French Bulldogs

French bulldogs have skyrocketed in popularity to become one of the most beloved family pets. It's easy to see why - they are irresistibly cute. But Frenchies are more than just a pretty face. They have huge personalities stuffed into their little bodies. Frenchies are total goofballs who love to clown around and make their humans laugh with their antics and snorts.

 

 At the same time, they are also total love bugs who just want to snuggle up next to you (or on top of you) and soak up as much attention as they can get. They may be small in stature, but Frenchies are big on charm and have a way of wrapping you around their little paws. That's why many Frenchie owners say that one is never enough - these little gremlins are like potato chips and it's hard to stop at just one! 

 

 Frenchies just have a way of stealing your heart with their adorable looks and huge, loving personalities.

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History of French Bulldogs

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 The French Bulldog's history is rooted in 19th-century England, It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, apparently the result of crossbreeding of Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local Parisian ratters. These smaller dogs were popular with lace-makers in Nottingham, who brought them to France when they sought work there, laying in the lace-makers lap for warmth, and holding the rodent population at bay. 

 

 The dogs became popular in France and a trade in imported small Bulldogs was created, with breeders in England sending over Bulldogs that they considered to be too small, or with faults such as ears that stood up. By 1860, there were few Toy Bulldogs left in England, such was their popularity in France.

 

 In France, the toy Bulldogs were crossed with other breeds, possibly including terriers and Pugs, leading to the development of the French Bulldog we know today. The breed gained popularity in France and was favored by Parisian society, eventually making its way to the United States, where it was further refined and standardized.

 

 Americans had been importing French Bulldogs for a while, but it was not until 1885 that they were brought over in order to set up an American-based breeding program. They were mostly owned by society ladies, who first displayed them at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896.
 

 In the following year, the judge at the dog show, George Raper, only chose winners with "rose ears"—ears that folded at the tip, as with the standard for Bulldogs. The ladies formed the French Bull Dog Club of America and created a breed standard which preferred the "erect bat ear" type.

 

 In the early 20th century, the breed remained in vogue for high society, with dogs changing hands for up to $3,000 and being owned by members of influential families such as the Rockefellers and the J. P. Morgans. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed quickly after the breed club was formed, and by 1906 the French Bulldog was the fifth most popular dog breed in America.

 

 Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1898. Over the last eleven years, the French Bulldog has steadily grown in AKC registration rankings, ranking No. 14 in 2012. In 2021, Frenchies made it to the No. 2 spot, taking over the top spot officially in 2022. It is among the most frequently registered dogs in a number of countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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Physical Characteristics

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 The French Bulldog weighing under 28 pounds and standing 11-13" high they resemble a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect 'bat ears' that are the breed's trademark feature. The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose. The body beneath the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and muscular. With a wide range of colors including non-standard lilac, merle, blue and many more colors.

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Temperament

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 It's their sweet, affectionate nature that really wins hearts. Frenchies love to be loved! They adore their humans and get along great with kids, other dogs, and even cats.

 

 And while Frenchies may have a stubborn streak, they're also super smart and surprisingly easy to train. Since they don't need a ton of exercise, just short daily walks and some indoor play, Frenchies are the perfect low-maintenance pet for apartment dwellers and folks without a yard.

 

 They're happy to chill on the couch with you, snuggling up for movie binges. With their laid-back attitude and sociable personality, Frenchies fit effortlessly into all sorts of households and lifestyles.

 

 It's no wonder these little gremlins have become so popular as family pets! Once you welcome a French bulldog into your life, with their snorts, and endless cuddles, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one of these pint-sized clowns by your side. However they do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time, stay at home individuals or doggie day care centers for full time workers are preferred.

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Health Concerns

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 Caring for your French Bulldog, that adorable little bundle of wrinkles and personality, is both a joyful privilege and a serious responsibility. With their endearingly smushed faces, bat-like ears, and stocky builds, Frenchies have a unique set of health needs that require a devoted owner's attention.

 

 From managing their tendency to overheat due to their brachycephalic airways, to keeping their skin folds clean (wrinkle cream) and dry to prevent irritation and infection, cleaning ears and paws, the physical maintenance of a French Bulldog demands daily diligence.

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Stenotic nares (Nostrils are narrow making breathing difficult).

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Aural discharge

Skin fold dermatitis, plus French Bulldogs are prone to Environmental Allergies >

Dystocia ( the baby not exiting the pelvis because it is physically blocked during childbirth although the uterus contracts normally, Cesarean's are usually required.

The most common disorders recorded were ear infections, diarrhea and conjunctivitis

Skin problems were the most commonly reported group of disorders.

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 Their dietary needs also warrant careful consideration, as Frenchies can pack on the pounds quickly if overfed, exacerbating joint issues and breathing difficulties. They are also prone to food and environment allergies. Itchy Bulldog Home Remedies >

 

 Regular vet check-ups, a high-quality diet, moderate exercise suited to their limitations, and plenty of affection are the pillars of French Bulldog care.

 

Owning a French Bulldog is a commitment to meeting their unique needs, but the rewards of sharing your life with one of these living, snorting teddy bears are beyond measure.

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 Overall health problems are on the raise due to puppy producing facilities that don't care for the well being of these animals. Only purchase a French bulldog from a reputable-responsible breeder, especially breeders that run health test on one or both parents, or have a healthy breeding lineage. Frenchies are expensive to breed, as they naturally don't breed or naturally have birth.

 

 

 

 If your looking at a French bulldog with a very low price, chances are they are not well-bred and could have major health and behavior issues, due to unsuitable living conditions as well as no socialization at a critical early development age. Call the breeder and ask for an immediate photo of the puppy, so you may see the living conditions, a clear red-flag warning of a Puppy Mill or unethical back-yard breeder, if they are in cramped cages, small out-door pens with many other dogs, and dirty conditions, tell this breeder thank you for your time, and no thank you!

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Female Merle French Bulldog In Creek​