French Bulldog (Frenchie): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The French bulldog (or Frenchie) is a sturdy, compact dog breed with a large head, short snout, and bat-like ears that was, of course, first bred in France. This breed is lively, lovable, and playful. The French bulldog is a smaller, distant relative of the English bulldog; while the two share some similarities, each breed has its own distinct characteristics.

This hard-to-resist canine is a cute, affectionate dog that makes a wonderful pet for all kinds of families. Their small size means they can do well in smaller homes and apartments, but they are more sturdy than the average small dog. Unlike some other small dog breeds, Frenchies don't tend to bark excessively, although they will definitely alert you when someone is at the door. They don't tolerate being left alone for too long, however, so if you work long hours, travel frequently, or simply don't have much time to devote to a pet, this isn't the right breed for you.

Overall, this is a loyal, intelligent breed that typically gets along well with children and other animals and makes an excellent family dog. The Frenchie is truly a joyful and friendly companion.

Characteristics of the French Bulldog

French bulldogs are very affectionate, family-oriented dogs that do best when spending plenty of time with their family. Be aware that your Frenchie will crave your company and won't do well if left alone for long periods each day. This is a playful breed that loves to be around its owners and children (along with other pets in the household, in most cases).

French bulldogs typically only bark when there is something that truly needs your attention, which makes them a good breed choice for apartment living. Your Frenchie will enjoy playing in the house or yard, but overall, these dogs do not require much exercise to stay happy and healthy. A short walk or daily session of fetch or tug-of-war is about all that's required for these snub-nosed dogs. And at the end of the day, your Frenchie will be happy to cuddle with you on the couch for some quality time.

History of the French Bulldog

Some controversy surrounds the French bulldog's origins, but the breed undoubtedly originated from the English bulldog. It is believed by many that the English bulldog was bred down in size and then brought to France, where the French bulldog was developed over time. There were many toy English bulldogs being bred around the time that some groups of workers were displaced from England to France, and it is thought that they took the small dogs with them.

A distinguishing feature of the French bulldog is its bat-like ears, as opposed to the rose-shaped ears of the English bulldog. French fanciers of the toy English bulldogs readily accepted those that had erect ears, which were considered less desirable in England. It is possible that other breeds contributed to the bloodlines of the French bulldog, perhaps including some terriers and the pug.

French bulldogs became popular with society women in the United States in the late 1800s. The breed standard of the French Bull Dog Club of America was written to say that erect bat ears were the correct ear type.

The French bulldog has always been known as a beloved companion and quite the lap dog. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1898 and has gradually become more popular since then, rising to a top 10 breed in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States in modern years.

French Bulldog Care

French bulldogs require notably less exercise and grooming than many other popular dog breeds, but some can use a little extra training (depending on your specific dog's needs). As long as your Frenchie is properly socialized with new people and other animals when first adopted, they should become a friendly and happy companion in your household.

Exercise

In general, the Frenchie is more of a lapdog than a jogging partner, but routine exercise is still important with caution. This breed can easily overheat due to its short, stubby nose and potential airway problems. Daily exercise is very important, but don't overdo it: Playing with toys in the house or running around the yard for limited periods of time is best. A short walk is another good option. The French Bulldog Rescue Network notes that Frenchies are poor swimmers, and you will need to supervise this breed around a pool or other water sources.

Grooming

Frenchies are smooth-coated dogs that tend to shed at a moderate rate. The breed requires little more than basic routine grooming, including weekly brushing. They lose their undercoat in the spring and fall, so owners may want to brush them more during those seasons.

If your Frenchie is prone to skin issues, then baths with skin-soothing shampoo and regular ear cleaning may help. The deep skin folds might need a little attention to rid them of debris using a damp cloth or baby wipe, followed by being thoroughly dried.

Trim your dog's nails every few weeks to prevent them from cracking or splitting. It's also recommended to practice preventative oral hygiene by brushing its teeth two to three times per week; this can help keep the breed's common gum infections and dental problems at bay.

Training

Frenchies are smart and willing to learn, and teaching them consistently is a great way to strengthen your bond. This breed also tends to be food-motivated, which is especially helpful when training your dog. French bulldogs can sometimes be difficult to housetrain: Crate training is one way to address this problem, and it's recommended by the AKC.

Socialization is equally important to ensure your Frenchie is well-adjusted to their environment. You can begin teaching this breed basic obedience as early as eight weeks old, and it's helpful to take your puppy to training and socialization classes when they're ready. This is a great way to teach your dog new commands while helping it become more comfortable around new people and other dogs.

Most French bulldogs can coexist happily when raised with other pets, but some are prone to chasing cats or small dogs. A Frenchie who hasn't been socialized with other animals may show aggression towards dogs of the same sex. This breed can also show jealousy and competition in a multi-dog household. Most are friendly with children, but when rescuing a dog, it's always important to discuss their history with children and pets to ensure they're a good fit for your household.

Safety Tips

Along with its limits on exercise, the French bulldog's face shape also affects the safety of some other common situations like travel. Take extra precautions when traveling with this breed to ensure your Frenchie doesn't overheat, especially taking care to never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. The French Bulldog Rescue Network notes that if air travel is required, your Frenchie should ride with you in a carrier in the passenger compartment.

Frenchies can also be somewhat sensitive to the weather. When it's hot outside, keep your French bulldog inside as much as possible. When it's time for a walk and bathroom break, keep your Frenchie in the shade as much as possible, and be alert to any signs of overheating, including excessive panting, lethargy, or weakness. And in the winter, a coat will keep your Frenchie comfortable even when the temperatures drop.

Common Health Problems

Responsible dog breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred with these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions, but some hereditary health problems can still occur in the French bulldog breed. The following are conditions to be aware of:

• Brachycephalic syndrome: Typical in many "flat-faced" dog breeds, Brachycephalic syndrome is a condition that can affect your dog's airway and breathing.
• Hip dysplasia: While it's more common in larger dog breeds, hip dysplasia can also affect French bulldogs. This condition is caused by abnormal developments in your dog's hip joints. Veterinarians can usually provide treatment to help dogs with hip dysplasia live comfortably.
• Skin issues and allergies: These conditions can affect any dog, but French bulldogs may be more prone than some other breeds. Infections, allergies, and dermatitis are common causes of itchy or irritated spots.

Diet and Nutrition

French bulldogs should typically be fed two meals a day. Provide up to 3/4 cup of dry dog food per meal or homemade dog food supervised by a veterinarian. More specific amounts of food your dog requires will depend on its size, activity level, age, and medical history, so it's best to discuss these nutritional needs with your veterinarian to develop a meal plan suitable for your Frenchie's physique and lifestyle. It's also important to monitor your dog's weight, as canine obesity can shorten a dog's life and create uncomfortable living conditions at any age.

Where to Adopt or Buy a French Bulldog

While there are many responsible breeders of French bulldogs located nationwide, this breed can also be found in local shelters and breed-specific rescues. If you plan to adopt a Frenchie from a breeder, be sure to work with one that readily provides verified medical records and references for their dogs. Consider starting your search through one of these credible rescue and breeding associations:

• French Bulldog Rescue Network
• French Bull Dog Club of America
• Rescue French Bulldogs
  

French Bulldog Overview

7 Cute Pictures of French Bulldogs

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you think the French bulldog could be the right dog for you, be sure to do plenty of research before adopting your next best friend. Talk to other Frenchie owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. If you are interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare:

• English Bulldog
• Pug
• Boston Terrier

There are plenty of different types of dogs that can join your family—explore a variety of dog breeds to find the best fit for you!