FRENCH BULLDOG

Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 4 of 196

Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: under 28 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Group: Non-Sporting Group

ABOUT THE ENGLISH FRENCH BULLDOG

Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa.

French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. People who love them describe them as mischievous goof balls and can’t imagine life without them. They are a constant presence, and they’ll love you with all the strength in their small bodies, proving time and again that beauty is on the inside.

PERSONALITY

This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. A fun-loving freethinker, the French Bulldog takes well to training when it’s done in a positive manner with lots of food rewards, praise, and play.

NUTRITION

A high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) will have all the nutrients the breed needs. Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can damage their physical structure and puts them at higher risk for some of the breed’s health issues, so it is vital to watch their calorie intake and weight. If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods high in fat. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.

Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

HEALTH

Because of their front-heavy structure, Frenchies cannot swim and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool, or body of water. Like all flat-faced breeds, Frenchies are prone to breathing problems and do poorly in hot or humid weather. Otherwise, there are deseases that Frenchies could be acquired:

Hip Dysplasia

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Allergies

Hemivertebrae

Patellar Luxation

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Cleft Palate

Elongated Soft Palate

CARE

A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog in shape. Frenchies enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally.

When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn.

GROOMING

The Frenchie’s short coat sheds minimally. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help to remove shed hair and keep him looking his best. Brushing promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to help keep it healthy. A Frenchie’s facial folds should be kept clean and dry. The Frenchie’s nailsshould be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can cause him pain.

Source: dogtime, akc.