French Bulldog (Bouledogue français)

The French Bulldog is a descendent of the ancient Molossus of Europe and originated in the XIX century in Nottingham, England. Local lace workers decided to develop a smaller version of the English Bulldog and began to cross it with smaller breeds. After the Industrial Revolution, many lace workers lost their jobs and moved to France with their dogs. In the late XIXand early XXcenturies these dogs became very popular with French shopkeepers and the Paris bohemia and eventually were named the French Bulldog.

Initially the dog had rose-like small ears but French breeders gave preference to its specimens with protruding erect bat-like ears. Over time this peculiar shape of ears became a hallmark feature of the breed’s appearance.

Some canine specialists speculate that the original predestination of the French Bulldog was the cruel entertainment of bull-baiting. Nonetheless there are plentiful of proofs that from the very beginning of its existence as a separate breed it was utilised only as a companion animal and watchdog.

The first French Bulldog arrived to United States in the 1890’s. The French Bulldog Club Of America organised the first speciality show in the Waldorf-Astoria ballroom in New York. After that, the breed experienced a great boost in popularity in this country and its number grew very substantially. The most noticeable contribution into the development of the breed in America made Ch. Nellcote Garmin that was brought there in 1904 by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Goldenberg. In 1898 the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed.

The French Bulldog made its way back to England in 1893. In 1905, the Kennel Club (England) recognised the breed as the Bouledogue Francais, and in 1912 changed the name to French Bulldog.

The French Bulldog fell out of favour with the general public after World War I since other breeds came into vogue. Moreover in America its popularity fell down due to the Great Depression that made the acquirement of purebred dogs beyond purses of the most ordinary Americans. Luckily by the 80s and 90s of the XX century the breed made a come-back and presently its long-term well-being is fully secured.

The French Bulldog is a playful, alert, lively, curious, easy-going, sweet and affectionate dog that loves to clown around. This breed is an ideal companion for a family and needs constant attention and interaction with its owners. The Frenchie needs a leadership and cannot be ignored, otherwise your dog may become stubborn and snappish.

It gets along well with strangers and will be a good playful companion and even a protector for a child. The Frenchie is very adaptable and makes a good watchdog. However, because of its universal friendliness and diminutive size this breed should never be trusted with guarding duties.

If you let your dog think it is an alpha, it can become dog aggressive. The French Bulldog will get along well with the dogs of the opposite sex and can be socialized with other animals. However, not every dog or animal will appreciate the rough play of this breed. As with any other dog it can yield to temptation to give a chase to a street cat so it should be always walked on a leash in public places. In general, a well-trained specimen of this breed will become a superb pet for any family or individual.

The most common health problems for the breed include:

• different eye problems;
• allergies;
• breath problems;
• canine hip dysplasia (CHD);
• patelar luxation;
• heat sensivity;
• heart problems;
• von Willebrand’s disease;
• colitis;
• hypothyroidism;
• cancer;
• elongated soft palate (cleft lip);
• intervertebral disk disease;
• ear infections.

The French Bulldog’s short coat is easy to groom. Brush it weekly with a rubber glove or a soft bristle brush. This breed doesn’t shed heavily twice a year, so you may use a stripping comb and grooming mitt to reduce the intensity od shedding.

Bathe your dog monthly or as needed using a mild shampoo. Trim the nails, check and clean the ears regularly, brush the teeth and clean the wrinkles on your dog’s face and keep them dry.

The French Bulldog is not easy to train because it can be very stubborn and wilful, and gets easily bored. You need to be patient, calm, but firm and establish yourself as a leader from the very beginning. Training must be consistent, short and include positive methods like treats, praise and other rewards.

Due to the Frenchie’s natural good-naturedness harsh discipline should never be applied to this dog as it will only bring results, which are opposite from expected. This breed is very friendly and extremely affectionate, so you will need to teach your dog not to jump on guests in an excitement.

The French Bulldog doesn’t need vigorous exercise. A daily walk in a moderate temperature and a playtime with its owners is enough for this breed. This dog is not a good jogging companion, but can run and play for hours. Most breed members cannot swim so never leave your dog unattended near the water.

Although this breed adapts well to a sedentarylifestyle, without sufficient amount of physical activity it can rapidly gainweight. Moreover a bored French Bulldog is usually a destructive andill-behaved one so make sure to devote your pet lots of time and attention.