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French Bulldog
Breed history
French Bulldogs, also known as “Frenchies,” have a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Originally bred as miniature bulldogs in England, these dogs accompanied their owners to France, where they became the French Bulldogs we know today.
Life expectancy
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog ranges from 10 to 12 years.
Size
French Bulldogs are a small breed, typically weighing between 16 to 28 pounds (7kg – 13kg) and standing about 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Exercise & Training
French Bulldogs require relatively little exercise. Daily short walks and play sessions usually suffice to keep them happy and healthy, though they can go for longer walks on a weekly basis if desired. They are intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy. However, they can be a bit stubborn, so using positive reinforcement techniques works best.
Grooming/Shedding
French Bulldogs have a short coat that requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing helps control shedding and keeps their coat looking its best. Regular attention to their facial (and sometimes tail) folds is essential to prevent skin infections. This involves wiping or bathing with a suitable product on an almost daily basis depending on the dog.
Common traits
French Bulldogs are known for their endearing personalities. They’re affectionate, loyal, and social dogs that thrive on human companionship. Their expressive faces and bat-like ears make them irresistibly cute and charming.
Common health problems
While French Bulldogs have many wonderful traits, they’re also prone to certain health issues due to their unique anatomy. The common health problems associated with the breed include:
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Brachycephalic syndrome. This is a syndrome made up of several characteristics: narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, narrow trachea and everted laryngeal saccules (small pouches near the vocal cords which, when everted, further narrow the airway). All of these characteristics make it incredibly difficult for the affected dog to breathe effectively. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw. This is what life can be like for the most severely affected dogs. This condition can in turn lead to secondary (life threatening) problems such as heat stroke or exercise induced collapse. Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BOAS) can be helped with surgery from a veterinary surgeon to try and correct the abnormalities listed above, however it can be incredibly expensive and will not completely resolve the problem. Prevention is always better than cure so if you have the choice then we would advise to find a Frenchie with a longer nose and face whose features are not so exaggerated to have caused these problems in the first place. An even better choice would be a frenchie x breed, such as a frenchie x jack russell. This diversification of genes and elongation of the muzzle helps to almost entirely eliminate the problems described above.
Breed Variation: This Frenchie has a slightly longer snout, larger nostrils, less facial folds and less protuberant eyes. This dog will likely have fewer health problems
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Breed Variation. This Frenchie has excessive facial folds, a snout that is too short and nostrils that are too narrow. This dog likely suffers from BOAS.
Skin infections. Again a result of their brachycephalic confirmation. They are prone to developing skin infections and sores in these skin folds. You will need to clean them daily with a suitable product such as CLX wipes or Douxo calm pads.
Intervertebral disc disease. This can cause sudden and irreversible paralysis of the back legs and requires emergency management by your vet who may have to refer you to a specialist veterinary neurologist for spinal surgery to increase the chance of your dog walking again.
Eye problems. Due to their more protuberant eyes Frenchies are prone to ocular problems. The most common being corneal ulceration and the most severe being proptosis (where the eye pops either partially or completely out of the socket).
It is important to note that the health concerns listed above are almost entirely due to unethical breeding by some people, producing French Bulldogs with flatter and flatter faces. If you are thinking of getting a puppy as opposed to rescuing then do your homework! Find a good breeder who is committed to producing frenchies with longer muzzles or even a frenchie cross breed as mentioned above. You will save yourself a lot of money as well as having a happier and healthier dog.
Variations
There are various coat colours and patterns within the French Bulldog breed, including brindle, fawn, pied, and cream.
Pros
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Affectionate Companions: French Bulldogs are incredibly loving and form strong bonds with their owners.
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Adaptability: Their small size makes them well-suited for both apartments and houses.
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Low Exercise Demands: They don’t require intense exercise, making them suitable for less active individuals or families.
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Low Grooming Needs: Their short coat simplifies grooming routines.
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Great for Families: French Bulldogs get along well with children and other pets, provided they are properly socialized.
Cons
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Health Challenges: Their unique physical traits make them susceptible to various health issues which can be incredibly expensive to treat. Ensure you have good pet insurance and expect to pay a large premium each month for this compared to insuring other breeds.
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Heat Sensitivity: Due to their compromised breathing, French Bulldogs are sensitive to heat and should be protected from even moderate heat (15C upwards).
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Potential Stubbornness: Training might require patience due to their occasional stubborn streak.
French Bulldogs are a delightful and affectionate breed with huge personalities and relatively low exercise demand. It is easy to see why they have become so popular in the past decade. Choose your Frenchie carefully and if buying a puppy find a responsible breeder who is breeding for longer faces and not just for profit. Responsible ownership, including regular veterinary care and a loving environment, is essential for ensuring the well-being of your French Bulldog.