History Of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog origin lies in England. Their ancestors were a type of toy Bulldog beloved by lace makers in Nottingham. When lace-making factories put these artisanal British lace makers out of business, they went to France and took their small Bulldogs with them. Fast forward a few decades, and the French Bulldog, now crossed with other small dogs like Pugs, became the cute, bat-eared pup we know today.
By the end of the 19th century, Frenchies became very popular throughout Europe. Royals like Tsar Nicholas’ daughter Tatiana owned one. You could find French Bulldogs hanging out in the Moulin Rouge dance halls and nightclubs in Paris, where French painters Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas immortalized them on canvas.
Americans fell in love with French Bulldogs around this time, too. Although they experienced a dip in popularity until the 1980s, they’ve been turning up on AKC’s popular breed list for the past 10 years. Now they rank No. 4, beloved by such celebs as Reese Witherspoon, the Rock and Lady Gaga. As far as what French bulldogs were bred for, the answer is for nothing more than companionship—which they excel at!
The French Bulldog is a nearly irresistible charmer. This playful, friendly pup is the perfect companion, whether you’re a single person living in a studio in the middle of New York City or the head of a large family with little ones under 5 and a backyard with plenty of space to run around. Besides that endearing French Bulldog personality, Frenchies, with their adorable bat-like ears, are beyond cute. They don’t bark much, but they do snore, which just adds to their adorable appeal. No wonder they are such popular pets!
By the end of the 19th century, Frenchies became very popular throughout Europe. Royals like Tsar Nicholas’ daughter Tatiana owned one. You could find French Bulldogs hanging out in the Moulin Rouge dance halls and nightclubs in Paris, where French painters Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas immortalized them on canvas.
Americans fell in love with French Bulldogs around this time, too. Although they experienced a dip in popularity until the 1980s, they’ve been turning up on AKC’s popular breed list for the past 10 years. Now they rank No. 4, beloved by such celebs as Reese Witherspoon, the Rock and Lady Gaga. As far as what French bulldogs were bred for, the answer is for nothing more than companionship—which they excel at!
The French Bulldog is a nearly irresistible charmer. This playful, friendly pup is the perfect companion, whether you’re a single person living in a studio in the middle of New York City or the head of a large family with little ones under 5 and a backyard with plenty of space to run around. Besides that endearing French Bulldog personality, Frenchies, with their adorable bat-like ears, are beyond cute. They don’t bark much, but they do snore, which just adds to their adorable appeal. No wonder they are such popular pets!
Temperament
French Bulldogs are sociable, entertaining dogs who tend to like everyone they meet. They can get a bit too attached at times, in fact, so if you spend long hours away from home, it’s recommended you look elsewhere for a new dog.
The French Bulldog temperament tends to be outgoing and affectionate. While some French Bulldogs will simply follow you around everywhere and quietly wait for you to pay attention to them, others can be a bit pushy. You might catch French Bulldogs barking for attention, barking when they want a toy or barking at dinner time. Make sure to ignore inappropriate barking from the start, rather than giving into it and creating an annoying behavior pattern. They also are prone to snoring, which can be cute or annoying, depending on the situation. It’s also important to know that some French Bulldogs are great with cats and other dogs, while others are not.
The French Bulldog temperament tends to be outgoing and affectionate. While some French Bulldogs will simply follow you around everywhere and quietly wait for you to pay attention to them, others can be a bit pushy. You might catch French Bulldogs barking for attention, barking when they want a toy or barking at dinner time. Make sure to ignore inappropriate barking from the start, rather than giving into it and creating an annoying behavior pattern. They also are prone to snoring, which can be cute or annoying, depending on the situation. It’s also important to know that some French Bulldogs are great with cats and other dogs, while others are not.
Health
What you need to know about French Bulldog health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines.The French Bulldog is prone to certain health problems. Here’s a brief rundown on what you should know.These small, flat-faced dogs are prone to a couple of conditions. One is called brachycephalic airway syndrome. Dogs whose facial bones and tissues are compressed can have obstructed breathing because they may have an elongated soft palate, laryngeal collapse, narrowed nasal cavities or related problems. Dogs with these problems are said to have brachycephalic airway syndrome. Even if you can’t see their structural defects, you can tell they exist by listening to the dog’s labored breathing after minimal exercise. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome cannot tolerate excessive heat or exercise. In some cases, surgery may be needed to improve airflow and breathing.
Nutrition
Because many French Bulldogs can’t get a lot of exercise due to their respiratory difficulties, they can be prone to obesity. A high-quality diet that is not too calorie-rich is best.
This breed also tends to be a gassy, which sometimes can be improved by choosing a nutritionally complete and balanced food designed for sensitive tummies, like Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food.
If you’re looking for the best dog food for a French Bulldog, choose one with protein and that comes from high-quality sources such as beef, fish or chicken. Grain-free diets are popular for this breed, but unless there is a genuine food sensitivity or allergy to one or more grains, a grain-free diet is unnecessary. Breed-specific dog foods are available for adult French Bulldogs, such as Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food, and for puppies, like Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food.
As for how much dog food you should feed a French Bulldog, know that the amount of food you feed depends on the food itself and your pet’s caloric needs. Your veterinarian can help you determine how many calories your dog needs based on their current body weight, activity level and other factors. Then feed the amount of your chosen dog food that provides the recommended number of calories over the course of the day. You might consider breaking it up into three meals to help reduce gassiness.
This breed also tends to be a gassy, which sometimes can be improved by choosing a nutritionally complete and balanced food designed for sensitive tummies, like Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Breed Dry Dog Food.
If you’re looking for the best dog food for a French Bulldog, choose one with protein and that comes from high-quality sources such as beef, fish or chicken. Grain-free diets are popular for this breed, but unless there is a genuine food sensitivity or allergy to one or more grains, a grain-free diet is unnecessary. Breed-specific dog foods are available for adult French Bulldogs, such as Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food, and for puppies, like Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food.
As for how much dog food you should feed a French Bulldog, know that the amount of food you feed depends on the food itself and your pet’s caloric needs. Your veterinarian can help you determine how many calories your dog needs based on their current body weight, activity level and other factors. Then feed the amount of your chosen dog food that provides the recommended number of calories over the course of the day. You might consider breaking it up into three meals to help reduce gassiness.