French Bulldog - Breed Introduction
Recognized for it’s huge “bat ears” and sweet, but goofy, “smile” the French Bulldog is one of the most popular dogs that anyone – from an individual in an apartment to a family on a farm since it’s a ruthless hunter of mice- can enjoy!
A small dog, the French Bulldog measures about 12 inches (30 cm) high and weighs between 13 to 26 pounds (6-12 kg).
History of the Breed
As it’s name indicates, this breed originated in France out of English Bulldog stock. The French imported some of the smaller Bulldogs and started breeding them down in size. They quickly named them Boule-Dog Francais.
However, what is interesting is there have been mummified remains of dogs found in burial grounds from 1400 AD in Peru; and the Chincha bulldogs’ skulls had many similarities of today’s French Bulldog!
The French Bulldog of today found it’s way to England during the 1850s and were used to kill the rats and mice that infested the farms and cities. Their small size and ratting instinct made them so popular that they soon were one of the widely owned dogs in Europe.
During the late 1800s the French Bulldog found its way over to the United States. The first one was seen at a dog show in 1986 in New York. The Americans organized the first French Bulldog club in the world, and were the ones to insist that the “bat” ear of the dog was the standard to breed for in the French bulldog.
Color and Coat
The French Bulldog’s coat is short and smooth; it’s hair fine and “brilliant” ( a good sign of a healthy dog). The skin is loose, and should be soft to the touch, at the head and shoulders forming the “friendly wrinkles” that make the French Bulldog such a popular breed.
The French Bulldog comes in a wide range of colors including brindle, fawn, white , brindle and white. Black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black are not allowed.
Personality and Temperament
It’s a very serious dog, but well behaved. It quickly adapts to it’s home life and is comfortable with any age of person – from the young to the old – making them comfortable companions. They’re affectionate, and have an even disposition; they’re generally active, and playful while not boisterous.
They don’t bark much, and don’t require a lot of exercise (but do watch their diet so they don’t get too overweight!).
The French Bulldog though can be stubborn and show to housebreaking. But though stubborn, the French Bulldog’s sweet disposition makes him remember what he is taught. He responds well if you are patient with him, persistent in training, and reward him when he does something right with food!
Show Characteristics
Judges look for a compactly built muscular dog of heavy bone, and of medium or small structure. It’s expression should be intelligent and alert; curious and interested. The dog should be in proportion meaning distance from withers to ground, and withers to tail, so the dog has a well-balanced look.
It’s head is large and square with a sort pug nose and loose black lips that cover its teeth. It’s muzzle is broad and powerful; and it has a pronounced stop. The French Bulldog’s eyes are dark, round, and lightly protruding as they are wide apart and set low down in the skull. The ears are “bat ears” broad at the base and set high up on the head, but not close together.
The neck is thick with loose skin (a dewlap) at the throat. It’s body is short and well rounded, with a back that is short and strong while broad at the shoulders and narrower at the hips. The chest is deep and broad, well ribbed with a tuck up in the belly. The tail can be straight or screwed (but not curly) and carried low.
Its legs are short, muscular and strong, with the hind legs longer than the forelegs. Its feet are moderate in size and compact, with the hind feet slightly longer than the forefeet.
In the ring the French Bulldog should possess all of the personality and temperament traits as noted above.
Typical Health Concerns
The French Bulldog’s main health concern is weight: it should not be allowed to get overweight because a swollen abdomen can impair its breathing. One of the main problems with the French Bulldog is an elongated soft palate or cleft palate.
This can cause labored breathing difficulties, regurgitation of food and vomiting after exercise. Typically a pup born with a cleft palate is put down at birth since this cannot be corrected.
Another problem is compacted airways, so many French Bulldogs struggle to breathe in hot or humid weather. During the hotter months they must be kept in air-conditioning and supervised during outside activity so they don't over-exert themselves and become overheated.
If they get too hot, they can die. Also Due to the French Bulldog’s flat face and short muzzle, they have breathing difficulties and can be heard snorting, snuffling and sniffling most of the time.
Due to their size and weight, an increased number of French Bulldogs are starting to suffer from joint diseases, spinal disorders and heart defects.
Grooming
Since the French Bulldog is a single-coat, short-haired dog, it can stand a light brushing once a week and a shammy to give it a quick “shine”. If the dog is not outside a lot, then it only needs a bath once a month during the warmer months, and every other month during the cooler months.
On a daily basis check their eyes for any discharge, nose for any crusting, and ears for wax or dirt. The ears can be cleaned with a swab and a natural ear cleaner that is not oily, and has herbs to help the ears from not getting inflamed. Clip their toenails once a month if they are not regularly walked or have time to get outside to wear them down.
Average Life Span
The French Bulldog’s average life span is 12 to 14 years.
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