French Bulldog Dogs Information

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Alternate Names: Frenchie, Bulldogge Francais,
Bouledogues Français

Common Misspellings:  French Bull Dog, French Bull Dogs

Learn all about French Bulldog Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the French Bulldog dog breed. You'll find solid information about French Bulldog dog history, French Bulldog life expectancy French Bulldog dog appearance, French Bulldog temperament and personality, French Bulldog health problems, French Bulldog puppy care, training French Bulldog puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible French Bulldog dog breeder.

The French Bulldog is the French version of the English Bulldog. It is smaller and more compact than it’s English counterpart with varying colorations. The French Bulldog, or Frenchie as it is affectionately known, has a rich and at times risqué lineage. He was the favourite breed for some of France’s most famous - Toulouse Lautrec, and infamous - "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. A prized companion, the French Bulldog sold for the exorbitant $750.00 in the 1930’s.

Today, the French Bulldog is a well recognized breed worldwide. A perky disposition and love of human contact makes this breed a popular choice for dog lovers.

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French Bulldog Facts

The French Bulldog Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: France

French Bulldog Height: 32 cm (male)
30.5 cm (female)

French Bulldog Weight: 13 kg (male)
11 kg (female)

French Bulldog Color Variations: Brindle French Bulldog
Pied French Bulldog
Fawn French Bulldog
White French Bulldog (not recognized by AKC)

French Bulldog Size Variations: None

French Bulldog Exercise Needs: Minimal

French Bulldog Grooming Demands: Minimal

French Bulldog Trainability: Moderate

French Bulldog Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Average French Bulldog Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.

Good With Other Pets: With caution - see below.

Breed Group: Non-Sporting

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French Bulldog Dog History

It is speculated that the French Bulldog actually came from England, likely brought to the Continent by lace workers from the UK. These (soon to be) French Bulldogs were actually culls, unwanted in England due to their smaller size, but welcomed in France as ratters and as family pets. The French preferred the smaller stature of this emerging breed and soon the French Bulldog was well established.

By 1915, the French Bulldog become popular in Paris as companions to prostitutes. The exotic dog attracted customers and wouldn’t cause a fuss when brought into hotel rooms. Even postcards from this era depict the French Bulldog along side scantily clad women. Soon, people in fashionable circles throughout France chose the French Bulldog as a risqué pet.

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French Bulldog Dog Appearance

The French Bulldog is a compact, muscular dog with a square face. Frenchies have large ears that stand erect, wide dark eyes and a short muzzle. The most desired facial pattern is a central band of white fur that extends from the nose, between the eyes and over the head.

The French Bulldog is one of only a few breeds that has the loins (back legs) longer than the withers (front legs). This imbalance allows the French Bulldog to launch itself into a run that is faster than it's boxy frame with suggest.

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French Bulldog Grooming

Your French Bulldog’s grooming needs are minimal. His short, wiry coat needs regular brushing to stimulate the natural oils. Frenchies typically loathe baths. Luckily, their short hair and indoor lifestyle makes twice yearly baths reasonable. When bathing, you can put cotton wool in his ears to prevent infection. Also, be certain to rinse away any shampoo residue as this can irritate your French Bulldogs skin.

Your French Bulldog's biggest grooming concern is with respect to his ears. Frenchies are prone to ear infection and the responsible dog owner will check them regularly and wipe them with a clean, dry, cotton ball. Use caution when using any liquid or powder cleanser, as these products may do more harm than good if they drip into the ear canal.

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French Bulldog Exercise Needs

If you relish the idea of a pet that won’t run you ragged, then the French Bulldog is for you. Although he does require a daily walk, the Frenchie's exercise needs are minimal, especially when compared to other dogs. The French Bulldog cannot spend long periods of time outside in humid weather, so evening walks are best in summer months. Also, French Bulldogs are poor swimmers, as they are top heavy.

The French Bulldog is far more agile and speedy than one might expect from his compact build. His hind legs provide more power than seems necessary, really. Do be vigilant with using a leash as Frenchies do like to chase small furry creatures.

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French Bulldog Temperament

To the novice dog owner, one might think that a French Bulldog’s temperament is not to be trifled with. This is not the case at all. In fact, the Frenchie is a gentle, easy going breed that craves human contact. The French Bulldog will make few demands on his owner; a short evening walk, in indoor lifestyle and occasional brushing.

The French Bulldog's shortened muzzle can make breathing in hot, humid weather difficult, so best to avoid hours outside in summer months. In addition, the Frenchie can have difficulty regulating its body temperature so heat exhaustion (and worse) is a moderate summertime concern. The French Bulldog has a very sensible attitude towards barking. This attribute and his compact size makes the Frenchie a fine choice for apartment and condo dwellers. Finally, If you are considering a French Bulldog as a second pet, be aware that there can be aggression toward same sex dogs.

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French Bulldog Training

When training your French Bulldog, or any dog, remember that you are in charge. If you are the one making and enforcing the rules, then you will be the leader. This is a key component to training your Frenchie. Don't let his cute, limpid eyes derail your training regime.

French Bulldogs are keen to please and you can capitalize on this by rewarding only desired behaviors and totally ignoring undesirable ones. This means you can withhold praise, treats and petting until the Frenchie does what is expected. The earlier training begins the better and remember that all family members are a part of the training team. Finally, be sure commands are consistent and reward is immediate.

French Bulldog Health

French Bulldogs are susceptible to several health problems. They include Von Willebrand's Disease and elongated soft palate (or cleft palate).

Some eye complaints include Cherry Eye, everted third eyelid, Glaucoma, retinal fold dysphasia, corneal ulcers and juvenile cataracts.

Also, skin problems related to skin folds are common as are problems with the French Bulldog's respiratory system.

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Is the French Bulldog Right For You?

The French Bulldog is wondrous creature. He is stocky and agile, faithful and easy-going. Generations of lap sitting and short leisurely strolls have made the French Bulldog into the perfect city dweller's pet. The French Bulldog's needs are few, only a comfortable bed, occasional grooming and lots of love. These simple creature comforts will keep your Frenchie happy and content for many years.

When purchasing your French Bulldog, resist the urge to purchase a dog inexpensively from a pet store or from an advertisement in a newspaper. You may unwittingly buy a mal-adjusted, sick, puppy mill dog. This is to be avoided at all costs.

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French Bulldog Prices

Average French Bulldog Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy French Bulldog dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great French Bulldog puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a French Bulldog dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your French Bulldog puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable French Bulldog breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

French Bulldog prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality French Bulldog puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding French Bulldog Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable French Bulldog puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of French Bulldog Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable French Bulldog breeders. We actively screen French Bulldog breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible French Bulldog breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your French Bulldog puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect French Bulldog puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of French Bulldog dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional French Bulldog Resources:

• French Bulldog Wikipedia Profile
• AKC French Bulldog Breed Profile
• French Bulldog Pictures
• French Bulldog Videos

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