In Mid-1800, England’s Industrial Revolution was at its peak. Nottingham was a hub for lace making, but due to the increasing threat to cottage industries lace trade was relocated. The tiny bulldog became a mascot of the lace makers in Nottingham, which they took with them to Northern France. Toy bulldogs got crossed with pugs and terriers and were named Bouledogue Francais. The half-domed skull & half-flat and ‘bat ears’ is its distinctive and recognizable feature.
Vital Stats
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13 inches | 11 inches |
| Weight | 25-27 pounds | 16 to 22 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 9 to 10 years | |
| Group | Lapdog | |
| Family | Bull, Mastiff | |
| Area of origin | France | |
| Coat and Color | Short & flat coat in black, white, black & white or fawn | |
Behavior & Personality
- Affectionate & friendly
- Highly playful
- Needs less exercise
- Medium energy levels
- Trainable
- Gets along with kids and pets
- Rarely barks
- Prone to separation anxiety
Health
- French bulldogs are a flat-faced breed prone to respiratory system disorder [brachycephalic]. So exercise them moderately, use a harness instead of a collar, and keep them in the house on hot days.
- As their eyes are exposed more there is the risk of eye infection. Eye injury leads to corneal ulcer, which needs instant treatment. Cherry eye is a condition where eye tissue bulges out of the socket and needs a vet visit.
- Hip dysplasia, ear disorders, and hernia are the common health problems French bulldogs struggle with. Owners need to get educated on the symptoms and ways to avoid them.
Nutrition
Frenchies weigh around 20 to 27lbs and are pretty lazy, so they will need 25 to 30 calories/pound of their body weight every day divided into 2/3 meals. So, an average adult bulldog will need 550 – 750 calories daily. Always monitor the weight of your French bulldogs because overeating can cause severe heart disease. In general, the amount of food will depend on the dog’s activity level, age, size, and other factors.
French bulldog food formulas –
- Dry food has a low water percentage but needs to comprise the proper amount of nutrients and available in multiple flavor options.
- Limited ingredient food is great for dogs with allergies and a sensitive stomach.
- Wet food cans are adored as they are soft but can be less healthy as the dogs don’t chew them.
- Puppy food includes lots of fat and proteins crucial for a growing French Bulldog.
- Senior dog food is chosen for Frenchies above 6 years. They are couch potatoes, so the product needs to have a proper amount of protein & fat, more fiber, and low calories.
Exercise & Training
French bulldogs are hard to train and you need a correct approach and loads of patience to successfully train a Frenchie. Crate training is essential, so they rest there instead of making a mess around the home. Potty training needs to get started as soon as possible. Socializing can be an issue but start introducing them to other dogs and people as early as you can, to be effective. Frenchie is intelligent, but never punish it. Use lots of treats, when you are teaching new behaviors. Keep training sessions small because they can get bored. Offer them interesting toys, so they don’t destroy their chewing. Be attentive, about your dog’s potty time because their bladder is small and needs frequent relieve than other breeds.
French bulldogs need several short walks across the day sniffing around with off-lease in a secure spot. Keep them mentally active with fun puzzle game and training activities, which are challenging. Never over-exercise them, especially in warm conditions because they are brachycephalic breeds. However, they need lots of cuddles, attention, and love.
Grooming
French bulldogs don’t shed lots, so brush them once a week will help to keep their coat healthy. As there are extra skin folds around their face, there is a risk for infection. Clean the folds with pads of damp cotton wool and dry them thoroughly.