Stellar Bulldogs | Breeds Details

French Bulldogs

French bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they're affectionately known, are one of the most popular small dog breeds world wide - and for good reason!

These little bundles of joy pack a whole lot of personality into their compact, muscular bodies. With their distinctively adorable "squished" faces, pointy bat ears, and bright, expressive eyes, Frenchies have an irresistible charm that instantly wins over just about everyone they meet.

And don't let their small size fool you - what they lack in stature, they more than make up for in character.

The French Bulldog's history is rooted in 19th-century England. It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, the result of crossbreeding Toy Bulldogs imported from England with local Parisian ratters. These smaller dogs were popular among lace-makers in Nottingham, who brought them to France when they moved there for work. The dogs provided warmth in their laps and helped control rodents. French demand increased, and a trade was established with English breeders, who exported Bulldogs they considered too small or had traits like upright ears considered faults in England.

By 1860, Toy Bulldogs had nearly vanished from England due to their popularity in France. In France, the imported Bulldogs were crossed with other breeds, possibly terriers and Pugs, resulting in the French Bulldog we know today. The breed gained significant popularity in France and became a favorite of Parisian society. It eventually crossed the Atlantic and reached the United States, where American breeders helped further refine and standardize its traits. Its charming appearance and compact size quickly earned admiration, and the breed's reputation as a fashionable companion continued to grow worldwide.

Though Americans had imported French Bulldogs before, 1885 marked the start of a formal breeding program in the U.S. The breed was favored by society ladies who exhibited them at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896. A dispute over ear shape arose the following year when the judge only selected dogs with “rose ears,” which fold at the tip like traditional Bulldogs. In response, the French Bull Dog Club of America was formed. The club created a new breed standard emphasizing the unique and now-iconic “bat ear” type.

The breed became a status symbol among high society, fetching prices as high as $3,000 and being owned by elite families like the Rockefellers and the J. P. Morgans. The American Kennel Club quickly recognized the breed in 1898. By 1906, French Bulldogs ranked as the fifth most popular dog breed in America. The breed’s fame has only grown over time. In 2012, they were No. 14 in AKC registration, jumped to No. 2 in 2021, and officially took the No. 1 spot in 2022. Today, they are loved worldwide for their charm

The Perfect Family Companion

French bulldogs have skyrocketed in popularity to become one of the most beloved family pets. It's easy to see why - they are irresistibly cute. But Frenchies are more than just a pretty face. They have huge personalities stuffed into their little bodies. Frenchies are total goofballs who love to clown around and make their humans laugh with their antics and snorts.

At the same time, they are also total love bugs who just want to snuggle up next to you (or on top of you) and soak up as much attention as they can get. They may be small in stature, but Frenchies are big on charm and have a way of wrapping you around their little paws. That's why many Frenchie owners say that one is never enough - these little gremlins are like potato chips and it's hard to stop at just one!

Frenchies just have a way of stealing your heart with their adorable looks and huge, loving personalities.

Physical
Characteristics

The French Bulldog weighing under 28 pounds and standing 11-13" high they resemble a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect 'bat ears' that are the breed's trademark feature.

The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose, a nub or 1+ inch tail. The body beneath the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and muscular.

With a wide range of colors including AKC standard and non-standard such as lilac, merle, blue and many more colors can be found in French Bulldogs.

Temperament

It's their sweet, affectionate nature that really wins hearts. Frenchies love to be loved! They adore their humans and get along great with kids, other dogs, and even cats.

And while Frenchies may have a stubborn streak, they're also super smart and surprisingly easy to train. Since they don't need a ton of exercise, just short daily walks and some indoor play, Frenchies are the perfect low-maintenance pet for apartment dwellers and folks without a yard.

They're happy to chill on the couch with you, snuggling up for movie binges. With their laid-back attitude and sociable personality, Frenchies fit effortlessly into all sorts of households and lifestyles.

It's no wonder these little gremlins have become so popular as family pets! Once you welcome a French bulldog into your life, with their snorts, and endless cuddles, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one of these pint-sized clowns by your side. However they do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time, stay at home individuals or doggie day care centers for full time workers are preferred.

Health Concerns

Caring for your French Bulldog, that adorable little bundle of wrinkles and personality, is both a joyful privilege and a serious responsibility. With their endearingly smushed faces, bat-like ears, and stocky builds, Frenchies have a unique set of health needs that require a devoted owner's attention.

From managing their tendency to overheat due to their brachycephalic airways, to keeping their skin folds clean (using wrinkle cream products) and dry to prevent irritation and infection, cleaning ears and paws, the physical maintenance of a French Bulldog demands daily diligence.

Stenotic nares, or narrowed nostrils, are a common issue in brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, restricting airflow and causing breathing difficulties. Surgery to widen the nostrils is often recommended to improve breathing and reduce the strain on the respiratory system. Stenotic nares can lead to labored breathing, noisy breathing, and increased risk of heatstroke.

French Bulldog Health

French Bulldogs are adorable and affectionate, but their unique build makes them prone to various health concerns that require proactive care.

BOAS

Flat-faced French Bulldogs are prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, causing breathing issues and exercise intolerance. Surgical correction may be needed.

Skin Folds

Frenchies often suffer from environmental and food allergies, leading to itchy skin, diarrhea, and ear infections. Proper diet and vet care are essential.

Allergies

English Bulldogs have a much higher risk of kneecap dislocation, where the patella slips out of its groove, causing pain and movement problems.

Weight Gain

This breed is prone to obesity, which worsens breathing and joint problems. Controlled diet and light exercise are key to maintaining their health.

Ethical Breeding

Health problems have risen due to irresponsible breeding. Always choose reputable breeders who perform health testing on parent dogs.

Reputable Breeders Are The Key

French bulldogs are silly, playful goofballs who love nothing more than being the center of attention and making their humans laugh with their entertaining antics. At the same time, they're also incredibly sweet, friendly, and affectionate. They adore cuddling up next to you on the couch, rolling over for belly rubs, and following you from room to room just to be close to their favorite people.

This winning combination of fun-loving spirit and devoted companionship makes the French bulldog an ideal family pet. They get along great with kids and other dogs, and their gentle, easy-going nature helps them adapt well to apartment living too. With their big hearts and endearingly quirky personalities, it's no wonder these clownish little charmers have wiggled their way into the homes and hearts of so many adoring owners.

When looking to purchase a puppy, it's essential to choose a ethical reputable breeder.

Avoid getting trapped into a puppy from a puppy mill. Spot a Puppy Mill

If your looking at a French Bulldog online with a low price, very poor quality photos, unvaccinated, puppies in cages, pink color girl, blue collar boy etc (ethical-responsible breeders have names for their puppies), chances are they are not well-bred and could have major health and behavior issues, due to not health screening the parents, unsuitable living conditions as well as no socialization at a critical early development age.

French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs

History Of The French Bulldog

The Perfect Family Companion

Physical
Characteristics

Temperament

Health Concerns

French Bulldog Health