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?

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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)
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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

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