French Terrier is the second name for the French Bulldog breed. These small dogs are the result of a cross between English bulldogs imported from England and the local French Pied Piper. Representatives of the breed are very popular as pets around the world.
In 2015, the French Terrier was the fourth most popular dog in the UK and the USA. And in 2017 - the third in Australia.
Ancestors
The modern French Terrier comes directly from the dogs of the ancient Greek Molossian tribe. They were distributed throughout the ancient world by Phoenician merchants. British Molossian dogs were developed into mastiff and boolenbeyser. They were used to bully bulls.
Breed birth
Bloody sports such as bullfighting were banned in England in 1835. Bulldogs remained unemployed. Their breeding has changed from a sport breed to a breed of companions. To reduce the size of animals, some bulldogs began to cross with terriers, rat-dog from the slums of England.
By 1850, French terriers had become commonplace in England. They began to be used in conformational shows, which began around 1860. These dogs weighed about 7.3–11.3 kg, although classes at shows were also available for those weighing less than 5.4 kg.
From England to France
The lacemakers from Nottingham, driven out by the industrial revolution, began to settle in Normandy (France). They brought with them many dogs, including miniature bulldogs. The latter became popular in France. A trade was established with breeders in England sending bulldogs, whom they considered too small, or with flaws such as erect ears. Photos of the French Terrier of that time are significantly different from the modern representation of the breed.
By 1860, there were few miniature bulldogs left in England, such was their popularity in France. Thanks to the exploits of exporting experts, the French Terrier dog appeared. They were very fashionable and were popular with secular ladies and creative people such as artists, writers and fashion designers. However, there was no record of the development of the breed, as it was moving farther away from its original bulldog roots. As the breed changed, French terriers began to acquire features such as long straight ears.
First club
Bulldogs were very popular in the past, especially in Western Europe. The Americans imported French Terriers for some time, but it was not until 1885 that they were brought in to create an American breeding program. Mostly the dogs belonged to secular ladies, who first showed them at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1896. The French Bulldog Club of America was formed and the French Terrier standard was created, stating that the "bat ear" is the right type.
Rockefellers and Morgan
At the beginning of the 20th century, the breed remained in fashion as pets of representatives of high society. Dogs worth up to three thousand dollars passed from hand to hand and belonged to members of influential families such as the Rockefellers and the Morgan. The American Kennel Club quickly recognized the French Terrier, and by 1906 the breed became the fifth most popular.
The conquest of England
This new breed of bulldogs first appeared in England in 1893. French imports did not meet British breed standards. The Kennel Club initially recognized French Terriers as a subset of the existing English Bulldog breed, rather than a completely new look. Some breeders bred these dogs to resurrect the breed of toy bulldogs.
On July 10, 1902, a meeting was held in the house of Frederick W. Cowsens to create a club with the aim of achieving individual recognition of the French breed. The accepted standard was the same as used in America, France, Germany and Austria. In 1905, the Kennel Club changed its policy regarding the breed and recognized it as separate from the English variety.
general description
"The New Complete Dog Book: Official Breed Standards and All New Profiles for 200 Breeds" is the official publication of the American Kennel Club and sets breed standards. It presents photos of the French Terrier, which depicts an active muscular dog, with a heavy bone, smooth coat, and physique. Not a single feature has an excess or lack of quality. The animal does not look deformed or poorly proportioned.
Height at the withers is from 28 to 30. Males weigh from 9 to 12.5 kilograms, females weigh from 7 to 11.
Head
A feature of the French Terrier is a square head with bat ears. The expression on the face is wary, curious, and interested. The eyes are dark, brown or almost black, widely spaced, set deep (as far as possible from the ears), round, medium size, not sunken and not convex. Hazel eyes are acceptable but undesirable. Blue and green shades are a disqualification.
The upper part of the skull is flat between the ears, the forehead is slightly rounded. The muzzle is wide, the muscles of the cheeks are well developed. The nose is black. Cheeks are thick and wide, hanging over the lower jaw on the sides.
Body type
The back is strong and short, wider at the shoulders and tapering towards the back of the head. The body is short and round. The chest is wide, deep and full, ribbed, with a tucked up stomach. The tail is straight or screwed (but not curly), short, hanging low, thick at the root and thin at the tip.
Forelegs are short, thick, straight, muscular, widely spaced. Thumbs can be removed. The hind legs are of moderate size (slightly longer than the front), compact and firmly installed. The fingers are small, well split, with high joints and short nails.
Wool and color
Another feature of dogs, which is certainly worth mentioning when describing the French Terrier, is a shiny, short, smooth coat. The skin is soft and loose, especially on the head and shoulders. Wrinkles.
Acceptable colors:
- white;
- cream;
- fawn (light to red);
- any combination of the foregoing.
The drawings are as follows:
- brindle;
- piebald;
- black mask;
- black shading
- White spots.
Temperament
The character of the French Terrier is cheerful and freethinking. This is a smart loving dog that wants and needs to spend a lot of time with its owner. It should not be left alone for more than a few hours. Otherwise, the dog is anxious. Too long loneliness can lead to destructive behavior of the French Terrier, which may even include chewing household items.
The breed is sometimes called a "frog" or "clown" dog. The first nickname refers to their wide round muzzle and a unique way to sit on their hind legs. The second - to a cheerful and lively temperament.
French Terrier is a great companion. He rarely barks. Basically, in order to attract attention, indicate that he needs something. Representatives of this breed are patient and affectionate with their owners.
Dogs take 109th place in Stanley Koren's Dog Intelligence. A female French terrier named Princess Jacqueline, who died in 1934, understood 20 human words, correctly reacting to them.
Basic care
The content of the French Terrier is unpretentious. He does not need to move much. Representatives of the breed have a fairly low energy level. Although there are exceptions to each rule. However, in order to maintain their weight, they need daily exercise during short walks. Many French terriers love to play and spend a lot of time in various activities. But they are not so energetic that they needed a large yard or long periods of exercise.
Dogs of this breed are prone to heat exhaustion and should not be trained at high temperatures. When training, you should take into account that dogs are smart and usually tend to please, but are naughty and stubborn. When practicing with them, many different teaching methods work successfully. To arouse the interest of the Frenchman, you can make the training look like a game with a lot of fun and prizes.
Wool Care & Hygiene
The breed receives only positive reviews. French terriers do not require special care. They only need to be brushed occasionally. They have an average degree of molting. Starting to care for a Frenchman is necessary at a young age. You need to teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor.
Any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infection should be checked periodically. Ears, eyes and teeth also need to be examined for any discharge or unpleasant odors. You should regularly clean your ears with a damp, warm cloth and use a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Do not insert a cotton swab into the ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, a small amount of baby oil can be applied. It is also used on a dry nose.
French terriers need regular nail cutting. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Wrinkles on the face should be clean and dry to prevent infection. It is necessary to bathe the dog monthly, using high-quality shampoo.
Breeding
French terriers often require artificial insemination and cesarean section during childbirth. Over 80% of litters appear this way. Many French are not capable of natural selection. This is because they have very thin hips, which is why the male cannot saddle the female for natural reproduction. Therefore, breeders should conduct artificial insemination. On average, French Terriers have about three puppies per litter.
Health problems
The main health problems of French terriers are:
- Hip dysplasia. This is an inherited condition in which the femur does not fit snugly against the pelvic cavity of the hip joint. Some dogs experience pain and are lame in one or both hind legs. Arthritis may develop with age.
- Brachycephalic syndrome. This disorder occurs in dogs with small heads, narrowed nostrils, elongated or soft palate. Their airways are obstructed and may cause noisy, labored breathing or complete collapse. Dogs usually sniff and snort. Treatment includes oxygen therapy, as well as surgery to expand the nostrils or shorten the palate.
- Allergy. There are three main types: food, contact, and allergy to inhalers. They are caused by certain foods in the dog’s diet, flea remedies, dog shampoos, household chemicals, pollen, dust, and mold.
- Half-vertebrae. This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae. An anomaly can occur on its own or with other defects.
- Pathology of the knee joints. This is a common problem in small dogs. It is caused by the fact that the patella, which consists of three parts (femur, patella and tibia), is improperly aligned and glides in place. This causes lameness or abnormal gait. Congenital disease. It can lead to arthritis. Severe degrees of patellar luxation may require surgery.
- Intervertebral disc disease. Occurs when a disc in the spine ruptures. He presses on the spinal cord. Nervous transmission is blocked. It can be caused by trauma, age, or just a physical jolt that occurs when the dog jumps off the couch. The pet usually feels pain. There is weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. Treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs made specifically for dogs.