In this article, we have compiled a list of 10 exhilarating facts about the French Bulldog.
1. French Bulldogs Are Not Originally From France
If you were to ask anyone where they thought French Bulldogs originally came from, they’d quite easily just say France, seeing as the name gives that away. However, French Bulldogs are actually not from France, at least not originally. Their origin can be traced back to Nottingham, England, where lacemakers got attracted to the toy versions and would often use them as lap warmers. When the lace industry moved to France, lacemakers took the pup with them, and it was there that English Bulldogs mixed with terriers to create what we now know as French Bulldogs. Quite the story, huh?
2. French Bulldogs Do Not Breed Naturally
Another interesting fact about French Bulldogs is they do not breed naturally. To produce after their kind, they require artificial insemination. This is for no other reason than the slimness of their hips, which makes it virtually impossible for the males to mount the females and reproduce naturally. Artificial insemination, coupled with C-section delivery, is often undertaken by breeders, and the French Bulldogs average about 3 puppies per litter.
3. French Bulldogs Cannot Swim
Not only can they not mate and reproduce naturally, but French Bulldogs are also naturally bad at swimming, thanks to their brachycephalic heads, thick muscles, and overall weight. That’s a bummer for let owners who’ve got a pool in their backyards or go on regular beach vacations.
4. French Bulldogs Have Trouble Flying
We mentioned earlier that French Bulldogs cannot swim and would probably feel alone during beach vacations. Well, if you are getting to the beach by air, they probably wouldn’t be able to go with you. Owing to their pushed-in faces and proneness to the brachycephalic respiratory syndrome, French Bulldogs are banned on most airlines because some equally brachycephalic dogs have died in flight. Thankfully, we now have special airlines just for pets where trained officials will be there to look after the Frenchies if they panic or fall sick.
5. French Bulldogs Have Two Styles Of Ears
In the early days, French Bulldogs had rose-shaped ears just like their distant cousins, English Bulldogs. The breeders from England preferred the rose shape, while American breeders wanted the now-popular and unique bat ears. If you are going to get a pet Frenchie in the U.S., you’ll likely get a bat-eared one.
6. French Bulldogs Are Incredibly Famous
French Bulldogs are among the most popular and sought-after dogs in the United States and Europe. Notwithstanding the cost ($3,000-$8,000), they remain in very high demand, thanks to their undeniable cuteness. Another reason why they are so famous is that they are owned by many celebrities and influencers across the world. We are talking Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 2Chainz, and Leo DiCaprio, to mention a few. These celebrities post their French Bulldogs often on social media and even go out with them, and as one would expect, that has contributed hugely to the soar in their popularity.
7. A French Bulldog Was On The Titanic
Yeah, you read that right. The famous Titanic ship that suffered a tragic wreck in the early 1900s had a French Bulldog on board. And just in case you were wondering, the French Bulldog did not make it, and its inability to swim was probably one of the reasons it had no chance of surviving. Other dogs on the luxurious ferry included a Toy Poodle, Fox Terrier, and 9 other dogs, of which only 3 survived. Tragic!
8. French Bulldogs Are Talkative And Sensitive
One of the most noticeable features of French Bulldogs is their talkative nature. They are always trying to say something, and they utilize a variety of sounds, including yawns, gargles, and yaps, among others. They don’t bark much, and one of the few times they bark is to alert their owners of a visitor’s arrival. Besides their talkativeness, French Bulldogs are also very sensitive, and they don’t take very kindly to harsh criticism. Much like humans, their usual reaction to scolding is to mope around the house with their faces conveying hurt and disappointment. They prefer positive and gentle corrections as well as encouragement. Who doesn’t?
9. French Bulldogs Sleep For 14-16 Hours
Besides being very chatty and extremely sensitive, French Bulldogs are also intense sleepers. They sleep for about 14-16 hours daily, which means they spend over 50% of the day sleeping. When they are not sleeping, they are playing, hanging with their owners, or just sitting and observing. Pretty nice life, huh?
10. French Bulldogs Can Be Heavy Shedders
Shedding is common to lots of dogs, animals, and even humans, and French Bulldogs are no different. Owing to the fact that many of them only have a single coat, they do not shed nearly as much as some other dogs like German Shepherds and Chow Chows. However, they may shed heavily during the summer and spring months when they’d often need to shed their winter coats. To manage all that shedding, owners will need to devote time to brushing and grooming their Frenchies at least once a week.
Bonus Facts About French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercises, and overexerting them can lead to breathing problems.The maximum weight limit for a French Bulldog is 28 pounds, and anything beyond that is going dangerously above the limit.French Bulldogs live an average of 10-13 years, and they are deemed fully mature once they turn a year old.
