French Bulldogs, Breeder, Sales | Stephens Frenchies

French Bulldogs

The French Bulldog is a dog breed that originated from a group of English bulldog fanciers who were not interested in the dog-fighting realm. The English artisans, particularly lacemakers, breed a small bulldog that would weigh at least 16 lbs but no more than 28 lbs. As the Industrial Revolution grew in England, the lacemakers and other artisans took their skills and small dogs to France where they could continue to ply their trade. The small bulldog earned quite a following in France and by the late 1800s they were known as French Bulldogs. When wealthy Americans traveled to Paris they were very taken with the little Frenchie and imported them to the United States. The breed was first exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896.

Appearance

French Bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, snub nose and solid bone. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded on the top. Their tails are naturally short, not cropped, straight or screwed but not curly.

Under the American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club standards, weight is not to exceed 28 pounds (13 kg). In general, bitches range in weight between 16 and 24 pounds, with dogs between 20 and 28 pounds. The FCI does not set a hard and fast weight limit, simply stating 'The weight must not be below 8 kg nor over 14 kg for a bulldog in good condition, size being in proportion with the weight'.

Coat colors in French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. Here is what the AKC standard has to say about color:

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

The FCI standard disallowed fawn until the mid nineties. Color disqualifications under the current FCI standard are "black and tan, mouse grey, brown".

All of this variety has a drawback, however - confusion over just what name applies to each color or color pattern.

In its most simple forms, French Bulldog coat color can be simply described as fawn, with a variety of possible marking patterns and dilutions possible. Fawn can range in shade from deep red to cafe au lait to pale golden cream. The differences in appearance from here are all due to variants in marking patterns, which range from brindle - black stripes in varying degrees of repetition and thickness overlying the fawn base coat, to pied - varying patches of brindle overlaying fawn interspersed with white markings, to black masked fawn - fawn in differing shades with a classic 'masking' pattern on the face and dorsal area of the body. There are a myriad of variants of marking type, pattern, size and placement possible within these parameters.

Here are a few examples of common - and not so common - coat patterns and colors within French Bulldogs. All terms should be taken objectively, as there is a great deal of difference of opinion within the Frenchie community as to which term defines which color.

For more in depth exploration of coat color inheritance and genetics in French Bulldogs, refer to Malcolm Willis' 'Genetics of the Dog'

History

While theories abound about the exact origin of the French Bulldog, the most prevalent opinion is that around the mid 1800s Normandy lace workers from England took smaller bulldogs with them when they sought work in France. In the farming communities north of France that the lace workers settled in, the little Bulldogs became very popular as ratters and loyal family companions and their population began to swell. These little bulldogs were in fact "culls" of the established Bulldog Breeders in England, who were generally more than happy to sell these undersized examples of their breed to fanciers of the "new" breed in England. This was especially true of the "tulip" eared puppies that cropped up at times in Bulldog litters.

As the new, smaller Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious "French Postcards" bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Francais." The aura of notoriety that ownership of the little dogs conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well to do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favorites of the "artistic" set across Europe.

Photos dating to around this time show photos of the Russian Royal family posing along side their French Bulldogs, and they imported several of the little dogs from France. Other famous fanciers included Toulouse-Lautrec, the author Colette and King Edward VII. As a point of historic interest, a French Bulldog, insured for the at that time astronomical sum of $750, was on board the ill fated Titanic.

It is inarguable that without the influence of dedicated, turn of the century American fanciers the breed would not be what it is today. It is they that organized the very first French Bulldog Club in the world, and it was they who insisted that the "bat" ear so associated with the breed today was correct. Until that time, French Bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear.

All in all, French Bulldogs truly are an International Breed, with fanciers of many nations being responsible for the creation of the loving dogs we know today.

Temperament

The French Bulldog is a gentle breed that typically has a happy-go-lucky attitude. Like many other companion dog breeds they require close contact with humans. They have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require at least regular daily walks. Sedentary Frenchies can tend to become obese. Their calm nature makes them excellent choices for apartment dwellers, as does their usually sensible attitude towards barking. As flat faced breed, it is essential that owners understand that French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors. Their bulk and their compromised breathing system makes it impossible for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. In addition, frenchies are top heavy and therefore have a difficult time swimming. Be cautious when exercising your Frenchie during hot or humid weather, as well.

French Bulldogs can play too roughly for some smaller children, and should be monitored at all times during play. As well, children should be cautioned not to pick French Bulldogs up, as their size can mask how truly heavy they actually are.

French Bulldogs are essentially a bull and terrier breed, and as such, it is not surprising to learn that canine aggression can sometimes occur. Generally, this takes the form of same sex aggression, with the bitches being the most culpable in this respect. Owners considering adding a second dog to their household are usually cautioned to choose one of the opposite sex. Spaying or neutering can do much to curb aggressive tendencies before they begin. The French Bulldog energy level can range from hyperactive and energetic to relaxed and laid back.

French Bulldogs can be stubborn, and early and consistent obedience training is highly recommended. French Bulldog have competed successfully in numerous competitive dog sports, including dog agility, obedience, rally obedience, weight pulling and even Schutzhund. Obtaining a Canine Good Citizen certification on your French Bulldog is easy, and an excellent way of ensuring they have a solid set of basic manners. Many French Bulldogs excel at doing therapy dog work, with most seeming to truly enjoy the attention and interaction with both children and the elderly.

In general, Frenchies are amiable, good natured, playful dogs, and make excellent companions for families, single persons and the elderly.

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