17 Fun French Bulldog Facts to Know!
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French Bulldogs are one of the cutest and most popular breeds of dogs. Their reputation for being gentle dogs is partly why they are in such demand as pets today. With their sweet little faces and happy personalities, French Bulldogs are the perfect pets for people who want a dog that is adorable, playful, and full of life. These dogs are low-maintenance and make great family pets.
French Bulldogs are known for their big personalities, which is why they make great companion animals, and are social animals that love to be around people and other dogs. They also enjoy playing fetch and getting lots of exercise. Here are some fun French bulldog facts that will get you started learning more about this breed!
Top 17 Facts About French Bulldogs
1. They Can’t Swim
French Bulldogs are not able to swim because they have very dense, heavy bodies and short muzzles. Their body shape and build make it difficult for them to keep their head above water and to move quickly through the water. They are also prone to respiratory problems when exposed to cold air or water, so swimming is not recommended for these dogs.
2. Designed to be Our Companions
The French Bulldog breed was created in the 1800s in England as a companion dog. They were bred to be small and have a friendly temperament. French Bulldogs first emerged in the 19th century as a result of selective breeding which aimed to create a small, aesthetically pleasing dog with a loving heart and a smushed face. French Bulldogs quickly rose in popularity and soon became known for their short, wrinkled faces and playful personalities.
3. Not That Intelligent
French Bulldogs are not as intelligent as other breeds of dogs. This is largely due to the fact that they have been bred for centuries to be companions and pets, rather than working animals. Their small size and low energy levels also contribute to their reputation for being not very bright. In his groundbreaking academic work, Stanley Coren ranks French Bulldogs as a lowly 109th out of 132 breeds of dog. He bases this ranking on the dog’s abilities in intelligence, obedience, and agility.
4. Popular Puppers
The French Bulldog has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with dog owners looking for a breed that is both stylish and low-maintenance. These dogs are known for their playful personalities and their adorable bat-like ears. While they do require some exercise, French Bulldogs are generally considered to be a low-maintenance breed. The AKC reports that the French Bulldog has climbed in popularity to the second most popular breed in 2022.
5. Celebrity Owners
The popularity of the French Bulldog breed in recent years, along with its distinctive physical characteristics, has contributed to its vogue among celebrities. A number of high-profile owners, including some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the music industry, have welcomed Frenchies into their homes and hearts. Lady Gaga (Asia, Koji, and Gustav), The Rock (Hobbs), Reese Witherspoon (Minnie Pearl), Hugh Jackman (Dali), Chrissy Teigen and John Legend (Pippa), Jason Priestley (Swifty), and Jeremy Piven (Bubba) are all French Bulldog owners.
6. Someone to Watch Over You
Surprisingly, French Bulldogs make good watchdogs, as they are loyal and protective of their family and property. Even though they are not a yappy breed, they will bark when someone comes to the door. You shouldn’t expect them to be guard dogs, however: their work ends with a little woof of warning.
7. They Are Not French!
The breed of dog known as the French Bulldog is not actually from France, but rather England. They were bred in the early 1800s in Nottinghamshire, England. This descendant of the British Bulldog was brought to France in the late 1800s. The breed became popular in the United States in the early 1900s and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1916.
8. Descended From the Runts of the Litter
During the 19th century, any bulldogs with defects, such as standing ears, or dogs that were considered too small, were sent over to France by English breeders. Over the channel in France, small bulldogs became immensely popular, and a market for these dogs developed.
9. They Haven’t Always Had Bat Ears
Like their larger relative, the English bulldog, French bulldogs originally had rose-shaped ears. The rose shape was more popular among English breeders, but the unique bat ears were more popular among American breeders. As a result of American breeders’ efforts, French bulldogs today are characterized by large, pointed ears.
10. Their Popularity Last Peaked Over a Century Ago
The French bulldog became highly fashionable in American society during the “Gilded Age” among wealthy ladies who had noticed the trend in Paris. It was common for dogs to sell for up to $3,000, and many influential families owned them, including the Rockefellers and J.P. Morgans.
11. There Was a French Bulldog on the Titanic
A champion French bulldog, Gamin de Pycombe, was one of the Titanic’s victims in 1912. It is estimated that in today’s money, Robert Daniel paid almost £13,400 for the Frenchie. There’s even a scene featuring him in the 1997 movie.
12. Brachycephalic Breathing Difficulties
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic animals, meaning they have a shortened skull. This can often lead to health problems due to the excess tissue in the airway. French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory problems and must be carefully monitored in hot weather. This trait can lead to a number of health problems, such as difficulty breathing, overheating, and eye irritation.
13. Frenchies Are Not Hypoallergenic
Despite having short fur, this breed of dog does shed quite a bit, so they are not actually hypoallergenic. As with most pets, it’s important to keep your Frenchie clean and well-groomed, including bathing them about once a week.
14. Floppy Ears at Birth
French Bulldogs are a breed of dog that have floppy ears at birth, but later their ears become pointed. This is because the cartilage in their ears is not fully developed until they are around 2 months old. Some people think that the French Bulldog’s characteristic ears are one of the most charming things about the dog.
15. Watch Out For Obesity
French Bulldogs are particularly prone to obesity, a condition characterized by excessive body fat. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. French Bulldogs should be fed a balanced diet and exercised regularly to help keep them at a healthy weight.
16. Prodigous Flatulence
French Bulldogs are known for their propensity to fart. The cause of this is unknown, but it is speculated that the anatomy of the Frenchie’s digestive system is partially to blame. This flatulence can be quite potent, and often results in an unpleasant odor. While some people may find this amusing, others find it quite distressing. If you are considering getting a French Bulldog, be aware that this is one of their most notorious features!
17. Can’t Breed Naturally
The mutations in the French Bulldog’s genes that cause them to look cute also cause many other health problems that require surgical intervention in order for them to reproduce. French Bulldogs are bred through artificial insemination due to the fact that their hips are too slim for natural breeding. This trait has been cultivated by humans, as it has been deemed aesthetically pleasing. This is why you will often see French Bulldogs being bred through artificial insemination or Caesarean sections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French bulldogs are loving and playful companions that make great pets. French bulldogs are known for their unique physical features, including their small size and distinctive ears. French bulldogs are active dogs and need plenty of exercise, but they also require a relatively low amount of maintenance, which makes them a popular choice for pet owners. They are perfect for people who live in small apartments or homes because they don’t require a lot of space.
If you’re looking for a furry friend to keep you company, a French bulldog may be the right pet for you.
See also:
- Brindle French Bulldog: Info, Pictures, Traits, and Facts
- Grey French Bulldog: Info, Pictures, Traits, & Facts
Featured Image Credit: Firn, Shutterstock
