The French Bulldog is a small-sized molosser. It is sometimes perceived as ferocious whereas it hides an extreme affection for its owner and a joyful character, player, with a very pleasant temperament for the older ones and the children. This canine is very gentle, even if it does not appear so at first sight. It is very recommended for the elderly, because it does not need exercise to be fulfilled. It is also suitable for indoor life, as it does not require large spaces to let off steam. His daily outings are more than enough for him.
History of the breed
The history of the French Bulldog goes back to the 19th century. Nevertheless, it is interesting to go back to the 3rd century BC to better understand it. Nicknamed Le Molosse, Alexander 1st of Epirus would have offered to Alexander the Great a dog which would be the ancestor of the English Bulldog and a ratter. Appeared in the 1980s in Paris, and more mainly at the Abattoirs de la Villette, the French Bulldog quickly became the muse of great Parisian celebrities.
The French Bulldog, from which all forms of aggressiveness have been removed over the years, appeared after 1835 and the banning of dog fighting in the UK. The French Bulldog was born from a cross between the Toy Bulldog and the Doguin. It is in 1880 that its current name appears. It appeared the first times on the side of the Abattoirs de la Villette.
Physical characteristics
Its coat: generally rather short.
Its color: fawn, if it is a brindle dog (coloring of the coat, characterized by discontinuous stripes of different colors), with a dark charcoal (black spots) and various shades going from red to coffee with milk; or white and brindle.
Its head: wide, square and very strong, with folds and wrinkles.
Its ears : set high, carried straight.
Its eyes: large, round and dark.
Its body: equipped with a back of carp, broad and muscular, the croup is well inclined and the chest rather cylindrical, its chest (front of the body of the dog) is well opened.
Tail: short, often twisted or naturally docked and pointed.
Education
Various exercises, carried out with this dog from an early age, will make him pleasant and sociable. It is also necessary to teach him cleanliness, obedience and desensitize him to solitude. In this case, this dog, always in search of things to learn, can be jealous and possessive, that is why it is necessary to educate it very early so that it does not develop this trait.
Living conditions
The French Bulldog is an apartment dog par excellence. It does not bark often and adapts to all circumstances. This dog has no particular need for physical exercise. It is not very enduring and is satisfied with a life of slipperiness. The simple daily walks fit him like a glove. He loves to play, as long as it is not very physical or lasts only a short time.
Health
The French Bulldog, by its very short muzzle, can suffer from a problem of breathing, in particular in case of strong heats. It is thus necessary to avoid leaving it too long exposed to the sun. It has an important sensitivity to respiratory and back pathologies. Indeed, its rather short muzzle favors brachycephalus, caused by an elongation of the soft palate and pinched nostrils. Therefore, it is not uncommon to hear the French Bulldog snoring when he sleeps.
Moreover, its eyes are relatively fragile and require regular maintenance with an adapted lotion. Finally, as this dog is prone to herniated discs, it is essential to take care of its diet to avoid any risk of obesity.