A fantastic video appears when this guy and his French Bulldog (Junior) are on a trip through Cologne, Germany’s streets. The song Diamond begins to play through the car’s speakers, and the man can’t help but to sing along.
The most fascinating aspect of this video is that Junior begins to sing along, albeit haltingly! This duet performs the song beautifully, with Junior adding his own little personal touch to the song as it continues to play.
Junior is a French Bulldog who makes for a fantastic traveling companion, an outstanding singing partner, and most of all, a fantastic friend. Junior likes to sing along with his two human companions in the car: Walter Ledermuller and Emanuele Zaubert. It appears that his favorite song is “You Raise Me Up” that is sung by Josh Groban.
The petite and adorable French Bulldog has become an increasingly popular breed of dog over the years, but this kind of dog has actually been around for many years! With their large bat-like ears and cute smooshed face, it’s hard to resist the look and sweet personality of a Frenchie.
Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about these tiny and puppers!
1. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular small-breed dogs
With their even disposition and sweet temperament, it’s no surprise that Frenchies have become one of the most sought-after small dog breeds. City dwellers especially love this dog, as they are easy to have in an apartment. They are even ranked 4th out of 197 in popularity by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
2. Their trademark feature can’t be missed
French Bulldog’s large, bat ears are their distinguishing, irresistible feature. How can you fight the urge to pet those large ears on such a small face?!
3. Despite their name, they don’t hail from France
French Bulldogs were actually bred to be a toy-sized version of the Bulldog in England. Lace workers in Nottingham loved this dog, and many of them took their prized pooch with them when they emigrated to France for better opportunities. From there, these dogs are thought to have been bred with terriers and pugs, which developed their famous bat ears.
4. Frenchies were bred for human companionship
Unlike many other breeds that were bred for purposes such as herding, hunting, or other specific reasons, the French Bulldog was bred primarily just as a companion dog. They are an ideal pet, and even serve as great watchdogs (despite their small stature).
5. The French Bulldog is often associated with Paris café life
Once the Frenchie made its way to the French countryside, it wasn’t too long before Parisians discovered this charming breed. Many ladies who often attended Paris cafés and dance halls had their French Bulldogs with them, and this breed was even depicted in paintings of the Paris demimonde by Edgar Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec.
6. The Frenchie comes in many colors
There isn’t one specific color that French Bulldogs are known to come in. Some of the standard colors this tiny pooch may be include cream, fawn, brindle, white, or a mixture of some of these.
7. Minimal grooming is required for this breed
Though the Frenchie does shed a bit, they are quite easy to groom. Careful attention must be paid to their nose folds so that they are kept clean and dry, and regular weekly brushing will help remove shed hair and distribute the oils throughout its coat.
8. French Bulldogs don’t stand too tall
The average height of a Frenchie is about 11 to 13 inches tall, weighing up to 28 pounds at a healthy weight.
9. Frenchies belong to the Non-Sporting Group
In the AKC’s groupings of dog breeds, the French Bulldog is grouped into the Non-Sporting Group, which is a category made up of dogs of various shapes, sizes, personality and overall appearances. Some of the other dogs in this group amongst the Frenchie include Dalmations, Lhasa Apsos, Chow Chows, and Keeshonds.
10. They aren’t a fan of the heat
The Frenchie’s flat face makes it hard enough for them to breathe, so spending time outdoors in high temperatures is not exactly ideal. They should not be over-exerted, especially in hot or humid weather. A daily short walk or play for minimal exercise is enough for this little pup.
11. The French Bulldog is smart and adaptable
Frenchies shouldn’t be too hard to train, and thrive off of praise from their human, as well as treats (but not too many!). Though they can be stubborn, early training and socialization can be helpful to ensure that a Frenchie puppy learns his or her manners and becomes a proper companion.
12. Don’t try to take this breed for a swim
They might enjoy some water to drink or run through to cool off, but French Bulldogs cannot swim and therefore should not be left unattended by a pool or body of water. Their front-heavy structure and flat face makes it difficult for them to try swimming.
13. Be aware of these potential health conditions
While not all Frenchies will have these health conditions, it’s important to know some of the possible health concerns. French Bulldogs may be susesptible to cherry eye, skin allergies, hip dysplasia, or juvenile cataracts.
14. These dogs earned a French name in France
Though they originated in England, once the French adapted this dog as one of their own, they also gave it their own name: the Boule-Dog Francais.
15. Americans started loving this dog years ago
Though the French Bulldog is in the top ten most popular breeds of dogs in the United States, it was welcomed to America long ago. By the end of the 19th century, their popularity had spread across Europe and into America. In 1913, these dogs had an entry of 100 at the Westminster Kennel Club. Additionally, they had their own specialty club to represent their breed, the French Bulldog Club of America, who gave a specialty show at the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC in 1898.
16. Most Frenchies can live over ten years
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is about 10 to 14 years, so they will able to be your companion for a good chunk of your life!
17. Sleep hard, play hard
French Bulldogs love to have their play time, but they can be equally as happy lounging around and cuddling with you on the couch. Since this breed doesn’t need a lot of exercise, minimal play and maximum relaxation can be an acceptable lifestyle for the Frenchie, as long as they aren’t alone and have your companionship.
18. This breed is typically not a big barker
They aren’t necessarily super quiet, but most French Bulldogs will not bark without reason. This is another reason (besides their small size) that they make a great apartment dog; no one wants a dog that will be barking at every little noise that can happen with apartment living! Though they should not bark excessively, the French Bulldog does make a great watchdog and will bark and make noise when necessary for protection.
19. There are many Frenchies with famous parents
Since this dog is so universally adored, it should be no surprise that there are many famous French Bulldog parents! Many Frenchies are owned by celebrities like Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Martha Stewart, to name a few.