You only need to peek at social media to understand why Frenchies are America’s new dog in demand! From selfies with celebrities to playing at the dog park, French bulldogs have exploded onto the scene for good reason. These adorable dogs are compact in size and sociable, and they don’t need a great deal of exercise or grooming. Despite the pros of sharing your life with a Frenchie, this breed has problems that can’t be ignored. To understand why they’re so popular, let’s delve into a few interesting Frenchie facts.
Frenchies Beat Labrador Retrievers as the Top Dog Breed
It might be hard to believe, but French bulldogs have knocked the loyal Labrador off the top spot as a family pet. After more than 30 years, according to the American Kennel Club, the Frenchie has officially become the dog of choice for single pet owners and families. While retrievers are dependable, they’re large dogs with high energy levels that need a job. Think about the sweet yet rambunctious Labrador puppy in the movie, Marley and Me, and you’ll understand what I’m talking about!
Frenchies, on the other hand, make great watchdogs, and they have moderate exercise needs. Give these small dogs chew and tug toys, and they’ll entertain themselves. They do well with a daily walk of around 30 to 40 minutes to keep them stimulated. Even though they don’t require hours of activity, sticking to a schedule for walk-time keeps them at a healthy weight and out of mischief. They’re adaptable, small-sized, and have a bright and friendly personality, making them easy to train. It’s not hard to see why the French bulldog has become the most popular dog.
How Frenchies Became Part of Popular Culture
To understand why French bulldogs are so popular, we’ve got to learn about their history. French Bulldogs were bred in England and France in the 1800s as a working breed. They attracted artists and royalty during this period. The artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, was the first to sketch a French bulldog called “Bouboule.” He belonged to a famous European bar owner by the name of Madame Palmyre in 1897.
Over time, images of Palmyre and her dog grew in popularity, drawing attention to the terrier. These dogs eventually appeared alongside King Edward VII and his wife and the Russian royal family. This big-eyed breed was favored for their loving personalities and regal appearance and was associated with refinement and wealth. Fast forward to the 21st century, where today’s Frenchies are adored by well-known actors and actresses including Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, and Leonardo DiCaprio. One could safely say that some of these terriers have become just as famous as their celebrity owners.
French Bulldogs Can Adapt to Different Environments
Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, French bulldogs are an excellent choice of pet. Frenchies are so popular because they make great apartment dogs. They still need to be exercised and get enough outdoor playtime to prevent boredom. But with the right balance of activity and an indoor lifestyle, they can easily adapt. The bat-eared terrier is a good travel buddy due to their small size and friendly temperament, but they must be socialized. As with any other breed, socialization, and discipline can help your Frenchie become a well-adjusted dog that is confident and eager to go places.
Frenchies are Loving and Full of Personality
The French Bulldog's loving and gentle personality has stolen dog lovers' hearts, and it’s why they’re such a popular family pet. Whether you’re a single pet owner or you’re looking for a pooch to become part of your household, Frenchies are a great choice. These terriers have a playful and sweet nature, making them good with children.
They’re intelligent dogs, and they enjoy learning new tricks because it keeps them interested. Forget about agility training because of their stockiness and tendency to get bored. These little bulldogs enjoy company, but they’re also independent and have their own personalities. This makes them a little stubborn, but very entertaining to watch, especially when playing with their favorite toys.
French Bulldogs Have a Distinct Appearance
The wide-eyed terrier with pointy ears is the world’s most sought-after dog because of their appearance! Their large and soft eyes, paired with their flat muzzles, give them a unique look, which attracted the attention of prominent historical figures. Some argue that the small noses and wrinkly mouths of Frenchies express human emotions. The next time you see a very happy French bulldog, look at their facial expression, and you’ll think they’re actually smiling! Another characteristic that many people love about the French bulldog is their short coat. These terriers aren’t high-maintenance dogs to groom and will benefit from a weekly brush and monthly bath. Be sure to check their ears for signs of irritation, as they’re prone to ear infections.
Something to Think About Before Adopting a Frenchie
While their wrinkly, flat faces and easy-going nature have contributed to their popularity as a breed, French Bulldogs have chronic health problems. It’s something that must be considered when choosing a dog so that you’re prepared for their potential medical issues. Frenchies struggle with respiratory problems, including snorting and panting, due to their short muzzles and small nostrils. They develop eye problems such as dry eyes and cherry eyes,and they’re also at risk of dermatitis.
There’s no doubt that French Bulldogs are cute and they have spectacular personalities, which are two of the reasons they’re America’s favorite breed of dog. Their history of royalty, along with their fast-growing social media presence, has put Frenchies on the map. Their playfulness, coat colors, and easy-going temperament continue to impress, and it looks like they’ll be holding onto that top-dog spot for quite some time.
