French Bulldog: UK’s Top Breed & Responsible Ownership Tips

French Bulldogs have soared in popularity in the UK, becoming a common sight during daily dog walks, in dog-friendly parks, and even in advertising campaigns. Their charming appearance and quirky personality have made them beloved by many, including numerous celebrities, amplifying their fame nationwide.

The breed's rise was first marked by surpassing the Labrador Retriever in Kennel Club puppy registrations in 2018 for the first time since 1992. Unlike registration data alone, our insights at Pets4Homes, the UK’s largest pet classifieds and advice platform, reveal French Bulldogs have been the most popular dog breed since 2016 based on both sales adverts and buyer interest, reflecting actual market demand beyond official records.

As of December 2018, there were 1,695 French Bulldogs listed for sale on Pets4Homes, nearly three times more than the UK’s next most popular breed, the Chihuahua puppies, which had 644 listings, underscoring the French Bulldog’s dominant position.

Relatively Recent Popularity Surge of French Bulldogs in the UK

Only in the last 10 to 15 years have French Bulldogs become widely recognised in the UK. Previously, breeds such as the Boston Terrier were more familiar and easily confused with French Bulldogs by the untrained eye due to some visual similarities.

Originating from France and long popular in the USA, French Bulldogs entered UK awareness through media and entertainment imports. This exposure led to increased imports of breeding stock and local breeding to meet demand, prompting an extraordinary 342% rise in puppy registrations from 2013 to 2017. This momentum culminated in the French Bulldog achieving the top spot in registrations in 2018.

Why Are French Bulldogs Great Pets?

Owners love French Bulldogs for many reasons, including:

• Their irresistibly cute and endearing looks.
• Compact size making them suitable for various living spaces, including flats.
• Their low-maintenance, short coat which doesn’t shed excessively.
• A generally good temperament with children, often better than many other breeds.
• Lower exercise requirements compared to larger or more active dogs.
• Relative ease in teaching basic commands.
• Suitability for first-time owners who conduct thorough research.
• Their comical, affectionate nature makes them delightful companions.

Health Challenges of the Breed: What You Need to Know

Despite their charm, French Bulldogs face significant health challenges that are important to understand. The surge in their popularity has unfortunately been accompanied by an increase in hereditary and conformation-related health problems.

One major issue is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), caused by their flat faces, which can lead to difficulty breathing and respiratory distress. Additionally, skin fold dermatitis results from moisture trapped in their skin folds, causing infections. Eye problems like cherry eye and ulcers are also common due to their prominent eyes.

Orthopaedic conditions such as patellar luxation, a slipping kneecap, and spinal issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) are prevalent. Some French Bulldogs may also suffer from demodectic mange and heart defects like pulmonic stenosis.

Recent veterinary consensus from leading UK institutions like the Royal Veterinary College highlights these welfare concerns. Some international bodies, including the Dutch Kennel Club, have taken measures such as banning new registrations of French Bulldogs, citing significant welfare issues associated with brachycephalic breeds.

Many health problems are exacerbated by irresponsible breeding practices, including the sale of unregistered, non-pedigree dogs bred without health testing. The popularity of unusual coat colours in unrecognised categories also incentivises risky breeding.

If you are considering finding a French Bulldog puppy, it's essential to choose a reputable breeder who participates in health screening schemes and registers puppies with the Kennel Club. This diligence helps ensure your new pet has the best chance of a healthy life.

Important Tips for Prospective French Bulldog Owners

Before welcoming a French Bulldog into your home:

• Research the breed thoroughly, including their traits, care needs, and potential health issues.
• Seek out reputable and health-conscious breeders.
• Understand the financial and emotional commitment involved in caring for a breed prone to health challenges.
• Consider adoption or rescue options, where healthy adult dogs may be in need of wonderful homes.
• Be wary of impulse decisions driven by the breed’s media portrayal.

By taking these steps, you promote responsible ownership and contribute positively to the welfare of this popular breed.

Frequently Asked Question: What Does KC Registered Mean for Dogs?

Quick Answer: Being Kennel Club (KC) registered means a dog’s pedigree is officially recorded, confirming its purebred status and ensuring traceability of its lineage.

In the UK, the Kennel Club is the official registry for purebred dogs, including the French Bulldog. A KC registered puppy has parents whose pedigrees are verified and recorded. This registration helps uphold breed standards, encourages responsible breeding, and often requires health testing of the breeding dogs to reduce inherited conditions. Prospective buyers benefit from greater assurance about the dog’s background and health. Conversely, non-registered dogs may lack recorded lineage, increasing the risk of unknown health or behavioural issues.