What is worth knowing about the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is currently a very popular breed. More and more people are expressing their desire to own one. However, not everyone realizes that caring for this small animal requires a significant investment of time and money.
Origin of the French Bulldog
The origins of the French bulldog are not fully understood. It is believed that their ancestors are molossoid breeds. In Paris, large dogs were crossed with each other, but over time, due to the high costs of keeping them, increasingly smaller breeds were chosen. The first exhibition of the French bulldog standard took place in 1887.
However, the year 2012 was the time when the characteristics of this breed were finally shaped by introducing a standard characterized by a change in the shape of the muzzle and a shortened body of the bulldog.
Characteristics of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is classified as a brachycephalic breed. This means it has a recessed, flat muzzle, which often makes it difficult for this breed to breathe properly. This is the main characteristic of French Bulldogs. Their eyes are round and large, while their ears are erect and rounded at the tips.
The neck is short and the back is quite broad. The French Bulldog also has a short tail. In terms of size and weight, this breed is not miniature. Its weight ranges from 8 to 14 kg, which is largely influenced by gender. Coat colors vary, from light to dark.
French Bulldog – character traits
The French Bulldog is a dog with a gentle disposition. It loves human contact, especially with its owner. It requires constant attention and is not a pet suited to living alone. All these traits make it great with children. It is very tolerant, though it can be wary of strangers.
But you can quickly gain their trust by giving them attention. They’re not a noisy dog, so they’re perfect for apartment living. Only their short nose can make them snore quite loudly. It’s also worth knowing that this breed doesn’t require a lot of exercise. Walks and playtime are perfectly adequate.
How to care for a French bulldog?
Grooming a French Bulldog isn’t complicated. Their coat is short, so they don’t need daily brushing like long-haired dogs. Once a week is perfectly sufficient. It’s worth remembering to brush them regularly in the spring, as that’s when they shed their hair. Regularly cleaning their ears and eyes is important, but it’s not necessary every day. When it comes to bathing, a shampoo designed for short-haired breeds or a general-purpose shampoo is suitable.
Common French Bulldog Conditions
French Bulldogs are prone to numerous health conditions. The main cause is their anatomical defect. Their short muzzle makes them susceptible to nostril defects, tracheal and laryngeal defects, and palate defects. These defects contribute to breathing problems, apnea, snoring, and dyspnea.
They also often have vision problems, as they often have double rows of eyelashes. This causes inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, and can ultimately lead to the development of a corneal ulcer. French Bulldogs are also susceptible to cleft palates. This breed also frequently suffers from food allergies, necessitating the use of specialized food and grooming products.
How to raise a French bulldog?
The French Bulldog is an intelligent dog, which means it quickly learns new things. Although it’s gentle with people, it can also be quite temperamental. Above all, avoid aggression and violence, even verbal, towards this animal.
He’s quite unforgiving, which can make working with him difficult in the future. If you have more serious problems or want to learn proper training, it’s worth consulting a behaviorist who can advise you on how to manage your bulldog’s temperament. This will help you train a well-behaved and obedient dog.
The French Bulldog is an ideal dog for everyone, even children. It thrives both at home and in an apartment. When choosing a dog of this breed, it’s important to consider its susceptibility to diseases, which are very expensive to treat and require frequent, time-consuming visits to the vet. Proper care for a Bulldog allows you to raise a trouble-free companion. And if you treat it well, it will certainly reward you with devotion.