IS A FRENCH BULLDOG FOR YOU?
 

MODERATE SIZE, APPEARANCE, DAILY HABITS, DISPOSITION MAKE THE FBD

IDEAL PET

Size   basically two types - a smaller 16-21 lb cute type  vs. a larger, beefy  type in the 22-28 lb. range for American-bred models.  The larger-boned but medium sized French bulldog is my own preference so that is what I breed in my program.  For households with children, I think this is a more practical companion pet than the more fragile and smaller type. 

GROOMING  needs very minimal since shedding is light and mostly seasonal, doggie odor is close to non-existent.  Check-out my "TIPS" for maintenance to be added to this section in the near future.
HABITS  include very cute play behavior unique to French bulldogs. When he plays, he really plays hard; but he also is a lazy type that likes to nap and snooze several times a day.  Most Frenchies have less prey drive than other breeds and seldom bark.  There is an occasional "watchdog" that is alert and warns of encroachment into the family's territory.   Frenchies like to romp with children, snuggle with their owners,  and greet visitors at the door or when taking their neighborhood walk.  They like to sit under the computer with their body lightly touching your ankle. Some give an occasional "angel's kiss" to your shin or foot just to let you know they care very much for you.   Most are very amiable types that love everybody. They enjoy other breeds of dogs of all sizes and shapes.  There is always an occasional exception to every generalization - I would avoid the foreign-bred or alpha types for a family pet. Boys tend to be clownlike babies for life, whereas, the females tend to be the more dominant of this breed.  If purchasing a Frenchie, please express your needs and ideals to the breeder because Frenchies are all unique. A knowledgeable, caring breeder would not mismatch a puppy with the wrong type of family or home. 
DISPOSITION of an AKC French Bulldog is described as "Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions."    The standard also describes the Frenchie fur as being affectionate, even tempered, active, alert, and playful but not unduly boisterous.  Not all breeders focus on temperament in their breeding program. It is hereditary.  Disposition is also developed by the manner in which a Breeder handles the puppies at a young age and the stimulation they receive from their environment at different stages of their development.   Much effort and skill work together to develop the ideal French bulldog.      Not all countries nor canine registeries have the same written standard for the breeds as the American Kennel Club.  The Frenchie's demeanor and expression, particularly the large, soft rounded eyes should be congruent with the disposition and purpose for which they were bred -- the ideal companion dog.

INTELLIGENCE  is evaluated in human beings by their inherent communication abilities.  There may be a different standard of evaluation for working, herding, or sporting breeds of canines. However, in the area of communication, the French bulldog is probably unequaled.  As a special teacher with experience  in psychological testing and  intelligence evaluation of  children, I have concluded the French bulldog is equivalent with a 4 to 5 year old child.  It is a sensitive creature that seems to understand by human body language and  what its masters are feeling and experiencing. Some of the Fancibuls have made gutteral sounds in their throats as they tried to verbally communicate with us.  Frenchies adapt to the environment and cues they get from people in their environment.   This breed is extremely loyal and devoted. This is why they are a "comfortable companion".  Although many are independent and stubborn by nature,  they thrive on attention, delight in seeing their owner's excited responses, do anything for a pat or praise,  so it is easy to socialize a French bulldog, including housebreaking.  They don't like to be "dirty" nor dwell in untidy quarters,  so it is natural for them to learn appropriate household behaviors....all one has to do is encourage their natural inclination to be the ideal household pet with consistency in training.    Being a curious and somewhat unafraid type, it is good for owners to prevent accidents and take puppies to a "preschool". Most towns have some type of puppy obedience classes available for very nominal fees.  In a few short weeks, owners and their Frenchies have learned together.  I must brag at this point that our FANCIBULS always make the highest scores in their puppyclasses.  Owners that take their Fancibul puppies for puppyclasses make me VERY PROUD!  I know their future is more secure.

Selecting a Breeder

Please do research on any alleged breeder if you are searching for a French bulldog.  AKC has a list of appropriate questions. Visit www.akc.org.

INTERVIEWING A BREEDER:

1.  Ask if they do any health clearances on the adults in their breeding program.

2.  Ask a breeder for a reference, perhaps an owner of one of their dogs or their vet

3.  View pedigrees.  Ask to see sire and dam or their photos. Check birthdate on Litter Application.

4.  Read the purchase agreement and health warranty carefully.

5.  Ask how you may contact breeder if you have future concerns about your puppy.

IN MY OPINION :

Personally, as a buyer, I would never make  a deposit on a puppy that is non-refundable. As a breeder and guardian  of my Fancibuls,   I do not want someone to feel "stuck" with my puppy if their life circumstances should change.  I don't want my puppies to end up in rescue organizations, shelters, pet stores, or the hands of commercial or backyard breeders. My contracts with the buyer have specific agreements stipulated so a Fancibul can come back to me during its lifetime.   It's sad that pets go from home to home to home in some cases. I want to give a refund or buy back my puppies so I can pick a longterm and stable situation for them.

As a reputable breeder, I would NEVER list my dogs in classified ads of newspapers or online  classifieds.  I would not list my site  among some of the  puppymiller   websites  available online.  If you see poorly bred dogs, new litters listed monthly at a kennel's website,  quicky  deals, shopping cart buys, then BEWARE!   Conscientious and Reputable breeders do not take chances with the lives of their puppies nor risk their own reputations.