French Bulldog | Description, Care, Temperament, & Facts (2024)

French Bulldog, breed of nonsporting dog that was developed in France in the late 1800s from crosses between small native dogs and small Bulldogs of a toy variety. The French Bulldog is a small counterpart of the Bulldog, but it has large erect ears, rounded at the tips, that resemble those of a bat. Its skull is flat between the ears and domed above the eyes, and the expression is typically alert, rather than morose as in the Bulldog. A valued companion and watchdog, the French Bulldog stands 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm) tall at the withers and ideally weighs less than 28 pounds (13 kg). Its short fine coat may be any of a number of colours, such as brindle, grayish brown (fawn), or white.

Care and upkeep

The Frenchie’s exercise needs can be met in a small yard or even in an apartment if supplemented by daily leash walks. Extreme care must be taken to avoid overheating, as its brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy causes problems of the throat and breathing passages that limit the amount of air reaching the lungs. This causes the dog’s panting to be less effective, making it difficult to cool down. Thus, French Bulldogs are not a good choice for hot and humid climates unless they mostly stay in places where the temperature is moderate. The breed enjoys playing games and will chase balls but may not return them. Most French Bulldogs cannot swim, and extreme care must be taken to prevent them from falling into pools or other bodies of water.

Coat care consists of weekly brushing and occasionally bathing. The wrinkles of the face should be cleaned and dried daily to avoid infection.

As a brachycephalic breed, the Frenchie tends to snore and sometimes wheeze. In addition, the breed is susceptible to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can cause serious respiratory issues. Frenchies should be inspected by a veterinarian for signs of BOAS, which include an elongated soft palate and stenotic nares (small nostril openings). Corrective surgery may be required. Because the breed is sensitive to anesthesia, surgery should be performed only by a veterinarian familiar with Frenchies and other brachycephalic breeds. Though small, the French Bulldog is subject to hip dysplasia. Caesarean births are almost mandatory to ensure the safety of the mother (the dam).

Temperament

The French Bulldog’s grumpy expression belies a joyful disposition that has helped make it one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Often described as clownish, it is playful, affectionate, and fairly energetic. Frenchies enjoy relaxing as much as playing and are ideal for the elderly. The breed is also good for children, as long as they understand the dog’s limited ability to tolerate excessive heat or exercise. Frenchies are generally accepting of unfamiliar dogs and people but are not exuberant in these situations. Although willing to please, French Bulldogs tend to be stubborn and can require patience during training. They are moderately good watchdogs but poor protection dogs. Frenchies are neither fighters nor barkers. It should be noted that these claims are a traditional and widely accepted generalization about the breed, and the behaviour of individual Frenchies may differ.