Dog Breeds

All the information you require on the French bulldog

admin • 20 Jun 2023

Breed known for being a super partner of its tutors, the French bulldog has its particularities. Discover the most interesting facts about the mini furry today!  

History

No one's jaw drops when we say that the French bulldog emerged... In France. However, part of its history also took place in England, as the breed would have been created from the crossing between small dogs and English bulldogs.

This type of dog from the United Kingdom, known as “toy bulldogs”, was created by crossing with other local breeds and, once brought to France, the process was repeated, but this time giving rise to the French bulldogs in the 19th century.

The new breed quickly became popular among Parisians, especially among the artistic class, making the doggo a true symbol of art in the country.

Physical characteristics

In addition to being a miniature version of the bulldog, the breed is characterized by large, erect, rounded, bat-like ears. Its coat is short and smooth and can be of different colors, such as black, brown, white or brindle.

Its most striking feature is the flat face, traditional for brachycephalic dogs, a condition that can lead to health problems throughout the dog's life, requiring special care and follow-up with veterinarians. Still, their average life expectancy is 4.5 years.

Health

As noted earlier, brachycephaly is the condition that a French bulldog owner should be most aware of. It is characterized when the pet's head is shorter and the muzzle is flattened. Such characteristics make the pet predisposed to respiratory, ophthalmological, dental and even obesity problems.

Breathing problems

The French bulldog is susceptible to brachiocephalic dog syndrome, when the dog breathes noisily, has dispread, cough, reverse sneezing, gagging, vocal changes and pale mucous membranes. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the problem.

Eye problems

Because they have shorter skull, their eyes tend to be more prominent than other dogs, so the eyelids often fail to enclose them in their entirety. Thus, dry eyes and acid tears are some of the eye problems that the French bulldog can develop.

Dental diseases

With a receding jaw, the dentition of bulldogs can be irregular, causing problems with gum hyperplasia and tartar buildup, for example.

Obesity

The breed has more restrictions in performing physical exercises, given the difficulty in regulating its breathing and, consequently, its body temperature. Thus, French bulldogs, like any other brachiocephalic dog, can become overweight and, therefore, it is essential that the tutor offers a balanced diet for your pet, as well as activities suitable for its condition.

Temperament

Partner, faithful, and super playful, the French bulldog is a great darling of families around the world! The breed is very sociable and loves interacting with other pets and humans.

Just like any dog, French bulldogs need to go through training to develop certain skills, so their tutors must be firm and responsible with their training from an early age.

Socialization is essential for the dog, because despite being calm and extroverted, they can have territorial and possessive traits. That way, if you're thinking about adopting a puppy of the breed, ensure its socialization from an early age.

Hygiene

In addition to veterinary monitoring to prevent diseases related to brachycephaly, it is very important that the French bulldog goes through a proper bathing and grooming routine.

Short-haired dogs, in general, need less frequent baths, so once a month should be enough for bulldogs.

Food

As they are not very active dogs, overweight and obesity are problems that affect many French bulldogs, requiring an especially elaborate diet. Also, the shape of their jaw can be an obstacle when picking up food.

With that in mind, many companies have launched specific feed lines for this breed, such as Royal Canin, to understand all the dog's needs.

Premium line, low in calories, free of transgenics, and age-appropriate: this is the basic checklist you should do when choosing. It is worth remembering that the amount of food offered to the dog is also very important to properly regulate its physical health.