The French Bulldog is a small, cute couch potato originally from France. This dog inherited many features, such as endurance, stocky body and extensive musculature from its ancestors. This breed is derived from the ancient fighting dogs that were used to fight bulls and other animals. In the 19th century, only large bulldogs were valued in Great Britain, while smaller ones were discarded from breeding.
These little dogs began to enjoy recognition in France, where over time they developed a separate breed. The first French bulldog club was established in Paris in 1880, but the breed standard was modified many times. In 1902, it was the most fashionable breed in the United States. The current standard has been in force since 2012.
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Height at the withers - male: 27-35 cm, female: 24-32 cm
- Weight - male: 9-14 kg, female: 8-13 kg
French Bulldogs are small molasses. They are stocky, with short hair and a flat nose. They are of a muscular build, have a smooth coat, blunt-tipped ears and a short tail. The French Bulldog is such a smaller Hercules, cute and very sociable. It is gifted with a charismatic personality. It likes to be always the center of attention. It stares immensely at its guide and follows him step by step. Bulldogs are sometimes stubborn and fierce in their pursuit of their own goals. If they only sense their owner indecisiveness and inconsistency, they can jump on his head.
French Bulldogs are very affectionate dogs who love to be hugged, scratched and caressed. They can also be jealous of their guardian. It is a breed that is fairly easy to lead and educate, as long as we conduct consistent socialization.
Bulldogs are philosophical in nature and have a dynamic temperament. They love having fun and walking together. They are gifted with high intelligence and easily assimilate new things. They are perfect for dog sports, among others, obedience and dog dancing. However, you should avoid much exercise on hot days because dogs of this breed overheat quickly. The French Bulldog is a big-hearted protector, companion dog and family friend.
It can get along very well with other domestic animals. It is outgoing and gentle by nature, but when raised in the company of aggressive dogs, it can, unfortunately, develop undesirable behaviors. It hates to be alone, it needs an owner with whom it can spend all the time. It would like to go to work with him.
Unfortunately, the great popularity of this breed affected the character traits of some individuals. There are aggressive, fearful or hyperactive dogs. Therefore, the basis is to choose a good kennel, in which the greatest emphasis is placed on the health and psyche of the dog.
The care of this breed is quite simple. It is enough to comb the dog once in a while with a suitable rubber glove to collect the dead hair. A typical bath is recommended only when needed, a damp cloth is enough to wipe the paws and abdomen on a daily basis, especially after a rainy walk.
However, the care of the muzzle is very important. It should be cleaned daily. The folds should be wiped with a damp cloth using appropriate cosmetics. The same applies to the eyes, which also need to be properly cared for. Remember to keep tear marks dry, otherwise irritation may occur.
Colour of coat without markings with little white colour:
- brindle - fawn colour with transverse dark brindle that resembles a tiger pattern. It should be remembered that strong brindle cannot completely cover the basic fawn colour. A black mask may be present and slight white markings are allowed.
- fawn - it is a uniform color, going from light to dark fawn. Brightenings are possible. A black mask may or may not be present. Slight white markings are also allowed.
Dogs of this breed may also have a coat with moderate or a lot of white colour:
- brindle - white is evenly distributed throughout the body. Few pigment spots on the skin are tolerated.
- fawn - white is evenly distributed on the body. There may also be a few stains of pigment on the skin. Remember that the nose must always be black, regardless of the color of the coat. A brown or light blue nose is unacceptable. Pure white dogs with black eye rims and a black nose are acceptable but undesirable due to the risk of deafness.
The hair is smooth, close-lying, shiny and soft. French Bulldogs do not have an undercoat.
As with all short-mouthed breeds, French Bulldogs can also suffer from respiratory problems. Many dogs find it difficult to breathe, especially when it's hot outside or when they're exercising too much. These dogs can also snore at night. Other problems include discopathy, hip deformity, and cataracts. Unfortunately, this breed also has a problem of overweight. What is more, food and skin allergies and diseases of the spine are very common.
The French Bulldog, despite being small, is not picky and likes to eat well. Since these dogs are prone to allergies and reflux, as well as being overweight, they require a well-balanced dry or wet food. If we decide to prepare the dog's meals ourselves, remember that they should contain all the necessary ingredients for proper development, e.g. unsaturated fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish.
It is known that the dog will not eat fish every day so it is a good idea to give it the right amount of salmon oil with its meal. It is also important that the dog receives good-quality animal protein (tendon meat, fibrous meat). Let's not forget about offal and meat bones. The amount of food and its caloric content must be adapted to the development phase and physical activity of the dog.
