French Bulldog
History:
The French Bulldog emerged as English Bulldogs were bred with Toy Bulldogs by the artisan community in Paris in the mid to late 19th century, after Toy Bulldogs were marginalized by British kennel clubs as weakening the English Bulldog breed. Toy Bulldogs were popular amongst the artisan and gay communities in Britain. The breeding of the minuscule Toy Bulldog (averaging 8 pounds (3.5 kg)) and the English Bulldog (which can vary in size, but is usually around 50 pounds (23 kg)) produced the medium-sized French Bulldog.
Appearance:
French Bulldogs average 22 to 25 pounds (10 to 12 kg) and are considered out-of-breed if they are over 28 pounds (13 kg). Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are pointy and stick straight up. Their tails are naturally short, not cropped. Otherwise, their body shape is similar to that of an English Bulldog. There are several color variations allowed by the AKC that are disallowed in Europe, including the cream color. French Bulldogs have their own variations in the amount of brindle, darkness of their coat, and amount of white areas.
Temperament:
They are a gentle breed that tends to not bark a lot. While they enjoy the company of other dogs, they gain more pleasure from interaction with humans. They do well around small children, though they should be monitored closely during their initial encounters; they tend to shy away from teasing, but can occasionally snap at a child or another dog that is pestering them.
Lifespan:
French Bulldogs typically live somewhere between 10 and 12 years.
Bull Terrier
History:
Bull Terriers arose from the old-fashioned Bulldog, crossed with the now extinct Old English Terrier, during the 19th century. Crosses with other breeds doubtless could have occurred. Pedigrees of Bull Terriers date from the period during which the English Stud books were first written (circa 1874-6). Although the breed was developed from fighting dogs, the Bull Terrier was intended to be a showdog and companion.
Appearance:
Bull Terriers are thick-set and muscular with a short, dense coat. Acceptable colours are pure white (a dog that is mostly white must be disqualified in the show ring, although dark markings on the head only are permissible) and coloured, which is any colour other than white or any colour with white markings. The AKC specifies that if all other things are equal, the brindle coat is preferred. The terrier's most distinctive feature is its head, described as 'egg shaped' when viewed from the front, almost flat at the top, with a Roman muzzle sloping evenly down to the end of the nose with no stop. The unique triangular eyes are small, dark, and closely set. The body is full and round, while the shoulders are robust and muscular and the tail is carried horizontally. It walks with a jaunty gait, and is popularly known as the 'gladiator of the canine race'.
Temperament:
Typically the Bull Terrier is an active, interesting, playful, and clownish breed. It can also become very attached to certain family members. The breed is usually amenable to obedience training.
Lifespan:
Bull Terriers typically live somewhere between 11 and 14 years.
