Fantastic Frenchies! 18 Facts About French Bulldogs!
I have been a little obsessed with French Bulldogs for the past 10 years or so. I’m not sure if it’s their stocky looks or their snorting, clownish appeal that draws me in, but something about these little bulldogs is so completely comical – I can’t help but love them. The breeds popularity has been growing exponentially in the past few years and I often receive questions about these little dogs. Here is a list of facts and tidbits about Frenchies!
Photo by *Anu*
The Historic Frenchie:
* Frenchies have been fancied by a few very famous individuals throughout history including King Edward VII, Toulouse-Lautrec, the family of Tsar Nicholas Romanov and Empress Aleksandra, and the author Colette.
* An unfortunate French Bulldog was a passenger on the Titanic. It is said that the dog was insured for $750! An enormous amount at that time (1912)!
Photo frenchbulldogclub.org
* French Bulldogs were in the top 5 most popular dog breeds between 1909-1914.
Frenchie Factoids:
* Originally Frenchies had both “bat” (the upright, rounded ears we are used to) and “tulip” ears (folded over ears). It was American fanciers of the breed who insisted that the “bat” ears were actually the correct confirmation, which carried over into the breed standard.
* French Bulldogs come in a multitude of colors. According to the AKC standard, recognized colors include brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color except those which result in disqualification. Colors that result in disqualification are solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black.
Photo by I Love New York City
* Because of their Bull and Terrier roots, some Frenchies can be prone to dog aggression. Often this comes in the form of dislike of the same gender (but not always). Socializing young French Bulldog puppies with other dogs is always a good idea. Spaying and Neutering can also aid in curbing hormone based dominance.
* French Bulldogs can be stubborn during training, but they respond well to positive reinforcement. Make training into a game and you’ll have more success!
Photo by jvworldwide
* Frenchies are companion dogs and thus make great companions for apartment dwellers. They do require a few short walks a day and will be happy playing in the house. They will be happier relaxing with you on the couch!
Photo by jhfoto
* French Bulldogs are generally good with children, but because of their compact, muscular nature they can knock unsteady youngsters over. Any dog should be monitored with young children.
* Most French Bulldogs snore due to their flat faces.
Photo by orewa_ken
* French Bulldogs can NOT live outdoors! Because of their brachiocephalic (short nosed) build they are unable to regulate their body temperature and can easily overheat. Care must be taken to keep them cool in the hotter months. They are better off walked in the cool hours of the day then left at home to hang out in the comfort of the A/C or a fan.
* Care must be taken to keep your Frenchie safe if you have a pool. Because the breed is quite top heavy, they have a very hard time swimming and will often drown. Pools need to be secured and devices to alert that your pet has fallen in can be placed on the collar. Pet life vests are also a safe way to protect your pet from drowning. Pets should never be left unattended poolside.
Photo by Tonni H.
* French Bulldogs have earned the nickname “Frog Dogs” due to the way they lay with their back legs splayed out behind them.
Photo by jackpotfbd
Frenchie Health Facts:
* French Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia, luxating patellas,Von Willebrand’s disease (a clotting disorder), allergies and eye disorders. Reputable breeders will often CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) screen potential breeding dogs to keep from passing optical issues on to puppies.
Photo by equinaut
* French Bulldogs can be sensitive to anaesthesia. Make sure you discuss this with your Veterinarian before any procedure that would require your Frenchie to “go under”.
* Since Frenchies are prone to allergies, they should be fed high quality diets with no artificial colors or preservatives. Fillers and low quality ingredients should be avoided as well.
Photo by VanLesley
Famous Frenchies:
* You can spot Frenchies in a ton of Hollywood movies! (Those faces are meant to be on camera!) Some of these titles include: “From Hell” (Johnny Depp), “Secondhand Lions” (Michael Caine and Robert Duvall) and “Bringing Down The House” (Steve Martin and Queen Latifa). Also there is a shot of a French Bulldog in the movie “Titanic” – the dog is portraying the Frenchie that actually did travel on the doomed ship.
Photo by *Anu*
* While most people picture “Toto” from The Wizard Of Oz, to be a Cairn Terrier, in literature the dog was sometimes illustrated as a Frenchie! R.A. Neill who drew the pictures for the books “The Road to Oz”, and “The Emerald City”, pictured Toto as a French Bulldog
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November 10th, 2008 at 12:37 am
At what age do there ears stand up? Is it normal for one to stand up before the other???
August 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Ears will flop back and forth between standing and being floppy. Let nature take it’s course – they’ll stand up in no time.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
This is a great website! I love frenchies! I enjoyed reading all these fun facts.