French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are commonly believed to have descended from the English Bulldog, but indeed, the French Bulldog has a much richer background. Mentioned among the numerous French Bulldogs’ ancestors are some Spanish Bulldog-type dogs, which are now extinct. In the mid-1800s, with the outlawing of dog fighting and bull-baiting, the English Bulldog started losing its designation, which prompted some English breeders to create downsized versions of Bulldogs, which varied greatly in appearance. As English workers migrated to France, so did those so called “toy-Bulldogs”. These miniature Bulldogs were crossed with the Spanish Bulldog, and probably, this became the starting point for the French Bulldog.

French Bulldogs are smaller than English Bulldogs, but these two breeds have much in common as to body formation. These dogs have compact yet sturdy muzzles, broad heads and distinctive undershot mandibles. The shape of the ears is different from English Bulldogs: French Bulldogs have wide ears with rounded tips (often referred to as “bat ears”). The eyes are large, round and dark. French Bulldogs weigh 16-14 lbs on the average. According to the USA and Canadian standards, the maximum weight of the French Bulldog is 28 lbs. French Bulldogs have a smooth and short coat, which comes in the following colors: fawn, brindle, white, brindle and white or any combination of these colors.

French Bulldogs are affectionate and communicative companions. They are very people-oriented and intelligent, although they can be willful and stubborn at times. In some cases, this makes them hard to train for inexperienced dog owners. French Bulldogs are protective around their owners, so they can be reserved with strangers. However, it is not uncommon for them to accept new people as friends after a while, so it may take a little bit of time for a person to gain trust of a French Bulldog. French Bulldogs are great pets for children, and they can tolerate other animals. However, males can be dog-aggressive.

French Bulldogs are generally healthy and hardy dogs. Although they are intended for indoor life, they would not mind a yard and they do appreciate interaction and daily walks. French Bulldogs may chase non-canine animals, so they should not be walked without a leash. These dogs are sensitive to heat and cold. Heat strokes can end lethally, and cold may cause serious breathing difficulties. French Bulldogs do better in temperate climates.