French Bulldog breed guide

For a loyal companion with a playful personality packed into a small frame, look no further than the French bulldog!

Read our guide to find out more about the friendly French bulldog breed…

French bulldog breed history

It’s believed the French bulldog breed originated in the UK in the 1850s, where their ancestors were known as ‘toy bulldogs’. These small-sized bulldogs became much-loved companions to lace workers because they would sit on their owners’ laps to keep them warm while they were working! Then, when lace makers emigrated to France during the Industrial Revolution, owners took their dogs with them.

Around three decades after their arrival in France, the toy bulldog’s increasing popularity, and cross-breeding with other short-faced breeds, led to the French bulldog we know and love today!

Upon the French bulldog’s return to the UK, in the latter part of the 19^th century, the changes to that original toy bulldog breed weren’t well-received initially. However, as of 1906, the Kennel Club officially recognised the French bulldog as a breed, and they’ve continued to soar in popularity ever since.  

Common characteristics of the French bulldog breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for French bulldogs, and since each dog is a unique individual, your French bulldog’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a French bulldog

At the shoulder, most French bulldogs tend measure in at 27-31cm in height.

Average weight for a French bulldog

While French bulldogs weigh approximately 7-12kg, on average, males are often slighter bigger than females.

Average lifespan for a French bulldog

The average lifespan of a French bulldog is usually just 4-5 years, owing to the risk of life-limiting health disorders commonly seen in this breed (like breathing problems).

Typical French bulldog appearance

French bulldogs have an almost square-shaped head with a domed forehead, curious eyes, wrinkly muzzle, and broad nose. They also have bat-like ears that make the French bulldog breed instantly recognisable, along with a very short, straight tail that hasn’t been docked (unless recommended by a vet).

Unfortunately, the French bulldog’s appearance is a major cause of the breed’s poor health, due to their flat face making it difficult for them to breathe properly (meaning they’re ‘brachycephalic’). Additionally, since the French bulldog breed has been developed to have exaggerated features, they often end up suffering from a wide range of life-limiting health conditions.   

As for their coat type, the French bulldog has a short, smooth-textured coat that should be kept shiny and healthy with weekly grooming sessions.

Although they can be seen with a variety of coat colours, the following are colours recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK as being standard for French bulldogs:

• Brindle (distinctive darker striped pattern over a lighter base colour).
• Brindle and white.
• Fawn (light brown).
• Fawn and white.
• Fawn pied (white with fawn patches).
• Fawn with a black mask (black muzzle).
• Pied (white with black patches).

Typical French bulldog temperament

Their fun-loving nature and cheerful persona make the French bulldog very popular with families and lone pet parents alike!

French bulldogs make wonderful canine companions, since they enjoy adventures with the family, including trips to the beach or pet-friendly holidays. However, French bulldogs aren’t happy to be walked in hot weather and shouldn’t join in with adventures when it’s too warm, due to the risk of overheating.

Training your French bulldog should be straightforward because they’re clever dogs who are always eager to please. Though you’ll need to find the right reward if you want to combat the stubborn streak many bulldogs are known to have!

Sometimes, other dogs might struggle to read your French bulldog’s body language, due to their flat face and short tail, so it’s important to acknowledge signs of anxious behaviour.

Daily exercise for up to an hour should help a French bulldog stay happy and healthy, especially if they’re able to enjoy two shorter walks each day. It’s also important to provide plenty of mental stimulation, through puzzle games or other enrichment activities, because French bulldogs are intelligent and could display unwanted behaviour if they’re bored.

Owing to the strong bonds they form with their humans, French bulldogs can end up suffering from separation anxiety if left alone for more than a couple of hours.

French bulldog health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and French bulldogs are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the French bulldog:

• BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).
• Skin infections.
• Dental disease.
• Eye ulcers.
• Luxating patellas.

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your French bulldog may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns.

Fun facts about French bulldogs

Fact 1 – French bulldogs are often affectionately known as ‘Frenchies’!

Fact 2 – Although French bulldogs don’t tend to bark a lot, they do love to communicate with their pet parents using their own language of random sounds and gestures.  

Fact 3 – At Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire, in 2009, French bulldog Bugsy cared for an abandoned baby orangutan, called Malone, until he was able to join the group of older orangutans!

Fact 4 – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the famous painter, chose French bulldogs as subjects for several of his paintings.

Fact 5 – ‘Indestructible’ toys are usually no match for the French bulldog’s powerful jaws!