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The French bulldogs have long won not only sympathy, but also the hearts of the multimillion army of fans. This is affectionate, with ears resembling locators, the creation is readily accepted by people on different continents of our vast planet. And I must say that the French bulldog deserved such an attitude towards himself. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by outstanding intelligence, devotion and sociable character.
Despite the harsh appearance and powerful jaws, the Frenchman is capable of good feelings and sincerity. He may well become a good companion for a person, but if the need arises to protect the owner, the bulldog will demonstrate its fighting character. This dog breed has a very rich history in which there are tragic events and even secrets.
Stages of evolution
Immediately it should be noted that the French Bulldogs were bred as a result of multiple breeding. Their ancestors were considered good guards, although they were more famous for their participation in unusual battles when the dog fought a bull. A couple of centuries ago, such competitions were considered the favorite pastime of Europeans.
Unfortunately, there is no reliable data on the origin of this breed. Therefore, it was for France to honor England as the birthplace of these charming babes 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 so called these brave little ones for taking part in the baiting of bulls, not at all timid before them.
Experts believe that these small dogs are direct descendants of Molossian dogs, brought to Misty Albion in ancient times from Athens. Once in new habitats, four-legged immigrants have undergone indiscriminate selection. Crossing was not controlled because they kept these cute dogs, as noble people, and came from the poor.But all the same characteristic features of the Old English ancestors are clearly guessed in the modern representatives of this breed: a short body, powerful muscles, features of the face.
Life after fight
Over time, the settlers from Athens became shorter, which did not reduce their fighting temper. They boldly went out to fight with the bulls, driving those to death. Such cruel amusements seduced the English noble society, and even miniature creatures such as toy-bulldogs participated in such bloody spectacles. The weight of these dogs in adulthood barely reached 20 pounds. The rich people bought the most enduring dogs for a fortune.
But in the early 19th century, the parliament banned these soul-chilling competitions, and bullfights were canceled. Of course, there were still attempts to organize dog fights, but this idea did not take place, because the Bulldogs, not possessing flexible mobility, could not fight with an opponent of their own kind.
Cat work on the shoulder
When the bulldogs were left idle, their owners suffered the same fate: the introduction of machines and machines into the production process made many ordinary people unemployed.Crowds of poor fellows, deprived of the opportunity to earn a living, rushed to the mainland in search of earnings. Many went to neighboring France, taking with them their favorite four-legged companions. Experts consider this moment a turning point in the history of the breed.
The new place of residence almost immediately found work for the little bulldogs. It turned out that they can perfectly hunt rats, hordes of which did not give rest to the inhabitants of French cities. Since the Europeans over the centuries of the Inquisition had a special relationship with cats, rat-dog dogs appeared very timely. They quickly gained prestige, and enterprising London businessmen earned a fortune on deliveries of dogs of this breed to Paris.
Interesting fact! French bulldogs are capable of even tender feelings. A representative of this breed, a doggy with a touching nickname "Baby" replaced at various times a caring mother to rabbits, kittens, six piglets, and also an orphaned little raccoon.
New image
The active export of toy-bulldogs laid the foundation for the modern type of breed. Experts claimthat in France a small English bulldog made friends with Alan - a representative of the breed, which was previously distributed in the Pyrenees, but then disappeared. At one time, the Spanish bulldogs accompanied the herds of cows, but then, similarly to the English, they were forced to turn into fighters. They also actively crossed with pugs, terriers, and Burgos dogs. The result was a snub-nosed, very compact half-breed with huge protruding ears, which became the trademark of this breed of dogs. In the second half of the 19th century, the characteristic external features of this breed were finally formed.
Interesting historical facts
The famous Parisian Lovelace Leopold de Carneon got three dogs of this breed at once. He often walked with his pets in the vicinity of the Champs Elysées, and donated gifts from high society to the puppies. In this way, he dreamed of conquering their hearts.
In tsarist Russia, the Frenchman 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, made the local nobles take a closer look at the French bulldog and re-evaluate the virtues of this dog. The gorgeous person just once rode through the streets of Paris in company with her beloved pet. And the noble society immediately responded: 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 of 1995, the French bulldog must have the following indicators:
- Weight. This parameter can vary from 8 to 14 kg, which is not so small for a breed that 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 strong muscles, especially the back and hind limbs. Due to the fact that the front legs are slightly shorter, the back of the case turns out to be 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 love of the French to lie in a pose with extended hind legs.For this habit, the British nicknamed them "the frog dog" as a joke.
External characteristics
Of course, the most remarkable part of the body among representatives of French bulldogs is the head. They have a wide, with a large protruding forehead, on which skin folds form deep wrinkles. Soothed up nose and very expressive eyes soften these harsh features. I must say that the bulldogs look intelligent and even good-naturedly, which is conducive to communicating with these cute animals. And one more characteristic feature of this breed is the neck folds.
Color
This parameter is not limited by strict criteria. Over the years of evolutionary development of this breed, standards have changed too many times. Today, the family of French bulldogs differs incredible number of different colors. It:
- variegated shades;
- spotty options;
- uniform suits;
- brindle color.
Although the color palette is usually in the range from light brown tones to dark, sometimes reddish shades, individuals of noble white color are often found.
Breed features
French bulldogs today are very popular. They get along well in the conditions of urban housing apartments, because for a comfortable existence, they do not need a lot of space.
This breed of dogs does not claim to high sporting achievements. Therefore, they do not need to be forced to jump for the plates. They are unable to swim, as this prevents the heavy upper part of the hull.
The crumpled face of the bulldogs allows them to be classified as short-headed dogs that have a lot of health problems. Among the main features:
- difficulty breathing loudly;
- intolerance dogs hot weather;
- low activity in games;
- snoring during sleep.
Of course, the most important feature of these cute dogs are the wrinkles on the face. This feature representatives of the breed received from their ancestors, who were excellent fighters. Skin wrinkles that form wrinkles protect your 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 observed during childbirth, since a relatively large head does not allow puppies to freely pass through the birth canal. All these features make the breeding process very complicated and expensive. But, acquiring 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 unreasonably 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 the beloved master. The French love to fool around, they are more agile in games and fun. It is no coincidence that it is from the most talented representatives of this breed that wonderful circus performers are made.
These dogs always get along well with children, they are not aggressive, but in a difficult situation they will definitely stand up to protect their family.Bulldogs are not afraid of large dogs and gladly make acquaintance with them. But they do not particularly favor yard cats, and therefore they always drive them with excitement around the yard. But, despite the playful nature, the French are perfectly amenable to training. In order to curb their hot temperament, experts advise in the early stages of 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 does not cause much trouble. They love to travel and perfectly tolerate a change of scenery. And during an exciting tour can be in a regular bag.
Cost of
There is no fixed price for French Bulldog puppies. This factor affects the status of parents and pedigree. But on average, the cost is in the range of 10 to 30 thousand rubles. There are more expensive offers when the dog has eminent ancestors. But is it possible to measure in terms of money the joy, devotion and sincere love that these dogs are able to give to a person?
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