Let's talk French Bulldogs

Stocky and chock full of personality, French Bulldogs make fantastic companions. Their compact size and determination have won the hearts of many a potential owner. Don’t be fooled by that serious look on their face: there’s usually a playful dog hidden within. The French Bulldog is an adaptable breed that just wants to have fun. Bonus round: They are known to be easygoing with children - really everyone - and especially other dogs and pets.

Official name: French Bulldog

Other names: Frenchie

Origins: England, France

Side view of French Bulldog puppy in black and white

Drooling tendencies		Warm weather?
Grooming needs		Cold weather?
Shedding level		Suited to apartment living
Barking tendencies		Can stay alone?*
Energy Level (high, low, medium) *	Medium	Family pet?*
Compatibility with other pets

*We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

Every pet is different, even within a breed. This snapshot of this breed's specifics should be taken as an overview.

For a happy, healthy, and well-behaved pet, we recommend training and socialization.

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.

Most pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age.

Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

Illustration of black and white French Bulldog

27 cm - 34 cm Height

9 kg - 14 kg Weight

24 cm - 32 cm Height

8 kg - 13 kg Weight

Baby age	Birth to 2 months
Puppy age	2 to 10 months
Adult age	10 months to 8 years
Mature age	8 years to 12 years
Senior age	From 12 years

French Bulldog puppy running towards camera over grass

1/7

Get to know the French Bulldog

All you need to know about the breed

The French Bulldog! The darling of Paris has turned the world on its ear and become one of the most popular breeds. They are seventh on the UK Kennel Club’s latest rankings, and fourth on those of the American Kennel Club. Their small size makes the French Bulldog a model canine for city dwellers but it’s their affable manner that has made them a universally cherished breed.

Truth be told, the French Bulldog is a really good pet, especially for first-time owners. They’re content just napping by your side (one of their favourite activities), or playing the day away, and are as much at ease with small humans, once trained, as they are with large ones.

The breed’s striking bat-like ears combined with their 'grumpy' face are the exact opposite of their jovial personality. When in their presence, you can watch the comedy routine unfold: French Bulldogs are prone to antics.

All joking aside, obedience training for the French Bulldog isn’t a bad idea. Socialization will be necessary since the breed can be very bonded to their owner. It’s really the French Bulldog’s petite size more than anything that makes them a tad dependent on a strong partnership. This is not a dog to be used for rescue or guarding; companionship is their best attribute.

2/7

Two facts about French Bulldogs

1. Cute but hefty

It’s easy to view your French Bulldog as an adorable companion but that stocky body is something to think about: It means exercise should be adapted to the dog’s ability, and swimming is definitely notallowed, as their density means they have little to no buoyancy. Stick to good feeding habits so your French Bulldog doesn’t gain weight.

2. Watch for them to be wily

Enjoyable to watch, French Bulldog behaviour requires a backdrop of discipline. They’re playful for sure, but great fun can soon turn into wilful ways – or even disobedience. Offer them reward-based training – meaning treats – with each request. Just ensure treats are taken from their daily food portion!

3/7

History of the breed

The French Bulldog history is a long and fascinating one. The breed is thought to have descended from dogs used by the Molossians, an ancient Greek tribe that eventually made its way to England. The Molossian dog is then said to have developed into the English Mastiff and their sub-breed, the Bullenbeisser. After being initially used for the sport of bullbaiting, the breed became more of a companion dog after the sport was rightfully outlawed in 1835.

Terriers, who were found widely in England, were then crossed with the French Bulldog’s ancestor to achieve a mini version or toy Bulldog, where it continued to function as a ratter and guard dog. The early French Bulldog breed became very popular in the central England region of Nottingham, particularly in the lacemaking industry, where they were valued for their ability to chase down rodents.

By the 1860s, this new type of French Bulldog breed debuted in dog shows in the country and became very popular. When the lacemaking industry shifted to France following a dip in popularity in England, lacemakers moved to Normandy and brought their dogs with them.

The French Bulldog caught on hugely in the nation, gradually becoming the breed we know today. The dog was highly fashionable and popular with society, particularly the royalty and nobility. They were incredibly celebrated in Paris, and seen widely in cafe life there. The famous French artists Toulouse-Lautrec and Degas often depicted French Bulldogs in their paintings.

The breed gained equal popularity in America in the 20th Century. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898 and The Kennel Club in England in 1905.

French Bulldog puppy sitting in black and white

4/7

From head to tail

Physical characteristics of French Bulldogs

1. Ears

Large rectangular bat ears, always erect, give dog alert appearance.

2. Head

Large, square head, half-flat, half-domed skull

3. Body

Stocky, compact body, strong legs, broad shoulders, thick neck

4. Tail

Straight or corkscrew tail, never curly, short, thick coming to tip

5. Fur

Smooth coat, typically shiny very short hair. Soft, loose skin around head and face falling in large wrinkles

5/7

Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your French Bulldog

That cute face may be problematic

The facial structure of French Bulldog can pose breathing problems. They are prone to respiratory problems due to their facial make-up, i.e. brachycephalic syndrome, characterized by a flattened snout and nostrils. Breathing difficulties – especially in too-hot or too-cold weather – can be common, or when their exercise session is too strenuous. Take caution in very hot or cold weather. No dog should ever be in a hot car. They also have frequent digestive problems: Many dogs that have brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome also show signs of gastrointestinal distress.

Two French Bulldog puppies standing on tree stump

6/7

Caring for your French Bulldog

Grooming, training, and exercise tips

When it comes to exercise, the French Bulldog doesn’t need a huge amount to keep healthy. Daily walks are sufficient, and they love to play around the house or yard. Bulldogs do not cope well in the heat however, so exercise should be moderate in the summer. Games that test their brain also benefit the very smart French Bulldog, who never shrinks from a challenge.

Their short-haired coat is one of their more attractive characteristics but shedding for the French Bulldog does happen. They’ll benefit from weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush or rubber grooming glove. The wrinkles and folds in their face should be kept clean and dry as well, to prevent bacteria build-up. Bathe your Frenchie monthly (or on an as-needed basis) and make sure that you dry the folds of the skin completely afterwards. Trimming their nails on a weekly basis too will keep their sturdy body in balance.

One of the best traits of the French Bulldog is their intelligence. It’s important to be firm from puppyhood since French Bulldogs can be wilful when they want to be. Patience is key too, and commands may need to be repeated during the training process. The breed is easy to train, and responds well to reward-based commands – meaning a treat is at the end of that 'Sit!' A treat can be anything that your pet enjoys: dry food, treats, attention or petting, a fun toy, a play session. It’s important to limit the use of food-based treats since they can contribute to excessive weight gain. If they’ve had treats during the day, adjust your dog’s daily food portion accordingly.

7/7