The 2nd Ranked French Bulldog Is Smart And Affectionate
The French Bulldog ranks 2nd as the AKC’s most popular dog breed in the United States for 2020, 2021, and 2022. For many years the most popular list had been dominated by the big three, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and the German Shepherds.
From whence do French bulldogs come?
If it’s named “French Bulldog,” it must be from France, right? Well, maybe yes, maybe no. It seems that back in the 1800s in England, before the industrial revolution, women in lace factories (particularly in Nottingham) warmed their laps with a small dog. Many of these dogs were miniature or toy bulldogs.
When jobs in lace factories began to dry up, many of the displaced lace workers immigrated to Normandy, where lace-makers were still in demand. They took their miniature bulldogs with them. The small dogs became popular with the Paris ladies who worked in the pleasure industry. Walking with a small bulldog on a leash was a good way to attract customers.
With some helpful crossbreeding with local French dogs, the miniature bulldogs became recognized as a separate breed and became very popular in France. Voila, the French Bulldog.
French Bulldogs Appearance
The French Bulldog (Frenchie) is a small dog, standing about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighing under 28 pounds. One of its distinctive features is its erect bat-like ears. Another bulldog look-alike, the Boston Terrier, also has erect ears. The English bulldog’s ears, on the other hand, droop. The average English bulldog weighs about twice as much as a French bulldog.

The Frenchie’s hair is short and straight. The Frenchie does not shed profusely, but enough so that it is not a hypoallergenic dog. If you are allergic to dogs, you might not want to get a French Bulldog.
The Frenchie’s coat comes in several colors, the most common including brindle, cream, white, and black. They usually come in a combination of these colors and piebald.
The Frenchie’s tail is naturally short to almost non-existent. Its tail, hat there is, many hang straight dog, be stumpy, or look somewhat screwed and stumpy.
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The French Bulldog, the Bulldog, and the Boston Terrier are modern dog breeds in the United States, ranking 4, 5, and 21, respectively, according to the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2019 listing. Amazingly, the Labrador Retriever is still the most popular dog in the US and has been at the top of the list for 29 years!
Are they aggressive?
French Bulldogs, properly socialized, are calm and affectionate. They are generally not aggressive if adequately socialized. However, they can act out against other dogs or animals if they are mistreated or neglected. Like most dogs, they can also be aggressive. If a French Bu dog is aggressive, it is almost certainly the fault of a human.
Are French Bulldogs Expensive?
Being expensive, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And the amount f money you have in your wallet. Purebred dogs wi be costly for most of us. Expect to pay, on average, about $2,000 for a French Bulldog puppy. You might need to shell out $5,000 or more if you want a dog with an impressive pedigree.
Adopting a rescue dog may be an alternative way to get a Frenchie. Adoption is a good d noble thing to do, but rescue dogs may have some problems. Sometimes, rescue dogs have been abused or have medical issues, and they will most likely be older dogs.
Are French Bulldogs smart?
French Bulldogs are ranked number 58 (out of 79) in Stanley Coren’s book, “The Intelligence of Dogs,” which puts them below average in dog smartness. That means they need more time and repetition to learn stuff than other dog breeds.
However, owners of Frenchies will probably say that their dogs are smart but sometimes just a bit stubborn with a mind of their own. They can be trained if they want to be trained.
Are French Bulldogs Good With Kids?
Frenchies are small dogs, but they are not fragile. They can enjoy rigorous ay but not mistreatment. French Bulldogs are very good with children as long as the child treats them with kindness and respect.
Frenchies are companion dogs, so they need human companionship and do not like being left alone for long periods. Your Frenchie will want t to be where you are, especially if that means cuddling on the couch.
Are French Bulldogs Good Watchdogs?
Frenchies do not bark much compared to other small dog breeds, but they will let you know when they detect a stranger like the UPS delivery guy. They may become territorial and protective, but they are not aggressive, so don’t expect them to attack the bad guys.
Frenchies Are Popular With Celebrities
The Frenchie has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and now ranks number 4 by the AKC. Famous people who own or own Frenchies include Lady Gaga, Martha Stewart, Eva Longoria, Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, and many others.
Get More Information on French Bulldogs
For more information on the French Bulldog, visit the websites of the American Kennel Club and the French Bulldog Club of America.
Bulldogs
Breed | Country | |
---|---|---|
![]() | English Bulldog Height (inches): 14-15 Weight (Pounds): 40-50 Life Expectancy (Years): 8-10 Popularity (AKC): 5 Group (AKC): Non-Sporting | United Kingdom |
![]() | American Bulldog Height (inches): 20-25 Weight (Pounds): 60-100 Life Expectancy (Years): 10-12 Popularity (AKC): Not ranked Group (AKC): Foundation Stock Services | United States |
![]() | French Bulldog Height (inches): 11-13 Weight (Pounds): under 28 Life Expectancy (Years): 10-12 Popularity (AKC): 4 Group (AKC): Non-Sporting | France |
![]() | Bull Terrier Height (inches): 21-22 Weight (Pounds): 50-70 Life Expectancy (Years): 12-13 Popularity (AKC): 62 Group (AKC): Terrier | United Kingdom |
![]() | Boston Terrier Height (inches): 15-17 Weight (Pounds): 12-25 Life Expectancy (Years): 11-13 Popularity (AKC): 21 Group (AKC): Non-Sporting | United States |
![]() | Miniature Bull Terrier Height (inches): 10-14 Weight (Pounds): 18-28 Life Expectancy (Years): 11-13 Popularity (AKC): 110 Group (AKC): Terrier | United Kingdom |