Some opinions about the Frenchie character Pilar Hannan
In my view, the well known saying about the Frenchie as “ a clown in the cloak of a philosopher” doesn’t do him justice. Of all the breeds no other can claim to be able to take life so philosophically. I would turn the phrase around and say that the Frenchie is the most philosophical of dogs, at times extravagantly so. Let’s observe him and see. When a Frenchie eats, he never leaves a single crumb on the floor. When he’s drinking water nothing disturbs his concentration until his thirst is sated. If he is your friend, he is deeply affectionate. If he feels an affinity for another dog, he’ll demonstrate it insistently. If for whatever reason his playmate is not there he’ll stop eating, sleeping, playing for a good while. When playing, he does so making the most of whatever or whoever’s to hand. If there is no playmate, he plays alone happily. Perhaps this has earned him the name of clown. He is no such thing. He is probably one of the happiest being on the planet, he normally enjoys whatever is at hand. When there is nothing to entertain him, entering in a state of “not being”, not exactly asleep, is the perfect solution for him. Is there a more Zen breed of dog, more philosophical? If there is something to be done, he does it to the best of his ability.
It is difficult to talk about the character of a dog without using the same adjectives that we use to speak of people. At times the line dividing the person and the dog is such a fine one… So many years of shared life and friendship. How could it be any other way? But if we have to make a distinction we could say that the Frenchie is of all dog breeds, an active dog whose characteristics that are not ideal for such an active lifestyle. The vitality of a Terrier, but not his nervousness in almost a Bully body. Probably this illogical combination is at the root of his character, if it is within his power to enjoy what he has to do, well fine, if not, well…. Perhaps, we could say that at times he is imperturbable.
Playing is his great passion. So it is not difficult to teach him almost anything that a dog can do. Surely nothing is so amusing as seeing a French Bulldog in an agility test or obedience trials. He enjoys himself , but never takes his eye off you, always wanting to know if there is anything else to do. The problem is that his physical characteristics don’t always respond to his vitality. This makes it imperative, if a Frenchie is to submit to Agility trials, that he be as healthy as possible. But how can he have such a striking physical constitution: so flat-faced, such a short body, etc. without paying a price? So normally, despite his best intentions there are not many Frenchies in agility tests although at times his rapidity can be amazing. Obedience training is a very different thing.
He learns very quickly, never forgets, but he knows very well when you ask him to do something seriously, or when he can get away with not doing anything. Of course this trait is not confined to Frenchies, we are all guilty of this at times. Docility is one of his strong points, capable of anything to please his owner, when this owner is really his “guide”. If not he’ll spend a while looking at the wall taking no notice of you. At worst he’ll fix his four paws to the floor and wrinkling his forehead show you the whites of his eyes. But if you manage to convince him that you are his “true master” the degree of compenetration (mutual understanding) is a joyful sight.
His ability to communicate with people is very high. Perhaps more than with other dogs, who sometimes misinterpret his messages. This often happens with dogs who are not flat-faced. For example a Frenchie can approach another dog making his typical snuffling noises, and the other dog may interpret this as aggressive or a threat. Nothing is further from the truth of course, but it can lead to confrontation.
But he was always bred as a house dog, for company. He was never an expert guard dog, even though he picks up bad vibrations and will warn you very quickly. Neither was he an expert hunter like his ancestor the Manchester Terrier, but there is no rodent that can resist him. His speciality has always been to let himself be fondled and stroked, accompany people, aware all the time of their movements, gestures, and know what’s passing through the mind of the person he lives with at any moment. He has developed, or copied expressions and sounds that approximate to those of people
His great weakness is the old folks. Children too, because there are always games, but the older people, those who stroke him with trembling hands and their whispering voices are his favourites. This can be proved by taking him to an old folks’ home, the sentiments are mutual. So, all in all, he is the perfect “people dog”. As long as you like the look of him, have the strength to bear his 28lbs of muscle in your lap, are ready to share his snuffling sounds, and of course take life with a philosophical outlook. A Frenchie will change your life a little.
