When you welcome a new furry family member into your home, there are many things to consider. Picking the right breed for your family and lifestyle can be stressful. Choosing the perfect pup for you can feel impossible with so many great pups who need loving homes. Luckily, we’re here to make that choice a little bit easier. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the French bulldog (Frenchies), their history, and all the fun you can expect if you decide this breed is right for you. Let’s dive in and get to know these adorable pups.

Quick Facts

Height: 11-13 in

Weight: 17-28 lb

Coat: Short and smooth, comes in various colors. (Brindle, fawn, cream, black, gray, & pied)

Life Span: 10-12 years

History

In the early nineteenth century, bulldogs were bred in the United Kingdom, primarily for sports. They would often be used for bull-baiting, a blood sport that involved dogs attacking bulls. This unfortunate act of animal cruelty was later banned, causing a decrease in bulldog popularity in England. However, with this decline in popularity came a new age of excitement for this breed.

In the U.K., women who had been displaced by the Industrial Revolution relocated to France and brought their toy-sized bulldogs with them. This type of bulldog became so popular in France that it became a thriving market, and the demand for small bulldogs snowballed.

Eventually, this style became so popular that it was designated as its own breed, the French Bulldog. As the breed grew in popularity, members of high society tried everything they could to get their hands on this adorable pup. Later, the breed made its way to the Western Hemisphere, where it continued flourishing. According to the American Kennel Club, French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the United States, surpassing the Labrador Retreiever’s 31-year reign.

Health

French bulldogs are very adorable, but they tend to face hereditary health issues because of their squishy faces and small build. The most common being Brachycephalic syndrome. This is very common in flat-faced breeds because their facial construction can cause breathing issues or an underbite. These breathing issues can cause heart issues because of how much oxygen this breed can intake. Tumors have been known to develop in the hearts of Frenchies, requiring surgery or radiation therapy to cure.

While it is more common in breeds that are larger, French bulldogs can have trouble with hip dysplasia. A variety of factors can cause this, and depending on the severity, your veterinarian may offer different solutions.

Your Frenchie may also face allergies and skin irritation. This issue is common in all breeds. However, it seems more prevalent in the French bulldog, perhaps due to their coat length. To help protect your dog’s skin, pay special attention to their coat, and if you notice their condition worsens, reach out to your veterinarian for specific advice.

Temperament

Frenchies are known to be friendly and playful but have stubborn streaks. Their loyal personality causes them to be extremely affectionate and caring towards their human counterparts. Although they can be a bit stubborn, French bulldogs are bright and strive to learn as much as they can. This makes them a fairly easy breed to train once they get past their stubbornness, of course.

Care

Grooming is relatively simple, with moderate shedding; brushing your pet frequently but not more than a few times a week is recommended. When bathing, pay special attention to Fido’s skin folds. If not regularly cleaned, dead skin, fur, and other debris can become trapped there.

When caring for a Frenchie, it’s essential to consider their anatomy. If you’ve got a less active family and want a companion for a leisurely afternoon walk, this breed is perfect for you. French bulldogs are inactive and can exhaust quickly due to their airway issues. They enjoy small activities like a short walk or playtime, but they do not need to exercise more than that.

French bulldogs should eat about two meals a day at specific times, so avoid a grazing schedule and stick to specific breakfast and dinner times.

Whether or not the French bulldog is the right breed for you, you’re one step closer to finding a pup that will fit perfectly into your family!