The French Bulldog is widely popular as a companion dog. Frenchies are lap warmers, because that’s where they love to be – in your lap! In the early 20s, Frenchies were the high society dogs favored by the likes of the Rockefellers. In 1906 the French Bulldog was the 5th most popular breed in the United States. These compact little dogs have often been called “a clown in the cloak of a philosopher.”
D’où viennent- ils de? (Where do they come from?)
Frenchies were bred as toy bulldogs by English lacemakers in the 19th century to be lapdogs. Later some English lacemakers moved to France, taking the “toy bulldog” with them. There,they soared in popularity and were later discovered by Americans, who brought them home where they became known as French Bulldogs.
La Personnalité du Bouledogue Français (The Personality of the French Bulldog)
French Bulldogs make excellent family dogs. They are playful, affectionate, loyal and loving. They are, however, willful and stubborn, which makes training a challenge and requires lots of patience and repetition. Frenchies are definitely people lovers and require lots of your attention. They love to sit on your lap or just be near you. French Bulldogs are very sweet and affectionate and make good family pets. They are good with children and female Frenchies are very protective over their family members.
Regards ne sont pas Tout (Looks aren’t Everything)
Frenchies are compact, muscular, and heavy boned with a flat face, and “bat” ears. Colors range from brindle to fawn to white. Some are two-toned brindle and white. Interestingly, the female Frenchies may bear the classic characteristics of the breed to a lesser degree. The skin is loose, forming wrinkles, which are more pronounced at the shoulders. The French Bulldog has an especially large, square head. Eyes are round and set far apart. The “bat” ears are wide at the bottom, long, and have a rounded top.
Former votre Frenchie dans la Façon dont il Devrait Aller (Train up your Frenchie in the Way it Should Go)
Frenchies may be a little stubborn, but they are eager to please you, so that will work in your favor. Repetition is key. French Bulldogs come in midway in the pack for intelligence, but they are the most intelligent of the bulldog breeds. House training puppies is fairly easy. Obedience school may make things a bit easier.
Les Besoins Spéciaux (Special Needs)
Due to the flat face and compact frame, Frenchies have some special needs. The short face means shorter airways which can lead to breathing difficulties. Frenchies also have trouble regulating their temperature and overheat easily. This means they are indoor dogs and require air conditioning. Becoming overheated can precipitate severe breathing difficulties and even death.
Révisez Votre Frenchie (Brush up on your Frenchie)
French Bulldogs are short haired, but do need to be brushed at least once a week. Even though they are short haired, they do shed. When bathing, care must be taken to keep water out of the nose. Nails should be clipped every month or two months. The area around the eyes and nose should be kept dry and clean to prevent irritation. Frenchies can be a bit smelly between baths, but you can buy a product that controls odor to help with this.
Bottom line – Frenchies are great family pets, good with children and great companions. They are also good for older adults or those who live alone, as they are very loving lapdogs that thrive on human companionship.
Adopt A Purebred French Bulldog
Please consider adopting before purchasing through a breeder. Please avoid purchasing a animal from a pet store. There are plenty of pure bred French Bulldogs and French Bulldog mixes in need of good homes. Click here to search for you a pit bull terrier in need of adoption near you: <Petfinder>
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
