The French Bulldog is the second most popular dog breed in the USA according to the America Kennel Club, and we could see why. They are undeniably adorable, and they also come in several colors and patterns ranging from Blue Fawn French Bulldog, to Chocolate Fawn, Cream, Brindle, and more.
Also, apart from their charming physical features, French Bulldogs are affectionate, playful, friendly towards other pets and strangers, and intelligent. They are laid-back, they don’t shed that much, and their cute size makes them highly suitable for apartment living.
However, compared with other dog breeds, they are more prone to several health problems. And like all brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs, Frenchies have breathing issues and struggle in hot or muggy conditions.
So, while their laid-back and easy-going personality makes them ideal pets for first-time dog owners, their predispositions to several health conditions need to be considered.
Hence, it’s crucial to look for reputable breeders if you are planning of getting one. Responsible breeders will utilize the diagnostic tools at their disposal to examine breeding stock for ailments that can impact the breed.
Read on to find out more about the Fawn French Bulldog, and the other standard colors recognized by the AKC, as well as those that are considered exotic, rare, or fad.
Breed at a Glance:
- Size: 11 to 12 inches tall
- Weight: 20 to 28 pounds (male); 16 to 24 pounds (female)
- Energy Level: Low to Moderate
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Fawn French Bulldog Breed Overview
A French Bulldog is a type of domestic dog, commonly known as a “Frenchie.” They are the result of crossing Toy bulldogs, which were imported from England in the 1800s, with the native ratters of Paris, France.
Fawn French Bulldogs are regarded by the majority of other kennel clubs, breeders, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most official and certified breeds.
Since the breed's creation, Fawn French Bulldogs have been widely adopted, and many Frenchie patterns and color combinations include this color. And again, since this color is common among French Bulldogs, it is apparently not considered to be one of this breed's rarer hues.
On the other hand, among many different fawn hues, blue fawn and chocolate fawn were the only two that most breeding standards considered to be unacceptable. These two colors are legal to register with the AKC, but it is well-recognized that they are faulty colors.
History and Origin
The dogs of the Molossians, an ancient Greek clan, are the direct ancestors of the French Bulldog that we have today.
The dogs were initially introduced by Phoenician traders throughout the ancient world. When British Molossian dogs crossed with English Mastiffs, the Bullenbeisser subspecies of English Mastiff was created.
They were bred to practice bull-baiting, an amusement and theatrical activity popular in medieval Europe that involved setting dogs loose to harass bulls.
Bull-baiting and other painful games were outlawed in England around 1835, which left bulldogs without a real function until humans began using them as sex objects for trade proposals and other non-sporting purposes.
Bulldogs, however, were already regarded as companion animals rather than sporting animals by the year 1800.
Bulldogs later mated with terriers and ratter dogs from England's slums to further reduce their size, and by 1850, toy bulldogs had become such a craze in England that they began to appear in television programs and morning broadcasts.
When the Industrial Revolution started to take hold in Normandy, France, the lace workers who were migrating from Nottingham withdrew and entered England, bringing a variety of canines with them, including toy bulldogs.
The dogs were so well-liked and fashionable that France eventually started a small business in imported, miniature bulldogs with English breeders, shipping over bulldogs they thought were either too little or had hereditary defects, including tiny ears that stood up all the time.
The diminutive bulldog was eventually thought of as a separate breed and given the name Bouledogue Francais. This simply refers to a relationship between a ball and a dog in English.
High-class women and Parisian prostitutes, as well as writers, artists, and fashion designers, carried and sought after these cute and fashionable dogs.
The Frenchie's popularity had reached America and all of Europe by the end of the 19th century. And it was in 1898 when AKC recognized the Frenchie as a breed.
England had a harder time selling French Bulldogs. Since the breed was a national emblem, many Englishmen found it offensive that their longtime adversaries, the French, would dare to use it for their own purposes.
The early 1900s American aficionados helped shape the breed by arguing that the bat ear, not the “rose ear,” was the proper Frenchie form. It is by this defining characteristic that the French Bulldogs became easy to identify anywhere in the world.
Appearance
The French Bulldogs are unquestionably endearing in their own unique ways, despite the fact that they do not have the same good looks and grace as a Golden Retriever.
They have a short, compact form that is well-proportioned and moderately muscular, aside from the wrinkled skin around their face and shoulders.
They shed moderately and have silky, lustrous coats that only occasionally need to be brushed to keep them clean.
A healthy French bulldog reaches adulthood weighing a maximum of about 28 pounds, making them the diminutive counterpart of a traditional bulldog (which can get up to 50 pounds).
The French bulldog's bat ears and half-flat, half-domed cranium are two of its distinguishing characteristics, according to the AKC. They are known for their recognizable dark brown eyes and their sweetest “squished up” face.
French Bulldogs Coat Colors and Patterns
French Bulldogs are valued as friends and companions for their affection, loyalty, and astute personalities.
The demand for rarer, more distinctive colors, like the blue French Bulldog or the chocolate French Bulldog, is always high when choosing a French Bulldog for yourself.
However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that these hues are unacceptable. They may register, but they are not permitted to take the stage and show themselves.
The most common colors for Frenchies are cream, fawn, and white, although they can also have brindle patterns or black masks. Below are all the possible colors and markings of a Frenchie:
AKC French Bulldog colors and markings:
- Solid Fawn Coat
- Cream French Bulldog
- White
- Or any combination of fawn, cream, and white
- White Markings
- Black Markings
- Black Mask
- Brindled
- Piebald pattern (pied)
Non-standard colors/markings or exotic French Bulldog colors:
- Blue Fawn French Bulldogs
- Black and tan
- Blue
- Black
- Blue and white
- Liver
- Merle
- Fawn Merle Frenchies
- Blue Fawn Merle
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Fawn
- Lilac
- Isabella
- Ticked
- Fluffy
- Gray and White
- Platinum
Fawn French Bulldog Temperament
A Fawn French bulldog has the same calm and kind disposition as other French Bulldogs with other coat colors. Due to their sociable and playful personalities, they make great family pets.
Fawn French Bulldogs need to feel loved, appreciated, and treasured just like any other dog breed. As crucial as it is for any other dog, they value having close interactions with humans.
When a Frenchie is young and transitioning to adulthood, there is a potential that being alone for an extended period of time will make them feel melancholy and cause separation anxiety.
As a result, your fawn French Bulldog may become tense and act aggressively in an effort to get your attention.
There is, however, also a very calm and unified side to them. They are very devoted to their owners and show them a lot of patience and affection. And in comparison, to all other breeds, they can connect with anyone relatively immediately, making them easier to teach.
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Grooming
Frenchies shed very little because of their short coats. To prevent hair from falling out and keep him looking his best, brush your Frenchie once a week using a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming tool or mitt, or a hound glove.
Brushing encourages the growth of new hair and spreads skin oils throughout, which then promotes the overall health of your pup's coat.
To make grooming your Frenchie easier on both of you, start early and train your puppy to stand on a table or the floor. Check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare areas, rough, flaky skin, or indications of infections while you are grooming your Frenchie, regardless of his age.
Additionally, you want to check his teeth, ears, and eyes for any discharge or unpleasant odors. All of these are indications that your Frenchie might require veterinary care.
Regularly wipe his ears with a warm, damp cloth, and run a cotton swab around the canal's edge. Never insert the cotton swab within the ear canal itself.
Apply mineral or baby oil sparingly if the ear margins are dry. You can also apply the oil to moisten your dog’s dry nose.
French Bulldogs' nails need to be cut frequently since they do not naturally wear them down. By doing this, splitting and ripping can be avoided, which spares your dog any discomfort.
To avoid bacterial infections, keep the wrinkles on his face dry and clean. When you give your dog a wash, make sure to give the skin in the folds a thorough drying.
Use a premium dog shampoo when bathing your French Bulldog once a month or as needed to preserve the natural oils in his skin and coat.
Common Health Issues of French Bulldogs
The most significant challenge with owning French Bulldogs is their complex health conditions. Frenchies, like all flat-faced breeds, are susceptible to breathing issues. They can have trouble cooling off, and they may act out aggressively and disruptively in hot and muggy environments.
Additionally, they can also have eye issues, such as cherry eye, entropion, and juvenile cataracts, as well as autoimmune skin disorders and food allergies.
Moreover, Frenchies are front-heavy dogs that cannot swim; therefore, they should never be left unattended near a tub, pool, or other body of water.
Well, to be fair to them, not all French Bulldogs can have these problems, but aspiring and current Frenchie owners should know about these risks.
How to Care For a Fawn French Bulldog
Exercise & Living Conditions
French Bulldogs don't require a lot of exercises. Although there are always exceptions to every rule, they generally have low energy levels. However, they require regular activity through quick walks or playtime in the yard to maintain a healthy weight.
The majority of French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend a lot of time engaging in different activities, but they are not overly energetic or in need of extensive exercise.
Also, this breed should not be exercised in hot weather because they are prone to heat exhaustion. Hence, you may want to pick cool mornings and evenings for your walks and active play.
Frenchies get along nicely with children and aren't too small or too big to be unable to live with a toddler. Nevertheless, a dog should never be left alone with a young child. It's only good sense to keep an eye on things and make sure that no one is prodding or bothering the other.
These adorable dogs also get along nicely with other dogs and cats when they are introduced to them as puppies. However, those who are overly spoiled may have feelings of jealousy against other dogs, especially if those other dogs are receiving attention from the Frenchie's owners.
Finally, French Bulldogs can live in apartments, and they make excellent choices for city dwellers. They don't need a lot of exercises, don't bark much, and enjoy being with their owners.
Diet & Nutrition
All the nutrients a breed needs will be present in high-quality dog food that is suitable for his age (puppy, adult, or senior).
It is important to monitor a Frenchie's calorie intake and weight because the breed is prone to obesity, which can harm their physical structure and increase their risk for certain health problems.
If you decide to offer your dog treats, do so in moderation. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, and steer clear of cooked bones and fatty meals. Find out which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. If you are worried about your dog's weight or health, consult your veterinarian.
Training
Training sessions for puppies and early socialization are advised. The puppy will grow into a well-adjusted adult if he is exposed to a wide range of people, places, and situations.
As part of the socialization process, puppy training programs encourage positive behavior and teach the owner how to spot and fix negative habits in their pet.
Frenchies have strong personalities and may require a good deal of training to make them sociable pets.
Although they can be stubborn, they generally want to please others, making them simple to train. Making the process into a game and providing the right motivation—like food—will guarantee their cooperation.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
Finding a responsible breeder who puts the health and safety of their dogs is the start to having a long and happy life with your future Frenchie. Considering the predispositions of this breed to several health issues, as well as breathing problems, it is crucial to be careful with your decision.
Ideally, a reputable breeder’s parent dogs should only have one litter per year, or better yet, one litter every couple of years. If the mother dog has two or more litters every year, then, chances are she is being over-bred. This also increases the possibility that her litters have health issues.
As always, you should ask the breeder to check both the father and the mother, so, you can assess their health and at the same time, you can check their living conditions.
Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder for the parents’ health records. Also, ask him if the litter had undergone tests to check the presence of common health problems among Frenchies. These tests include a cardiac exam, patella evaluation, hip evaluation, and ophthalmologist evaluation.
Remember that the breeders who have produced and cared for these puppies are obligated to go by the standards and restrictions set forth by the AKC, and AKC Marketplace is the only website that solely lists 100% AKC puppies from AKC-Registered litters.
Price
Here in the US, French Bulldog puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000. The price may change depending on the breeder's reputation and location, as well as the coat color of the dog. As an aspiring Frenchie owner, you should find a reputable breeder to guarantee your puppy receives the best care possible
You can also think about adopting a French Bulldog puppy from a rescue group. However, in exchange for the potential cost that you will save, you might have to wait until there’s a Frenchie available for adoption.
Conclusion
Before choosing your new best friend, do lots of research if you think a Fawn French bulldog might be the right dog for you. For more information, consult other Frenchie owners, reliable breeders, and rescue organizations.
When there aren't as many available to satisfy the demands of potential owners, Fawn French Bulldogs might be more expensive.
The Fawn French Bulldog is a cute dog, but more than its color and aesthetic appeal, you should place more importance on its general health. Also, remember that a responsible breeder will never prioritize producing specific colors and patterns over breeding healthy dogs.
And if you are eyeing a Frenchie with an exotic color, such as a Blue Fawn Frenchie, you should be extra careful to ask for his and his parents' health records.
Just like other dog breeds with rarer colors, Blue Fawn Frenchies, Black, White, Merle, and the other non-standard French Bulldog colors may have several health problems that can cost you more in vet bills, and may also break your heart as you live and get closer with your canine companion.