Dogs conquer more and more space in homes and make the cliché “man’s best friend” an almost absolute truth. Among these inseparable companions, we have the English and French bulldogs .
These two breeds can easily be confused. The truth is that, even though they have similar names, these pets are different in size and temperament. For example, one is more sedentary and the other is athletic; while one is more relaxed, the other is more playful.
Want to know who’s who? It was with the aim of clarifying possible doubts regarding these two races that we prepared this text for you. Good reading!
English and French bulldog: a brief history of breeds
Although the origin of both races is not very well defined, there are some threads about their histories that have already been accepted in common sense.
The “original” bulldog would have appeared in the British Isles, developed to help with herding tasks. Sometimes the animal was considered ferocious when dealing with the herd.
Thus, the English bulldog would have been taken to fighting rings – entertainment practice in the 13th century in England. At that time, it was common for breeders to reject small puppies.
Some of these would have been taken to Paris and, arriving there, crossed with dogs of local breeds. Thus, the breed that was initially considered a “miniature bulldog” soon won Parisian hearts.
Physical characteristics
This geographic shift and new crossbreeding obviously resulted in physical differences between the breeds. The English bulldog is medium-sized, reaching 40 centimeters. The French bulldog , on the other hand, can be up to 10 cm shorter, but is more muscular.
Both have a similar coat: the hair is short and is usually easy to clean. The coloring, however, can vary: the English are commonly white, brindle and brown; French is mostly cream, white and black.
The ears also vary between the English and French bulldogs: in the former, they are low; already in the second, constantly raised, as if always on the alert. Face folds, on the other hand, are more visible in the English bulldog.
personality differences
In general, it can be said that animals of both breeds tend to be calm if left alone for brief periods of time.
It is also possible to generalize that both are not “backyard dogs”, which can be an advantage for anyone thinking of taking one of these companions to an apartment, for example.
The personality of the English bulldog is quite calm and is one of the main breeds when it comes to pets. This little dog will love to take long naps – probably accompanied by a pleasant and very characteristic snoring – on the couch or in his tutor’s lap.
French bulldogs love to play and require a lot of attention from their tutors, and can be emotionally dependent in some cases. Even with the small size, this breed is very active and therefore needs daily walks.
Socialization with other dogs is not always so easy – be aware, if you already have another pet at home, and start the process early.
breed health
The main differences noted between the English and French bulldogs relate to their disposition for physical activities. The English bulldog’s shorter legs make him more sedentary than the French.
Physical exercise for the English bulldog is a subject that always deserves extra attention. The breed is prone to obesity and sedentary lifestyles. On the other hand, it is not advised to force intense or long-lasting races, since excess can be fatal, leading the pet to a heart attack.
It is important to remember that this breed is one of the ones with the lowest life expectancy among puppies. Typically, they live eight to ten years.
With regard to French bulldogs, the greatest care must be directed towards their skin and eyes. They have a tendency to develop canine dermatitis, related to contact with fungi or associated with allergies to chemical products.
The bulging eyes are more unprotected than other breeds. Some simple precautions, such as choosing a feeder with the ideal height, already help to prevent eye problems in Frenchies.
An important and common feature of both English and French bulldogs is the fact that they cannot be exposed to very low or very high temperatures. This is especially related to the brachycephalic characteristic of these breeds.
For those who don’t know, brachycephaly is mainly identified by the flattened head, which causes breathing problems since the puppy’s birth. This characteristic is also present in other breeds, such as pugs, boxers and shih tzus.
Face folds are also common in most brachycephalic dogs. They don’t pose major risks to the pet’s health, but proper hygiene is important, as they can be places conducive to the proliferation of fungi when they are wet.
Caring for these dogs
First of all, if you’re thinking about opening your home to a puppy, remember that this is a long-term commitment. Even English bulldogs, which have a short life expectancy, will be able to accompany you for many years.
Anyone looking for a quiet and docile little animal can find the perfect companion in an English bulldog. It may be even more suitable for families with babies or young children, as they are calm and adapt well to indoor locations.
If you want a puppy that likes to be the center of attention, you can bet on the French bulldog! Very active, they are also docile and sociable. If raised correctly, they can also be a good companion option for children.
That dogs can be great friends, no one has any doubt, right? Even so, it is important to be aware of the different breeds and personalities before making such an important decision as choosing a pet.
