French Bulldog: temperament, size, care and health

About the French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a compact, heavy-boned dog with a square head, a flat face, a short nose and the large, erect, rounded ears often called bat ears. The body is short and muscular, with a roach-backed topline that rises over the loin, and the tail is a short stub. Coat colors include brindle, fawn, cream and pied, with black and white combinations also seen.

Breeders valued it as a companion from early on, and that remains its role. People choose it for its small size, short coat, comic character and the way it fits into modern city life.

Temperament and family life

French Bulldogs are people-oriented, good-humored and often clownish. They usually greet strangers with friendliness and are not known for guarding, and they rarely bark more than needed. Many love being on the sofa near their owners and can be stubborn or attention-seeking when ignored.

They tend to do well with children who handle them gently and with other pets, although some are possessive of toys or food. Males can bicker with other dogs. They dislike being alone for long hours and may develop separation distress. Their snoring, wheezing, gas and drooling are part of the character for many owners.

Exercise and training

The breed needs only short walks and some play each day. Overheating is the main risk, so exercise should be gentle and kept to cool times of the day, and the dog should not be left in a car or outdoor space in hot weather. Many cannot swim safely because of their heavy front and flat face.

Frenchies are bright and can be trained with treats and patience, but they have a stubborn streak and lose interest if sessions are long. House training can be a challenge. A harness is better than a collar. Weight control is essential, since extra pounds worsen breathing and back problems.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat sheds a surprising amount, and the fine hairs cling to clothes, so weekly brushing with a rubber curry is useful. Bathing is needed only now and then.

The wrinkles on the face and the tail pocket should be wiped and dried regularly to prevent infection. Eyes need to be kept free of discharge, and the ears should be cleaned when dirty. Trim the nails and brush the teeth.

Health

The French Bulldog's flat face and narrow airway lead to brachycephalic airway syndrome, with noisy breathing, trouble with exercise and heat and sometimes the need for surgery. The breed is also prone to back problems, including malformed vertebrae and intervertebral disc disease, to skin fold infections, allergies, eye ulcers, ear and dental issues and to difficult births, with most litters delivered by cesarean section.

Responsible breeders select for open nostrils, a longer muzzle and a healthier spine and use screening for hips and spine. This is general information about the French Bulldog, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The French Bulldog is generally traced to small bulldogs kept in England, notably in Nottingham. When lace-making jobs declined in the mid-nineteenth century, many lace workers migrated to northern France and took their dogs with them. In France the dogs were crossed with local breeds, probably including terriers, and became popular in Paris, where the erect bat ears became a defining trait. The breed spread back to England and across the Atlantic, and by the early twentieth century it was a fashionable companion in the United States. In recent years it has ranked among the most popular dogs in several countries.

Is the French Bulldog right for you?

A French Bulldog suits apartment and city living, a modest activity level and an owner who is home often and who has a plan for heat, vet costs and possible surgery. Its coat is easy to manage.

It is a poor match for hot climates, for athletic owners seeking a running partner or for anyone who cannot afford breed-related care. A smaller, more agile alternative is the Boston Terrier, and the Pug has a comparable temperament with a longer history. The Bulldog is heavier and calmer, with more health costs.