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French Bulldog INFORMATION:
Perfect small to medium size... those great big ears, stocky bodies, those funny noises, clown like antics, wonderful personalities and many other traits make the French Bulldog the Ideal companion, friend and pet...
 

French Bulldogs or as the French say "Bouledogue Français" are also called: "Frenchies",  "Frog Dogs" and "Clown Dogs". They make wonderful pets, they are happy, loving & constantly amusing you with the funny things they do. Their muscular, compact, stocky bodies, beautiful smooshed faces and the trade mark Bat Ears really make them irresistible! French Bulldogs are small in size, but they are quite large in personality & truly are CLOWN dogs. They bring endless amounts of  joy, love & laughter. 

Temperament:

• French Bulldogs are affectionate, playful, courageous, devoted, funny and BIG DOGS in little bodies. 
• Are they good with Children?  I guess my answer would be Frenchies are born to love, but as with anything else Frenchies will be as good with your kids as you teach your child to be with them and visa versa...  Remember Teaching our Children and Dogs what is right and wrong from the beginning will make great kids and great dogs.
• Are they good with other dogs?  Yes for the most part, but there are exceptions to every rule. Some can be dog aggressive and some like to hunt down chickens, squirrels, birds, etc.... Read this page for more information on this subject: [ French Bulldog Aggression ] 
• Are they good with cats or other animals? Again, it just depends on the dog and heck on the cat too. We don't have cats, but know of many who do and their Frenchies get along great with them.
• Special Skills: Family pet #1. They are there to make you laugh, they are "people magnets" also and you will get loads of attention with a frenchie in your company.

WE BELIEVE that Males and Females vary in personality. Boys tend to be clownlike babies for life, whereas, the females tend to be the more dominant of this breed. Some like to STEREOTYPE all breeds and think that males are more aggressive or territorial or that the females will train easier.... NOPE>>>> WE DISAGREE. THEY ARE ALL DIFFERENT and neutering a male is a MUST if you are not buying a breeding or show dog!!!!!

The French Bulldog is a clown in a dog suit. It enjoys playing and entertaining its family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with its favorite person. It is amiable, sweet, companionable and loooooooves attention.

An important distinction should be made between the temperament and behavior.  Temperament reflects the general behavior of the breed, qualities acquired at birth.  Behavior is most often the result of some environmental factor such as where and how the dog was raised and who may have been its previous owners.  French Bulldogs are as susceptible to these environmental influences as any other dog.

Watch-dog: There is an occasional "watchdog" that is alert and warns of encroachment into the family's territory. 
Guard-dog:  Low

Disposition: 
An AKC French Bulldog is described as "Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions."    The standard also describes the Frenchie as being affectionate, even tempered, active, alert, and playful but not unduly boisterous.  Not all breeders focus on temperament in their breeding program. Some is hereditary.  Disposition is also developed by the manner in which a Breeder handles the puppies at a young age and the stimulation they receive from their environment at different stages of their development.   Much effort and skill work together to develop the ideal French bulldog. Not all countries nor canine registeries have the same written standard for the breeds as the American Kennel Club.  The Frenchie's demeanor and expression, particularly the large, soft rounded eyes should be congruent with the disposition and purpose for which they were bred -- the ideal companion dog. Frenchies that grown up with kids like to romp with them, snuggle with their owners and greet visitors at the door or when taking their neighborhood walk.  Most are very amiable types that love everybody. 
 

HOME ENVIRONMENT:
Frenchies make excellent pets for either apartments or homes, and they are comfortable as either city dogs or country dwellers. Frenchies in any environment have one overwhelming need, and that is to be in close contact with the person they love. Due to their inability to tolerate either extreme cold or extreme heat, it is not a consideration to house a Frenchie outdoors. Regardless of temperature, a French Bulldog is happiest when with it's owner, and they enjoy long walks or car drives as much as any breed of dog you may hope to meet.
 
 

Grooming and House Training:

It requires minimal coat care, but its facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned, their butts should be wiped as the tail can get dirty when they poop. Monthly baths and weekly brushing should be suffice. Frenchies grooming needs are very minimal since shedding is light and mostly seasonal, doggie odor is close to non-existent. French Bulldogs teeth and nails should be tended to regularly. Some will house train quicker than others... all one has to do is encourage their natural inclination to be the ideal household pet with consistency in housebreaking and training.
 

FORM AND FUNCTION:
The Frenchie shares many of the traits that made its bulldog ancestors so successful in the bull-baiting arena: low center of gravity, wide body, heavy bone, muscular build and large, square head.  It has soft loose skin forming wrinkles about the head and shoulders. Unlike the English Bulldog who looks sad, The Frenchie has an alert, curious expression, which is aided by its bar ears.  Also, unlike the bulldog, its movement is unrestrained and free, with reach and drive. 
 

Size:
There are no MINI-FRENCHIES... the AKC has a Standard... 18-28lbs. Can some be smaller? SURE... Can some be bigger? SURE... but that is what the AKC standard calls for. They vary in sizes from bulky, wide, stocky and cobby to taller, rangier with a longer body... it all depends. Height is average of 12 inches. Beware of Imports, that cute puppy can end up being a 40 pound, long bodied, out at the nose dog... Make sure you see photos of the adults any breeder has, ask for photos of the parents. Any puppy can be cute, but what is it going to look like as an adult?
 

COLORS:
French Bulldogs come in a gorgeous array of colors. In fact, ALL are allowed in the show ring, with the exception of: Black (meaning with out a SINGLE white or other coloured hair; Black and tan (Doberman Type Colours); Liver and Mouse (blue/gray). The exact nature of these last two colors is the subject of some debate among fanciers, many of whom feel them to be rather ambiguous descriptions at best. Heavy ticking, such as that seen on many setters, is to be avoided. In reality, these colour distinctions are relevant only in the show ring. A dog with any of those characteristics could make as equally wonderful a pet as any of the more common Brindles, Creams/Fawns or Pieds.

For a more detailed discussion of the standard for the French Bulldog please consult the AKC Standard.
Click here for different pictures of different Frenchie Coat Colors
 

COAT:
Short, smooth, close and finely textured.  They don't shed a lot, although some can shed more than others. Until they are grown you just don't know what kind of "shedder" you will have. Nutrition plays a role in this too.
 

Intelligence:
High in some areas and low in others.
There may be a different standard of evaluation for different breeds and not every dog of one breed is equal. Frenchies adapt to the environment and cues they get from people in their environment. Many are independent and stubborn by nature, but they thrive on attention, delight in seeing their owner's excited responses & will do anything for a pat or praise, so it is easy to socialize a French bulldog and positive training is a must.
 

ACTIVITY:
Medium - Low.... there can be an exception, especially with imported Frenchies who tend to be hyper and very energetic. They tire quickly, even those that like to play, play, play.
 

CARE/EXERCISE:
The French Bulldog has minimal exercise requirements, although it is a fun-loving dog.  It enjoys a romp outdoors, but it doesn’t do well in hot, humid weather. Most cannot swim.  A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of its physical needs.  This breed should not live outdoors.  The Frenchie snores and may wheeze and pant after little exercise. It is a hardy, entertaining home companion and a solid lap dog, but does enjoy playing, some enjoy jumping in kiddie pools, chasing balls or chasing little creatures.... they are funny dogs who enjoy fun lives.

Habits include very cute play behavior unique to French bulldogs like the FRENCHIE BOW... THE FROG DOG DANCE, THE FRENCHIE YODEL.... ETC.... . When he plays, he really plays hard; but he also is a lazy type that likes to nap and snooze several times a day.  Most Frenchies have less prey drive than other breeds, but again THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS!!!! 

Living Environment & Working Homes: 
Apartment or house... basically anywhere they are loved. Must have a fenced yard or on a leash at all time if being walked. As with most dogs French Bulldogs thrive on a one-to-one relationship, but adapt to multiple human/multiple animal households very easily. French Bulldogs are happy where they are loved, they can basically live with humans of all ages and sexes... they can live with other dogs, cats and other species as well.. they are pretty adaptable little dogs and just happy to be loved on.

I get asked this all the time... WHAT ABOUT WORKING HOMES.... Can they live with families who have a 9-5 job?
My answer is... Absolutely!!!!! Most of my babies are in homes with working folks... take a look around, look at our FRENCHIE FAMILIES and you will see how my babies are loved and how they live great lives.

I never understand those breedersor rescues who insist that all dogs HAVE to live with stay at home parents. This is real life and most people work. Of course in a perfect ideal situation every dog would be in a home with someone 24 hours a day, but it's just not reality... MOST PEOPLE WORK outside of the home. Dogs sleep more hours of the day then they are awake, so as long as you are home after work and on weekends and dedicate time to them they are fine. When I worked outside the home, I had dogs... what an injustice it would be if working folks were not allowed to own dogs and experience the joy of raising a dog from puppyhood. My most well behaved dog was a puppy I raised when I worked outside the home at my 9-5 job... He was obedient, socialized, well behaved, well trained, had manners, sweet, loved every person he met and had the most stable temperament you could ask for.... It did not matter to him that I was not home, he had more than enough attention when I was. Please make thie right decision for you are your fmaily. I don't believe in leaving them locked in a crate 8-9 hours a day. I suggest our "Play pen" set up, which all my "frenchie families" get exact details and instructions on what to  buy and how to set them up. This is a great set up for french bulldogs, especially when they are puppies. They have a crate to lay in a designated "potty area" and space to play and have their toys... every family I have ever recommended this to has been more than happy and those with multiple dogs wish they would have used it when raising their oother dogs before they could be trusted to be left alone to roam the house. The have to be able to "hold their pee/poo" and be old enough to not chew on things... Leaving them in their "set up" gives the owner piece of mind and assures you the house will be intact when you get jome and the puppy/young adult will be safe and out of harms way. Best deal for everyone.
 

HEALTH ISSUES:
Because of their short nose they tend to snore and have some breathing problems. Heat stroke, eye injuries and skin
problems, etc...  CLICK HERE for Frenchie Health Issues

LIFE SPAN:  10 - 14 Years

LITTER SIZE:   2 - 4  is most common. Most Average 3 puppies, sometimes 1, very few have 5-6. If you see them with 7-8-9 puppies, I'd question their size and look at the pedigree, they most likely are larger IMPORTED FRENCHIES from very large females usually, some of these can run 40+ pounds. Somtimes they are not even pure bred, it's definitely not the norm for frenchies to have large litters, just doesn't happen.
 
 

General Appearance
The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. Expression alert, curious and interested. Any alteration other than removal of dewclaws is considered mutilation and is a disqualification.
Proportion and symmetry. All points are well distributed and bear good relation one to the other; no feature being in such prominence from either excess or lack of quality that the animal appears poorly proportioned. Influence of sex. In comparing specimens of different sex, due allowance is to be made in favor of bitches, which do not bear the characteristics of the breed to the same marked degree as do the dogs.

Size, Proportion, Substance
Weight. Not to exceed 28 pounds; over 28 pounds is a disqualification. Proportion. Distance from withers to ground in good relation to distance from withers to onset of tail, so that animal appears compact, well-balanced and in good proportion. Substance. Muscular, heavy bone.

Head
Head large and square. Eyes. Dark in color, wide apart, set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible, round in form, of moderate size, neither sunken nor bulging. In lighter colored dogs, lighter colored eyes are acceptable. No haw and no white of the eye showing when looking forward.

Ears.
Known as the bat ear, broad at the base, elongated, with round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with orifice to the front. The leather of the ear fine and soft. Other than bat ears is a disqualification. The top of the skull flat between the ears; the forehead is not flat but slightly rounded. The muzzle broad, deep and well laid back; the muscles of the cheeks well developed. The stop well defined, causing a hollow groove between the eyes with heavy wrinkles forming a soft roll over the extremely short nose; nostrils broad with a well defined line between them. Nose. Black. Nose other than black is a disqualification, except in the case of the lighter colored dogs, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable but not desirable. Flews. Black, thick and broad, hanging over the lower jaw at the sides, meeting the underlip in front and covering the teeth, which are not seen when the mouth is closed. The underjaw is deep, square, broad, undershot and well turned up.

Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is thick and well-arched with loose skin at the throat. The back is a roach back with a slight fall close behind the shoulders; strong and short, broad at the shoulders and narrowing at the loins. The body is short and well rounded. The chest is broad, deep, and full; well-ribbed with the belly tucked up. The tail is either straight or screwed (but not curly), short, hung low, thick root and fine tip; carried low in repose.

Forequarters
Forelegs are short, stout, straight, muscular and set wide apart. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short, stubby nails.

Hindquarters
Hind legs are strong and muscular, longer than the forelegs, so as to elevate the loins above the shoulders. Hocks well let down. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short, stubby nails; hind feet slightly longer than forefeet.
 
 

Coat
Coat is moderately fine, brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles.

Color
Acceptable colors: all brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white and any color except those which constitute disqualification. All colors are acceptable with exception of solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white and white and black which are disqualifications. Black means black without a trace of brindle.

Gait
Correct gait is double tracking with reach and drive; the action is unrestrained, free and vigorous.

Temperament
Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert and playful but not unduly boisterous.

Disqualifications
Any alteration other than removal of dewclaws.
Other than bat ears.
Nose other than black, except in the case of lighter colored dogs, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable.
Solid black; mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white and white with black; black means black without a trace of
brindle.
Over 28 pounds in weight.