| AKC Group: | Sporting |
| A.K.A.: | Frenchie, Bouledogue Francais |
| Functions: | Companion |
| Year of Origin: | 1800s |
| Country of Origin: | England |
| Life Span (yr): | 12 - 14 |
| Colors: | Brindle, White, Black and Brindle, Brindle and White, Fawn, |
| Height (Inch): | 10 - 12 |
| Weight (lb): | 19 - 28 |
| Size: | Small |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: |  |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: |  |
| Self Protection: | |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The French Bulldog is a muscular little dog with loose skin that rolls off of his head, neck, and back. He is known for his bat-like ears that are wide at the base, round at the top, spaced fairly far apart, and open towards the front. His face is flat and he has a black nose. The head of the French Bulldog is remarkably large for his small stature. His eyes are set far apart and deep in his head. They are typically dark brown or black; however, if the coat is light in color, the eyes may be a bit lighter as well. He has a strong underbite, giving him a quirky appearance.
Temperament:
The French Bulldog is an alert dog that is curious about his surroundings. He adapts well to random situations and has surprisingly good behavior. He is affectionate towards his family and usually has a favorite, but he may snap at younger children who try to grab at him. He is not especially timid around strangers and even gets along with the majority of other pets. He likes to be around people, showing off his tricks, and playing – but does not go overboard with rambunctiousness. Although the French Bulldog is strong willed, he can learn to obey as long as his owner has plenty of patience.
Health:
The French Bulldog has some health concerns that are specific to his breed, especially relating to the anatomy of his ears and the structure of his nasal passages. His ears are easily irritated and prone to infection, so it is important to keep them clean and free of any wax build-up. Because his face is flat, he is not tolerant of heat or pollution. Consequently, he is susceptible to Brachycephalic Syndrome, an infection of his lungs caused by the structure of his face. He may be faced with one of several forms of skin issues. Atopic dermatitis can be a problem since he easily develops a skin allergy to various common allergens. Because he has deep wrinkles in his skin, he is also prone to pyoderma or bacterial folliculitis. Lastly, the French Bulldog may be predisposed to hypothyroidism which can lead to skin issues, as well. Owners must watch not to leave him out in extreme heat, as heat stroke is a likely possibility.
Maintenance:
The French Bulldog is easy to care for. His deep wrinkles need to be cleaned routinely to prevent infection. He also needs to be brushed on a regular basis to reduce shedding. The French Bulldog is not able to swim because of his stature and he only requires brief walks. For him, simply running around inside the house is enough to keep him active. In fact, he is so sensitive to extremes, that he prefers being inside – away from heat, cold, pollution, and smog. The French Bulldog can learn how to follow directions and perform cute little tricks with a patient owner who will consistently work with him.