Her pushed-in nose, wrinkly face and smart demeanor lit up the big screen alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis in the 2010 film, Due Date. Sunny is a female French bulldog who stole the show and gained a loyal following of fans following the movie’s release. She was so lovable that her co-star Robert Downey Jr. even tried to adopt her, but Sunny’s breeder insisted on getting her back.
“Frenchies,” as they have been dubbed, are apparently a favorite among the casting directors of Hollywood. The little bulldogs have also appeared in Hangover on the arm of Mike Tyson and as Brittany Murphy’s beloved Bruiser in Just Married. The lap dogs are scene-stealers, to be sure, but breeders and Frenchie organizations have been quick to remind potential owners about the importance of making wise, educated decisions when it comes to adding a dog to the home.
Photo courtesy of http://movies.about.com
FRENCH BULLDOG FUN FACTS
- Toto from The Wizard of Oz was originally illustrated as a French bulldog. R.A. Neill, who drew the pictures for the books The Road to Oz and The Emerald City, illustrated Toto as a French bulldog.
- A member of the Non-Sporting Group, the French bulldog is the 6th most popular breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club registration statistics.
- French bulldogs are considered the top canine choice in New York City (the number one most popular dog), Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami (number 2).
- Most Frenchies snore because of their flat faces.
FRENCHIES AT A GLANCE
Personality
French bulldogs are described as playful and smart. Because of their bull and terrier roots, some Frenchies can be slightly aggressive. Socializing these dogs as puppies will combat that tendency. They can also be a bit stubborn in training, but respond well to positive reinforcement.
Frenchies are great apartment dwellers and are fantastic companion dogs. A walk a day will keep this dog happy and he or she will be perfectly happy snuggled up, relaxing with you on the couch. These dogs are great with children and other pets.
Appearance
The French bulldog is small in stature – generally, they are about 11 to 12 inches tall. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds and females weigh between 16 and 24 pounds. Frenchies can be white, brindle and white, fawn, cream or tan.
Health
As a short-faced, brachycephalic, dwarf breed, French bulldogs may have some health concerns that you should be aware of. The short face can make their breathing less efficient, so Frenchies have less tolerance of heat, exercise and stress. The stocky Frenchie may have also abnormal vertebrae or premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
HISTORY OF THE FRENCH BULLDOG
One of the French bulldog’s ancestors was the English bulldog. Created in England as a miniature version of the bulldog, the Frenchie accompanied English lace makers to France around 1860. The breed may have served as ratters, but the companion role has been, and continues to be, their primary function.
Already have a furry friend? Make sure they are getting the best care while you are away. Drop your pal off, and we’ll take care of the rest.
SOURCES
http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20494982,00.html
http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/
http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20494982,00.html
http://www.bullmarketfrogs.com/thursday-thirteen-13-movies-with-french-bulldogs-in-them/
http://www.dogguide.net/blog/2008/07/fantastic-frenchies-18-facts-about-french-bulldogs/
