Nellie the French Bulldog

Today's daily puppy is Nellie the French Bulldog.  Nellie is adorably innocent and proud to be a French Bulldog, despite her breed's rather unattractive physical appearance.

The French Bulldog, in physical appearance, is compact and stocky.  Its head is square in shape with rounded forehead.  The jaw too is square with slight under bite.  The French Bulldog's eyes are prominent in appearance, but set wide apart.  The ears are described as "bat like."  The coat is short and smooth.

Although the French Bulldog may lack in striking appearance, this breed's behavior is simply breathtaking.  The "Frenchie," as is referred to, is well-known for a playful, alert, and affectionate temperament.  They are enthusiastic, but not overly hyper.  They are naturally curious and intelligent.  The Frenchie is most loved for having a sense of humor.  They react well around strange persons and dogs; although if believed to be dominant, the Frenchie can become aggressive in dog packs.  Similar to the Dalmatian (in fact exactly the same), the French Bulldog needs leadership to survive.  Owners must be authoritative to prevent behavioral problems.  Training is essential for the French Bulldog - its owner must be calm but firm, consistent but patient.  Authority is a strong requisite on the part of the owner when their dog misbehaves - affection must not be given as such reward encourages the wrong behavior.  Forever families with children can adopt a French Bulldog, but children must be able to reflect the same leadership as adults.

The temperament health of a Frenchie is relatively clean.  Most avoid potty accidents.  Most do not drool.  The weight of a Frenchie is relatively low - 19 to 22 pounds or 22 to 28 pounds (weight is divided into two classes).  Weight over 28 pounds disqualifies the French Bulldog breed.  French Bulldogs do come with health concerns.  This breed is prone to joint diseases, spinal disorders, heart defects, eye problems, and respiratory problems.  Due to the large head of a puppy, mother dogs often give birth by cesarean section.  French Bulldogs do not fair well in hot weather and are in fact prone to heat stroke.  Overweight dogs may have trouble breathing.  Overfeeding is not recommended.  Due to the extent of leadership and health issues, French Bulldogs are high maintenance and tend to come with extensive vet care.  This needs to be taken into consideration when adopting.  The life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

The French Bulldog requires exercise akin to the Dalmatian - daily walks that train the dog to heel beside or behind the leader, who must be human.  Run and play expends energy.  Some can play for hours because of their higher energy levels.

The French Bulldog is suitable for apartment settings as indoor activity is just as content to burn off energy as a large yard.  Frenchies do not handle living in temperature extremes.

I now believe that Nellie the French Bulldog is adorable physically and in personality.  She, like all other breeds on Puppy Love, is just too much and one to love unconditionally...despite outer appearance.  For more information on the French Bulldog, visit Dog Breed Info at http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/frenchbulldog.htm.