French Bulldog

Genetic Predispositions and Health

French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are built heavier in the front of their bodies. As a result, they cannot swim, and should never be left alone near a body of water. As a brachycephalic breed, they are prone to breathing problems and have particular trouble in hot or humid weather. Frenchies are also more sensitive to anesthesia, so this should be discussed before any planned surgery. The breed may have occasional eye conditions such as juvenile cataracts, entropion, and cherry eye. Frenchies may also suffer from autoimmune skin disorders, skin allergies, intervertebral disk disease, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and hemivertebra. Genetic testing for other conditions such as cystinuria (type 3), hereditary cataracts, multifocal retinopathy 1, progressive retinal atrophy, cone-rod dystrophy 4, degenerative myelopathy, and hyperuricosuria can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Personality and Behavior

French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and friendly demeanor. They are generally sociable, adaptable, and excellent companions, especially in small living spaces or for those without a large yard. French Bulldogs tend to be quiet and aren't known to bark excessively. However, they can be quite protective of their families and will alert their owners to strangers or unusual activities. The French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a short head and flat face, a trait they inherited from their English Bulldog ancestors. Due to their brachycephalic nature, they can be prone to overheating and aren't strong swimmers, so care must be taken in hot weather or around water.

Fun Facts

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, consistently ranking in the top 5 breeds according to AKC statistics.

Despite their name, French Bulldogs were actually first popularized in France, but their origins are English.

Unlike most dog breeds, French Bulldogs often require artificial insemination and C-sections to reproduce due to their distinct body structure.

Their distinctive bat ears were almost bred out of them in the early years. American breeders insisted on maintaining the feature, which is now a breed standard.

References

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/ https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_french_bulldog https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/109/ https://www.ukcdogs.com/french-bulldog https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/101g09-en.pdf