At French Bulldog Paradise we made it our mission to build families worldwide with our French Bulldogs.

We summed up important information you need to know about the Frenchie!

The Frenchie is often called the breed of small, happy, chill dogs. Their heart exceeds their size, as this dog is an amazing, loyal companion.

Frenchies are known for their insatiable desire to hang around people. They are little bundles of joy and great additions to any family they join.

Of course they are known to get protective of their owners sometimes so they may bark at the presence of strangers or anyone unfamiliar. Understandable.

Their protectiveness of their owners comes from the Frenchie´s somewhat self-centered personality. They love to be the center of attention, and particularly dislike it when they aren't.

Therefore, it is much too easy to spoil them, being the small family dogs that they are, getting used to being pampered and adored.

Other than sometimes being protective of their owners, Frenchies are usually fine around strangers.

They are actually pretty social, and open to meet new people. They'll happily approach and cozy up to a new person in the home. The more attention for them, the better! Bien sur!

This breed doesn't have any age limit when it comes to playing. They live happily with people of all ages and are one of the few breeds that can safely coexist with smaller children.

If you love to watch fun behavior, this is your breed! They like to mess around, acting out in all sorts of silly behavior if it means getting attention.

While their mischievous and silly behavior is entertaining, it's good to make sure they know their boundaries. They sometimes can't tell what is acceptable when it comes to how they act, and misbehaving Frenchies are pretty stubborn.

There's widespread awareness of the Frenchie's tendencies to be stubborn. If bad habits are not broken early on in the dog's life, they'll stick. Frenchies need authoritative owners that can be respected by the dog.

If they are interested in something, they won't be too interested in what their owners or anyone else has to say.

Overall, they bring a calming element to the household. They are not very excitable or energetic dogs, but instead another casual addition to the family.

The most energy they'll display will be while playing, but otherwise, this breed is content with being a lapdog. This makes them great dogs for elderly or people living alone.

Because of their size, they can't really harm anything, so they're not too much of a risk factor. It is still recommended that small children be watched when playing with them regardless.

As you might have been able to guess, French Bulldogs are not much in the way of protection.

Their small build and lack of muscles make them unable to deal much damage. Their size also makes them pretty lacking in the intimidation department. This isn't the dog to be guarding you or your family.

They don't make for good watchdogs either. Frenchies aren't a very vocal breed and aren't very loud when they do bark.

While this is good if you or your neighbors are especially sensitive to high volumes, it's not good for alerting for intruders. They are better suited for sleeping in a house than acting sentry for it.

The Ultimate Frenchie Guide

History, Lifespan, Grooming, Training, Personality, Behaviour, Health Advice

If you take one look at these charming bundles of fur it's no surprise why these adorable pups have become so popular. With a playful spirit, love of entertaining,fun temperaments and their small size, the French Bulldog makes the perfect companion.

Here's the scoop on the 4th most popular dog breed in America!

Frenchie History 101

While the French bulldog's origins are murky, most sources trace their roots to English bulldogs. English lace makers took them to France around the mid to late 1800's, where the English bulldogs bred with terriers to create bouledogues français, or French bulldogs.These dogs quickly became extremely popular and fashionable in France!

The original French bulldogs bred in England, France, and later in the United States had rose shaped ears like their larger cousins, the English Bulldog. Rose shaped ears are the floppy, folded ears that are very common in many dogs. However, when you think of today's French Bulldogs you probably cannot help but to call to mind their perky, little bat ears.

In 2017, the French Bulldog became the 4th most registered dog in the US!

Who wouldn´t love these small dogs with big personalities?

French Bulldogs can quickly feel like part of the family. They make amazing playmates for children and loyal companions.

But when it comes to the fun loving Frenchie there is often more than meets the eye:

Basic Info

Adaptable, playful, smart

Size: Small, with most adult dogs weighing between 11-13kg.

Coat: Short hair that is generally smooth and fine.

Exercise: Up to one hour a day

Life span: 10-12 years

Breed group: Descended from the British Toy Bulldog that was taken to France in the 19th century, the French Bulldog is small and stocky with wide-set eyes

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 4 of 197

Behaviour & Personality

French bulldogs are fun & quirky, but also fiercely loyal and so they can be extremely protective of their human companions. Frenchies rarely bark without reason as well, a wonderful trait for a watchdog!

Suitable for families with or without children, they can also get along with cats and other pets if properly introduced. If you're the energetic type, the French bulldog may not be the right fit for your lifestyle! As a result of their flat faces and their calm, cuddly nature the French bulldog is more at home on the couch than he would be out hitting the trails.

But don't let your dog completely fool you! While they may not be made for vigorous exercise, your Frenchie will still love to play and run around.

With an affectionate personality, the French Bulldog can be playful and is both adaptable and smart.

You should be prepared for some hands-on grooming rituals, and your schedule should allow for lots of time spent at home to prevent separation anxiety, which French Bulldogs can be prone to.

They tend to have sensitive feelings which can require some positive reinforcement or encouragement.

Some of the things you shouldn't say to a French bulldog include:

''No more treats''

''Go play with the other dogs''

''Mannerless dog''

''Look at me when I'm speaking to you''

''Meet my cat''

''You're a nice little fat dog''

''Are you even French?''

''Time to go out for a jog''

''Nice bat ears''

Health & Nutrition

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (having been bred to have a short muzzle) and can therefore be prone to certain health conditions. Find out what to look out for when bringing a French Bulldog into your life and how to care for them, including looking after their exercise and grooming needs.

As French Bulldogs have a lower exercise tolerance, it's important to keep an eye on their portions to prevent excessive weight gain. Feed them a high-quality, breed-appropriate food two to three times a day, plus plenty of fresh water, particularly on hot days when they can easily overheat.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is particularly important to avoid the risk of back, spine or hip issues.

Choosing a French Bulldog

When choosing a French Bulldog, it's important to look out for any existing health issues. You can pick up on these by examining their movement, eyes and breathing.

• There should be no signs of limping in a puppy. If you do see gait issues in a dog's leg movement, listen for a clicking noise from their hips, which indicates that they might develop hip problems later in life.
• Squinted eyes, watery eyes or eyes that look glazed over are signs of poor health.
• This breed's tendency towards brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) means that breathing issues can develop later in life, so noticeably laboured breathing isn't a good sign. A resting puppy should be able to comfortably breathe through their nose.
• If you hear a low-pitched respiratory noise (which can sound like gasping) when a French Bulldog is over-excited, this could also point to breathing issues.

Common Health Issues

As a dog owner you will want what's best for your pet's health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, French Bulldogs are prone to certain health conditions.

To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in French Bulldogs:

Respiratory system disorders

As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs are prone to BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome). This health problem is due to a short facial structure that creates a squashing effect of the tissues at the back of the nose and in the throat. Their flattened faces make it hard for them to pant and cool themselves down; in hot weather they can overheat, which can cause health issues.

You can alleviate some of the symptoms by keeping your dog inside on hot days, exercising them moderately and using a harness rather than a collar, which can put extra pressure on their airway.

Eye disorders

Bred to have a flat face, French Bulldogs have eyes that stand prominently on their faces. This means their eyes are more exposed than other dogs' and can be more prone to infection. Another common French Bulldog health issue is 'cherry eye', where eye tissue sticks out of the eye socket. It can affect one or both eyes and will require a trip to the vet.

Skin allergies

The skin is the largest organ of a dog's body and can be affected by a number of disorders. Skin allergies are a common type of skin condition we see are likely to affect French Bulldogs, and these can lead to dermatitis (skin inflammation). Allergies can be caused by many different items, including things that are inhaled (such as pollen or dust mites), items that are eaten (for example, wheat), items that the dog comes into contact with (for example, washing powders), or bites from parasites such as fleas. As allergies cannot be cured, treatment may be required for life, but is usually effective enough to ensure that the dog can enjoy a happy, normal existence.

Ear disorders

Your French Bulldog's distinctive 'bat ears' are a big part of their charm, but they can also represent a common source of health issues. A narrow ear canal combined with a wide-open entry way mean germs and debris can easily get in and cause infection, even with a careful cleaning routine. Look out for redness, discharge or scratching at the ear and seek your vet's help at the earliest opportunity. They'll determine the severity of the infection, prescribing antibiotics or keeping your pet in for observation.

Back spine and neck issues

French Bulldogs are more prone to issues and pain with their spine and neck than other dogs and this can be a result of the way they are bred to develop characteristics such as short back legs and a curly tail. We see a mixture of issues ranging from back pain to slipped discs also known as invertebral disc disease (IVDD). This occurs when the discs between the vertebrae (backbones) become damaged and brittle with age or general wear and tear. This makes the discs prone to rupturing, moving ('slipping') and pressing against the spinal cord itself. Treatment depends on the cause and location of the issue but may include medication, rest and possibly even surgery to help the dog live a comfortable life.

Exercise & Training

French Bulldogs often suffer from breathing issues due to their short muzzles and, as such, you should let them take the lead on the level of exercise while out and about. They should be well trained before you let them off the lead. Let them saunter round the garden, take them on a short walk and provide bursts of play throughout the day - most will happily chase a ball and try to keep up with kids' games - but it's best to take a break if your dog is panting or out of breath. Their short muzzles make it difficult for them to cool themselves by panting, so keep them indoors on very hot days to prevent overheating.

While naturally fun-loving and easy-going, this breed can also be a little wilful, which makes training a French Bulldog puppy very important. Food can be a handy motivator during the early phases but try not to make treats the norm to prevent obesity. No worries, we got you!

Grooming

While French Bulldogs don't shed as much as other breeds, you may still find hair around your home, especially as the summer months approach. You can keep on top of any moulting or shedding with weekly brushing. French Bulldogs can be bathed in water occasionally but be sure to keep shampoo away from their delicate, exposed eyes and to dry each skinfold carefully. As a result of their squat frame and bulbous head, French bulldogs can't swim, so pool owners should keep a watchful eye on their pups. Make sure that if you plan a beach vacation, your furry friend are fitted for an appropriate life vest.

You'll also need to cleanse their ears regularly to help prevent infection.

Fame

Frenchies make plenty of appearances in the tabloids. Many celebrities own French bulldogs including the late Carrie Fisher, Dwayne Johnson, Hilary Duff, Leonardo DiCaprio has one-aptly named Django, Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Jackman's Frenchie is named Dali, after the way the dog's mouth curls like the famous artist's mustache.They strut their pups all over the city. The little lovers do not seem to mind at all. In fact, they seem to love all the attention.

Clearly these dogs can find a home in anyone's heart!