HISTORY
In the latter part of the 19th Century, the lacemakers of Nottingham, England, began selectively breeding a smaller bulldog as a lap pet. Bringing the miniature bulldogs to the U.S. in 1897, the French Bull Dog Club of America was formed, the first club in the world dedicated exclusively to the welfare of this wonderful breed.

BREED STANDARD
The AKC Breed Standard describes “an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. Expression alert, curious and interested.”

HEALTH CARE AND CONCERNS
Find a good veterinarian and provide your Frenchie with regular checkups, routine vaccinations, tests for intestinal parasites, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick control. As a short-faced and dwarf breed, French Bulldogs have some health concerns that you should be aware of. The short face makes their breathing less efficient than that of long-nosed breeds. Frenchies have less tolerance of heat, exercise, and stress. All of which increase their need to breathe. Keep your Frenchie cool in warm weather, and avoid strenuous exercise.

GENERAL CARE
French Bulldogs don’t require a lot of grooming or exercise (though they need daily exercise to keep in shape), and generally do well in small living quarters. While a few can swim, most cannot, and must never be left unattended around water. In warm climates, air conditioning in the house and car are a must! Indestructible dog toys are best, as those powerful Frenchie jaws can destroy less durable ones; and rawhide type chews should not be used because when they soften they can become lodged in a Frenchie’s throat. Occasional brushing keeps the coat shiny, and regular nail trimming is a must since
Frenchies don’t usually wear their nails down by running. Regular cleaning of the ears and of the deep facial folds will prevent these sensitive areas from becoming irritated.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING
This should be done when your pet is about 6 months of age, before it is sexually mature. This will eliminate the chance of an accidental breeding, reduce or eliminate the chance of certain types of cancers, and will make a better pet.