This month, we are going gaga for French
Bulldogs. Since February is home to Valentine's Day, a
holiday dedicated to celebrating love, what breed would be a
better fit? Hailing from the most romantic country on Earth,
these tiny cuddle monsters are a regular lightning rod for
affection.
If you donโt know a lot about the French
Bulldog, here are some of the top reasons we love this breed.
1. Expressive Faces
Dogs are generally pretty good at conveying their emotions with
their face, but few breeds are as effective as the French
Bulldog. They actually smile when they're happy! And when they
are upset? You would be hard pressed to find a more distinct
scowl in all of doggy-dom.
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2. Playful Demeanor
For a tiny dog, these pups are packed full of play. Many small
dogs are too delicate to mess around with, but thanks to this
breedโs stocky build, you can take off the kid gloves and run
them through the ringer a bit. And whatโs better -- they love it!
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3. Those Big Ears
Oh my gosh -- those ears! Like two kites sitting atop their head,
the ears of a French Bulldog are truly a thing to behold. Just
hope that a big gust of wind doesn't come along and carry them
away!
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4. Cute Wrinkles
Have you ever seen a newborn puppy that also looks 85 years old?!
You might think it would be strange, but in reality, the wrinkly
features of the French Bulldog make for one of their most
endearing characteristics.
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5. Funny Personality
Not only are these dogs super playful, but when they do play,
they do so hilariously. Like a rambunctious clown, these dogs
will run around and play, and then without warning, just plop
down, lay on their belly, and roll around with their toy.
Watching a French Bulldog keep themselves occupied is an activity
in itself.
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6. They Look Great in Clothes
While you can put a sweater on any type of dog, few have the body
type to truly pull it off. But the Frenchie? With those short
legs and wide frame? They were practically built to wear the heck
out of an outfit.
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7. Sloppy Kisses
Not everyone appreciates a big, wet, sloppy kiss, but if you do,
a French Bulldog would be more than happy to oblige. With their
short, snub nose, loose jowls, and wide tongue, this breed is
designed to be the ultimate smooching machine.
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Facts About French Bulldogs
French
Bulldogs are compact, sturdy, low-activity little dogs
who need to be kept indoors for their own protection. They are
excellent companion dogs, affectionate to family and stranger
alike, and are ideal pets for apartment dwellers and others with
little or no yard space. These dogs cannot tolerate hot weather,
and in the summer they may suffer in the heat if you do not have
air conditioning. Intelligent and needing little exercise,
Frenchies make good companions for sedentary and elderly people.
History
Miniature Bulldogs developed by English breeders gained
popularity in France during the industrial revolution of
mid-1800s when some of the tiny dogs immigrated there with
English lace makers in search of work. American travelers
encountered the little Bulldogs in France and brought some to
the United States. Frenchie enthusiasts established a
registry and breed standard for French Bulldogs in the late
1800s, naming their new breed for the country where they
encountered them. The tiny Bulldogs have retained their
original characteristics as quiet, docile house pets who
require a minimum of exercise or activity to be both healthy
and happy.
Because French Bulldogs have the shortened face
characteristic of their larger Bulldog ancestors, they are
prone to various breathing issues. Frenchies commonly snore,
but this doesnโt necessarily indicate a problem. Dogs who are
noisy breathers even when they are awake, particularly if
they spit up foamy matter and food, may have an elongated
soft palate that requires surgical intervention. Frenchies
may also snort when they are excited, but this is a type of
communication rather than the sign of a problem.
Training Behavior
French Bulldogs are loving, affectionate, and eager to
please, but they may also insist that everything has to be a
game or they will refuse to participate. While they can
learn basic manners,
Frenchies are generally not good prospects, either physically
or temperamentally, for advanced obedience training, agility,
or other canine sports. Some Frenchies have a stubborn
streak; if they decide they are not going to do something, it
can be almost impossible to get them to cooperate.
Social Behavior
French Bulldogs love people, but they tend not to be so
accepting of other animals. They sometimes are inclined to
bully smaller pets. In homes with other pets or children, it
is best to introduce a French Bulldog puppy gradually. If you
place your puppy in an exercise pen in the house and allow
household pets and family members to investigate the new
arrival, you can safely build
familiarity. To help your Frenchie learn to be accepting
of others, socialize your puppy from an early age. Puppy
obedience classes and plenty of contact with people and pets
both in and out of your home will help.
More on French Bull Dogs
How To Feed A French Bull
Dog
Grooming A French Bull Dog
For The ShowHow To Get My French Bull
Dog To Stop Growling
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