The French Bulldog, affectionately known as the “Frenchie,” is a compact, muscular canine with a smooth coat, sturdy bones and well-developed muscles, and a short-nosed facial expression. Originating from France, this breed has swiftly gained popularity worldwide, especially in the United States, for its endearing nature and adaptability to urban and suburban living. A companion dog at heart, the Frenchie is renowned for its amiable temperament, expressive eyes, and bat-like ears that stand tall and alert.
AKC Group
Non-Sporting
Height
11 – 13 Inches
Weight
Under 28 Pounds
Lifespan
10 – 12 Years
Highlights
Country of Origin
France
Bred For
Rat Catching, Companionship
Known For
Bat Ears, Unique Topline, Playfulness
Popularity
High
Temperament
Active, Affectionate, Alert, Playful
Activities
Conformation Shows, Dog Sports, Therapy Dog
History of the French Bulldog
The captivating history of the French Bulldog, like its charming demeanor, spans national borders and several centuries. Contrary to its name, the breed’s origins can be traced back to England. During the 19th century, lace workers from Nottingham, England, relocated to France in search of better opportunities and brought along their miniature Bulldogs, which were smaller and had erect “bat” ears, distinct from the traditional English Bulldog.
Upon arriving in France, these small Bulldogs quickly became popular companions among the local Parisians, especially with women and people who lived in the city’s creative quarters. Their popularity soared, and they soon became symbols of urban Paris. These dogs were aptly renamed Bouledogue Français or French Bulldogs.
Their fame, however, wasn’t limited to France. By the late 19th century, the breed had garnered attention in the United States, and by the early 20th century, the French Bulldog had become a favorite among America’s elite. The breed’s popularity in the States led to a surge in demand, further solidifying its distinct physical features and characteristics.
The French Bulldog’s unique appearance and engaging personality led to its formal recognition. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1898, followed by the The Kennel Club (UK) in the early 20th century. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) acknowledges the breed within the group of small molossian-type dogs.
Over the years, the French Bulldog’s popularity has only increased, making the breed one of the most beloved worldwide. The Frenchie’s rich history, intertwined with the story of laborers, artists, and aristocrats, showcases the breed’s charm, versatility, and universal appeal.
General Appearance
Height & Weight
Adult male French Bulldogs typically stand between 11 and 13 inches tall at the withers, while mature females are slightly smaller, generally measuring from 11 to 12 inches.
When it comes to weight, males usually weigh from 20 to 28 pounds, while females generally fall within the 16- to 24-pound range.
Proportion & Substance
The French Bulldog boasts a well-proportioned and compact body, giving it a powerful appearance despite the breed’s small size. Its substance is characterized by a solid bone structure and muscular physique, ensuring strength and durability. The distance from the French Bulldog’s withers to the ground is roughly equivalent to the distance from the withers to the tail, lending the breed a balanced, square appearance. The breed’s stoutness, combined with its balanced proportions, gives the Frenchie its distinctive presence.
Coat Texture, Colors & Markings
Texture: The coat of the French Bulldog is short, smooth, and moderately fine. It lies close to the body, offering a sleek appearance while providing some protection against the elements. The Frenchie’s skin is soft and loose, and on the head and shoulders it forms the breed’s characteristic wrinkles. A coat that is not short and smooth is unacceptable in the breed
French Bulldog Colors
Standard Color
Brindle
ee
Brindle & White
ee
Cream
ee
Fawn
ee
Fawn & White
ee
Fawn Brindle
ee
White
ee
White & Brindle
ee
Fawn White & Brindle
ee
White & Fawn
ee
Unacceptable (Fad) Coats, Colors & Markings: The following coats, colors and/or markings are disqualifications per the French Bulldog Breed Standards:
Solid Black: A black coat without a trace of brindle
Mouse/Gray: A mouse-gray coat, often called blue
Liver: A brown coat from light brown to deep chocolate
Black and Tan: A mostly black coat with tan muzzle, eye brows, chest, and legs
Black and White: A black coat with no trace of brindle; white chest, toes, or head
White with Black: A white coat with black patches without a trace of brindle
Merle: A light coat color with irregular dark blotches (black on gray, brown on tan)
Trindle: A black and tan coat with brindle in the tan
Fluffy: A long-haired coat of any texture
French Bulldog Markings
Standard Marking
Black Markings
ee
White Markings
ee
Black Mask
ee
Brindle Markings
ee
Piebald
ee
Fawn Brindle
ee
Ticked
no
A Note About Color: A French Bulldog must have a solid black nose; lighter in light-colored dogs is acceptable. Frenchies must have a dark eye color; lighter in light-colored dogs is acceptable. Blue eyes are never acceptable in a French Bulldog.
Head
The head of the French Bulldog is one of its most defining features, characterized by both its structure and its expressiveness.
Skull: The Frenchie’s skull is flat between the ears, with the forehead being slightly rounded. It’s broad and well set on a muscular neck.
Expression: The breed’s expression is alert, curious, and often described as having a huge grin. The typical “look” of the breed comes from a combination of the dog’s ear shape, eye placement, and wrinkles that appear on the head and shoulders.
Eyes: The eyes are set low down in the skull, well away from the ears. They are dark in color, round in shape, and moderate in size. The whites of the eyes are not visible when the dog is looking forward.
Ears: One of the most iconic features of the French Bulldog, the ears are known as “bat ears.” They are broad at the base, elongated, with a rounded tip, and set high on the head but not too close together. They are carried erect and they face forward.
Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, deep, and set back, giving the face a flat appearance. The skin around it forms soft wrinkles.
Nose: The nose is short, turned upward, and black in color. The nostrils are broad and open, with a well-defined line in the middle.
Bite: The French Bulldog has an undershot bite, meaning that the lower jaw extends slightly beyond the upper jaw and turns upward. This enhances the square appearance of the head.
Photo: Sande Abernathy
Tail
The tail of the French Bulldog is another distinguishing feature of the breed. It is short, set low on the rump, and hangs naturally. Depending on its shape, the tail can appear either straight or a corkscrew.
The straight tail is thick at the base and tapers to a fine point. The corkscrew tail is characterized by its twisty nature. Whatever its shape, the tail should be set and carried neither too high nor too low, and it should complement the dog’s overall compact silhouette.
Photo: Becky L. Smith
The French Bulldog – What to Consider?
Owning a French Bulldog can be a delightful experience. These little dogs are known for their affectionate nature, playful antics, and deep bond they forge with their families. While they certainly can be a joy to have around, prospective owners should also be aware of some considerations to ensure the Frenchie’s well-being.
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals will vary. While some breeds may only show genuine warmth towards their owner, remaining standoffish with strangers, other breeds will treat everyone they meet as if they are their closest friend.
IndependentAffectionate
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed. Although supervision is always recommended during introductions, certain breeds tend to be inherently more or less sociable with other dogs, whether in a home setting or in public spaces.
Not RecommendedReliable With Other Dogs
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children, and its overall suitability as a family member, will vary. It is important to always supervise interactions between dogs and the kids in the house, as well as with children who are not accustomed to being around dogs.
Not RecommendedDependable With Children
Upkeep
Amount Of Shedding
The amount of hair that a dog sheds will typically depend on its breed. Heavy-shedding breeds require more frequent brushing, have a higher chance of activating specific allergies, and often necessitate more frequent use of the vacuum cleaner and lint rollers.
LowHigh
Frequency Of Grooming
The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat care is an all-important consideration. When evaluating the grooming effort required, consider your available time, patience, and budget. It is important to note that all breeds need routine ear, teeth, and nail care.
MonthlyDaily
Amount Of Drooling
The tendency of a breed to drool significantly varies from breed to breed. For those who prefer cleanliness or are particular about keeping things tidy, breeds that are likely to leave trails of drool on your arm or large slobbery marks on your clothing and furniture might not be the best fit.
LowHigh
Coat Type
smooth
wiry
hairless
rough
corded
double
curly
wavy
sikly
Coat Length
short
medium
long
Behavior
Acceptance Of New People
The likelihood of a breed to be friendly towards strangers will vary. While some breeds may consistently exhibit reserve or caution around unfamiliar people, regardless of the setting, others are often eager to greet and interact with any new person they meet.
ReservedOutgoing
Protective Nature
The propensity of a dog to notify you of the presence of strangers is breed-dependent. Some breeds are more inclined to respond to any perceived threat, be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, most breeds are generally more accepting of strangers who are welcomed by their human family members.
Minimal InterestMaximum Vigilance
Playfulness Level
The likelihood of a breed remaining playful beyond puppyhood will vary. Certain breeds retain their enthusiasm for activities like tug-of-war or games of fetch well into their adult years, whereas others are more content to simply lounge on the sofa with you for the majority of time.
LowHigh
Adaptability Level
The ease with which a breed can adapt to changes in its environment can vary greatly. This adaptability encompasses how well a breed is likely to cope with alterations to its home and yard, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines, and other fluctuations in everyday life.
LowHigh
Personality
Trainability Level
The ease with which a dog can be trained and its eagerness to learn new skills can depend on the breed. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and will readily accept training, while others tend to follow their own desires, often showing independence in how, when, and where they choose to do things.
StubbornEager
Barking Level
The frequency of vocalization, including barking and howling, will vary from breed to breed. Some may bark at each person who passes by and every bird in the sky, while others will typically bark only for a good reason. Additionally, a few breeds that do not typically bark will still be vocal, using different sounds to communicate.
QuietVocal
Energy Level
The level of physical exercise and mental engagement required will depend on the breed. High-energy breeds are always on the go. They are enthusiastic about their next activity and tend to be busy most of the time, running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. In contrast, low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes, content to just lounge around and take naps throughout the day.
Couch PotatoBusybody
Need For Mental Stimulation
The extent of mental stimulation needed to keep a dog content and healthy will vary by breed. Dogs bred for specific purposes may need tasks involving decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. Without sufficient mental exercise, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to engage their minds, resulting in unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and escaping.
Minimal EngagementIntensive Interaction
French Bulldog Health
Like all breeds and mixed breeds, French Bulldogs come with their own specific set of health considerations. Their compact size and unique physical characteristics, such as their flat face (brachycephalic), mean they may encounter certain health concerns more frequently than other breeds.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is around 10 to 12 years. While many dogs will live a full, healthy life, understanding the potential health risks can help in prolonging their lifespan.
Potential Health Risks
French Bulldogs may be predisposed to certain health conditions, including:
Brachycephalic Syndrome: Due to the breed’s short nose and flattened skull shape, some French Bulldogs can have difficulties with breathing, especially in hot or humid conditions.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly. It can lead to arthritis or pain in the hips.
