Appearance
French Bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, snub nose and
solid bone. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring
'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded at the top. Their tails are
naturally short, not cropped.
Under the American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club standards, weight is not
to exceed 28 pounds (13 kg). In general, bitches range in weight between 16 and
24 pounds, with dogs between 20 and 28 pounds. The FCI does not set a hard and
fast weight limit, simply stating 'The weight must not be below 8 kg nor over 14
kg for a bulldog in good condition, size being in proportion with the weight'.
Coat colors in French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. Here is what the
AKC standard has to say about color:
"Acceptable colors - All brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color
except those which constitute disqualification. All colors are acceptable with
the exception of solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and
white with black, which are disqualifications. Black means black without a trace
of brindle."
The FCI standard disallowed fawn until the mid nineties. Color disqualifications
under the current FCI standard are "black and tan, mouse grey, brown".
All of this variety has a drawback, however - confusion over just what name
applies to each colour or colour pattern.
In its most simple forms, French Bulldog coat color can be simply described as
fawn, with a variety of possible marking patterns and dilutions possible. Fawn
can range in shade from deep red to cafe au lait to pale golden cream. The
differences in appearance from here are all due to variants in marking patterns,
which range from brindle - black stripes in varying degrees of repetition and
thickness overlying the fawn base coat, to pied - varying patches of brindle
overlaying fawn interspersed with white markings, to black masked fawn - fawn in
differing shades with a classic 'masking' pattern on the face and dorsal area of
the body. There are a myriad of variants of marking type, pattern, size and
placement possible within these parameters.
Here are a few examples of common - and not so common - coat patterns and colors
within French Bulldogs. All terms should be taken objectively, as there is a
great deal of difference of opinion within the Frenchie community as to which
term defines which color.
Black brindle - also known as seal brindle - so dark it may appear black, but
closer inspection will reveal at least a few lighter coloured hairs.
This color pattern is sometimes referred to as reverse brindle in Frenchies. It
refers to the fact that fawn is more predominant than the black brindling.
Tiger brindle is a term reserved for dogs with a coat pattern comprising a
fairly regular pattern of alternating fawn and black stripes, similar in
appearance to the coat of a tiger.
This color and pattern are referred to as black masked fawn. The base color of
the coat can vary in shade from red to tan. The mask refers to the marking
pattern on the face.
This color and pattern are referred to as black masked RED fawn, due to the rich
red hues of the fawn base coat. We have seen fawns in all shades, from brick red
to honey to lemon yellow.
This pattern is referred to as brindle pied. Brindled areas - areas where fawn
is overlaid with black striping - are interspersed with areas of white coat.
Markings can be slight, or predominant.
Pale cream French Bulldog. Creams can range in hue from deep amber to rich
butterscotch to palest gold. This color is generally considered to be a dilution
of fawn, minus the masking gene.
Red fawn pied French Bulldogs. Paler versions are sometimes referred to as fawn
pied, lemon pied or honey pied.
This color can be referred to as either liver or brown - each is a
disqualification within the AKC or FCI breed standards. Dog has NO brindling,
and is a uniform reddish - brown, with self pigmented lips, nose, pads,etc. Eyes
have a yellowish hue.
This is referred to as blue, or blue brindle. Brindle markings on this dog have
a "grey" hue, and base coat colour is a solid blue-grey. It has been debated
whether or not this color is also what the standards refer to as 'mouse'.
A Blue Pied French Bulldog. "Blue" Frenchies are a result of the 'd' or dilute
gene. In this form, the dilute factor has caused the black hairs to become blue.
Pigment on nose and pads is also a greyish blue in color, and eyes are often
blue or yellowish gold. Again, this color has also been referred to as mouse.
Black and tan French Bulldog. Undoubtedly the rarest of the disqualified colors,
this is still an extremely striking marking pattern. It has been theorized that
black and tan was initially designated a dq because it is a dominant marking
pattern in canines.
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. Other famous fanciers included Toulouse-Lautrec, the author Colette
and King Edward VII. 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.
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.
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.
Temperament
The French Bulldog is a gentle breed that typically has a happy-go-lucky
attitude. Like many other companion dog breeds they require close contact with
humans. They have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require at least regular
daily walks. Sedentary Frenchies can tend to become obese. Their calm nature
makes them excellent choices for apartment dwellers, as does their usually
sensible attitude towards barking. As flat faced breed, it is essential that
owners understand that French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors. Their bulk and
their comprised breathing system makes it impossible for them to regulate their
temperature efficiently. Be cautious when excercising your Frenchie during hot
or humid weather, as well.
French Bulldogs can play too roughly for some smaller children, and should be
monitored at all times during play. As well, children should be cautioned not to
pick French Bulldogs up, as their size can mask how truly heavy they actually
are.
French Bulldogs are essentially a bull and terrier breed, and as such, it is not
surprising to learn that canine aggression can sometimes occur. Generally, this
takes the form of same sex aggression, with the bitches being the most culpable
in this respect. Owners considering adding a second dog to their household are
usually cautioned to choose one of the opposite sex. Spaying or neutering can do
much to curb aggressive tendencies before they begin. The French Bulldog energy
level can range from hyperactive and energetic to relaxed and laid back.
French Bulldogs can be stubborn, and early and consistent obedience training is
highly recommended. Housebreaking can be problematic, and crate training is
generally the only effecient method to ensure your carpeting isn't ruined for
life.
In general, Frenchies are aimiable, good natured, playful dogs, and make
excellent companions for families, single persons and the elderly.
Health
There are several congenital diseases and conditions that French Bulldogs are
prone to, although they are still considered among the healthiest of the Bull
Breeds. Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's disease (VWD), a bleeding
syndrome similar 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.
French Bulldogs suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome, which is what creates the
charming flat faced appearance of the Frenchie. As a result, 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.
Frenchies also have a tendency to eye problems, ranging from benign ulcers which
can be healed with appropriate medication (though some will need surgical
removal) through to going blind in their later years. Moreover the grooves under
the eyes need to be kept clean and dry - the breed also tends to have fragile
skin (eczema and allergies are common ailments—).
French Bulldogs can also suffer from a condition called megaesophagus, a term
which collectively describes several esophageal disorders and malformations in
any combination from single-to-double or multiple. One of the most disgusting
possibilities in a dog affected with megaesophagus is passive regurgitation, in
which the affected dog vomits up food or phlegm after eating or exercise. A
frequent and sometimes lethal complication of passive regurgitation is
aspiration pneumonia.
Brindle is a common color for the French Bulldog.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. This condition is also referred to
as chondrodysplasia. 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.
In North America, French bulldogs frequently require Caesarean section to give
birth. As well, many North American French Bulldog stud dogs are incapable of
naturally breeding, requiring breeders to undertake artificial insemination of
bitches. French Bulldog bitches can also suffer from erratic or 'silent' heats.
Those considering the purchase of a French Bulldog would be well advised to ask
what disorders breeders 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.
Books
Michael Rosser, Ann Winsor, D.V.M Arlie Amorie Alford and Jane Flowers.
Celebrating Frenchies, ARDesign Inc., ISBN 0-9660133-5-2
Durr-Grebe, Janice. Flat Face Encyclopedia: Bulldogs and French bulldogs, A to
Z, ARDesign Inc., ISBN 0-9660133-0-1
Dannel, Kathy. The French Bulldog: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet,
Barron's Educational Series, ISBN 0-7641-3031-5
Coile, Dr. Caroline. French Bulldogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual), Howell Book
House, ISBN 1-58245-163-X
McDonald,Joan. The Book of the Bulldog, Neptune, NJ:TFH Publications, ISBN
0-86622-027-5
Jenkins, Robert. The Story of the Real Bulldog Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications,
ISBN 0-7938-0491-4
Magazines and manuals
French Bullytin website
24+ years in print. The premier magazine for French Bulldog lovers worldwide.
1134 Grand Avenue
St Paul, MN 55150
Just Frenchies website
Quarterly breed magazine for French Bulldog fanciers
PO Box 518
Clora Dorsey Road
Trappe, MD 21673
