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French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a Popular Lapdog

The French Bulldog originated in England in the early 19th century. The City of Nottingham was a center of the lacemaking industry and the lacemakers bred a smaller version of the bulldog, as a lapdog. When the lacemakers were displaced by the Industrial Revolution, many of them moved to Normandy, in France and took their dogs with them.

This little dog became very popular in France and a trade in imported small Bulldogs was created, with breeders in England sending over Bulldogs that they considered to be too small. Specialist dog exporters took advantage of this trend and by 1860, there were few miniature Bulldogs left in England.

The French Bulldog became a fashion item and many were adopted by society ladies, artists, writers and fashion designers. Many wealthy Americans, touring in France, took some of these dogs home with them, where they immediately gained popularity and the first French Bulldog Club was formed in America in 1898.

That affection for the breed continued steadily through the twentieth century and he is now in the top twenty most popular dogs in the United States, as measured by The American Kennel Club

The French Bulldog is a muscular little dog and stands about 12 inches tall, at the shoulder and weighs between 20 to 30 pounds. The American breed standard, for show dogs, says the dog should not weigh more than 28 pounds. 

Grooming The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a medium shredder, so regular grooming will be necessary, if you are concerned about loose hairs in your house. If you brush him lightly every day, either outdoors or in a place where you can pick up the hair, this will save the time you spend vacuuming and will keep his coat in good condition.

Exercise For The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog does not need much exercise, though he does appreciate the mental stimulation of a short walk and a change of scenery. Indeed, too much exercise can be dangerous, because their bulk and their compromised breathing system makes it impossible for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. Precautions must be taken when exercising a French Bulldog during hot or humid weather.

Training The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is not easy to train, as he is not particularly intelligent and he can be stubborn. He is ranked 59th out of 79 breed groups, as researched by DR Stanley Coren. He is described as "having only fair working/obedience intelligence and understanding of new commands". Harsh training methods are likely to make him more stubborn, so patience is needed to get the best out of him. You can get all the help you need in Training Your French Bulldog by getting this FREE mini-course delivered straight to your inbox. 

Having said that, he is a companion dog, who just wants to be with you and enjoy cuddles, so elaborate training ability is probably not what you are looking for in a pet.

Temperament

The French Bulldog needs close contact with his family, and shouldn't be left alone for too long and especially not left outside. He's affable, and sociable and likes to be involved in everything that is going on. He is not an effective watchdog, because he is very laid-back and doesn't bark very much. He is good with children and is protective but he is a strong little dog and may be too robust for very small children. He snores and he may drool.