French
Bulldog
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Description:
French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, heavy
boned and muscular. They have a short face,
a snub nose and perky ears which resemble
bat ears. They appear alert, interested and
intelligent.
While there are a few theories which exist
surrounding the origins of the French Bulldog,
it appears it all began in England. Around
1860, it is thought that workers from England
traveled to France seeking jobs. They brought
with them their smaller bulldogs known to
be excellent ratters and loyal family companions.
It is likely these dogs were of the toy variety
of the English Bulldog since they were largely
popular in England at the time. These toy
Bulldogs were mixed with various breeds in
France (including French Terriers) and were
recognized as Boule-Dog Francais.
Intense controversy swirled around the two
different types of ears these dogs had - rose
ears and bat ears. Europeans favored the rose
type while the Americans opposed it and steadfastly
favored the bat type. Ultimately, the Americans
won and it is these 'bat type' ears which
is one of the French Bulldog's most distinctive
key features (along with its skull).
The first club devoted to the French Bulldog
was created by the Americans in April of 1897.
Their members were wealthy men of prominent
social standing. The dispute over English
Bulldog's ears was the reason for this club's
formation and because of the intense controversy,
media coverage thrust the English Bulldog
into the spotlight helping to make this breed
ever more popular.
Height:
Distance from withers to ground in good relation
to distance from withers to onset of tail,
so that French Bulldog appears compact, well
balanced and in good proportion. Generally
12 in (30cm) - what is important is that size
should be in proportion with weight.
Weight: The weight of a French
Bulldog should not exceed 28 lbs (13kg) -
which is according to the American Kennel
Club's and the Canadian Kennel Club's standards.
The general weight range for this breed is
between 20lbs and 28lbs (9.07kg - 13kg).
Coat Type: The French Bulldog's
coat is short, smooth, moderately fine, soft
and glossy. Skin is soft and loose and is
more concentrated around the shoulders and
the head, forming wrinkles. Grooming is minimal
and only require regular brushing. The French
Bulldog is an average shedder.
Color: Acceptable colors
for the French Bulldog - All brindle, fawn,
white, brindle and white, and any color except
those which constitute disqualification. All
colors are acceptable with the exception of
solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan,
black and white, and white with black, which
are disqualifications. Black means black without
a trace of brindle. AKC standard
Temperament:
French Bulldogs are sociable, playful, lively
and intelligent. These well-behaved, companion
dogs are good with children (although they
may play too rough for small children), other
pets and strangers. They have a happy-go-lucky
attitude and love to clown around. French
Bulldogs do well in an apartment and generally
require just a daily walk for exercise. They
should not live outdoors. French Bulldogs
thrive on human companionship and should never
be ignored. The owner must always show leadership.
Health Problems: French Bulldogs
are generally the healthiest of the Bulldog
breeds although they are prone to congenital
diseases and conditions. Some health issues
and concerns include: Von Willebrand's disease
(VWD), a bleeding disorder which can impede
clotting, thyroid condition, several eye issues
(Cherry eye, or reverted third eyelid, Glaucoma,
retinal fold dysphasia), several esophageal
disorders and malformations and back and spinal
diseases. Because of the French Bulldog's
flat face, they are more prone to suffer from
brachycephalic syndrome which can lead to
respiratory difficulties. Life expectancy
for a French Bulldog is between 10 - 12 years.
Special Interest:
• French Bulldogs have
also gone by the name Boule-Dog Francais.
• French Bulldogs were popular
with streetwalkers as well as the wealthy.
• The French Bulldog Club of America
was the first club in the world created for
this breed
• A French Bulldog traveled
aboard the doomed Titanic and was insured
for $750 -
which was considered an astronomical amount
at that time.
Classifications:
AKC: Non Sporting Group
ANKC:Group 7 Non Sporting
CKC: Group 6 - Non Sporting
FCI: FCI Group 9 Section 11 Small Molossian
Dogs
KC: Utility
NZKC Non-sporting
UKC: Companion |
