Dogs: French Bulldog
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Information about the French Bulldog
In fact, the French Bulldog has been preparing for several years to celebrate its centenary in fitting style. Not content with enjoying a resurgence of interest (421 registrations with the French Book of Origins in 1990, 831 last year), it has recently embarked on a remarkable media “ad” campaign: Nicole Lambert of Le Figaro adopted it for Les Triplés; Epson chose it to promote the merits of a photocopier; Xavier Pujade, director of “Plus vite que la musique” on M6, features it in a segment of his show... At the Club, this enthusiasm is a source of concern: “Too many people buy it out of snobbery, because its price—which is not always justified, incidentally—makes it a status symbol,” observes Elyse Waget, the president. “We now have a two-tier population. On the one hand, a minority of very high-quality dogs; on the other, a majority of ersatz Bulldogs. In general, it is clear that selection is not what it should be, both in terms of ‘beauty’ and temperament. Increasingly, we are seeing aggressive dogs. There is a simple reason for this: they were raised in kennels, deprived of affection and human contact. In other words, we must ensure that our little molossoid is not distorted by fashion—especially the brindle, which is the most sought-after.” With this warning issued, let us see who the “victim” is.
Our national “Bouli”—his nickname—was born around 1870 from the union of the toy bulldog, a miniature descendant of the former British fighting dog, and a ratter from the Paris of small trades. A clown and philosopher, the offspring was called the boule-terrier. In the book they devoted to the breed (1), Françoise and Jean-Pierre Girard tell us that he then ruled over the city’s most popular neighborhoods: La Villette, Pantin, Belleville, Les Halles, Beaucourt, and the Marais. He guarded the butcher’s shop, accompanied the greengrocer and the rag-and-bone man, kept the cobbler and carpenter company, sat enthroned on the bench in the bistro, hunted rats in the stables, and sat beside the coachman. The first breeders met in cafés to exchange views, admire their dogs, and compare them. Entirely absorbed in their passion and friendships, they could not imagine that their protégé would soon leave their circle to become the darling of all Paris and the world’s favorite. Yet that was his destiny. The grisettes and demi-mondaines adopted him for his unusual physique, “as unattractive as it was harmonious.” Eccentrics fell for him, to the great delight of caricaturists. The same was true of the wealthy bourgeoisie and nobility. Americans, followed by the English—who called him “Frenchie”—were thrilled by this “made in Paris” novelty and gave him a delirious welcome. In 1898, the year of his official recognition, our Titi, renamed the French Bulldog, had already climbed every rung of the social ladder. And everyone knew that he was different from other dogs.
Is the French Bulldog healthy?
A weak point: spinal problems. “The intervertebral disc, which acts as a shock-absorbing cushion between two vertebrae, first becomes dehydrated, then undergoes chondrification, and finally ossification. Hardened and compressed, it then tends to be expelled outward. This causes compression of the spinal cord, damage to the nervous tissue, and, naturally, pain, initially leading to muscle spasms and then to paresis, which can develop into paralysis.” “This problem must not be taken lightly. A healthy lifestyle and good muscle development will greatly help prevent this condition. The dog must also be prevented from jumping for no reason and from leaping onto chairs...” “On the other hand—and this should be emphasized—the breed is virtually free from hip dysplasia and only rarely affected by patellar luxation.”
How can you groom your French Bulldog quickly and effectively?
For a simpler result, you can use Bain Pro.
For a spectacular result, you can use :
✔️ Pre-bath mask: Bio Energy Plus + Hygro Fluid (oil-based treatment)
✔️ Shampoo: Skincare Pro or Aqua Terme (SLS-free)
✔️ Conditioner: Aqua Dolce & Beauty Rinse
What is the temperament of the French Bulldog?
“The little French Bulldog is a dog, if you like; rather, he is what one might call a person.”
In short, the little French Bulldog is happy only in the company of people. To him, a person means exclusively his owner, male or female. He devotes unwavering affection to them, a genuine passion tinged with jealousy, and cannot stand being left to his own devices. He experiences the slightest exclusion as rejection. One of the first lessons to teach him, therefore, is how to cope with solitude.
As for training, it should be gentle yet firm, and begun as soon as he arrives in your home. “No shouting, no hitting, even mildly—you would only turn him into a rebellious, stubborn, and aggressive dog,” warns Françoise Girard.
Highly responsive, even a raised voice or a slightly sharp tone has an immediate effect. Let it be said: the surest way to engage in dialogue with this four-legged companion, as proud as he is gentle, is to treat him with dignity.
Intelligent and eager to please, calm, he can adapt to any environment as long as he is included in family life. A companion at all times, the French Bulldog is exceptionally perceptive. Colette, once again, observed this. She could not understand by what mystery her dog rushed to the door while she was at her desk and thinking, “I’m going out.” After invoking—and then dismissing—telepathy, she finally realized that it was the “click” of the pen she was closing that alerted her companion!
You should also know that the little Bulldog will have no qualms about pulling the wool over your eyes. A case in point is Bully, owned by Konrad Lorenz, the “father” of ethology. As he grew older, his eyesight deteriorated. One evening, he barked furiously when his owner opened the garden door. Realizing his mistake, he ran to hide in a bush. The next day, the same thing happened. But this time he was putting on an act, continuing to bark at the neighbor’s wall in response to an... imaginary danger!
This anecdote proves, if proof were needed, that our friend is quick-witted. On the other hand, as you might guess, it is not much of an athlete. “Nevertheless, it is capable of joining the children in their games for hours, to such an extent that you will have to stop it before it collapses, completely out of breath.” This does not mean that it is disabled. It enjoys walking and is agile enough to jump onto the kitchen table to steal a slice of ham or bread. But strenuous exercise should be avoided—especially jogging.
As you may know, like all “flat-faced” dogs, the Bulldog has breathing difficulties and is vulnerable to heatstroke. In short, to ensure that summer is not deadly, precautions are essential. First, make sure never to leave it alone in a parked car—even in the shade. Next, avoid driving during the day if your vehicle is not air-conditioned. Finally, prevent it from playing—or, worse, running—during the hottest hours. “Being naturally home-loving, it will not be overly put out, unless it had planned—as a warning to gardeners—to pick strawberries or raspberries, or even harvest figs or plums,” jokes a breeder.
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