French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs 101: Breed History

In the 1800s, the English Bulldog was one of the most popular dogs in the country. In the mid-19th century, some of the smaller Bulldogs, weighing no more than 25 pounds, were taken to France by lace workers. They completely enchanted the French women, particularly those with pointy, bat ears (oddly enough, the same ones that were unpopular in England). Breeders named this little Bulldog breed Bouledogue Français. They rose in popularity and were fancied by the French upper class. Some Americans visiting France also fell in love with the French Bulldogs and took some home with them to begin breeding. By 1913, French Bulldogs dominated dog shows across the United States. Since then, they have continued to build a devoted fan-following.

French Bulldogs 101: Adopting or Buying One 

If you are interested in welcoming a Frenchie into your family, be sure to do the research. Because French Bulldogs can suffer from a number of health problems, it is important to know where you are getting yours from to ensure that you are either buying yours from a reputable breeder (not a puppy mill!) or adopting a healthy, happy Frenchie. If you decide to buy your French Bulldog from a breeder, you should begin by asking for recommendations from local and national breed clubs and breed rescue groups. Click here for a list of French Bulldog breeders from the French Bulldog Club of America. If you decide to adopt, there are many Frenchies who are looking for a home. Here is a complete list of adoptable Frenchies on French Bulldog Rescue Network's site. 

French Bulldogs 101: Taking Care of a Puppy 

French Bulldogs are known for their stubbornness. That said, training and consistency are key from the get-go. Crate, potty and leash training are all imperative if you want to have a well-behaved and obedient French Bulldog. It is also important to socialize them at an early age so that they are used to different kinds of people, sights and sounds. Overall, be sure to be patient and remain positive when training your puppy. Remember to reward him or her with lots of treats and love!

French Bulldog 101: Personality

French Bulldogs are super sweet, super friendly dogs. Although they are a wee bit stubborn, for the most part Frenchies are extremely adaptable and can get used to any situation they are put in. They are always up to play and entertain their friends and family, but they are also down for a cuddle or snooze sesh any time of the day.

French Bulldogs 101: Health

French Bulldogs are known for being prone to health problems, due to their snubbed noses and stubby build. Some of the common issues Frenchies face include brachycephalic syndrome, intervertebral disk disease, allergies and canine hip dysplasia. They are also extremely sensitive to heat and should be kept out of warm temperatures. 

French Bulldogs 101: Nutrition 

French Bulldogs will eat almost anything, but it doesn't mean that they should. Frenchies are prone to food allergies. Frenchies should be fed high-quality food that offers a nutritionally balanced diet. These bully babies can sometimes have allergies to wheat, corn or soy products.

French Bulldogs 101: Exercise

Frenchies make for the perfect apartment dog because they require minimal exercise. Although they do like to play, they also have no problem being a couch potato. However, for their overall health and well-being, Frenchies should be taken on short daily walks Whatever you do, don't bring your dog to the pool! They are not good swimmers (thanks to their big heads!).  

French Bulldogs 101: Training

Training should begin the day you bring your puppy home. Because French Bulldogs can be stubborn, it is important to start teaching them the do's and don'ts of the household at a very young age. Frenchies are capable of learning lessons at the early age of 8 weeks. It is a smart idea to enroll your puppy into kindergarten class so they can socialize and learn how to interact with other dogs and people.

French Bulldogs 101: Grooming

French Bulldogs are fairly no-frills when it comes to grooming. They don't need much attention to their coat, but they do require regular face cleaning. Be sure to properly care for their face wrinkles, as it can sometimes lead to rashes, sores or unpleasant odors.

French Bulldogs 101: Companionship

Frenchies are amazing companion dogs that live to make their humans happy. They are very affectionate, especially with their favorite person. They also do well in families where someone is home to hang out with him or her most of the day. They love to make their humans laugh and feel special.

French Bulldogs 101: How to Care for a Senior Dog

French Bulldogs can live up to 9–12 years. Just like any other dog, Frenchies can develop age-related ailments. They may start to show some signs of aging at 7–8 years of age. At this time, be sure to bring your dog to the vet to get a full assessment. It could range from arthritic problems to decreased function in the internal organs.