The French Bulldog is a popular breed of a companion dog. Frenchies have existed since the mid-19th century, and they are the product of cross-breeding English toy Bulldogs and French Parisian ratters. Standing out with their unique facial expression and body physique, these dogs are widely known worldwide.
They are also very playful and highly unlikely to be aggressive, thus making them a suitable home pet. The dogs are full of character, friendly to small children, and loyal to their owners. This article will highlight noteworthy French Bulldog statistics that make these breeds outstanding among most other regular dogs.
1. French Bulldog Popularity Statistics
The French Bulldog has a long history of serving as a companion dog. Companion dogs are a suitable addition to lighten up a home. Over the years, they have proven to be affectionate pets hence their growing popularity among dog owners globally. As a result, French bulldogs are now the 2nd most popular dog breed, according to the AKC.
Generally, French bulldogs are perfect companions for families since they are great with children and strangers. You need not worry whether you have friends over or a small kid around the house. Their immense popularity is the result of their sweet nature. Frenchies are also known to be extremely playful and loyal to their owners. Additionally, they seldom display undesirable aggressive behaviors such as biting and nipping only if not properly socialized.
2. Average French Bulldog Weight Statistics
According to the American Kennel Club Official French Bulldog Standard, a French Bulldog should not exceed 28 pounds (13 kilograms) in weight. The average weight of a female French Bulldog is between 17 to 24 pounds, while the males range between 20 to 28 pounds.
They attain the maximum weight once fully grown at around 9 – 12 months old. As a pure breed, they are susceptible to obesity that causes breathing problems, and that’s why pet owners and potential ones should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. You can maintain their weight by giving them some daily exercise such as taking short walks or active playtimes and feeding them a healthy, nutritious diet.
3. Average French Bulldog Height Statistics
Frenchie statistics suggest that pooches aged between 1 to 3 months are usually 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 centimeters) tall. French bulldogs range between 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 centimeters tall). The average French bulldog height measurements are 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 centimeters) tall for a healthy adult male and female. They also attain their maximum height once fully grown at 9 to 12 months old.
4. French Bulldog Life Span Statistics
Currently, the longest surviving French Bulldog reported in the American Kennel Club was about 14 years. However, this is an infrequent occurrence. According to the AKC, a typical French bulldog lives for a period of between 10 and 12 years. Compared to other typical dog breeds, this is a fairly average life span.
An issue of concern is that many Frenchies rarely make it to old ages as most die at an early age of four years. These dogs get sick more quickly, and most die when not treated with utmost urgency. The primary reasons for the demise of French bulldogs are neurologic and respiratory problems, cancer, and old age. In 2013, a French bulldog statistic drawn from researching over 2200 Frenchies reported 98 deaths, with the median age being 3.6 years. The conclusion drawn was that this breed is very delicate, and the owner should be very diligent in safeguarding the wellness and health of their dog.
5. French Bulldog Dog Bite Statistics
Currently, many dog bite incidents occur at alarmingly high rates, some of which are fatal. On the contrary, research shows that it is rare to find French bulldogs involved in such an incident. They are mostly known for their small size and sweet nature, plus they rarely bite. Numerous French bulldog stats suggest that they are not an aggressive breed.
When they are puppies, they tend to bite and nip as part of teething and playing. The bites are only a show of affection and playfulness; hence not an issue to concern dog owners. However, failure to properly socialize French Bulldogs at an early age can lead to aggressive behaviors in the future.
6. French Bulldog Health Statistics
French Bulldogs are prone to skin problems, diarrhea, eye problems, ear infections, and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. The brachycephalic syndrome makes them have a flat nose and a shorter esophagus, creating a high risk of breathing problems.
Flat-faced French bulldogs are at an even higher risk of death, according to various statistics.
Their low life expectancy is a result of their difficulties in breathing. Most flat-faced Frenchies suffer from Brachycephalic obstructive air disease caused by excess growth of the soft palate that limits airflow. A large soft palate offers little surface area on the face, inhibiting its ability to cool down during exercise and hot weather conditions. A large surface area is required for efficient temperature regulation since dogs rely on evaporation from their mouth to lower their temperature. That is why most French bulldogs tend to do open-mouth breathing so that they can take up more air to lower their temperature.
7. What Percentage of French Bulldogs Have Health Problems?
It is important to remember that dogs of any breed are susceptible to diseases at any stage of their life. More so, getting a French bulldog is not a decision you should take lightly since health problems are the most significant flaws about this breed. The Royal Veterinary College in the UK found that 72.4% of French bulldogs have common health problems.
Such diseases include skin problems, ear infections, conductivities, breathing problems, and diarrhea. Unfortunately, male French bulldogs have a higher risk of contracting these health problems than their female counterparts due to their weight. As previously mentioned, excess weight leads to breathing problems.
If you intend to bring a French bulldog into your home, it is paramount to seek correct information regarding these dogs. Ensure that you also feed them appropriately and lead them into a healthy lifestyle. Despite being very likely to fall ill, good care goes a long way in promoting these pets’ health.
8. Hip Dysplasia French Bulldog Statistics
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition where the joint ball doesn’t fit the socket, thus impairing regular leg movement. According to various Frenchie statistics, obesity is the leading cause of hip dysplasia. Other causes of hip dysplasia are imbalanced muscle mass, hormones, and over-exercising.
French bulldogs suffering from this condition feel intense pain when they attempt to walk. The result is visibly abnormal postures and walks. Several symptoms depend on the intensity of pain and severity of the disease. Some of them include the inability to jump, weight loss, inactivity, whining, and grating in the joint when walking.
French bulldog stats also show that puppies are more likely to contract hip dysplasia than older French bulldogs. Puppy owners ought to take their pets for regular checkups for early detection of this condition. Early diagnosis of the disease is a sure way of improving chances of recovery if the results are positive. The most widely practiced therapy solution for hip dysplasia is swimming. Ensure that you observe due diligence when swimming French bulldogs since their weak hind legs and big head are a disadvantage in the pool.
9. French Bulldog IQ Statistics
French Bulldogs are a long way from being considered the most intelligent dogs globally. Statistics have ranked them to be the 109th most intelligent dog breed out of 138 breeds, according to Coren Stanley’s The Intelligence of dogs study. Frenchies might not qualify as smartest dogs, but that does not mean they are downright dumb. They lie with the class of below-average dogs in terms of IQ.
Owners have an easy time teaching these dogs commands, but they have free will and can choose whether to obey or disobey based on their mood. French bulldog statistics show that they can learn a new command with 40 to 80 repetitions and obey a known command with a 30% success rate. Compared to the most intelligent dog breeds, French bulldogs learn a new command with more than five repetitions compared to intelligent dogs.
Nevertheless, this trait should not be problematic because most popular dog breeds belong to the below-average class. They include breeds like Chihuahuas, Pugs, Maltese, and the Great Pyrenees. The low ranking is due to Frenchies stubborn nature. According to America’s Kennel Club, Frenchies are hard-headed, so one must be patient with them. Additionally, Stanley’s study was flawed because it only considers the obedience and working of a dog. Just because a dog is stubborn and disobedient, it doesn’t make it less intelligent.
Primarily, Frenchies were bred for companionship, and that’s why they are very friendly, affectionate, and alert.
They also have high adaptive intelligence, meaning they have a high capability of solving problems and thinking independently. Dog experts recommend that you train Frenchies when they are young because at that particular age, they are good at recalling objects and obeying commands compared to when they are fully grown since their capability to comprehend begins to fade away.
Overall, French Bulldogs being neither intelligent nor stupid, are still very affectionate and too cute to handle. They are zealous learners only if you know how to lead them, but they can boss you around if not appropriately trained.
10. French Bulldog Reproduction Statistics
Male French bulldogs become fertile at approximately six months old and attain complete sexual maturity from 12 to 15 months. Dams, on the other hand, fully mature sexually at nine months. The gestation period, according to Frenchie statistics of the AKC, ranges between 57 and 68 days. After gestation, most French bulldogs give birth to 3 to 5 puppies or seven at rare instances.
The entire reproduction process of French Bulldogs is far from ordinary. Most of the other dog breeds mate naturally and probably have a smooth reproduction period. French bulldogs, on the other hand, have a relatively more complex mating and reproduction period. For starters, Frenchies are not able to naturally mate with their companions. They have unusually small-sized hips and an oversized head, which proves normal sexual intercourse impossible. Males cannot mount females due to their feeble legs that cannot support their bulky upper bodies. As a result, artificial insemination is the safest and most effective way of reproduction. The complexity of reproduction is a significant factor in the relatively high prices of these breeds.
Giving birth is also no easy feat. Puppies tend to have oversized heads at birth; hence females cannot naturally push them out. Vaginal delivery is too unsafe and puts both the mother and puppies at risk of injury or death. The safest way to deliver Frenchie puppies is through Caesarean section, which involves a surgical process.
11. French Bulldog Sporting Statistics
The American Kennel Club classifies French bulldogs as non-sporting dogs. In simple terms, they are not good running partners. Frenchies have a body that naturally predisposes them to a less sporty lifestyle. Their weak, short, and tiny hind legs have difficulty supporting the bulky upper body and big head. Short exercise sessions of approximately 10 minutes tire these dogs, and they can even overheat. Too much training or running might injure their joints and lead to hazardous health problems. French bulldogs also have a poor heat regulation system owing to their minute surface area on the face. Hence these dogs have a hard time cooling down after intense exercises and running.
12. French Bulldog Price Statistics
The French bulldog breed is one of the most expensive breeds among small dogs. Typical French bulldogs cost between $1,800 and $4,500. Some rare variations can go for as high as $15,000! Their age, coat color, breeder, and bloodline are huge factors for the disparity in their cost. Public interest in these breeds has also drastically increased, thus surging their prices over the past two decades. They are, however, a common breed and are likely to be found in your local pet shop.
French Bulldog Statistics – Final Thoughts
The French Bulldog is a lovable dog breed but it is wise for dog parents looking to add a Frenchie to their home to educate themselves on the breed. This site has a lot of educational resources for French Bulldog owners so take a look around.