FRENCH BULLDOG Breed Standards
The story of the French Bulldog can largely be summed up by the expression “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” During the mid-1800s, many English lace workers relocated to France to find work, bringing their English Bulldogs with them. Bulldogs of small “Toy” size and those possessing pointy bat ears were decidedly unpopular in England, but it was exactly these two features that made the dogs instantly popular in France. French women sought these undesirable English Bulldogs as lapdogs, and by the end of the 19th century the Bouledogue Français, as it had come to be known, was making headway in wealthy French homes. The French Bulldog was also introduced to the United States around this time; the French Bulldog Club of America was founded in 1898 and AKC recognition came the very same year.
The French Bulldog found its greatest notoriety during the early 20th century. It was during this time that the Frenchie became popular with les belles du nuit de Paris (Parisian prostitutes) and the family of Russia’s Czar Nicholas II. By 1913, the breed had become one of the most popular dogs in American show rings - a French Bulldog aboard the Titanic was even ensured for $750, a colossal sum for the time. Today, the French Bulldog’s popularity has eased back a bit, but the dog remains a common fixture in the ring and the home.
SKILLS: Family pet, non-sporting. The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy care companion. A very playful and affectionate dog.
SIZE: The shoulder-height is about 30cm (11 3/4in) and the weight is 8-13kg (17 1/2-28 1/2lb).
COAT: The coat is made up of short, shiny hairs which lie one upon another to form a dense layer. They can be a roan but fawn and white with streaked patches is the most usual combination.
CARE REQUIRED: There is little to the grooming of this breed. Brush them occasionally with a rubber brush and keep the ear passages clean - do not use cotton swabs as they tend to push the wax and debris into the ear. Clip the claws to keep them short and treat the facial creases with a special lotion occasionally. Petroleum Jelly can also be used.
CHARACTER: Sweet and absolutely hilarious; they have a very comical personality and love to clown around. It is bright and easygoing. Curious and alert. These are intelligent, very affectionate, lovable dogs that are tolerant of children, and also playful, cheerful, sensitive, sometimes boisterous, with a strongly developed sense of humor. They are persistent, tough on themselves, and sometimes can be obstinate. French Bulldogs can be jealous if their owner's attention is directed elsewhere. They like to be part of the family and hate being left alone.
TRAINING: This breed is not difficult to train because they are bright and learn quickly. Always be consistent with them. They are not sensitive to the intonation of your voice but will pick up on any bad atmosphere in your home.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: It is often said that these dogs adore children but actually it is more the case that children adore these dogs. Some of these dogs can try to dominate other dogs, although there are never problems with other household pets provided these dogs have met them when they were young and grown up with them. Most of them are fond of people and visitors are generally enthusiastically welcomed, although some of the dogs can be quite antagonistic toward strangers.
EXERCISE: Provided these dogs get enough attention they don't require much exercise. In hot weather avoid exercise because of their short noses. They usually are content with three walks around the block if they also have a chance to run and play in the yard. They are ideal dogs for apartment living.
