As an accompanying breed, the French Bulldog has had a long history. Designed in England as a miniature Bulldog, they accompanied English lacemakers to France, where they purchased their moniker Frenchie.
Today they are excellent family friends and show dogs. They’re a rare breed of dogs, but they can be found in shelters and rescues. What makes a French Bulldog?
What is a French Bulldog?
The French Bulldog is a tiny domestic dog breed. In the 1800s, the French were the result of a split between bulldog ancestors introduced from British territory and local ratters in Paris.
The French bulldogs originated in ancient Greece from the Molossians. Phoenician merchants spread them all over the ancient world. British dogs became the Mastiff.
Some bulldogs were crossed by terriers to decrease their size, while others were crossed by pugs. By 1850 Toy Bulldog was common in England and was shown in conformation around 1860. These dogs weighed between 16 and 25 pounds, but classes for under 12 pounds were also available at dog shows.
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Simultaneously, Nottingham lace workers began settling in Normandy, France. They brought with them several dogs, including bulldogs. These dogs became popular in France, and business was developed in the small imported Bulldog, where breeders in England sent bulldogs they thought to be too small or with defects such as ears that stood.
In 1860, there had been a limited number of miniature Bulldogs left in England, so common in France and because of the exploits of dog exporters.
The little bulldog style slowly became established as a breed and got a new name, the French Bulldog. This francization of the English name is also a contraction between the words ‘boule’ (ball) and ‘dogue.’
The dogs were very fashionable and popular among the women and Parisian prostitutes, authors, writers and fashion designers alike. Nevertheless, the race’s creation was not registered, as it further diverged from its original bulldog origins.
Since it has evolved, the terrier and the pug stock may have acquired characteristics such as the long straight ears of the breed and the eye roundness.
What Makes A French Bulldog: Temperament
Unlike many other similar dog breeds, the French Bulldog needs direct interaction with humans. They have minimal training needs but need short walks at least every day. Often they are called a ‘Frog Dog’ or a ‘Clown Dog.’ Frog Dog refers to the way they lie down on their hind legs.
Clown dog is because it is considered fun-loving colorful ‘clowns’ of the dog’s world. Many French Bulldogs prefer water. However, they will wear a flotation jacket around pools or other deep water. French Bulldogs are also very good guard dogs.
French Bulldogs make great fellows. They rarely bark. They are patient and fond of their owners, especially children who are mainly protected by the women. French bulldogs get along with other breeds too.
What Makes A French Bulldog: Health
A French bulldog’s average lifetime is 8 to 11 years, as estimated by the UK breed club. The AKC lists the lifespan of the French Bulldog for 11 to 13 years.
French bulldogs are innately incapable of effectively regulating body temperature because of their inherited airway disease (brachycephalic syndrome). Although a typical canine may have some degree of heat, it can be fatal to a Frenchie.
As they are a brachycephalic breed, some commercial airlines ban French bulldogs based on the numbers which died in the air. This is because dogs with snub nose have trouble breathing when hot and stressed. When waiting on the road, the cargo room in an aircraft can be up to 30 ° C (86 ° F). So that doesn’t mean that a Frenchie can’t travel to airlines, it just means that this great canine has to sit next to it!
What Makes A French Bulldog: Birth and Reproduction
French bulldogs also need artificial insemination and a cesarean section to be born with more than 90 percent of litter. This breed is often costly compared to other common whelped kinds. However, many French bulldog dogs are unable to breed naturally.
This is because French Bulldogs have very slender legs, making it difficult for the male to mount the female naturally. Usually, breeders have to inseminate female dogs artificially. Women French bulldogs may also have erratic or “silent” heats, which can have a thyroid disease side effect or thyroid function impaired.
What Makes A French Bulldog: Care
An excellent dog food suitable for the dog (puppy, adult or elderly) will have all the nutrients required for the race. French women are susceptible to obesity, which can damage their physical structure and put them more at risk in some of the race’s problems, and therefore their calories and weight need to be monitored.
When you want to treat your dog with caution, give table scraps, if at all, sparingly, especially by avoiding high fat, cooked bones, and foods. Understand what human food is healthy for dogs and what it is not. Consult with your doctor if you have any questions about the weight or diet of your dog.
The thin coat of the Frenchie sheds minimally. Each week, a medium-bristle brush, a rubber towel, or a hound glove will help remove the skin and make it look exceptional. Brushing promotes new growth of hair and distributes skin oils to keep it healthy throughout the coat. The facial folds of a Frenchie should be kept clean and dry.
A short walk or outdoor play with their owner is enough to keep the French Bulldog in shape every day. French people love canine activities like obedience, agility, and rally. However, they are prone to breathing difficulties as a flat-faced breed and should never practice in a hot or wet weather.
Coat Color And Grooming
The French Bulldog’s coat is short, smooth, light, and stunning. The skin, especially in the head and shoulders, is loosely and wrinkled and has a soft texture.
Clean the ears regularly with a warm wet tissue and fill the canal with a cotton swab. Do not insert the cotton swab into the current ear tube. If the edges of the ears are cold, sparingly add mineral or baby oil. The oil is also available on a dry nose.
French Bulldogs do not wear their nails naturally and need their nails regularly trimmed. It avoids fracturing and tearing that can make the dog painful.
Clean and dry face wrinkles to avoid bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to dry the skin between the plates thoroughly. Bathe your French Bulldog weekly or when appropriate and use a premium dog shampoo to protect the fur and coat with the natural oils.
French bulldogs should be easy to date, and with good instruction and successful experiences during your puppyhood, you and your Frenchie will have a wonderful time to connect.
What Makes A French Bulldog: Important Facts
The French Bulldog has become famous with his rough on the outside, sweet on the inside, unmistakable bat-shaped ears, and a distinctive bow-legged gait that he easily prefers city-owner. He’s little – less than 28 pounds – and he’s got a short, easy-care, colorful coat. He doesn’t need much exercise; he fits easily into an apartment, condo, or co-op and is less likely to bark than other small dogs. It would be difficult to imagine a better dog for the city than being a little rebellious around other dogs.
English Roots of Frenchies
The origins of the French Bulldog are turquoise, but most sources are rooted in English bulldogs. In England, lace makers were drawn to the dog’s toy and used the small pups as lap warmers while they were working. As the lace industry moved to France, they carried their horses. The English bulldogs probably raised terriers to create French bulldogs or French bulldogs.
A Fun Company
Frenchies are caring, friendly dogs bred to be companions. While they’re slow to get housebroken, they ‘re good with other dogs and aren’t significant barkers. The dogs do not need much exercise to enjoy the comfort of a crate in small areas.
The Poor Swimmers
Since their short frame and bulbous head are not able to swim, French bulldogs should keep their pups attentive. Bear in mind that your furry companion might feel left out if you plan a beach holiday.
Sensitive
The French are very sensitive, so they take no critique lightly. If you scold a French bulldog, it might make the house very seriously. French bulldogs are better at promoting and facilitating constructive steps.
Talkative Breed
French bulldogs may not bark much, but they like to speak. They can express the impression of their language by using a complex network of yawns, yips, and gargles. Often they also sing in the car along with you.
Two Different Ear Types
In the beginning, French bulldogs had rose-like ears, like the English Bulldog, their larger relative. English breeders loved the form most, but American breeders favored the distinctive bat ears.
Final Words
The French Bulldog should be on the shortlist of breeds for those living without a large suburban backyard. He’s also a good choice for those who might find it challenging to practice a more active kind.
The French Bulldog does its best in a household where people stay most of the day. He’s not always lovely around young children or cats and can be violent towards unfamiliar pets. If a Frenchie is the right match for you, however, you can’t have just one.
