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French Bulldog
Other Names: Bouledogue Francais, Frenchie Country of origin: France Dog Group Kennel Club: Utility General appearance: The French Bulldog sports a very short and smooth coat that should be fine to the touch, to a certain degree. This breed does not require much grooming, but under the folds of skin should be regularly cleaned. Frenchies are to some limits a smaller version of the English Bulldog. The difference of the two being the size, less bulk, less bowing of the legs and wrinkles, and "bat" rounded ears on the part of the French Bulldog. They are naturally born with bob tails, straight or screw. They have a short wrinkly face and a short, well rounded body. The back end is higher than the front. They are very quick off the mark when necessary. The French Bulldog should have a square, large and broad head with a broad, deep, short muzzle. The head should be flat between the ears and the face should be wrinkled. The bottom jaw should be slightly undershot and turned up. The eyes should be round, wide set and dark in colour. The ears should be medium sized, high set, broad and carried erect, described as 'bat ears'. The neck should be powerful, thick and well arched with loose skin at the throat. The chest should be deep with a short body, wide at the front and narrow at the back. The front legs should be wide set, straight, short, muscular and strong, the back legs should be strong, muscular and longer than the front legs. The tail should be low set, short but not docked, straight or kinked but never curling over the back or carried erect. Colours: Brindle, pied or fawn, as well as brindle and white. Size: Bitch 30cm (12") 31cm (12") Dog 30cm (12") 31cm (12") Weight: Bitch 11kg (24lbs) 11kg (24lbs) Dog 13kg (29lbs) 13kg (29lbs Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and courageous, the French Bulldog is like a child in temperament. They love to be loved, and want the attention. They are alert, good watch dogs, bright and inquisitive. They are fun loving, and loves to roam through the yard, though new house smells are just as exciting. Frenchies are obedient, friendly and willing to please. They are a stable breed, but sometimes stubborn. Given proper socialization the French Bulldog can do well with other dogs, but should not be around small children, as they do not tolerate rough play. They can be jealous if they do not have all of your attention and, if left alone for long periods, can be destructive. They love human company and to be included in family life and activities. Movement: Free and flowing. Care and training: This breed is an average shedder and does not need much grooming. Brushing with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair. Due to the flat muzzle, the French Bulldog tends to drool so the mouth should be cleaned regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The wrinkles on the face should be checked and kept clean. They can be relatively easy to train but this must be started at an early age before stubbornness sets in. They can be a little boisterous, comical and know exactly how to look at you, their expressive face ensuring that you go off the track when training! This dog does best with a patient handler. With the correct handler, this breed can go far. Overall Exercise: 0 - 20 minutes per day. Feeding requirements: Diet should be monitored as this dog can become overweight leading to serious health problems, such as heart problems and back Exercise: Med Grooming: Low Noise: Low Personal Protection: Low Suitability As Guard Dog: Low Level of Aggression: Low Compatibility With Other Animals: Medium Suitablity for Children: High Often docked? No Average litter: 2 - 5 Life expectancy (yrs): 10 - 14 Health issues: Because of their short nose they tend to snore and have some breathing problems. Brachycephalic syndrome, atopy (an allergic hypersensitivity), back problems, elongated soft palate, heat stroke, eye injuries and skin problems are also health concerns. History: The French claim the breed as theirs, but others would disagree. French Bulldogs are a descendant of small bulldogs brought to England, but it is not known whether they were from France or Spain. Ironically, the breed was first to be registered by the U.S. There have been many owners of the breed throughout history, including King Edward VII of England, as well as French novelist Colette. To confuse origins even more, a bronze plaque was discovered with an amazing similarity to the French Bulldog with the inscribed words, "Dogue de Burgos, España 1625". Most people claim ancestry to France, however, stating that French lace workers brought the small dogs over to Britain. The erect "bat" ears of the breed have been said to be credited to Americans. In 1900 the breed was to be shown, and an argument broke out about the dog's origins. The British were insulted that the French wanted to use their national dog of Britain, the Bulldog, as part of the name.
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