Some Tips About The French Bulldog

The English bulldogs are the breed considered as ancestors of the French bulldogs. They could have been brought to France by the English lace workers established in Normandy. While English bulldogs are stocky and heavy set, their French counterparts are said to be on the lighter side of things, but with highly similar characteristics as the English ones. They are also called "Frenchies."

The Colors And Markings of the French Bulldogs

The short and smooth coat of a French bulldog covers a muscular, compact body. The colors of their coats can be numerous, but only some combination's are acceptable in most shows. Only the red or fawn dogs may have masks. On any other color it is not acceptable in most shows or kennel organizations. Brindle and pied are also common markings or colors on these dogs. The main colors are shaded with cream up to deep butterscotch. Colors like solid black (with no other lighter colored hairs), liver, black and tan and black and white, are disqualified in shows..

Some Issues Related to the Health and Temperament of the French Bulldog

The health of the French bull dog is basically well. The dogs of this breed are, however, susceptible to health conditions that are related to the thyroid gland or to a dog type of hemophilia. One other common condition that occurs in French bull dogs is Brachycephalic syndrome, which is the condition of having a much too flat face. It usually is accompanied by a cleft palate or a soft palate. The big problem with the cleft palate condition is that these dogs must be euthanized. The soft palate condition leads to dogs susceptible of passing out after moderate exercise or some labored breathing even without exercise. If this condition is not diagnosed in the early stages, it can be hazardous to the dogs and stressful to the owners.

The dogs of the French bulldog breed can also develop eye problems and spinal or back conditions. Most of the French bulldog females need veterinarian supervision and cesarean section when they are giving birth. Their puppies have large heads and they may encounter some difficulties passing through their mothers' birth canal, the possibility of stocking in being very great. Since larger heads are prized in many of the bull dog breeds, this may be the reason why there are more and more cesarean sections performed these days compared to before.

The temperament of the French bulldogs makes them suitable as human companions. They can be best described as attached to their human owner to a very extensive degree and they are also found to be relatively happy and content dogs. These dogs must be monitored when playing with children, because they can be exuberant and excited sometimes. Most of the flat faced breeds of dogs have some difficulty with their breathing which is why these dogs, including the French bull dog cannot be expected to live outdoors or stay extensively in warm or hot places.

The flat face is also accompanied by their tendency to overweight. This is the main reason why they do not need to be exercised for a long time and can do with just one walk daily. Monitoring the Frenchie when exercising or out for walks is a good idea since they get easily tired and can have some difficulty breathing when exercised too much. Their bodies are not built to traverse through water channels or springs. Swimming is another sport not fitting to these dogs.

Due to its terrier linage, the French bulldogs can be sometimes aggressive. And this is the reason you should be careful when approaching a French bulldog that does not know you.

The French bulldog is a fairly recent breed of dogs. Brindle and pied are common colors on these dogs. Care should be exercised when approaching a strange French bulldog.