French Bulldog A guide for their character, care and feeding
The French Bulldog, often affectionately called "Frenchie," is a small, compact dog with a big personality. With their distinctive bat ears and flat facial expression, they have become one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them ideal companions for families and individuals alike, seeking a loving and uncomplicated dog. Originally bred as lap dogs, they have evolved over time into loyal and devoted family members who constantly seek contact with their owners.
01 | ORIGIN & HISTORY
Where does the French Bulldog originally come from?
The French Bulldog has a surprising and interesting history that traces its roots not to France, but to England. In the 19th century, miniature Bulldogs were developed in England, becoming very popular with textile workers. These workers took their small dogs with them to France, where they quickly gained popularity and evolved into the breed we know today. In France, they were particularly adopted by the upper classes and served as a status symbol. The French Bulldog is thus a product of cultural fusion and selective breeding, which produced a unique and lovable dog.
02 | BREED CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
What does a French Bulldog look like?
French Bulldogs are small, compact dogs with a muscular build, which underlines their strength and agility. Their most striking feature is the large, upright bat ears, which give them a unique and charming expression. Their face is flat (brachycephalic), giving them a somewhat grumpy, yet lovable look. They have a short, muscular neck and a compact body, making them ideal companions for people looking for a handy yet robust dog.
How big does a French Bulldog get?
The withers height of a French Bulldog is usually between 27 and 35 cm (10.6 and 13.8 in), making them a small dog breed. Despite their small size, they are muscular and have a strong physique.
Colors of the French Bulldog
French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, white, black and pied. Each color gives them a unique look and emphasizes their individual personality.
What eye colors do French Bulldogs?
The eyes of the French Bulldog are usually dark brown, large and round, which further enhances their expression.
What is the physique of a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs have a compact, muscular build with a broad chest and short legs. Their physique is square and strong, giving them a certain stability.
How old does a French Bulldog get?
The average life expectancy of a French Bulldog is 10-12 years. However, with good care, nutrition and regular veterinary care, they can also live longer.
When is a French Bulldog fully grown?
French Bulldogs are usually fully grown by about 12 months, although they can continue to develop until their second year of life.
03 | CHARACTER TRAITS
What are the characteristics of a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They are intelligent and sensitive, but can also be stubborn at times, which can make their training a bit challenging. They love the company of their people and like to be the center of attention, making them ideal companions for families and individuals. Their affectionate nature is reflected in their infinite affection and loyalty towards their owners.
Is the French Bulldog a family dog?
French Bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They are intelligent and sensitive, but can also be stubborn at times, which can make their training a bit challenging. They love the company of their people and like to be the center of attention, making them ideal companions for families and individuals. Their affectionate nature is reflected in their infinite affection and loyalty towards their owners.
Ist the French Bulldog a beginner dog?
French Bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They are intelligent and sensitive, but can also be stubborn at times, which can make their training a bit challenging. They love the company of their people and like to be the center of attention, making them ideal companions for families and individuals. Their affectionate nature is reflected in their infinite affection and loyalty towards their owners.
04 | HEALTH, CARE & DISEASES
How much grooming does a French Bulldog need?
French Bulldogs have a short coat that requires little grooming. Regular brushing is nevertheless advisable to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. Due to their flat faces (brachycephaly) they are prone to breathing problems and heat stroke, so it is important to protect them from excessive heat and exertion. The eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections.
What is the best food for a French Bulldog?
High-quality dog food tailored to the needs of small breeds is ideal for French Bulldogs. Make sure you have a balanced diet with enough protein to maintain their muscles, and avoid food with too many fillers.
Foggi's food recommendations for French Bulldogs
Beef as a Foundation for Your French Bulldog's BARF Diet
Beef is an excellent base for a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet for French Bulldogs. Rich in essential iron and protein, beef supports muscle health and energy levels. Consider these ideal starter products:
Chicken: A Lean Protein Alternative
Chicken is a lean, protein-rich option packed with vital nutrients. It's especially beneficial for French Bulldogs prone to weight gain. Our recommendations:
Variety in Your Frenchie's BARF Diet
To ensure a diverse diet for your Frenchie, you can introduce a variety of meats:
PREY Feeding: A Natural Approach
PREY feeding mirrors the natural eating habits of animals, including muscle meat, organs, bones, and even feathers. We suggest these PREY menus for your Frenchie:
The Monthly BARF Box: Effortless Balanced Nutrition
Simplify your Frenchie's balanced BARF diet with our monthly BARF boxes. Each box includes a monthly ration and a feeding plan for easy meal prep. For French Bulldogs, BARF Box No. 2 is ideal.
Healthy Treats for Your French Bulldog
Reward your furry friend with these wholesome treats:
- Beef Meat Sticks
- Game Burgers
- Lamb Burgers
With these feeding recommendations and treats, you can ensure that your Frenchie gets all the nutrients they need for an active and healthy life.
Breed-typical diseases for French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory diseases such as brachycephalic syndrome due to their brachycephaly. Other common health problems include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as cherry eye and cataracts, and allergies. Regular veterinary examinations are important to detect and treat these problems early.
05 | TRAINING & KEEPING
How much exercise does a French Bulldog need?
French Bulldogs need moderate exercise. Daily walks and short play sessions are enough to keep them physically and mentally fit. However, excessive exertion should be avoided, especially in warm weather, to prevent breathing problems.
How much training does a French Bulldog need?
French Bulldogs are intelligent, but can also be stubborn. Consistent and positive reinforcement methods are most effective in their training. Patience and loving consistency are the key to success.
Can you keep a French Bulldog in an apartment?
Yes, French Bulldogs are well suited for apartment living, as they do not require much space and feel comfortable even in smaller apartments.
Can a French Bulldog be left alone?
French Bulldogs should not be left alone for long periods, as they are very affectionate and can suffer from loneliness.
06 | CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE PURCHASING
Is a French Bulldog right for me?
If you are looking for a small, affectionate dog with a playful character, a French Bulldog may be the right choice for you. They are well suited for people who are looking for a compact companion and do not have much time for extensive walks.
Where can I buy a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs should be purchased from responsible breeders who value the health and well-being of their dogs. Make sure the breeder gives you insight into the health records of the parent animals and raises the puppies in a loving environment. Alternatively, you can also look for French Bulldogs in animal shelters that are looking for a new home.
How much does a French Bulldog cost?
The price for a French Bulldog varies depending on the breeder, lineage and age of the dog. Puppies from reputable breeders can cost several thousand euros.
07 | INTERESTING FACTS, TRIVIA & EXTRAS
Popular mixes
- Frenchie-Pug mix (Frops): This mix combines the playful nature of the Frenchie with the charming appearance of the Pug.
- Frenchie-Chihuahua mix: This mix is smaller than a purebred Frenchie and often has an energetic character.
Similar dog breeds
• English Bulldog: The English Bulldog is larger and more muscular than the French Bulldog, but has a similar character.
• Boston Terrier: The Boston Terrier has a similar appearance to the Frenchie, but is slightly smaller and lighter.
Did you know?
French Bulldogs are known for their ability to make funny noises, such as snoring, grunting and sniffing. These noises are often due to their brachycephalic structure. They are also known to be very affectionate and seek close contact with their owners.
Conclusion
The French Bulldog is a charming and loving companion that is ideal for people looking for a small, uncomplicated dog. With their playful nature and affectionate character, they bring a lot of joy to the lives of their owners. However, if you decide on a Frenchie, you should be aware that this breed is prone to certain health problems due to their brachycephalic structure. Good care, a balanced diet and regular veterinary examinations are therefore particularly important to ensure the health and well-being of your Frenchie.
