French Bulldog Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

As hard as it may to believe, there are still some people who are blissfully unaware of the many joys - and occasional sorrows - of French Bulldog ownership.

This FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is written with them in mind, to give you a brief overview of what French Bulldogs are like, and to give you an idea of whether or not they are right for you.

This is the revised version of the original French Bulldog FAQ posted on rec.pets.dogs in 1990 by Carol Gravestock.

As the new, smaller Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious "French Postcards" bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Francais." The aura of notoriety that ownership of the little dogs conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well to do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favorites of the "artistic" set across Europe. Photos dating to around this time show photos of the Russian Royal family posing along side their French Bulldogs, and they imported several of the little dogs from France.

It is inarguable that without the influence of dedicated, turn of the century American fanciers the breed would not be what it is today. It is they that organized the very first French Bulldog Club in the world, and it was they who insisted that the "bat" ear so associated with the breed today was correct. Until that time, French Bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear.

As a point of historic interest, a French Bulldog, insured for the at that time astronomical sum of $750, was on board the ill fated Titanic. All in all, French Bulldogs truly are an International Breed, with fanciers of many nations being responsible for the creation of the loving dogs we know today.

A smooth coated member of the Non Sporting Group, French Bulldogs are recognized by the FCI, The Kennel Club of Great Britain, the AKC and the CKC. While definitely not a rare breed, they are also not that commonly seen. For example, in April of 1995 27 French Bulldog litters were registered in all of the USA, as opposed to 2.512 litters of standard poodles, or 291 litters of Bulldogs. In 1994, French Bulldogs ranked 81st in popularity. Registrations have been climbing steadily for the last twenty years, although no one expects them to break in to the top ten most popular breeds any time soon - not that most fanciers want them to!

According to the American and Canadian Breed Standard, the maximum weight for a French Bulldog is 28 Lbs. The Average weight for a male tends to be 24-28 Lbs, and for a female 19-24 Lbs. This size makes them a nice, sturdy, smaller sized dog, without the inherent frailty of so many of the Toy breeds. Their bodies are similar in type to the Bulldog, with less exaggeration. For example, while their jaw is also undershot, it is not to the same degree as the bulldog. Neither are their faces as wrinkled as their cousins the bulldog. They should in general resemble a sturdy, compact, cobby little dog.

Their ears are of primary importance to the appearance of the breed, and should always be "Bat." Equally important is that elusive something known as expression. As a matter of fact, most fanciers will describe "that face" as being one of their primary reasons for choosing this breed. With their gently wrinkled brow, clear gaze and alertly intense gaze, almost no other bred can give as clear an impression that they not only hear you but can understand everything that you say - which is not to imply that they intend to listen!

French Bulldogs come in a gorgeous array of colors. In fact, ALL are allowed in the show ring, with the exception of: Black (meaning with out a SINGLE white or other colored hair; Black and tan (Doberman Type Colors); Liver and Mouse. The exact nature of these last two colors is the subject of some debate among fanciers, many of whom feel them to be rather ambiguous descriptions at best. Heavy ticking, such as that seen on many setters, is to be avoided. In reality, these color distinctions are relevant only in the show ring. A dog with any of those characteristics could make as equally wonderful a pet as any of the more common Brindles, Creams, or Pieds.

For a more detailed discussion of the standard for the French Bulldog, please consult the AKC Standard.

Frenchies make excellent pets for either apartments or homes, and they are comfortable as either city dogs or country dwellers (If asked for their preference, most French Bulldogs state that a Park Avenue Mansion with round the clock maid and room service is to be strongly preferred).

Frenchies in any environment have one overwhelming need, and that is to be in close contact with the person they love. Due to their inability to tolerate either extreme cold or extreme heat, it is not a consideration to house a Frenchie outdoors. Regardless of temperature, a French Bulldog is happiest when with it's owner, and they enjoy long walks or car drives as much as any breed of dog you may hope to meet. I personally take my dogs along with me to work on a regular basis, and find that they are quite a congenial addition to the office. The do have the rather disconcerting habit of sitting at the feet of any one who dares to sit in their in "their" chair and gazing at them unblinkingly until they move. They don't bark, beg or paw at them, they merely stare. It's a frighteningly effective tactic to get people to move.

As a result of the rather cramped conditions that a Frenchie's flat face creates, one of the most common defects in French Bulldogs is elongated soft palate or cleft palate. Puppies affected with Cleft palate are generally put down at birth, as it is generally considered to be an almost impossible condition to correct. Elongated soft palate can manifest as anything from a mild condition causing labored breathing to severe condition that can cause the affected dog to pass out from moderate exercise. One of the most disgusting possibilities in a dog affected with elongated palate is passive regurgitation, in which the affected dog vomits up food or phlegm after eating or exercise. It is generally advisable to ask breeders if either parent has elongated soft palate, or has ever been operated on for the condition.

Another result of the compacted air way of the French Bulldog is their inability to effectively regulate temperature. While a regular canine may suffer to some degree from the heat, to a Frenchie it may be lethal. It is imperative that they be protected from temperature extremes at all times, and that they always have access to fresh water and shade.

French Bulldogs can also suffer from an assortment of back and spinal diseases, most of which are probably related to the fact that they were selectively chosen from the dwarf examples of the Bulldog Breed. Some breeders feel that only dogs that have been X-rayed and checked for spinal anomalies should be bred from, but this is a difficult position to take sides on. While it is true that no dog affected with a spinal disease should be bred from , there is a great deal of variance in the appearance of a French Bulldog's spine as compared to, for example, a Labrador Retriever. If possible, such decisions should be left to either a Vet or breeder who has seen quite a few Bulldog Breed Spinal Xrays, to avoid eliminating dogs unnecessarily.

You can learn more in-depth details about French Bulldog health concerns on the Health Definitions pages of this site.

No matter who you buy your French Bulldog from, make sure to ask what disorders they are testing for, and beware of any breeder who cavalierly states that "They don't have any of those problems in *their* lines." Reputable breeders are struggling to produce dogs that are as healthy as possible, and while these tests are expensive for the breeder to do, they can help to save the puppy purchaser hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential vet bills. Needless to say, any one who would consider the purchase of a French Bulldog from a pet store would be further ahead to just sign their life savings over to their vet. In spite of all this, French Bulldogs are still considered to be the healthiest of the Bull Breeds.

Are Frenchies Noisy?

Actually, some owners tell of having owned Frenchies for as long as six months without ever having heard them bark. I personally owned one that barked so infrequently that when she did it actually sounded rusty! In general, though, most Frenchies as sensible barkers, doing so only if they feel that there is something worth really getting excited about. Like cookies.

How Are they With Kids?

Whenever I am asked "How are Frenchies with children?" I like to reply "How are your children with dogs?" As with most dogs, Frenchies will play and rough house happily with older children who have been carefully introduced and taught to respect a dogs limitations. Smaller children must be carefully taught to never pick a Frenchie up, as they are a head heavy breed that is easy to drop. Some fanciers believe that Frenchies may play too vigorously for the average child under 2 years, but there is always the exception to the rule. As with your children, it is the way your Frenchie has been taught that will be the deciding factor.

How Are They With Other Pets?

Well, sometimes not so good. There are undeniably some French Bulldogs who do not integrate well into multi pet households. Bitches in particular can be cranky towards each other, particularly if they are intact (un spayed). Many breeders suggest that if you have another dog in your household already, and are thinking of purchasing a Frenchie, to get one of the opposite sex. Early spay/neuter can also go a long way towards curbing these aggressive tendencies before they start to manifest themselves. As for cats and other small pets, a Frenchie raised from early puppyhood can be taught with consistent training to respect their right to exist, and to refrain from chasing or harassing them. If you are considering bringing an older Frenchie into your home, you'd do well to ask how they get along with other dogs or cats, before making a final decision.

How Much Do They Cost?

Quite frankly, a lot. French Bulldogs tend to be rather expensive, for a number of reasons. They are generally able to deliver only by Cesarean, have very low litter sizes, and usually need to be artificially inseminated. All of this tends to keep their prices rather high. Please ensure that if you find one that seems to be a bargain that it wasn't by virtue of their care being skimped on.

There has been a recent influx of cheap French Bulldogs imported from several Eastern European nations and sold in North America through Puppy Brokers. These puppies - some as young as five or six weeks old - are brought over far too early, on flights that are far too long, and have been turning up in rescue in droves, with a number of rather alarming health and temperament problems. Not all Eastern European dogs have these issues, but please be aware of anyone who does not have the mother on the premises, or who insists on meeting you in a public place to introduce you to the litter.

Do They Drool?

No! They are French, and as such would never be caught dead doing anything as uncouth as drooling - they leave that to their British Bulldog cousins! Gassiness, on the other hand, is a condition French Bulldog owners learn to live with. Blame it on all that Pate De Fois Gras they were weaned on.

Is A Frenchie Right For Me?

While French Bulldogs may not have the easily trained disposition of Border Collies, they are generally quite amenable towards being trained to basic obedience commands. Quite a few have even competed successfully in the obedience ring, some going so far as to earn their U.D. titles.

Owners make a serious mistake when they let the cute face and compact size of the French Bulldog allow them to overlook the strong influence of the Bull and Terrier forefathers of this breed. Obedience training is strongly encouraged from as early an age as possible, and can go a long way towards ensuring your Frenchie does not develop any nasty habits. From time to time, one may encounter Frenchies who consider you - and everything else in their house - to be their property. While a cute puppy growlingly refusing to return your slippers may sound cute, such behavior in adults accounts for one of the most common reasons Frenchies are turned over to rescue. Again, be prepared to set firm rules and limits from the minute your new Frenchie comes home. You'll both be thankful for it , in the long run.

Frenchies, with their gentle natures and love of attention, make excellent therapy dogs but are not the breed to choose if you are seeking a vigorous jogging companion or highly athletic dog. Their joints were not made to take the stress of constant pounding, and their impaired breathing systems can make heavy activity life threatening in extreme weather conditions. If there was ever a couch potato Olympics, on the other hand, I am quite sure that most of the Gold Medal Winners would be French Bulldogs.

A French Bulldog can be a wonderful companion for someone who is seeking a dog who craves the company of humans in low key settings. Cafe life, leisurely walks, naps on the couch, long car rides, pleasant outings to the park, luxurious suites at the Ritz -- if any of this sounds like your idea of a perfect life, then a Frenchie just may be the breed for you!


	French Bulldog Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) (Courtesy of FrenchBulldogZ.Org and Carol Gravestock)
	As hard as it may to believe, there are still some people who are blissfully unaware of the many joys - and occasional sorrows - of French Bulldog ownership. This FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is written with them in mind, to give you a brief overview of what French Bulldogs are like, and to give you an idea of whether or not they are right for you. This is the revised version of the original French Bulldog FAQ posted on rec.pets.dogs in 1990 by Carol Gravestock. FAQ Contents: Breed History Appearance Home Environment Health Concerns Frequently Asked Questions Breed History While theories abound about the the exact origin of the French Bulldog, the most prevalent opinion is that around the mid 1800's Normandy lace workers from England took smaller bulldogs with them when they sought work in France. In the farming communities north of France that the lace workers settled in, the little Bulldogs became very popular as ratters and loyal family companions and their population began to swell. These little bulldogs were in fact "culls" of the established Bulldog Breeders in England, who were generally more than happy to sell these undersized examples of their breed to fanciers of the "new" breed in England. This was especially true of the "tulip" eared puppies that cropped up at times in Bulldog litters. As the new, smaller Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious "French Postcards" bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Francais." The aura of notoriety that ownership of the little dogs conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well to do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favorites of the "artistic" set across Europe. Photos dating to around this time show photos of the Russian Royal family posing along side their French Bulldogs, and they imported several of the little dogs from France. It is inarguable that without the influence of dedicated, turn of the century American fanciers the breed would not be what it is today. It is they that organized the very first French Bulldog Club in the world, and it was they who insisted that the "bat" ear so associated with the breed today was correct. Until that time, French Bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear. As a point of historic interest, a French Bulldog, insured for the at that time astronomical sum of $750, was on board the ill fated Titanic. All in all, French Bulldogs truly are an International Breed, with fanciers of many nations being responsible for the creation of the loving dogs we know today. Appearance Contrary to the opinions of many English Bulldog fanciers, French Bulldogs are not merely Bulldogs with affected accents and inflated opinions of themselves. The most frequent comparison owners hear is that they resemble either Pugs with their ears cropped, Boston Terriers on steroids or Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs. None of this is correct, of course. The only accurate way to describe the appearance of a French Bulldog is "The most beeeee-ooooo-tiful dog breed of all time". Feel free to let your dog shed copiously on anyone who disagrees with this statement. People uttering the sentence "Why he's so ugly he's almost cute" are merely to be pitied for their obvious lack of taste and good manners. They probably own Goldens, which tells you all you need to know. A smooth coated member of the Non Sporting Group, French Bulldogs are recognized by the FCI, The Kennel Club of Great Britain, the AKC and the CKC. While definitely not a rare breed, they are also not that commonly seen. For example, in April of 1995 27 French Bulldog litters were registered in all of the USA, as opposed to 2.512 litters of standard poodles, or 291 litters of Bulldogs. In 1994, French Bulldogs ranked 81st in popularity. Registrations have been climbing steadily for the last twenty years, although no one expects them to break in to the top ten most popular breeds any time soon - not that most fanciers want them to! According to the American and Canadian Breed Standard, the maximum weight for a French Bulldog is 28 Lbs. The Average weight for a male tends to be 24-28 Lbs, and for a female 19-24 Lbs. This size makes them a nice, sturdy, smaller sized dog, without the inherent frailty of so many of the Toy breeds. Their bodies are similar in type to the Bulldog, with less exaggeration. For example, while their jaw is also undershot, it is not to the same degree as the bulldog. Neither are their faces as wrinkled as their cousins the bulldog. They should in general resemble a sturdy, compact, cobby little dog. Their ears are of primary importance to the appearance of the breed, and should always be "Bat." Equally important is that elusive something known as expression. As a matter of fact, most fanciers will describe "that face" as being one of their primary reasons for choosing this breed. With their gently wrinkled brow, clear gaze and alertly intense gaze, almost no other bred can give as clear an impression that they not only hear you but can understand everything that you say - which is not to imply that they intend to listen! French Bulldogs come in a gorgeous array of colors. In fact, ALL are allowed in the show ring, with the exception of: Black (meaning with out a SINGLE white or other colored hair; Black and tan (Doberman Type Colors); Liver and Mouse. The exact nature of these last two colors is the subject of some debate among fanciers, many of whom feel them to be rather ambiguous descriptions at best. Heavy ticking, such as that seen on many setters, is to be avoided. In reality, these color distinctions are relevant only in the show ring. A dog with any of those characteristics could make as equally wonderful a pet as any of the more common Brindles, Creams, or Pieds. For a more detailed discussion of the standard for the French Bulldog, please consult the AKC Standard. Home Environment Frenchies make excellent pets for either apartments or homes, and they are comfortable as either city dogs or country dwellers (If asked for their preference, most French Bulldogs state that a Park Avenue Mansion with round the clock maid and room service is to be strongly preferred). Frenchies in any environment have one overwhelming need, and that is to be in close contact with the person they love. Due to their inability to tolerate either extreme cold or extreme heat, it is not a consideration to house a Frenchie outdoors. Regardless of temperature, a French Bulldog is happiest when with it's owner, and they enjoy long walks or car drives as much as any breed of dog you may hope to meet. I personally take my dogs along with me to work on a regular basis, and find that they are quite a congenial addition to the office. The do have the rather disconcerting habit of sitting at the feet of any one who dares to sit in their in "their" chair and gazing at them unblinkingly until they move. They don't bark, beg or paw at them, they merely stare. It's a frighteningly effective tactic to get people to move. Health Concerns There are several congenital diseases and conditions that French Bulldogs are prone to, although they are still considered the healthiest of the Bull Breeds. Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD), a bleeding syndrome similar to to Hemophilia in humans which can impede their clotting. In conjunction to this, French Bulldogs may also suffer from thyroid condition. Many breeders follow a program of testing younger dogs for VWD, and only testing for thyroid at that time if the VWD factor is low. In this program, the breeder tests thyroid again just prior to using the dog for breeding. Other breeders test both VWD and Thyroid at the same time. As a result of the rather cramped conditions that a Frenchie's flat face creates, one of the most common defects in French Bulldogs is elongated soft palate or cleft palate. Puppies affected with Cleft palate are generally put down at birth, as it is generally considered to be an almost impossible condition to correct. Elongated soft palate can manifest as anything from a mild condition causing labored breathing to severe condition that can cause the affected dog to pass out from moderate exercise. One of the most disgusting possibilities in a dog affected with elongated palate is passive regurgitation, in which the affected dog vomits up food or phlegm after eating or exercise. It is generally advisable to ask breeders if either parent has elongated soft palate, or has ever been operated on for the condition. Another result of the compacted air way of the French Bulldog is their inability to effectively regulate temperature. While a regular canine may suffer to some degree from the heat, to a Frenchie it may be lethal. It is imperative that they be protected from temperature extremes at all times, and that they always have access to fresh water and shade. French Bulldogs can also suffer from an assortment of back and spinal diseases, most of which are probably related to the fact that they were selectively chosen from the dwarf examples of the Bulldog Breed. Some breeders feel that only dogs that have been X-rayed and checked for spinal anomalies should be bred from, but this is a difficult position to take sides on. While it is true that no dog affected with a spinal disease should be bred from , there is a great deal of variance in the appearance of a French Bulldog's spine as compared to, for example, a Labrador Retriever. If possible, such decisions should be left to either a Vet or breeder who has seen quite a few Bulldog Breed Spinal Xrays, to avoid eliminating dogs unnecessarily. You can learn more in-depth details about French Bulldog health concerns on the Health Definitions pages of this site. No matter who you buy your French Bulldog from, make sure to ask what disorders they are testing for, and beware of any breeder who cavalierly states that "They don't have any of those problems in their lines." Reputable breeders are struggling to produce dogs that are as healthy as possible, and while these tests are expensive for the breeder to do, they can help to save the puppy purchaser hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential vet bills. Needless to say, any one who would consider the purchase of a French Bulldog from a pet store would be further ahead to just sign their life savings over to their vet. In spite of all this, French Bulldogs are still considered to be the healthiest of the Bull Breeds. Frequently Asked Questions *Are Frenchies Noisy?* Actually, some owners tell of having owned Frenchies for as long as six months without ever having heard them bark. I personally owned one that barked so infrequently that when she did it actually sounded rusty! In general, though, most Frenchies as sensible barkers, doing so only if they feel that there is something worth really getting excited about. Like cookies. *How Are they With Kids?* Whenever I am asked "How are Frenchies with children?" I like to reply "How are your children with dogs?" As with most dogs, Frenchies will play and rough house happily with older children who have been carefully introduced and taught to respect a dogs limitations. Smaller children must be carefully taught to never pick a Frenchie up, as they are a head heavy breed that is easy to drop. Some fanciers believe that Frenchies may play too vigorously for the average child under 2 years, but there is always the exception to the rule. As with your children, it is the way your Frenchie has been taught that will be the deciding factor. *How Are They With Other Pets?* Well, sometimes not so good. There are undeniably some French Bulldogs who do not integrate well into multi pet households. Bitches in particular can be cranky towards each other, particularly if they are intact (un spayed). Many breeders suggest that if you have another dog in your household already, and are thinking of purchasing a Frenchie, to get one of the opposite sex. Early spay/neuter can also go a long way towards curbing these aggressive tendencies before they start to manifest themselves. As for cats and other small pets, a Frenchie raised from early puppyhood can be taught with consistent training to respect their right to exist, and to refrain from chasing or harassing them. If you are considering bringing an older Frenchie into your home, you'd do well to ask how they get along with other dogs or cats, before making a final decision. *How Much Do They Cost?* Quite frankly, a lot. French Bulldogs tend to be rather expensive, for a number of reasons. They are generally able to deliver only by Cesarean, have very low litter sizes, and usually need to be artificially inseminated. All of this tends to keep their prices rather high. Please ensure that if you find one that seems to be a bargain that it wasn't by virtue of their care being skimped on. There has been a recent influx of cheap French Bulldogs imported from several Eastern European nations and sold in North America through Puppy Brokers. These puppies - some as young as five or six weeks old - are brought over far too early, on flights that are far too long, and have been turning up in rescue in droves, with a number of rather alarming health and temperament problems. Not all Eastern European dogs have these issues, but please be aware of anyone who does not have the mother on the premises, or who insists on meeting you in a public place to introduce you to the litter. *Do They Drool?* No! They are French, and as such would never be caught dead doing anything as uncouth as drooling - they leave that to their British Bulldog cousins! Gassiness, on the other hand, is a condition French Bulldog owners learn to live with. Blame it on all that Pate De Fois Gras they were weaned on. Is A Frenchie Right For Me? While French Bulldogs may not have the easily trained disposition of Border Collies, they are generally quite amenable towards being trained to basic obedience commands. Quite a few have even competed successfully in the obedience ring, some going so far as to earn their U.D. titles. Owners make a serious mistake when they let the cute face and compact size of the French Bulldog allow them to overlook the strong influence of the Bull and Terrier forefathers of this breed. Obedience training is strongly encouraged from as early an age as possible, and can go a long way towards ensuring your Frenchie does not develop any nasty habits. From time to time, one may encounter Frenchies who consider you - and everything else in their house - to be their property. While a cute puppy growlingly refusing to return your slippers may sound cute, such behavior in adults accounts for one of the most common reasons Frenchies are turned over to rescue. Again, be prepared to set firm rules and limits from the minute your new Frenchie comes home. You'll both be thankful for it , in the long run. Frenchies, with their gentle natures and love of attention, make excellent therapy dogs but are not the breed to choose if you are seeking a vigorous jogging companion or highly athletic dog. Their joints were not made to take the stress of constant pounding, and their impaired breathing systems can make heavy activity life threatening in extreme weather conditions. If there was ever a couch potato Olympics, on the other hand, I am quite sure that most of the Gold Medal Winners would be French Bulldogs. A French Bulldog can be a wonderful companion for someone who is seeking a dog who craves the company of humans in low key settings. Cafe life, leisurely walks, naps on the couch, long car rides, pleasant outings to the park, luxurious suites at the Ritz -- if any of this sounds like your idea of a perfect life, then a Frenchie just may be the breed for you!
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French Bulldog Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) (Courtesy of FrenchBulldogZ.Org and Carol Gravestock)

French Bulldog Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
(Courtesy of FrenchBulldogZ.Org and Carol Gravestock)