French Bulldog

The French Bulldog (French: Bouledogue Français) is a breed of companion dog or toy dog. It is muscular and small, with a large, square-shaped head, a flat face and upright ears that look like a bat's. The coat is soft, loose, short and fine, and forms wrinkles on the skin.

Under the American Kennel Club standard the weight is a maximum of about 13 kg (28 lb). The American Kennel Club standard approves dark eyes, almost black. Accepted colours are shades of brindle, fawn (from light through to red), cream, or white with brindle patches, known as pied. Brindle is the most common colour, then fawn, with pied less common.

French Bulldogs are commonly kept as pets, and are among the most frequently registered dogs in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States.

The breed appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, apparently from crossing Toy Bulldogs imported from England with local Parisian ratters. In England, bulldogs were bred for purposes other than blood sports such as bull-baiting, which was banned in 1835, and by the middle of the century there were miniature bulldogs weighing around 7-11 kg.

Lace workers from Nottingham, displaced by the Industrial Revolution, settled in Normandy and brought Toy Bulldogs with them. The little dogs grew so popular that a trade in them began, and by 1860 few Toy Bulldogs were left in England. The name Bouledogue Français is a French version of the English name, and combines boule ('ball') and dogue ('mastiff'). Terrier stock was brought in as the type developed, giving traits such as the long straight ears.

The dogs were fashionable with society ladies, artists, writers and fashion designers. Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec are thought to have included them in paintings.

Americans had been importing French Bulldogs for some time, but from 1885 they were brought over to set up a breeding programme, and they were shown at Westminster in 1896. American breeders favoured the erect bat ear. French Bulldogs reached England in 1893. The Kennel Club first counted them as a type of Bulldog, then recognised them separately in 1905 as the Bouledogue Français, and in 1912 as the French Bulldog.

The breed began as a fashionable companion, and that is still its role today. French Bulldogs are commonly kept as pets, and in the United States the breed rose sharply in popularity, from 54th place with the American Kennel Club in 2003 to 10th in 2013.

Their flat faces affect how they cope with heat, because they struggle to cool down effectively by panting.

French Bulldogs are susceptible to a number of health problems linked to their flat faces and skin wrinkles. A UK study of 43 common conditions found significantly higher prevalence for 20 of them. Stenotic nares occurred at 42 times the rate in the general dog population, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome at 30 times, aural discharge at 14 times, skin fold dermatitis at 11 times and dystocia (difficult birth) at 9 times.

In a 2013 UK study of 2,228 French Bulldogs under veterinary care, 72.4% had at least one recorded health issue. Skin problems were the most common group (17.9%), and the commonest single disorders were ear infections, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis.

Brachycephaly can deform the upper airway and obstruct breathing. It is also linked to overheating, risks under anaesthesia and other problems. Several commercial airlines ban the breed because of deaths in the air.

Other conditions include spinal problems such as hemivertebrae, thoracic vertebral malformations and disc herniation, kneecap luxation, demodicosis, hereditary cataracts and skin allergies. Over 80% of litters are delivered by Caesarean section.

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.8 years, against 12.7 for purebreds and 12 for crossbreeds.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

What is a French Bulldog?

It is a French breed of companion or toy dog, small and muscular with a flat face and bat-like ears. It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century.

How long do French Bulldogs live?

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.8 years. A Japanese study found 10.2 years, and the average for all dogs in one UK study was 11.23 years.

Is the French Bulldog popular in the UK?

Yes. In 2020 it was the second-most registered dog in the United Kingdom. In 2019 there were 33,661 registered.

Why do French Bulldogs have breathing problems?

Their shortened snout and pushed-in face is called brachycephaly. It can deform the upper airway and obstruct breathing.

What colours can a French Bulldog be?

Breed clubs accept shades of brindle, fawn, cream, and white with brindle patches (pied). Brindle is the most common.

The name Bouledogue Français combines boule ('ball') and dogue ('mastiff').

By 1860 so many small Bulldogs had gone to France that few were left in England.

In the early twentieth century, French Bulldogs in America were owned by families such as the Rockefellers and J. P. Morgans, and some changed hands for up to $3,000.

In 2023 the French Bulldog overtook the Labrador as the American Kennel Club's most popular breed, ending the Labrador's 31 years at the top.