Are you considering adopting a French Bulldog? If so, you are in for a treat! These small, compact dogs are renowned for their loveable, goofy personalities, and adorable bat-like ears. But, before you bring one of these pups home, it’s important to understand their history, appearance, temperament, and grooming needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all of your questions and provide you with everything you need to know about the French Bulldog.

The French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, originated in Paris, France in the 1800s. The breed was created by crossing the English Bulldog with smaller French terriers. Frenchies were originally bred to be companions to Parisian lace workers, and were known for their affectionate nature, small size, and lack of aggression. At the same time, lace workers from Nottingham who were displaced by the Industrial Revolution began to settle in Normandy, France.They brought a variety of dogs with them, including Toy Bulldogs. 

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, and due to the exploits of specialist dog exporters. 

The dogs were highly fashionable and were sought after by society ladies and Parisian prostitutes alike, as well as creatives such as artists, writers, and fashion designers.

Over time, the breed has gained popularity around the world, and is now a cherished family pet in many households.

Appearance:

French Bulldogs are small dogs that typically weigh between 16-28 pounds and stand 11-12 inches tall. They have a flat, wide head and short, stocky bodies with muscular legs. One of the most recognizable features of the breed is their bat-like ears, which are large, upright, and set towards the front of the skull. Their coat is short, smooth, and shiny, and can come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, cream, and white.

Temperament and Personality:

French Bulldogs are known for their playful, outgoing personalities and loveable quirks. They are affectionate dogs that crave attention from their owners, and will often follow them around the house to stay close. Despite their small size, French Bulldogs are also known for their bravery and will stand up to larger dogs if necessary. They are not typically aggressive and are generally good with children and other pets, making them a popular choice for families.

French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic, and can shed quite a bit, making them a poor choice for people with severe allergies. However, regular grooming can help reduce shedding and lower the amount of dander that is spread around the house.

French Bulldogs are great with children and other pets, but it’s important to supervise their interactions to ensure everyone stays safe. Children should be taught how to properly handle and play with a French Bulldog, as they can be prone to eye injuries if accidentally hit or poked. The breed also has a tendency to snore and drool, which some people may find off-putting, but for those who love Frenchies, this is just part of their charm.

Exercise and Training:

Frenchies are a relatively low-energy breed that require moderate exercise. They enjoy short walks and play sessions, but should not be over-exercised or exposed to extreme temperatures, as they are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short snouts. Frenchies can also be stubborn when it comes to training, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with their training, using positive reinforcement techniques.

Grooming Tips:

Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They should be brushed once a week with a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair and debris. They do not need to be bathed frequently, as over-bathing can dry out their skin and cause irritation. Frenchies are also prone to ear infections, so their ears should be cleaned regularly with a cotton ball or soft cloth to prevent buildup of wax and debris. 

This breed’s short hair can often be deceptive. It’s true that Frenchies aren’t frequent shedders; however, when they shed, they really shed. Twice a year they lose their undercoat. In the spring, they shed thicker hair to stay cool, and in the fall, they shed to prepare for new growth to keep warm.

Frenchies are sometimes referred to as “frog dogs” due to their wide heads and squat bodies.

They are normally ranked as the sixth most popular dog breed in the United States, but in 2022 was ranked number one!

Frenchies cannot swim due to their body shape and heavy heads.

Hugh Jackman, David Beckham, Hilary Duff, Lady Gaga, and Leonardo Dicaprio are some of the top celebs who count a French Bulldog as one of the family. Perhaps dating all the way back to the canine’s stint as the talk of the town in Paris, these dogs have frequently been a top pick of the privileged. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, French Bulldogs make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. They have charming personalities, unique appearances, and require minimal grooming. However, potential owners should be aware of their exercise and training needs, as well as their susceptibility to certain health issues. If you are ready to welcome a Frenchie into your life, be sure to do your research, find a reputable breeder or rescue organization, and prepare to fall in love with one of the quirkiest dog breeds out there!

We have over 90 different breeds to choose from now and growing. I just added more Frenchie items such as mugs and notebooks and have more items on the way. The collection will continue to grow in other categories as well suchs as backpacks, laptop sleeves and tote bags. Join the email list to be notified of new styles. Here is an example of some of the French Bulldog items we have live: