An even-tempered house dog, the French bulldog demands attention and is well-suited for a single person household because it can compete for attention with other family members.
The French bulldog barks only when it finds cause for excitement, but it does snort and snore, which is part of its appeal.
Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 25-27 lbs.
Female: 25-27 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 12 in.
Female: 11 in.
Features:
Brachycephalic (squashed face), short bowed legs. Upright ears (naturally)
Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: <20 minutes/day
Energy Level: Average
Longevity Range: 9-11 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: High Tendency to Snore: High
Tendency to Bark: Moderate
Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: High
Bred For:
Lapdog
Coat:
Length: Short
Characteristics: Flat
Colors: Black with or without white, fawn, white
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Non-Sporting
UKC Classification: Companion Dog
Prevalence: So-so
Built like a small tank, the French bulldog is a mid-sized member of the non-sporting group. The dog shares the non-sporting group with the Boston terrier and the bulldog, two breeds for which the French bulldog is most often mistaken.
The French bulldog is not simply a miniature bulldog. The most notable characteristic is the "bat" ear, which occurs naturally and is never cropped or altered. Also unique to the breed is the skull, which is flat between the ears. The French bulldog is a compact, muscular dog with a flat, short coat. Colors common to the breed include fawn, white and varieties of brindle. The male and female dog weight is 25-27 lbs.
Personality:
The French bulldog is an even-tempered house dog that thrives on attention. In fact, he demands it! This dog is ideal for a single-person household, as he may compete for your attention with other members of the family. The French bulldog does not bark a lot, only when he finds real cause for excitement.
Living With:
A French bulldog is able to be happy in any housing. This breed is suitable for city life, because no large yard is required. He is not meant to be a jogging companion, but he is always willing to go for a brisk walk. The French bulldog does not require a lot of food, and his short coat is easy to keep clean. Facial wrinkles should be cleaned regularly. The Frenchie snorts and snores, but somehow it's part of his appeal. He prefers to spend his time in the house, receiving all your attention.
History:
In the early 1800s, Normandy lace workers from England set off to find work in France. They took with them smaller bulldogs to be kept on the farms as companions and to chase away the rats. In these northern French farming communities, the popularity of this hardy dog grew quickly. In fact, established bulldog breeders in England were happy to perpetuate this "new" breed by selling their undersized dogs to the French.
The dog is widely known as a very fashionable household companion kept by upper class and royalty. One French bulldog, insured for an incredible sum (at that time) of $750, traveled aboard the Titanic. In the late 1800s and early 1900s the French bulldog was considered a dog of high society; the breed still attracts people who appreciate the finer things in life.
