Bulldog
Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
23 to 25 kg
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a brachycephalic molossoid of 10 to 16 kg, created in France in the late 19th century in Paris's working-class neighborhoods. Recognized by the FCI under number 101, it combines a very low exercise need (20-30 min/day) with a high respiratory sensitivity that rules out any intense effort.
- Weight
- 10 to 16kg
- Height
- 28 to 35cm
- Life expectancy
- 11years
- Monthly cost
- 70 to 130€
Personality profile
Energy 2/5
Independence 3/5
Trainability 3/5
Good with children 4/5
Barking 2/5
Space needed 1/5
Attachment to home 5/5
Good with strangers 4/5
Good with dogs 3/5
Good with cats 4/5
Coat care 2/5
Exercise needs 1/5
Scores given on measured axes, data confidence: high.
Living with a French Bulldog
Description
A compact breed with erect bat ears, it stands 28 to 35 cm at the withers. Its broad, square head, flattened muzzle and short, muscular body make it unmistakable. Recognized colors: brindle, fawn, and pied (formerly known as 'caille').
Temperament
Sociable, playful and possessive of its owner, it forms a strong bond with one primary human. Lively and demonstrative whenever it gets attention, it nonetheless sleeps 14 to 16 hours a day like most brachycephalic breeds. It tends toward jealousy around other dogs of the same sex.
Training
Rather stubborn but highly food-motivated, it responds well to short 5- to 10-minute sessions based on clicker training and treats. House-training is often slow (4 to 6 months). Recall is rarely reliable outside a secure enclosure.
Feeding
150 to 220 g of premium kibble a day depending on weight and activity, split into 2 meals. Kibble formulated specifically for brachycephalic breeds (shape adapted to food intake) is recommended. High risk of obesity: any excess weight worsens BOAS and shortens life expectancy by 1 to 2 years.
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Living conditions
Perfectly suited to urban apartment life, even a studio — it is one of the rare breeds that thrives in under 30 m². Avoid stairs (spinal compression), hot beaches, and any swimming: it swims very poorly and literally sinks.
Grooming and coat care
Weekly brushing with a rubber grooming glove is enough for the short coat. Bi-weekly cleaning of the muzzle and tail folds with a neutral wipe prevents contact dermatitis. Bathe monthly at most, using a gentle shampoo for sensitive skin.
Health
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) affects 60 to 80% of individuals: noisy breathing, snoring, heat intolerance from 22 °C, risk of fatal pulmonary edema in summer. Frequent disc herniation (chondrodystrophic breed). Dystocia is nearly universal: 80% of births by C-section. Aortic or pulmonic stenosis, detectable via cardiac ultrasound in puppies.
Breed history
Born in the late 19th century in the Parisian workshops of lacemakers and the butchers of La Villette, descended from miniaturized English bulldogs brought over by English workers. The breed's first standard was set in 1898, predating the founding of the FCI in 1911. Since the 2010s, the breed has ranked among the most registered each year in the LOF.
Getting ready for your French Bulldog
Five essentials to line up before day one.
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FAQ: French Bulldog
Sources
- FCI Standard No 101 · FCI breed standard 101, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs
- AKC Breed Profile · AKC French Bulldog breed profile, Non-Sporting Group
FCI, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the world body that has codified breed standards since 1911. FCI number 101 is assigned to the French Bulldog.
Breeds similar to a French Bulldog
