Summery:
- Temperament: What is the French Bulldog’s character?
- Description: What does the French Bulldog look like?
- Health: Do French Bulldogs Get Sick?
1- How to take care of a French bulldog?
Watch the Video
The French bulldog (Bouledogue Français, French Bulldog) is a French breed of companion dog or toy dog . It appeared in Paris in the mid-19th century, probably the result of crossbreeding between the English Toy Bulldog and the French Parisian Ratter breeds . The French bulldog is mainly used as a pet and is among the most popular registered breeds in many countries, especially Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
This breed is subject to many health problems , as a consequence of the characteristic aesthetic selection, in particular concerning the brachycephalic face and the wrinkles of the skin.
2- Temperament: What is the French Bulldog’s character?
The French bulldog, like many other breeds of companion dogs, requires close contact with its owner . The breed is patient and affectionate (with its owners) and can live with other dogs without too many problems.
French bulldogs are friendly and human-oriented dogs , which makes them easier to train , although they can be quite stubborn .
In the book “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, they are ranked 58th in intelligence (average level), although some exceptions can be found. Fun Fact : A French bulldog named Princess Jacqueline, who died in 1934, was said to be able to say 20 words, in appropriate situations.
3- Description: What does the French Bulldog look like?
American Kennel Club Standard for the French Bulldog
-
-
-
General Appearance: The American Kennel Club standard for the French Bulldog indicates that it should be a muscular breed, with a soft, loose coat that can form characteristic wrinkles.
-
Weight: The AKC standard weight for the French Bulldog is 28 lbs (13 kg).
-
Head and Face: The French Bulldog’s head should be square and broad, with bat-like ears and a flat muzzle. The eyes are dark, almost black; blue-eyed ones are not recognized by the AKC.
-
Coat and Color: The coat of a French Bulldog should be short-haired, fine, and silky. The colors accepted by the AKC standard are: various shades of brindle, fawn (to red), cream, or white piebald. The most common are brindle and fawn, while piebald is less common.
-
Non-Recognized Colors and Health Issues: Breed clubs do not recognize other colors, because some are linked to genetic health problems. Among these we remember, above all, the blue coloration, which is linked to a form of alopecia (hair loss) – although canine follicular dysplasia can appear in other pigmentations
-
-
4- Health: Do French Bulldogs Get Sick?
Health Problems in French Bulldogs
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
- Common in French Bulldogs Due to Skull Malformation
- Difficulty Breathing and Snoring
- Treatment: Partial Removal of Soft Palate
- Airline Restrictions Due to Breathing Issues Under Stress
- Life Expectancy: 4.93 Years (UK Study) vs. 10.2 Years (Japan Study)
READ MORE
Common Health Issues
- High Incidence of Health Problems (72.4%)
- Skin Problems (17.9%)
- Ear Infections (14.0%)
- Diarrhea (7.5%)
- Conjunctivitis (3.2%)
- [Source: 2013 UK Study]
Birth and Reproduction
- Reproductive Challenges
- Requirement for Artificial Insemination
- High Incidence of Caesarean Sections (80% of Litters)
Back and Spine Issues
- Congenital Hemivertebrae
- Also Known as “Butterfly Vertebrae”
Breed Health Schemes
- UK French Bulldog Health Scheme (2010)
- Bronze Level: Basic Veterinary Check
- Silver Level: DNA Test for Hereditary Cataracts, Heart Test, Patella Classification
- Gold Level: Hip Score and Spine Assessment
Tail Morphology
- Tail Standards and Changes
- Movement Away from Corkscrew Tail Morphology
- UK Breed Standard Requirements for Tail
Skin Conditions
- Skin Fold Dermatitis