Frenchie

JG FRENCH BULLDOGS

Bat eared and proud of it More Frenchie puppies A frenchie puppy is love Frenchies are good mothers I'm not stubborn I'm dignified

About the French Bulldog (Frenchie)

HISTORY  

The origin of todays French Bulldog descends directly from the British Bullenbeisser or English Bulldog used for bull-baiting. When blood sports were banned it left these "Bulldogs" unemployed. The breeding standard for the Bulldog changed from a sporting breed to a companion breed. To reduce their size they were crossed with smaller dogs. By 1850 the Toy Bulldog was popular in England, and appeared in dog shows around 1860. At the same time, lace workers from Nottingham, displaced by the Industrial Revolution, began to settle in France. They brought their dogs with them, including miniature bulldogs.  They became so popular in France that a trade in imported small bulldogs was created, with breeders in England sending bulldogs that they considered to be too small, or with faults such as ears that stood up. By 1860, there were few miniature bulldogs left in England, such was their popularity in France and due to the work of dog exporters. The small bulldog type gradually became to be thought of as a distinct breed, and received the name, the Bouledogue Francais. This Francization of the English name is also a contraction of the words "boule" (ball) and "dogue" (mastiff or molosser). The dogs were highly fashionable and were sought after by society ladies and Parisian prostitutes alike, as well as artists, writers, and fashion designers.     

CHARACTERISTICS  

The French Bulldog (Frenchie) is an affectionate and playful breed. It is known for cute wrinkly, smushy face and bat-like ears. The Frenchie is a great companion for single pet-owners as well as families with young children. They need little exercise and grooming and are incredibly loyal to their people. A proper French bulldog puppy is described as “Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions.” Many describe a Frenchie as being affectionate, even tempered, alert, active, and playful but not unduly boisterous.

Despite his glum expression, the French Bulldog is comical, entertaining, and dependably amiable. As comfortable in an apartment as he is on a farm, he is more lively than you might suspect from his chunky appearance. French Bulldog puppies are especially frisky, and ball chasing is one of their passions. Adults are more dignified and can be champion couch potatoes, but also love to clown around and go for walks in cool weather. Many Frenchies are friendly with everyone, while others are politely reserved. French Bulldogs will bark to announce visitors, but are otherwise quiet dogs. Usually peaceful with other pets (though some French Bulldogs will hunt small rodents), males may bicker with other males.

Because of their somewhat stubborn nature, they require a bit of patience during training but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please yet also surprisingly sensitive and remembers what they learn. They respond well to early, patient, persistent training that utilizes food motivation.

They are good with children especially if raised together and both child and dog know their boundaries. Always have the children be the leader of the pack so the dog respects them. Because of their short face frenchies are known to snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. Some French Bulldogs, especially those with loose jowls, slobber water when they drink. Some drool, too, especially after eating and drinking. All short-faced breeds tend to gulp air when they eat and this applies to Frenchies as well. This can make some Frenchies gassy (flatulent) because after all that air has to go somewhere.

Because of his squat build and heavy head, most Frenchies cannot swim and will drown if they fall into a pool.

In hot or humid weather, minimize their outdoor activity and keep them in an air-conditioned home. Short-faced dogs have a high risk of heatstroke because they can't pant vigorously enough to lower their body temperature much. You should walk them in a Y-shaped harness that wraps around the chest, not around their neck or throat. A neck collar puts pressure on the windpipe and makes it harder for them to breathe. To prevent overheating, you can buy "cool coats," which are often made of chamois cloth. The coats cool your dog by evaporation.  You wet the coat and put it on the dog.

Health Problems

Because of their flat face French Bulldogs are classified as a Brachycephalic breed.  They can have problems overheating that can lead to excessive panting and in extreme cases Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome which is dangerous if the dog is not cooled down. 

www.frenchbulldogclubofengland.org.uk/general-health-info.html

blog.pawedin.com/dogs/17-french-bulldog-health-issues/

www.allaboutfrenchies.com/category/french-bulldog-health

Information Links

Here are some links to web sites and articles you may find useful.

www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Bulldog

Our Web Master's Web Site

Richard developed and maintains our web site. See his web site for details of the work he does.

www.rwcwebpresence.com Click to see his web site