French Bulldog
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| French Bulldog | |||||||||
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| File:LouLou Par Esquisse.jpg A brindle and white French Bulldog | |||||||||
| Other names | Bouledogue Français | ||||||||
| Common nicknames | Frenchie | ||||||||
| Origin | France | ||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||
The French Bulldog is a small companion breed of dog. The name indicates that France is the country of origin, but the Americans and British may have played a larger part in development of the breed. The breed is commonly called the Frenchie. Also known as "clowns" and frog dogs.
History and origin
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. French bulldogs were originally bred as ratters, but are now bred as lap dogs and companions. The magazine "Country Life", in the 29 April 1899 takes up the story: "Some five-and-thirty years ago in fact, [i.e. about 1865], the small-sized or light-weight Bulldog was common in this country; so much so that dogs of the breed that scaled over 28lbs were not encouraged at such shows as Birmingham, which was at that period the most important exhibition of its kind in England. Then by some freak of fashion the Toy Bulldog became all the rage in Paris, with the result that the celebrated Bill George, of Canine Castle, Kensal New Town, the most eminent dog dealer of his or any other day, received carte blanche commissions from French customers to procure them light-weight Bulldogs, and by this means England was denuded of all the best specimens"[1].
As the new, smaller bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. One reason for this is that when strolled, the exotic looking dogs brought attention to their owner, and gave potential customers a legitimate reason to chat with her. Another is that the docile breed was content to nap for short stretches when brought to hotel rooms, without making a fuss. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious "French Postcards" bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Français". 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 the Russian royal family posing alongside 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. 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 are an international breed, with breeders of many nations being responsible for the creation of the dogs we know today.
Physical description
French bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, snub nose and solid bone structure. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded at 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, "Frenchies" range in weight 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 subjectively, 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.[2]
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Black brindle - also known as seal brindle - so dark it may appear black, but closer inspection will reveal at least a few lighter colored hairs. -
This color pattern is sometimes referred to as reverse brindle in Frenchies. It refers to the fact that fawn is more predominant than the black brindling.Also frenchbull dogs have very stiff, tall and pointy ears -
Tiger brindle is a term reserved for dogs with a coat pattern comprising a fairly regular pattern of alternating fawn and black stripes, similar in appearance to the coat of a tiger. -
Pale cream French Bulldog. Creams can range in hue from deep amber to rich butterscotch to palest gold. This color is generally considered to be a dilution of fawn, minus the masking gene. -
This color and pattern are referred to as black masked fawn. The base color of the coat can vary in shade from red to tan. The mask refers to the marking pattern on the face. -
This color and pattern are referred to as black masked RED fawn, due to the rich red hues of the fawn base coat. We have seen fawns in all shades, from brick red to honey to lemon yellow. -
This pattern is referred to as brindle pied. Brindled areas - areas where fawn is overlaid with black striping - are interspersed with areas of white coat. Markings can be slight, or predominant. -
![Ticked Pied. Dog has obvious freckled markings among the white areas of the body. Only The Kennel Club (UK) standard specifies 'ticking' as a DQ,[3] but this pattern still tends to be heavily penalized in show rings everywhere.](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/Tickedpied.jpg/120px-Tickedpied.jpg)
Ticked Pied. Dog has obvious freckled markings among the white areas of the body. Only The Kennel Club (UK) standard specifies 'ticking' as a DQ,[3] but this pattern still tends to be heavily penalized in show rings everywhere. -
Red fawn pied French Bulldogs. Paler versions are sometimes referred to as fawn pied, lemon pied or honey pied. -
This color can be referred to as either liver or brown - each is a disqualification within the AKC or FCI breed standards. Dog has NO brindling, and is a uniform reddish - brown, with self pigmented lips, nose, pads,etc. Eyes have a yellowish hue. -
This is referred to as blue, or blue brindle. Brindle markings on this dog have a "grey" hue, and base coat color is a solid blue-grey.
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A Blue Pied French Bulldog. "Blue" Frenchies are a result of the 'd' or dilute gene. In this form, the dilute factor has caused the black hairs to become blue. Pigment on nose and pads is also a greyish blue in color, and eyes are often blue or yellowish gold. -
Blue-Fawn A variation of blue, with coloring being seen most clearly in the masking points on the face. Typically they have green/grey eyes. It is said that they are usually produced by a fawn or red fawn parent.
![Ticked Pied. Dog has obvious freckled markings among the white areas of the body. Only The Kennel Club (UK) standard specifies 'ticking' as a DQ,[3] but this pattern still tends to be heavily penalized in show rings everywhere.](/wiki/File:Tickedpied.jpg)
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 daily walks. Their calm nature makes them excellent choices for apartment dwellers, as does their usually sensible attitude towards barking. As a 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 the dogs' small size can mask how heavy they 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.
Health
There are several congenital diseases and conditions to which French bulldogs are susceptible, although they are still considered among the healthiest of the bull breeds. Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's disease (VWD), a bleeding disorder that is also found in humans and is similar to hemophilia, which can impede their clotting. In conjunction to this, French bulldogs may also suffer from thyroid condition. Many breeders follow a program of testing younger dogs for VWD, and only testing for thyroid at that time if the VWD factor is low. In this program, the breeder tests thyroid again just prior to using the dog for breeding. Other breeders test both VWD and thyroid at the same time.
French bulldogs suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome, which is what creates the flat faced appearance of the Frenchie. As a result, one of the most common defects in French bulldogs is elongated soft palate or cleft palate. Puppies affected with Cleft palate are generally put down at birth, as it is generally considered to be an almost impossible condition to correct. Elongated soft palate can manifest as anything from a mild condition causing labored breathing to severe condition that can cause the affected dog to pass out from moderate exercise.
Frenchies may also have a tendency towards eye issues. Cherry eye, or everted third eyelid, has been known to occur, although it is more common in (English) bulldogs and pug dogs. Glaucoma, retinal fold dysplasia, corneal ulcers and juvenile cataracts are also conditions which have been known to afflict French bulldogs. Screening of prospective breeding candidates through CERF - the Canine Eye Registration Foundation - can help to eliminate instances of these diseases in offpsring. The skin folds under the eyes of the French bulldog must be cleaned regularly and kept dry in order to avoid fold infections. In extremely severe cases of persistent fold infections, some veterinarians have performed fold removal surgeries.
French bulldogs can also suffer from a condition called megaesophagus, a term which collectively describes several esophageal disorders and malformations in any combination from single-to-double or multiple. One of the more serious complications in a dog affected with megaesophagus is passive regurgitation, in which the affected dog vomits up food or phlegm after eating or exercise. Passive regurgitation can frequently result in aspiration pneumonia.
Another result of the compacted airway of the French bulldog is their inability to effectively regulate temperature. While a regular canine may suffer to some degree from the heat, to a Frenchie it may be lethal. It is imperative that they be protected from temperature extremes at all times, and that they always have access to fresh water and shade.
French bulldogs can also suffer from an assortment of back and spinal diseases, most of which are probably related to the fact that they were selectively chosen from the dwarf examples of the bulldog breed. This condition is also referred to as chondrodysplasia. Some breeders feel that only dogs that have been x-rayed and checked for spinal anomalies should be bred from, but this is a difficult position to take sides on. While it is true that no dog affected with a spinal disease should be bred from , there is a great deal of variance in the appearance of a French Bulldog's spine as compared to, for example, a labrador retriever. If possible, such decisions should be left to either a veterinarian or breeder who has seen quite a few bulldog breed spinal x-rays, to avoid eliminating dogs unnecessarily.
French bulldogs frequently require caesarean section to give birth. As well, many French bulldog stud dogs are incapable of naturally breeding, requiring breeders to undertake artificial insemination of bitches (female dogs). French bitches can also suffer from erratic or 'silent' heats, which may be a side effect of thyroid disease or impaired thyroid function.
Thyroid disease may also be responsible for some of the skin conditions which afflict some Frenchies. Skin allergies, obsessive foot licking, and interdigital cysts have been known to affect some French Bulldogs.
In Popular Culture
- In many of the Alex Delaware novels by Jonathan Kellerman, Alex and Robin own a French bulldog named "Spike".
- Grand Duchess Tatiana Romanova of Russia had two French bulldogs, both named Ortipo.
See also
References
Books:
- Muriel Lee. The French Bulldog, Kennel Club Classics, Kennel Club Books, ISBN 1593786808
- Michael Rosser, A. Winsor D.V.M, A Alford, Jane Flowers. Celebrating Frenchies, ARDesign Inc., ISBN 0-9660133-5-2
- Durr-Grebe, Janice. Flat Face Encyclopedia: Bulldogs and French bulldogs, A to Z, ARDesign Inc., ISBN 0-9660133-0-1
- Dannel, Kathy. The French Bulldog: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet, Barron's Educational Series, ISBN 0-7641-3031-5
- Coile, Dr. Caroline. French Bulldogs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual), Howell Book House, ISBN 1-58245-163-X
- McDonald,Joan. The Book of the Bulldog, Neptune, NJ:TFH Publications, ISBN 0-86622-027-5
- Jenkins, Robert. The Story of the Real Bulldog Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications, ISBN 0-7938-0491-4
Magazines and manuals:
- French Bullytin website
24+ years in print. The premier magazine for French Bulldog lovers worldwide.
1134 Grand Avenue
St Paul, MN 55150
- Just Frenchies website
Quarterly breed magazine for French Bulldog fanciers
PO Box 518
Clora Dorsey Road
Trappe, MD 21673
- Viva Les Frenchies website
The Quarterly breed magazine committed to the Frenchie lover in all of us!
PO Box 3300
Annapolis, MD 21403
410.280.1809
External links
Breed Clubs by Country
French Bulldog Rescue
French Bulldog Informational Sites
- Foro Bulldog Francés Spanish forum of the French bulldog
- French Bulldog Z Social Network and Breed Information Site
- ratemybulldog.com #1 Social Network for all bulldog breeds
- French Bulldog Village
- French Bulldog Kingdom
- Comunidad Frenchie En Español
- French Bulldog Links Directory Project
- Brachycephalic Veterinarian Directory
- French Bulldog Pedigree Research Database
- Canine Health Information Center French Bulldog Breed Data
- Italian forum of French Bulldog In Italian