Interesting facts about French Bulldogs that you might not have known!

French Bulldogs (also known as "Frenchies") are a small breed of dog that look like a miniature version of the popular Bulldog. They're a friendly breed with a gentle nature, which makes them a classic favourite among dog lovers. French Bulldogs are well known for their small faces, which look as if they're smiling, along with large ears, short legs and the barrel-shaped body typical of the Bulldog breed.

These dogs don't just have a captivating look and temperament - they also have an interesting, unusual history, with facts that might surprise you.

Fact 1: French Bulldogs are also known as "frog dogs"

Besides the popular nickname "Frenchie", this breed of dog is also called a "frog dog". They got this name because of their compact build, with large oval eyes, a round, flat face, short legs and a large, round belly that resembles a big frog. The nickname is also used to describe how they sit, since their back legs are tucked away under their round belly. Another common pose that earned them the name is lying on their belly with their back legs splayed out underneath them.

Photo: Mylene2401, Pixabay

Fact 2: French Bulldogs can swim

There's a common misconception that, because the typical Bulldog isn't very efficient in water, French Bulldogs struggle too. You might be surprised to learn, though, that French Bulldogs can actually swim quite well - just not as well as some other dogs. The reason French Bulldogs can struggle with swimming comes down to their body structure. Their heavy bones, flat muzzle, short legs and bulky bellies mean a French Bulldog has to work harder to swim properly.

Fact 3: Frenchies don't bark much

French Bulldogs don't bark as much as other breeds, but they do tend to have a growly, muffled bark that isn't very loud. It can sound like your French Bulldog is huffing and making a gurgling noise, which is usually what their bark sounds like. This makes them great for owners who don't want an overly noisy dog.

That said, French Bulldogs are quite vocal and will make excited noises that can sound like a hum or a nasal whine, which happens when they try to whimper.

Photo: Mylene2401, Pixabay

Fact 4: French Bulldogs are prone to allergies

Owners of French Bulldogs know just how prone this breed is to allergies, whether food-related or environmental. Common symptoms in Frenchies include a runny nose and sluggish breathing, which can make it hard for them to breathe. Their allergies can be triggered by dust, fleas and mites, which is why they need regular flea treatment, as well as regular grooming.

Fact 5: They're an extremely popular breed of dog

In 2019, French Bulldogs shot up the rankings to become one of the most popular dog breeds, even knocking Labradors into second place. Labradors have since reclaimed the number one spot, but French Bulldogs proudly rank in the top five in a number of rankings. Their popularity has also fuelled a boom in French Bulldog breeders, since this breed is in high demand as a pet.

Fact 6: French Bulldogs can't give birth naturally

French Bulldogs can't give birth naturally, the way most dog breeds can, because they have very narrow pelvises. This breed doesn't have the right body structure to carry and deliver a healthy litter of puppies, and a pregnant French Bulldog's health is put at risk during pregnancy, which is why many French Bulldog puppies are born by caesarean section, performed by a vet.

There's a high risk of dystocia and difficult births, which makes pregnancies in this breed high-risk.

Photo: GH Studio, Shutterstock

Fact 7: French Bulldogs don't come from France

Surprisingly, this breed doesn't come from France, despite its name. French Bulldogs originate in England, which makes them an English dog. However, many French breeders were responsible for developing the breed's distinctive look, which is why they're called French Bulldogs, even though France isn't their homeland.

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