The beloved and well-known French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is a downright adorable dog. They’re quite popular as pets thanks to their playful and loving personalities. Here are ten adorable fun facts about these sweet little pups to brighten your day.
Not French
Despite their name, French Bulldogs probably aren’t French. The breed originates from England, just like the English Bulldog, their closest cousins. They emerged in the 19th Century in England and were imported to France where their popularity catapulted them to international fame.
Not Swimmers
Most dogs can swim with varying degrees of success. However, you shouldn’t expect your Frenchie to just hop into the water. In fact, most Frenchies just can’t swim, full stop. This is related to their short limbs and narrow breathing passages. It’s best to keep them away from the pool!
Watch the Eyes
Frenchies can develop eye problems, like diseases and infections, somewhat easily. Unfortunately, their narrow gene pool means that this inherited trait is just very common among members of the breed. If you have a Frenchie, be vigilant about their eyes and make sure to visit the vet often.
Watch the Diet
Be mindful of a French Bulldog’s diet. These sweet little guys are prone to overeating and can become obese somewhat quickly. Make sure they get enough exercise to balance out whatever they’re eating! Remember, they don’t need as much food as bigger dogs, either.
Vocalization
While they don’t bark often, Frenchies are quite talkative. Owners will tell you that their dogs constantly grumble, whine, grunt, and otherwise make their opinion known. That might sound a bit annoying, but trust us when we tell you it’s quite endearing.
Flat Faces
Like many bulldogs and pugs, French Bulldogs have very flat faces. This is part of their charm, but it does lead to some serious medical issues. Be aware that your Frenchie might not be able to keep up with other dogs during playtime due to their difficulty breathing through their short air passageways.
Clever
Frenchies are extremely bright dogs. They can learn tricks quickly and they’re eager to please their owners. This also means they need a lot of mental stimulation to not get bored. Make sure you provide them with plenty of toys and playtime to keep them from tearing up your furniture!
Celebrity Pup
Perhaps owing to their adorable faces, small size, and laid-back personalities, French Bulldogs are very popular — even among celebrities. Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, Martha Stewart, Leo DiCaprio, and Reese Witherspoon have all owned Frenchies at various points in their careers.
Read More: The Ten Most Famous Dogs on the Internet
No Planes, Please
Frenchies aforementioned short faces and narrow airways make them uniquely poorly suited to flying in a plane. Don’t let your Frenchie go in the cargo hold of a plane: the low oxygen levels can cause them serious medical problems. If you have to bring your French Bulldog on a plane, make sure they ride in the cabin with you.
Read More: 10 Best Dog Breeds for People Who Travel
Apartment Dog
Between their small stature, lack of barking, and clever personalities, Frenchies make ideal apartment dogs. They’re cheerful lapdogs who just love spending time with their owners and won’t suffer from getting only small bursts of exercise. Consider adopting a Frenchie if you’re looking for a canine companion!
Read More: Which Dog Breed is Right for Your Family’s Lifestyle?
