History: It is generally considered that the French Bulldog began as a sort of toy Bulldog, a scaled-down version of the English Bulldog. It was kept by lacemakers in England. During the 1860s, these artisans were forced to leave England for France after being deprived of their livelihood by the industrialization of lace making. Their little dogs, of course, went with them to France. As the dogs gained popularity there, they became known as the French Bulldog. At this point, the Frenchie had either rose ears or bat ears, this issue had not been settled. American devotees are responsible for establishing the bat ear as the breed standard.

Temperament: The French Bulldog is probably one of the most pleasant dogs in existence. It bonds extremely strongly with its family and requires a lot of attention. However, it gives at least as much affection as it gets, so is a joy around the house. The Frenchie is extremely intelligent and has a true sense of humor. It is kind, tolerant, and loving with children. The French Bull dog has strong protective instincts and considers it an honor to protect those it loves. The Frenchie is a bit of a clown and will entertain the family with its antics. It should be pointed out, though, that the French Bull dog can be very jealous if attention is given to another pet.

Health Issues: As with all dogs, the French Bulldog is heir to several health conditions and congenital diseases. Von Willebrand’s Disease, a type of hemophilia, can be carried by this dog. A Frenchie should be tested before surgery to see if it has this condition. As the French Bull dog has such a flat face, it can suffer from breathing problems such as snoring. It is also intolerant of heat and must be kept cool to prevent heat stroke.

Grooming: The French Bulldog requires only a weekly grooming and plenty of petting to keep its coat in good condition. The facial wrinkles should be wiped regularly to prevent infection. The nails should be kept short and the ear passages clean.

Living Conditions: The French Bulldog is strictly an indoor dog. It cannot stand extreme heat or cold and cannot live outside. More importantly, the French Bull dog needs to be around the people it loves. The Frenchie wants to interact with the family and will suffer if deprived of this. The Frenchie is happy living in an apartment, and requires on a daily walk to remain fit.

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