Small, bat-eared, friendly and devoted, the French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world for very good reason.
Here, we’ll go through everything you need to know about the adorable Frenchie, plus throw in a few facts that you can entertain your French Bulldog loving pals with too! Let’s dive in…
1. French Bulldogs don’t originate from France
You could be forgiven for assuming that French Bulldogs originated from our neighbours across the channel but French Bulldogs are actually English. Yes, England was the Frenchie’s first home but breeders in France adopted the pup as their own and are responsible for some of their distinctive looks.
2. They’re super popular
French Bulldogs are very popular. In 2019 Frenchies knocked Labradors off the top spot for the first time ever. Trusty Labs have since made a bit of a resurgence and French Bulldogs currently sit in second place according to the UK Kennel Club. Do you agree with the ranking?
3. French Bulldogs come in nine different colours
What colour springs to mind when you think a French Bulldog. Tan? Black? White? There are nine standard French Bulldog colours and they look a little something like this:
- Brindle
- Brindle and white
- Cream
- Fawn
- Fawn and white
- Fawn brindle
- White
- White and brindle
- White and fawn
Interestingly, black bulldogs are very rare.
4. Their ears come in two different shapes
French Bulldogs are known for their adorable upright ears but did you know that their ears actually come in two different shapes? Originally, Frenchies have rose-shaped ears (similar to the ears on an English Bulldog) but American breeders were big fans of the bat ear shape so now your Frenchie could have either or.
5. French Bulldogs only breed through artificial insemination
French Bulldogs don’t breed naturally. The breed has small hips which mean the male dog cannot mount the female so breeders use artificial insemination. It is thought that 80% of the pups are born via caesarean section too.
6. Frenchies need to stay in shape
There’s a strict weight limit for French Bulldogs! These little balls of love are very happy to eat and very happy to lounge about all day so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight. Male dogs should weigh between 9-13kgs and female pups 8-12kgs.
7. They’re hard workers
Surprised to hear that French Bulldogs are hard workers? Well, back in the 1900s lace workers used these small pups to act as lapwarmers. Yep, Frenchies have been working hard at keeping us warm for centuries!
8. French Bulldogs make the best baby sitters
French Bulldogs LOVE children. As well as being playful, calm and easy to train, these small pups could be a great breed to bring into your home if you have children.
9. A Frenchie was on the Titanic!
Here’s an interesting fact to tell your French Bulldog loving pals - a Frenchie made it onto the Titanic. It wasn’t any old Frenchie either. Robert W. Daniel took his prize-winning dog on board. The pup was thought to have cost Daniel around $20,000 dollars in today’s money and while Daniel made it to safely, his pup sadly didn’t.
10. French Bulldogs are great actors
Which would you say is the starriest dog? Yes, Golden Retrievers and St. Bernards may go down in movie history but French Bulldogs can give these glamorous breeds a run for their money. Frenchies have starred in: “From Hell”, “Due Date” and “Titanic” to name but a few.
11. They’re dogs to the rich and famous
Not only are they stars of the screen, they're dogs of the rich and famous too. Here are just a handful of celebs who own and love Frenchies:
- David and Victoria Beckham
- Hugh Jackman
- Lady Gaga
- Leonard DiCaprio
- Yves Saint Laurent
12. French Bulldogs fart. A lot.
If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t smell at all then Frenchies are not the breed for you (in fact, maybe you should get a cat!). French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed and their flat faces and short noses affect how they eat their food. They also have delicate stomachs which mean they emit a number of gasses that aren’t necessarily fragrant.
13. These foods make Frenchie’s farts worse...
Want to keep your Frenchie’s farts to a minimum, here are the foods to avoid:
- Dairy – your Frenchie may gobble up the cheesy treats you give them but it won’t do their intestines any favours!
- Low-quality dog foods – Avoid giving your pup cheap or low-quality dog foods. Cheaper dog food brands tend to be full of carbohydrates which can ferment in the stomach and lead to excess wind.
- Table scraps – we know, we know, it’s hard to resist but giving your pup rich scraps from your plate can cause havoc with their tummies.
- Beans and veggies – beans are known for causing flatulence because they can be hard to digest. Keep your dog away from beans, broccoli and cabbage.
14. They’ve perfected the frog pose
Is it a bird? Is it a frog? No, it’s French Bulldog perfecting that distinctive frog pose. Frenchies just love to lie on their stomach with their splayed behind them. Adorable.
15. Frenchies really don’t like criticism
It’s a good idea not to shout at your French Bulldog as they are notoriously sensitive. Yep, raise your voice when Fido tears a toilet roll apart and you could be faced with a moping dog for the next week! If possible, aim to use positive reinforcement for training your Frenchie.
So, there you have it, 15 French Bulldog facts. Which did you know already and which are you going to tell your fellow dog-loving pals next time you see them?
