French Bulldog breed guide

Bright and affectionate, the French Bulldog is a charmer and a dog of few words: it does not bark much, but its alertness makes it an excellent watchdog. It adapts happily to life with singles, couples or families.

Frenchies enjoy canine sports such as obedience, agility and rally.

French Bulldogs live 10 to 12 years. Because of a front-heavy build they cannot swim and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool or other water. Like all flat-faced breeds they are prone to breathing problems and do poorly in hot or humid weather. They are more sensitive to anesthesia.

Eye conditions such as cherry eye, juvenile cataracts and entropion occasionally occur, as do skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders.

The short coat sheds minimally and weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt or hound glove removes shed hair. The facial folds need regular attention too.

A short walk or outdoor play session each day should give a French Bulldog enough exercise to stay in shape. As a flat-faced breed it should never be allowed to exert itself to the point of breathing difficulty.

In the mid-1800s a toy-size Bulldog found favor in some English cities, including Nottingham, then a center of lace making, where it became something of a mascot for the lace makers. Industrial Revolution pressures threatened such cottage industries and many lace workers relocated to northern France with their toy Bulldogs.

The little dogs became popular in the French countryside where the lace makers settled and over decades were crossed with other breeds.