Features of a French Bulldog
Are you interested in adding a small dog to your household? If so, consider a French Bulldog also known as a Frenchie. These small dogs are known for their playfulness as well as their sharp intelligence. If you like the idea of having a small dog that’s loyal and adaptable, then take a look at some facts about this unique breed.
The Size of a French Bulldog
This energetic dog stands about 11 to 13 inches tall. An adult dog usually weighs between 16 and 28 pounds. The size of this dog makes it a great addition to smaller households. In fact, it’s a popular dog with people who live in apartments because they don’t need a lot of room and will quickly adapt to the space they have.
This dog has strong, short legs and bat-like ears. It has a large head with a short nose featuring a collection of furry wrinkles that all bulldogs are known for.
A Variety of Colors
French Bulldogs come with many different coat colors and patterns. These colors include brindle which is a dark brown coat with splashes of tan throughout. Another coat color is fawn which is tan with a white chest and black on its face. Some Frenchies are pure white.
There are other coat colors for this dog that are more rare. One of those is blue. The dark color of the coat looks like a dark blue as opposed to black. Incidentally, a dog with a coat of this color has a genetic condition called Color Dilution Alopecia. Another rare coat color is cream which is really a lighter version of fawn. A chocolate brindle Frenchie has a dark brown coat, white chest and blue eyes. Most Frenchies have brown eyes. Sable, Blue sable and black are other less common fur colors for this breed. As a note, Frenchies with coats in a rare color can suffer more health issues than dogs with a coat in a more common color.
Temperament of a Frenchie
These dogs are affectionate, smart and curious. They are alert, aware and love to play. They need a moderate amount of exercise so a short walk would be appropriate each day. They have short legs as well as a short stride, so jogging or running with this breed of dog is not a good idea. A Frenchie loves nothing more than to jump up in its owner’s lap to snuggle.
Though this dog is loyal to its owner, there are a few other factors to keep in mind. For one, sometimes Frenchies don’t pair well with young children. This may be because these dogs are small, and they’re worried about being fallen on or hurt by unsteady young kids. Of course, each dog is different so a trial period would be a good idea to see if a particular dog is at ease around young children. Another thing to consider is not all Frenchies get along well with cats. So, if you have a cat in your household, you may want to take some extra time to consider the choice of a French bulldog.
Possible Health Issues
Because of its flat nose this breed is prone to respiratory issues. If you’ve ever been near this breed of dog, you know its breathing can be very noisy. This dog doesn’t do well in humid weather or a hot climate because it’s hard for the dog to take in big breaths. It can overheat fairly easily. This breed is also prone to eye issues such as juvenile cataracts and cherry eye. Obesity can be an issue if it’s not given a proper diet and a short daily walk. While these dogs aren’t extremely high maintenance it is important to consider the special care they may require.
One safety concern related to French Bulldogs is they can’t swim. So, if you have a swimming pool or perhaps a lake nearby, it’s best to factor that into your decision.
More Facts about Frenchies
These dogs are sometimes called frog dogs. This is because many of them like to push their back legs out behind them until they are flat on the floor. This pose is even more evidence of a Frenchie’s playful personality.
When it comes to a grooming routine, these dogs are low maintenance. Their short coat needs to be brushed just once per week to get rid of loose hairs. Some owners use a grooming mitt instead of a brush which can be very relaxing for a dog. In addition, a Frenchie’s nails need to be trimmed about every month.
These dogs don’t do much barking but are known for making lots of other noises. They howl, grunt and snort. In short, these dogs have a variety of creative ways to convey their strong emotions.
