Are French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs Related?

The French Bulldog and the English Bulldog are two of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. Some people think that since they are both bulldogs, and they are of similar size, they may be related. To tell you the truth, that is a very good question to ask, and it’s a one that we will start with.

So, are French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs related? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are related, they are technically cousins. English Bulldogs are a little bigger than Frenchies but they have similar personalities and temperaments, Some also consider the French Bulldog to be a descendant of English Bulldogs.

The two breeds have a history together and lots of similarities that you may want to know, and what sets them apart, keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

The History Of The French Bulldog and English Bulldog

Let’s start with the French Bulldog:

Despite his name, the French Bulldog is not French; he is, in fact, English.

Smaller English Bulldogs became very fashionable among lace traders in central England during the mid-nineteenth century, especially in Nottingham’s markets.

When the demand for English lace fell, merchants sailed across the Channel to northern French villages with their canines.

The tiny Bulldog quickly became a crowd-pleaser once he landed.

He was crossbred with smaller breeds like the Pug and probably other Terrier-type dogs over several decades.

He then gradually worked his way into the French aristocracy’s laps in Paris and other wealthy cities.

The Bulldog is frequently mistaken for the Boston Terrier.

He had flown his way to fame throughout Europe and America towards the conclusion of the 19th century when he was adored by both continents.

It was the Americans who made him keep his iconic bat ears.

However, because the English people were fiercely devoted to their English Bulldog, they feared that the French Bulldog’s popularity might jeopardize their national symbol.

Yet, despite his unusual looks and fun attitude, he is still very well-liked, and in 2019, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranked him as the fourth most popular dog breed in the United States.

The English Bulldogs also have a busy history so let’s get to know them as well. English Bulldogs are said to have been bred in the 13th century in England for bull baiting.

In those days, the English Bulldog was a fierce dog with tremendous jaw strength, and it appeared that he could never be hurt in the ring.

In 1835, this barbarous blood sport was banned, and the fighting moved underground. Spectators desired a faster dog, so they crossed English Bulldogs with Terriers to create a more nimble dog.

This was when the American Pitbull Terrier breed, among other fighting dogs, was created. You can learn more about Pitbulls in this article on the relation between Pitbulls and Bulldogs.

In an effort to preserve the breed from extinction, fanciers crossed English Bulldogs with other breeds in order to make them milder and sweeter.

The formerly violent hound became a likable rogue who makes an excellent family pet.

He is now the face of many firms and prominent sports teams throughout the world, but he is best recognized for his ties to one of England’s Prime Ministers, Sir Winston Churchill.

He was nicknamed the “British Bulldog” by many people; tenacious with unwavering bravery, with a stern yet drooping grin being his most prominent features.

The Appearance

The English Bulldog is a classic Bulldog, whereas the French Bulldog is a more refined and attractive variation with finer features.

The Bulldog’s head is broader and meatier, as compared to the French Bulldog, which has a considerably smaller head held by a thinner and shorter neck.

The Bulldog’s eyes are more angular and set farther apart than the French Bulldog’s wider-set eyes.The most obvious difference between the two is the ears and skin.

The French Bulldog’s ears are tall and erect, resembling a bat, while the English Bulldog’s ears are set on the side of his skull and fall into a rose shape.

The French Bulldog has fewer folds and fewer of them are located right above his nose between his eyes. His skin is also much tighter, with many of the folds positioned just above his muzzle between his nose and eyes.

The English Bulldog is more square in his build, and he is considerably stouter and stockier, whereas the Frenchies is somewhat more proportionate.

The English Bulldog’s double underbites hang down over his lower jaw on both sides, as well as droopy chops that fall from the side of his nose and overhang his lower jaw on both sides.

The biggest distinction between the two breeds is their size, the French Bulldog is between 11 and 13 inches tall, whereas the English Bulldog measures 14 to 15 inches.

The French Bulldog is also considerably lighter, with the maximum weight for both males and females being 28 pounds.

The English Bulldog weighs between 40 and 50 pounds, which is significantly more than the Frenchie.

The English Bulldog and the French Bulldog share a similar coat that is short and smooth, but the English Bulldog has a wider range of coat colors.

Corkscrew tails are not always present, but they do occur on occasion. They will have a corkscrew tail rather than a curly tail, which is somewhat distinct from the typical curly tails seen in other breedings. Breeders who are serious about quality would not breed dogs with this sort of tail because it is associated with spinal difficulties.

Despite their various features, they’re goofy-looking dogs with big puppy dog eyes and flat faces that melt hearts worldwide.

The Temperament

Despite the fact that both the English bulldog and the French bulldog are so-called “bully breeds,” they do not live up to preconceptions associated with the name.

French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are lively dogs with mischievous attitudes.

They are both sociable and enjoy playing games. Still, they have certain characteristics that prospective owners should be aware of.

While the English bulldog is generally kind and happy, it does have a tenacity that can make it difficult to manage if not properly trained. Fortunately, this breed is highly trainable.

Bulldogs are quick learners, and in a short period of time, bulldogs pick up on what you want them to do, implying that you’ll only need a few repeated training sessions.

While French bulldogs are more active and sociable than their English counterparts, they may not be the ideal pets for families with small children because they have a tendency to play rough and can be aggressive, which is particularly dangerous when small children are present.

The Frenchie, while somewhat stubborn, aims to please and so requires regular treatment in order to produce desired outcomes. French Bulldogs also LOVE kisses, so if you are an affectionate person with your dogs, the Frenchie is probably the dog for you.

The French bulldog is a wonderful companion, but the English bulldog is more likely to join the family and become one of the pack.

If they don’t get the chance to interact with many people and animals from a young age, it’s probable that they’ll become attached to just one person.

In simpler terms, a French bulldog may be the best choice if you’re searching for a clingy buddy. If not, it’s critical to introduce them to people and other dogs as soon as possible.

Differences Conclusion

Even though the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog are quite similar in lots of things, here are some differences.

The Frenchie has a much flatter face with fewer wrinkles compared to an English Bulldog’s wrinkly snout.

The life expectancy of an English Bulldog is shorter than that of a French Bulldog. An English Bulldog lives to be between 8 and 12 years old. The average lifetime for a French Bulldog is 10 to 12 years.

English bulldogs shed more than French Bulldogs, even though French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs have short coats.

English Bulldog puppies range in price between $1,000 and $2,000, whereas a French Bulldog puppy costs around $1,400.

Before you go, did you know that a Frenchie’s sperm can be more expensive than the Frenchie himself? Check out why is a Frenchie’s sperm so expensive here!