Next up at #9 in our Top Dog Series, is the French Bulldog! These charming, funny dogs have seen a massive spike in popularity over the past few years, but are they the breed for you?
Overview
The French Bulldog is a playful, endearing comedian of a dog. They are intelligent, although stubborn at times. If you can find their motivator (usually food…) they can be trained to do all sorts of tricks. Due to their small size, they are a very popular companion for city dwellers. They need a moderate amount of daily exercise and they thrive on human attention meaning they aren’t a great choice for full time workers. You can always find a Tailster carer to keep your French Bulldog company whilst you’re at work!
Good to know
Average height: Females 25 – 30 cm, Males 30 – 35 cm
Average weight: Females 8 – 11kg, Males 9 – 13 kg
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Colours: According to the Kennel Club, the only recognised colours are brindle, fawn and pied. Rare colours such as blue, merle and black and tan can come with many issues.
The gene that causes the blue colour can result in colour dilution alopecia which often causes chronic inflammation of the skin, patchy hair loss and increased sensitivity to sunlight. The blue gene can even cause a serious immune disorder which can prove fatal.
The merle colour is even more dangerous causing blindness, deafness, chronic skin conditions and even organ failure.
Pros
Good for first time owners: Frenchies are smart dogs and very eager to please their human. They pick up new tricks and toilet training quite quickly if motivated correctly.
Great companions: French Bulldogs are very loyal, affectionate pets. They love company and thrive in family environments.
Not very vocal: French Bulldogs aren’t known for their barking which makes them a great choice for apartment with neighbours nearby.
Great around children: French Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle ways with children,
Easy to groom: French Bulldogs don’t drop too much hair, although they do shed more in spring.
Great apartment dogs: Due to their size, French Bulldogs are a great city dog if you’re still biding your time on that mansion in the countryside… They will still need a few short walks a day, especially if you have no garden.
Comical: These dogs are known as the clowns of the dog world. They are cheeky, mischievous individuals and a great addition to the family!
Cons
Expensive: French Bulldogs are high in demand and unfortunately many unscrupulous ‘breeders’ have taken advantage of this. Make sure you are paying for a healthy dog from an experienced breeder.
Gassy: Due to their endearingly squashy snouts, French Bulldogs tend to eat too fast resulting in excess air in their intestines causing flatulence. They also have sensitive stomachs, a wheat free diet could help reduce gassiness.
Can gain weight very easily: Frenchies love their food! Be cautious of their tendency to become couch potatoes and ensure they are exercising enough to keep the pounds from piling on.
Can’t swim: French Bulldogs are quite top heavy meaning they tend to sink in water. Invest in a life jacket to help keep your French Bulldog afloat if they have a love of water!
High maintenance: French Bulldogs are predisposed to extensive health issues including hip dysplasia, allergies, brachycephalic syndrome, elongated soft palate, stenotic nares (pinched nostrils), and cherry eye. Be wary of the potential vet bills you may face and insure your pet.
The folds in their face also need regular cleaning on a daily basis to avoid build up in bacteria which can cause bad odour and infections.
Heat intolerance: French Bulldogs overheat very quickly in warm weather because of their flatter faces. Keep them inside and hydrated when the temperature rises and avoid exercising in the middle of the day.
Prone to separation anxiety: French Bulldogs love human company, which for the most part is a positive! But left unmanaged and it can spiral in to full blown separation anxiety. Follow our step by step guide to help your dog if they suffer when apart from you.
Want to walk a French Bulldog?
We have over 4000 French Bulldogs on Tailster so why not apply to be a carer? Check out some of our Tailster French Bulldogs below…
Fun facts
Many people believe French Bulldogs were brought to France by Nottingham lace workers during England’s industrial revolution during the 1800’s. They were said to keep the lace workers laps warm, hence the term lap dog!
French Bulldog ears come in two different shapes, rose and bat shaped. Rose shaped ears are more commonly found in the UK, whilst the US favour the bat shaped ears.
French Bulldogs have a puzzling origin. It is thought that they are a cross of English Bulldogs, Terrier type dogs, Pugs and a dog breed bred by an ancient Greek tribe.
Work full time but still want a French Bulldog? Or maybe you’ve got a holiday coming up and no one to help with your new French Bulldog? Click here to find out how Tailster can put you in contact with hundreds of pet carers in your local area, meaning that you can rest in the knowledge that your pets are being well looked after.