French Bulldog: description of the breed, everything about the dog, photo

Characteristics

Brief information

History of the French Bulldog Breed

The French Bulldog is one of the most unique dog breeds in the world. There are several versions of its origin. The dispute about where exactly these dogs first appeared is led by two countries England and France.

English kennel clubs believe the breed is descended from the Old English Bulldog. Indeed, if you compare these dogs, the similarities between them will be obvious. But the English bulldogs were distinguished by a more powerful body, which made it possible to use them in dog fights. In 1802, these cruel bloodsheds were banned by Parliament, and dogs began to be bred to save the breed.

After some time, keeping a representative of this breed in the family became very fashionable and prestigious. Gradually, thanks to crossing, dogs began to be like modern French bulldogs. Dogs with ears as a “sheet of tulip” as they were called in aristocratic circles. The British are sure that it was they who brought this breed to France in 1860. Their popularity was small, and the cost was simply skyhigh.

The French believe that these dogs appeared on their territory after crossing the English and Spanish bulldogs. Evidence in favor of this theory was cited by dog ​​handler John Crail, who provided a documentary fact. They became a photo of a plate produced in 1625. It depicted dogs similar to modern “French”.

At the end of the eighteenth century, the breed of French bulldog reached the peak of its popularity. At that time, dogs had already been brought to America. In 1896 they were shown at a very prestigious exhibition. After that, the prices for puppies quickly crept up. The minimum cost of a dog ranged from five hundred to a thousand dollars. For that money at that time you could buy a car. And if the dog had a special pedigree and blood, then it was sold for five thousand dollars, or even more.

Description of French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are small, compact dogs. Adult males can weigh from ten to fifteen kilograms, and females from eight to twelve. According to the standard, the height of dogs at the withers does not have a clear limit. Most often it is no more than thirty-five centimeters.

Head

Head. Has a square shape, quite wide. The skull is massive. Narrow is considered a vice. The forehead is convex and has the shape of a dome. There is no obvious bulge between the ears.

Muzzle. The muzzle is short, flattened, covered with skin folds. The occipital hillock is weak. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is noticeable. Between the eyebrows there is a characteristic vertical fold.

Ears. Short, strong at the base. Developed forward.

Nose. Lifted upward, wide. The nostrils have a symmetrical shape, well expressed, open.

Mouth. Jaws are quite large and powerful.

Teeth. Bite with a protruding lower jaw, with a characteristic “snack”.

Lips. There are shallows that hang to the edge of the lower lip, but not lower than the limits of the head.

Eyes. Large, have a round shape, well expressed. The color is dark brown or almost black. The look is smart, conscious.

Neck. Short and powerful. Without pronounced skin folds.

Frame

Frame. Small but powerful. The dog is stocky, despite its compactness. Back is straight, there are no deflection, cereals are not lowered.

Breast. The ribs have a curved shape, because of this, the chest is similar in shape to a barrel.

Tail. Short, wider at the base and gradually tapering towards the end. Kinks and bends are considered a disadvantage, but not a vice.

limbs

Front. The forelimbs are slightly shorter than the hind limbs. Well muscled, smooth and powerful.

Rear. Longer than front. This lifts the dog’s croup slightly. Just as well muscled as the front.

Wool

According to the breed standard, the French Bulldog coat is short, smooth, harsh and shiny. It is tight to the body. Undercoat missing. This means that dogs do not tolerate extreme cold. For winter walks they need additional insulation.

The coat of this breed can serve as an indicator of the age of the animal. When the dog reaches the age of eight, the hairs begin to fade. Gray hair may appear on the face.

colors

The following colors of French Bulldogs are allowed by the FCI standard:

There are colors that are a vice. Such dogs are not allowed to be shown or bred. These include:

New French Bulldog breed standards are emerging in America that allow dogs of different colors to take part in competitions. In Russia, this practice is not yet so popular. She has few henchmen, as many dog ​​breeders are of the opinion that she will have a detrimental effect on purebred French bulldogs. They fear that they may disappear, as there are bloods of other breeds in the pedigree of dogs with a secondary color. But, on the other hand, such a mixing of blood can favorably affect the health of dogs, preventing related incest and an increase in genetic diseases.

french bulldog personality

French bulldog can not leave anyone indifferent. At the mere sight of this funny dog, the mood rises. If you add love for children, ease of upbringing and devotion to the owner to an unusual appearance, there is no doubt that you have one of the best candidates for the role of a family pet.

The temperament of the French Bulldog is revealed as it matures. As a child, this is a restless and playful puppy, an inexhaustible source of energy. Growing up, the dog becomes lazier and more serious. However, the French Bulldog at any age will never refuse the game offered by the owner.

Dogs of this breed are quite smart and quick-witted, especially when it comes to training. Without it, you simply won’t be able to raise a bulldog. But even a child under the control of adults can do this: the “Frenchman” is famous for his patience and love for children. The dog is perfect for the role of a family pet and will be happy to bathe in affection and attention.

The French Bulldog has a lot of advantages that make this breed a desirable dog. For example, it is quite compact, so it is ideal for keeping in a small city apartment. This dog can easily do without long walks. It is ideal for “homebodies” who want to spend most of their free time at home. “Frenchman” with his cheerfulness and cheerful disposition can brighten up any, even the most gloomy day.

The dog is great as the first pet in the family. He is often chosen by inexperienced dog breeders, as he has no aggression in his character. Bulldogs rarely damage furniture and don’t chew on their owner’s shoes. Of course, provided that you take the time to educate your pet.

The French Bulldog has a heightened sensitivity to the mood of the owner. These dogs are real empaths. They will never pester you if you are upset or depressed. And they will be happy to fool around and play if you have the appropriate mood.

Despite their small size, the “French” can be outcast defenders. They are always ready to stand up for their owner and his home.

French Bulldogs don’t like being left alone for long periods of time. They will yearn for the owner, and the neighbors will definitely not like the long howls with which the dog will express his emotions. Therefore, if you are away from home for a long time, then it is better to abandon this breed. In addition, bulldogs that are limited in their interactions with people can become stubborn, willful, and uncontrollable.

“Frenchman” gets along well with people, but with other dogs and cats there may be problems due to jealousy and division of territory. Therefore, it is better to start this breed as the only pet. Otherwise, the dog needs to be trained and carried out for a long and constant socialization. So you can “settle” another four-legged pet in your house, and also avoid conflicts with street animals.

Education and training

In the process of training French Bulldogs, certain difficulties may arise. This is due to the stubbornness that is inherent in the nature of the dog. These dogs quickly get tired of repeating the same actions, so they begin to ignore the owner’s commands. In this case, it is very important to show calmness, endurance and wisdom.

You can not force the dog to perform commands by shouting or using physical violence against it. Such training methods are unacceptable. Otherwise, you will turn your four-legged friend into a frightened or aggressive animal with such actions. Experienced trainers in this case are advised to use treats in the process of training to encourage. And the classes themselves should be cyclical and short, but regular. Thus, you will achieve, although not fast, but sustainable results.

For especially stubborn dogs, there are training methods that are based on the principle of play. If you can’t cope with the classes on your own, then it’s better to contact a professional dog handler.

French Bulldogs have excellent memories and are sentimental. Therefore, when you take a puppy from a breeder to your home, ask him for a toy or some thing that has always been with the dog. So it will be much easier for him to adapt in an unfamiliar place.

Education must begin from the first day of being in a new home. Show firmness of character immediately, despite the “gentle” age of the puppy. Do not give in to whining and plaintive look. You must show the dog from the first days which of you is the leader in the relationship. It will be almost impossible to re-educate an adult dog.

Show the new family member where their place, toilet, and bowl of food and water are. In the first months, you can teach your baby such simple commands as “Sit!”, “Lie!”, “To me!». It is with these basics that training should begin.

Up to about a year, the puppy will test you in every possible way “for strength” and try to become a leader. Immediately stop it firmly, but without raising your voice. If the puppy obeys you, then do not forget to praise him for it. This will greatly speed up the learning process and strengthen your bond with the animal. For leprosy, “chastise” the dog in a strict and authoritative voice. But never use physical force.

Cynologists say that the character of the French Bulldog is fully formed by sixteen weeks. Therefore, up to this point, you need to have time to establish contact with the animal, socialize it, teach the first commands and the necessary procedures.

Maintenance and care

French Bulldog is easy to care for. The main thing to do is to wipe the wrinkles on the face, ears and eyes to prevent the development of infection. It is worth bathing a dog no more than four times a year, the main hair care is wiping with a damp towel and combing with a massage brush.

The French Bulldog belongs to the brachycephalic dog breeds a large head, a short, flattened nose. More often than others, such pets suffer from eye diseases (prolapse of the third eyelid) and respiratory tract. Normally, the French Bulldog sniffs only when he is very excited, he can snore at night. Signs of pathology are constant wheezing, coughing and heavy breathing.

Conditions of detention

Dogs of this breed do not tolerate heat and cold. In summer it is better not to walk with your pet on a hot afternoon, and in winter you need to dress him in warm clothes.

French Bulldogs do not require much space and do well in small spaces. Two short 15 minute walks a day are enough to keep these dogs fit.

Watch the food of the French Bulldog, who is a big eater. Follow the feeding instructions on the food packaging and the advice of your veterinarian. If your dog is gaining weight, switch to a reduced calorie diet.

If you want your pet to be always healthy, active and looking good, then follow these simple rules:

Food

The menu of the French bulldog should contain all the essential nutrients for dogs. If a particular animal has certain characteristics or health problems, then this must be taken into account when choosing food. A complete and balanced diet of good quality can not only prolong your pet’s life, but also make it look better and be more active and cheerful.

Dry food is the best choice for French Bulldog owners who don’t want to spend time making “homemade meals”. In addition, industrial nutrition can not only make life easier for dog owners. It is healthy and balanced. Properly selected food can save your pet from problems such as allergic reactions, problems with the gastrointestinal tract and many others. A good industrial food contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals, so you do not have to give them separately to your dog.

Since French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, the food should be selected with a low fat content. Also, these breeds suffer from problems with the gastrointestinal tract, so it is important to choose a good quality diet without saving on it.

On sale you can find food for French bulldogs of various classes:

French bulldogs, as breeds prone to allergic reactions and indigestion, are simply contraindicated in eating economy-class food. If you can’t provide your pet with good nutrition, then it’s better to wait with the dog. If for some reason at the moment you cannot feed the dog with a premium diet and above, then be sure to give him vitamins and minerals, supplements to normalize the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. The quality of the food is especially important if the dog is in an “advanced” age.

To calculate the feed rate, be guided by the tips that each manufacturer indicates in the form of a table on the package. If you want to combine wet and dry food, then it is better to give preference to one brand.

Health

If cared for properly, a French Bulldog can live up to fourteen years of age, although this is considered rare. This breed is quite healthy. But, like all other dogs, French Bulldogs have several characteristic diseases:

Who is this breed for?

The French Bulldog is an unpretentious and compact dog. Therefore, it is suitable for living in a city apartment. This breed does not need long walks, so the dog will be a good companion for those who prefer the house outdoors. The French Bulldog will fit perfectly into a family with children and will be a good choice for a novice dog breeder.

The French Bulldog is not for you if you are an impatient person with a short temper. The dog can be stubborn in training. You also need to take into account the fact that all French Bulldogs constantly make sounds such as sniffing and snoring. Moreover, bulldogs do not hesitate to release gases noisily. If you are not ready for such “musical” accompaniment, then it is better to look at another breed.

Famous owners

The French Bulldog is a fairly popular dog breed. “Fashion” for it began a couple of centuries ago and still does not slow down.

Princess Tatyana Romanova, daughter of the Russian Tsar Nicholas II, had a “Frenchman” named Ortino. The dog was her favorite, but, unfortunately, the animal was executed along with all members of the royal family. Many years after the execution, the burial of a noble family was found, and among the remains was found the skeleton of a dog.

Another famous person who belonged to the “blue” blood and doted on this breed was Prince Felix Yusupov. The famous artist Serov painted a portrait of the prince, which has survived to this day. It depicts Yusupov with his beloved French Bulldog puppy on his lap.

Many representatives of the creative intelligentsia were also fond of bulldogs. For example, Fedor Chaliapin kept several representatives of the breed. He never left them alone, he always took them with him on trips abroad. Many paintings have been preserved in which Chaliapin is depicted with his four-legged friends.

In 1920, the famous Soviet poet Vladimir Mayakovsky acquired a French bulldog in France, whom he named Bulka. Just like Chaliapin, the poet never parted with his favorite.

French Bulldogs Are Popular With Today’s Celebrities. Their owners are:

French Bulldogs have been and remain a very popular dog breed. It can be assumed that they will not lose their relevance even after many years.

How to choose a puppy

If you want to buy a French Bulldog puppy, then you definitely need to find a trusted kennel or breeder. Only in this way you can buy a puppy that meets all the requirements:

From the nursery you must receive a passport with vaccinations, a dog’s pedigree and a puppy card. It is better to choose your future family member personally. So you can get acquainted not only with the puppy, but also with his breeders. See the conditions in which he and his parents are kept.

Do not buy a dog from the hands of the market or dubious ads. Very often, dishonest sellers sell sick or defective animals in this way.

Choose from a full litter of large and active pups. He must look healthy, show interest in the world around him. Experts advise taking a puppy to a new home in the period from eight weeks, and preferably from ten to twelve. Ask the breeder about the nature of the puppy’s parents. After all, not only diseases are inherited, but also many habits.

Price for french bulldogs

If you need a puppy for your soul and family, then you don’t have to pay fabulous money. Rare bloods are important only if you are going to take part in exhibitions and competitions with your dog, and also plan to breed animals. Not the most expensive, but thoroughbred and healthy puppy is suitable as a companion.