The content of the article
French bulldogs have long won not only sympathy, but also the hearts of a multi-million army of fans. This gentle, with locator-like ears, the creature is readily taken as friends by people on different continents of our vast planet. And I must say that the French bulldog has earned such an attitude towards himself. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their outstanding intelligence, devotion and sociable character.
Despite the severe appearance and powerful jaws, the Frenchman is capable of good feelings and sincerity. It may well become a good companion for a person, but if it becomes necessary to protect the owner, the bulldog will demonstrate its fighting character. This breed of dogs has a very rich history in which there are tragic events and even secrets.
Evolutionary stages
It should be noted right away that French bulldogs were bred as a result of repeated selection. Their ancestors were considered good guards, although they became more famous for participating in unusual battles when the dog entered into a duel with a bull. A couple of centuries ago, such competitions were considered a favorite pastime of Europeans.
Unfortunately, there is no reliable data on the origin of this breed. Therefore, for the honor of being considered the birthplace of these charming babies, France and England fought with varying success. The imprint of those distant events remained in the name of the breed: the first part indicates the geography of origin, and the second - the bulldog in English means “bull and dog”. The British called these brave little men so that they took part in the persecution of the bulls, not at all timid before them.
Experts believe that these small dogs are direct descendants of the Molossian Great Dane brought to Misty Albion in ancient times from Athens. Once in new habitats, four-legged emigrants were randomly selected. Crossing was not controlled, because they kept these cute dogs, both noble people and people from the poor. But nevertheless, the characteristic features of the Old English ancestors are clearly discerned in the modern representatives of this breed: a short body, powerful muscles, features of the muzzle.
Life after the battle
Over time, immigrants from Athens became less growth, which did not reduce their fighting character. They boldly went to a duel with bulls, driving those to death. Such cruel entertainments seduced the English noble society, and even very tiny creatures - toy bulldogs participated in such bloody shows. The weight of these dogs in adulthood barely reached 20 pounds. The richest dogs were then bought by the rich for a lot of money.
But at the beginning of the 19th century, parliament forbade these chilling competitions, and bullfights were canceled. Of course, there were still attempts to organize dog fights, but this venture did not take place, since the bulldogs, not possessing flexible mobility, could not fight an opponent like their own.
Koshkina shoulder work
When the bulldogs were left idle, their owners suffered the same fate: the introduction of machine tools and machines in the production process made many ordinary people unemployed. Crowds of poor people, deprived of the opportunity to earn a living, rushed to the mainland in search of work. Many went to neighboring France, taking with them their favorite four-legged companions. Experts consider this moment to be a turning point in the history of breed development.
Almost immediately, a job for the little bulldogs was found at the new place of residence.It turned out that they can hunt rats very well, hordes of which haunted the inhabitants of French cities. Since Europeans have developed a special relationship with cats over centuries of inquisition, rat-catchers appeared very timely, they quickly gained authority, and enterprising London dealers made a fortune by supplying dogs of this breed to Paris.
Interesting fact! French bulldogs are capable of even tender feelings. A representative of this breed, a dog with a touching nickname “Baby” replaced at different times a caring mother with rabbits, kittens, six piglets, and also a raccoon that remained an orphan.
New look
Active export of toy bulldogs laid the foundation for the modern type of breed. Experts say that in France, a small English bulldog made friends with Alan - a representative of a breed that was previously common in the Pyrenees, but then disappeared. At one time, Spanish bulldogs accompanied herds of cows, but then, like the British, they were forced to turn into fighters. They, too, were actively interbreeding with pugs, terriers, and Burgos dogs. The result was a snub-nosed, very compact mestizo with huge protruding ears, which became the hallmark of dogs of this breed. In the second half of the 19th century, the characteristic external features of this breed finally formed.
Interesting historical facts
The famous Parisian Lovelace Leopold de Carneion immediately got three dogs of this breed. He often walked with his pets in the vicinity of the Champs Elysees, and gave puppies to free ladies from high society with puppies. In this way, he dreamed of winning their hearts.
In tsarist Russia, a Frenchman named Ortino was also well known. This dog belonged to one of the daughters of Emperor Nicholas II. Unfortunately, the faithful dog was shot along with the princess and the entire royal family in 1918.
And one more historical reference. Edward VII, who ruled in England in the 19th century, forced local nobles to take a closer look at the French bulldog and re-evaluate the merits of this dog. The beautifull lady just once rode the streets of Paris in company with her beloved pet. And the noble society instantly reacted: after all, the English king was a connoisseur of good taste and elegance.
Breed standards
It is clear that such a rich biography contributed to the frequent change of breed standards. According to the latest version from 1995, a French bulldog is required to have the following indicators:
- Weight. This parameter can vary from 8 to 14 kg, which is not so small for the breed, which is considered decorative.
- Height - ideally up to 35 cm.
Such standards are explained by the fact that, due to the anatomical features of the "French" very muscular, especially the back and hind limbs. Due to the fact that the front legs are slightly shorter, the back of the body is raised. Therefore, visually it seems that the bulldogs of this breed are slightly stooped. Probably, it is this feature of the structure that explains the French love to lie in a pose with outstretched hind legs. For this habit, the British jokingly nicknamed them "the frog dog."
External characteristics
Of course, the most remarkable part of the body of the representatives of the French bulldogs is the head. They have a broad one, with a large forehead protruding forward, on which skin folds form deep wrinkles. Softens these harsh features upturned nose and very expressive eyes. I must say that the bulldogs look intelligent and even good-natured, which is conducive to communication with these cute animals. And one more characteristic feature for this breed is the neck folds.
Color
This parameter is not limited to strict criteria.Over the years of the evolutionary development of this breed, standards have also changed many times. To date, the family of French bulldogs is characterized by an incredible number of different colors. It:
- colorful shades;
- spotty options;
- homogeneous suits;
- tiger color.
Although the color palette usually ranges from light brown tones to dark, sometimes reddish hues, individuals of noble white color are often found.
Breed features
French bulldogs are very popular today. They get along well in urban living conditions of apartments, because they do not need a lot of space for a comfortable existence.
This breed of dog does not pretend to high sporting achievements. Therefore, they do not need to be forced to jump behind the plates. They are unable to swim, as this is prevented by the heavy upper part of the hull.
The wrinkled muzzle of the bulldogs allows them to be assigned to short-headed dogs, which have a lot of health problems. Among the main features:
- labored, loud breathing;
- intolerance to dogs in hot weather;
- low activity in games;
- snoring during sleep.
Of course, the main distinguishing feature of these cute dogs is the wrinkles on the face. Representatives of the breed received this feature from their ancestors, who were excellent fighters. The wrinkled skin folds protect the eyes in case of injury during a fight.
Reproduction of offspring
Representatives of this breed have a problem - this is their reproductive ability. The fact is that individuals of this breed cannot use the standard position for dogs during mating. This is again due to their disproportionate physique. Therefore, most often breeders resort to artificial insemination of females. Moreover, difficulties are also observed during childbirth, since a relatively large head does not allow puppies to freely pass through the birth canal. All these features make the reproduction process very difficult and expensive. But when you acquire a puppy, you can be sure that his birth was planned, which means that he is a purebred representative of the bulldog family.
Main character traits
Often, French bulldogs are groundlessly compared to their English counterparts. But these two breeds have a completely different temperament. The British are very calm and restrained in feelings even to their beloved master. The French love to fool around, they are more mobile in games and fun. It is no accident that it is from the most talented representatives of this breed that wonderful circus artists are obtained.
These dogs always get along well with children, they are not aggressive, but in a difficult situation they will definitely defend their family. Bulldogs are not afraid of large dogs and are happy to make acquaintance with them. But they do not particularly favor yard cats, and therefore always drive them with excitement around the yard. But, despite the playful character, the French are very amenable to training. In order to curb their hot temperament a little, experts advise at the first stages to conduct training in the form of a game, gradually accustoming the pet to agility.
Care and education
The rest of the French bulldogs are great for keeping in urban areas. Caring for them is not particularly troublesome. They love to travel and are great at changing the environment. And during an exciting tour they can be in an ordinary bag.
Cost
There is no firm price for French bulldog puppies. This factor is influenced by the status of the parents and the pedigree. But on average, the cost is in the range from 10 to 30 thousand rubles. There are more expensive offers when the dog has eminent ancestors. But is it possible in monetary terms to measure the joy, devotion and sincere love that these dogs are capable of giving to a person ?!
Video: dog breed french bulldog
Submit