display some entertaining antics while chowing down on their food. This contrasts with the more refined and reserved dining etiquette of their French Bulldog cousins.

Frenchies are classified as non-sporting dogs and they were originally bred as a companion for wealthy city residents.

These days the breed is available to everyone and is still a common sight in urban apartment complexes.

They are best known for their bat ears that distinguish them from other Bulldogs.

Unlike other Bulldogs the French Bulldog is a lover and not a guardian. They will not protect your home but will shower you with plenty of puppy kisses instead!

Most of the time these dogs are generally calm and collected but sometimes they can be very naughty.

  • Overview: Purebred.
  • Purpose: Companion.
  • Weight: 18-28 pounds.
  • Size: 11-13 inches.
  • Temperament: Loving, snooty and gentle.

French Bulldog Appearance

French Bulldogs

This is a small and lightweight dog that makes the perfect travel companion.

Their defining characteristic is their large and erect bat ears.

In some cases the inside of their ears can have wrinkles, but most of the time their ears are smooth.

Overall you can expect a small yet stocky dog. They will have wrinkles around their face and neck that gives them a cute and endearing appearance.

Height and Weight

Their breed standard does not specify a height however most Frenchies will stand between 11 and 13 inches.

They typically weigh between 18 and 28 pounds.

Colors and Coat

This Bulldog will have a short yet smooth single coat.

Their fur is so short than you will see the wrinkles on the dog’s skin underneath. As for colors their fur can be any shade of white, brindle or fawn. Sometimes they can have some black however this will always be as part of a brindle or tuxedo pattern.

This dog does not shed much but they will still need brushing every week to keep their coat neat and elegant.

5 Fun Facts About The Frenchie

Frenchie

  1. Originally the French Bulldogs symbolized wealth and were only available to the rich and elites.
  2. These dogs are often employed as therapy animals for nursing homes because their loving nature makes them the perfect companions for the elderly.
  3. French and English Bulldogs are very different however they do come from the same ancestral line. The dogs that would become French Bulldogs were likely selected for their smaller size and pointy ears.
  4. These dogs love to play dress up and Frenchie fashion is even a niche hobby for some owners.
  5. This breed was originally known as the bouledogue Francais, or simply bouledogue.

French Bulldog Personality and Temperament

French Bulldog

If spoiled is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Frenchie dog, you would not be wrong.

Given their upper class origins they have learned to appreciate a bit of pampering.

This can even make them appear arrogant at times but they are also some of the most loving dogs that you will ever meet. A French Bulldog is always ready to spoil you with plenty of kisses and hugs.

They are the couch potato’s favorites because they value lap time over exercise! However they still enjoy running around the yard or run after a ball with short spurts of energy. Expect them to be very friendly with their families but they can turn their nose up at outsiders.

It can take them a bit of time to warm up to strangers.

While they are generally very even tempered there will be times when they will show a stubborn and moody side.

They can be a bit touchy and will never silent when they are offended.

Your dog will be at their loudest when you are away from home – they will howl mournfully at the door until you return.

Plenty of patience will be needed to get your dog used to being alone.

Whilst a well trained pup will be quiet most of the time, you should expect to put up with a bit of pushy behavior from your pooch.

However, nothing lifts the mood quite like a kiss from one of these lovable pups!

Is The French Bulldog A Good Family Dog?

The French Bulldog makes a wonderful family companion – they adapt well to any environment and can fit into a domestic lifestyle.

Every family member will have this dog’s love and loyalty as they will not single out any one member of your family for special treatment.

Caring for a French Bulldog

Frenchie Dog

These dogs make great pets for every age and experience level – French Bulldogs are very manageable and have low care requirements.

Your biggest problem will be learning not to spoil them too much!

Care will be needed to keep your dog at a healthy weight and keep them from becoming too spoilt. Their lower activity level makes them great for the elderly and the handicapped and they make wonderful emotional support dogs for those with physical and mental disabilities.

Grooming, exercise and other aspects of care are very easy compared to most dog breeds. Your dog will not ask for very much beyond what every dog needs to be healthy and happy.

Exercise Requirements

This dog does not need much activity to stay in shape.

They will let you know when they want to play, but value their downtime more than anything.

Two short walks around the block is enough to keep them active.

Your pup will enjoy running after balls and small toys and they can even jump hurdles or catch a frisbee. They will get tired very quickly so do not push them too hard – especially in the summertime.

Too much exertion can be dangerous in the summer heat.

  • Number of Walks Per Day: 2.
  • Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 30 minutes.

Grooming and Shedding

They should be brushed at least once every week.

Your French Bulldog might prefer some brushes and combs to others so take some time to figure out which ones they love the most.

However as they do not shed much most of their grooming attention will go towards bathing rather than brushing. Bathe your dog every month and pay special attention to the folds around their face and muzzle. These folds can get infected if allowed to collect too much dirt.

Part of the fun of owning these dogs is how much they love to be dressed up. You can style your dog in anything from a sweater to an adorable doggie dress.

To protect them in the cold you can dress your pup in a sweater.

Feeding and Diet

French Bulldog Portrait

Part of the challenge of keeping this dog is finding the right food for their pampered domestic lifestyle.

You should pick feed specifically for smaller breeds – these formulas remove all of the extra calories they do not need. There is quite a bit of muscle in this dog’s little body so protein should be the first ingredient on the list.

French Bulldogs should eat one and a half cups of high-quality kibble per day to ensure they receive the proper nutrition for their well-being. You can split this into a morning and evening meal for an adult dog.

Fully grown adult dogs should weigh between 18 and 28 pounds.

If your dog exceeds this weight then you should consider putting them on a diet.

Calories Per Day:Cups of Kibble Per Day:
500~1

Known Health Problems

  • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) is an unfortunate side effect of their cute scrunchy face. It is common in other Bulldog breeds as well.
  • In addition to breathing difficulty, brachycephalic dogs will have trouble managing body temperature in hot weather (they will also tire out more easily than other dogs).
  • This breed’s size puts them at risk of chondrodystrophy which is a genetic condition that affects the spine and vertebrae. This condition leads to lower back pain and may cause problems with the intervertebral discs.

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How Long Does A French Bulldog Live?

Your adorable little Frenchie will be with you for about 10-13 years.

How Much Does A French Bulldog Cost?

A French bulldog costs as much as $2000 for a puppy.

How To Train A Frenchie

A French Bulldog Running

Whilst this dog can be stubborn at times, overall their need to make their owner happy means they are fairly easy to train.

They do not need much mental stimulation but will still need attention.

Coming up with fun activities for you and your dog to train together is the best form of dog training for French bulldogs.

For a low impact way to play and train them try a game of roll the ball. This lighter version of fetch keeps your dog engaged without pushing them too hard.Practice rolling a ball back and forth between you and your pup. It will take a few tries for them to figure out how to pass the ball back to you.

The two trickiest parts to training this breed are:

  1. Housebreaking.
  2. Crate training.

As the French Bulldog has a small bladder they can have difficulty knowing when they need to go to the bathroom. Make sure your puppy knows where their bathroom is and take them there whenever they have finished eating or playing.

Eventually they will pick this up and learn that they need to go out there on their own.

As for crate training this is needed as it will help them feel safe while you are away. Fill the crate with your puppy’s favorite toys and treats and make sure it is a place for them to feel safe and secure.

You will need a bit of patience on your pup’s moody days. If you get too frustrated with your dog it is best to walk away and come back later.

The final part of training is socialization.

Whilst your puppy may be very friendly towards you they will need a bit of prompting to socialize with others. You should give your pup a chance to see other people and dogs whenever you can. Puppy classes and play dates work well.

Buyer’s Guide

ProsCons
Very adaptable to lots of lifestyles.
Can be quite pushy and arrogant.
Good choice for new dog owners.
Needy and often anxious.
Small enough to travel with.
Cannot be left alone for very long.
Very popular and easy to find.
Adorable appearance.

Quick Breed Summary Table

Breed Characteristics
Size:11-13 inches
Weight:18-28lb
Lifespan:10-13 years
Coat:Short single coat
Color:White, fawn and brindle
Do They Shed:Light to moderate
Temperament:Gentle, affectionate, spoiled, naughty but calm
Intelligence:Moderate
Socialization:Must be prompted to socialize outside of the family
Destructive Behavior:Howling when left alone
People Skills:Very understanding and empathetic
Good with Children:Yes
Activity Levels:Low to moderate

Summary

When you bring your French Bulldog home you will quickly learn why they are loved by families all around the world.

This precious pup can put a smile on anyone’s face.

A Frenchie is a comical character that knows just the right way to make your day. Prepare to be amused by all of the tricks they can learn and all of the games they are ready to play.

These dogs much prefer to lounge than to do any serious exercise.

It is very easy to treat a French Bulldog like royalty and they will love every moment of it.

French Bulldog FAQs

About Thomas Woods 224 Articles
Thomas has been a dog lover since he was 6 years old when his parents got him a rescue Labrador. Since then his love for dogs has lead him to study Animal Behavior & Welfare. He now keeps a six year old English Bullmastiff and educates pet parents through his online publication Perfect Dog Breeds.

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