Life Span

10-12 Years

Height

11-13 inches (28-33 cm)

The AKC Standard weight for a French Bulldog is
maximum 28 pounds (12.7 kg).

One of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds,
especially among city dwellers.

Unique characteristics

Their heads are square-shaped and large, with ears that resemble bat ears.

They are very sensitive

and do not take criticism well. When scolded, these dogs tend to withdraw

from the owner and mope around the house.

They are not capable of swimming

due to their bodies being weighted so heavily towards their fronts.

Due to their flat faces, they can not tolerate extreme temperatures (hot or cold)

for this reason, French Bulldogs are strictly indoor dogs.

A few conditions that the French Bulldog Breed can be more prone to that you should be aware of:

• BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) -“Brachycephalic” is a term that translates to “short head.” It’s used to describe all flat-faced breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, and Pekingese. BOAS is caused by a shortened facial structure which causes compression of the tissues at the back of the nose and throat, leading to respiratory issues. This can cause snoring, snorting and even feeding issues in severe cases. These issues can be surgically corrected in most cases. It is important to note that not all Frenchies will have breathing issues, especially those Frenchies with open nares and tracheas and a slightly longer snout.

• Cherry eye is a common French Bulldog eye problem. This issue is the result of the gland inside the third eyelid protruding from the eye socket, which looks like large, red, almost cherry-like lump. If you suspect your dog has cherry eye, seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible because it’s likely that the gland will have to be sewn back into a pocket inside the third eyelid. 

• Skin Allergies and skin fold dermatitis. Skin allergies are usually caused by environmental factors such as pollen and dust mites and food intolerances from things like wheat or substances their skin comes into contact with such as washing liquids. This issue does seem to have some genetic component is some cases. Make sure to ask your breeder if there is any known family history of allergeis when considering adding a French Bulldog to your family. Skin fold dermatitis can occur if wrinkles and folds are not properly cared for and cleaned regularly. This is where the wrinkles become inflamed and sore and without treatment, can also become infected. It is very important to keep skin folds and wrinkles clean and dry to avoid issues with skin irritation, yeast and dermatitis from occurring.

• Ear Infections. Due to the Frenchies open bat ears, germs and debris can enter the ears much easier. This makes them more at risk for ear infections. It’s important to keep a close eye on your Frenchie’s ears, maintain a regular cleaning schedule and keep a lookout for redness, discharge or repetitive scratching of their ears. If you suspect an ear infection, take your dog to the vet because they may require antibiotics.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) - With intervertebral disc disease, the discs that provide cushioning between the back bones become damaged or brittle, making them more likely to bulge, burst or slip, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, inability to urinate or defecate, inability to walk and even paralysis which can be temporary or permanent depending on the severity. If compression of the spinal cord does occur, advanced imaging techniques such as myelography, CT scans, or MRIs are usually required to diagnose it. Mild cases of spinal cord compression can often be treated medically with a combination of medication (steroids and pain medication), crate rest and physical therapy, but severe cases may require surgery.

  Things you can do to help reduce the risk IVDD:

  1.) Delaying spaying and neutering in dogs can significantly reduce risk of developing IVDD. Hormonal regulation plays an important role in a dog’s development, and delaying these procedures can help ensure proper joint formation and prevent joint disorders. Recent studies have shown that delaying spaying or neutering until the dog reaches skeletal and sexual maturity can provide health benefits. It is important to work with your Veterinarian to determine the best timing for a spay or neuter based on the individual dog’s breed, size, health status, and ability to manage an intact dog responsibly.

  2.) Maintain a healthy weight. Regularly monitor your dog’s weight and provide a balanced diet to prevent obesity, which is a significant risk for IVDD.

  3.) Engage in low impact exercise to strengthen muscles and maintain flexibility. Avoid high impact exercise that might strain the spine.

  4.) Proper nutrition and supplementation. Important to provide your dog with a diet rich in nutrients that support bone health like Omegas, Glucosamine and also mushroom supplements that have anti-inflammatory properties.

  5.) Regular vet check-ups to monitor your dog’s health and weight management.

Implementing these preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of IVDD and promote spinal health in your dog. Remember early intervention and proactive care are key to prevent this painful condition.

http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Bulldog’

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/63568/11-charming-facts-about-french-bulldogs

Common French Bulldog Health Problems | Purina UK

How To Prevent Ivdd In Dogs - [Vet Explains Pets]

Dachshund IVDD - all about Back Disease and our UK Screening Programme - Research