25-50 lbs
8-12"
United States
The American French Bull Terrier is a designer or hybrid dog, with one set of parents being the American Pit Bull and the other parent the French Bulldog Terrier. Both breeds are stocky or solid in build, and are very powerful looking dogs. The American French Bull Terrier has a muzzle like the American Pit Bull Terrier, but it is shorter in height due to the influence of the other parent breed the French Bulldog Terrier. Their fur is easy to care for, being smooth and short. The American French Bull Terrier is eager to please and has loads of enthusiasm. They are good with other animals, and especially with children. The hybrid dog has the best qualities of both the parent breeds and is continuing to be refined. They make an attractive, loyal and devoted dog who is easy to train, is obedient, and who often clowns around during fun family times.
While little documentation can be found on the history of the American French Bull Terrier or even when it first began, we can look to the history of the parent dogs from where the hybrid breed originated. The French Bulldog is a small to medium sized dog that is bred primarily as a companion dog. Speculation still exists about the true origin of this attractive dog; some say it originated from the toy Bulldog brought to France by the Nottingham lace workers at the time of the industrial revolution. Others believe it descended from the Chincha Bulldog that lived in ancient Peru. Whatever you believe, the French Bulldog first appeared in America in 1896 at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York. It was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1898 in the non-sporting dog group. Later, in 1912, the British accepted the breed. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s ancestors arrived in the United States in the mid-1800s, brought in by Boston-Irish immigrants. They were originally bred to be a fighting dog, but when the bull baiting was banned in England in 1835, they were no longer bred to fight. While there is some confusion between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, (both being very similar) the breed flourished and became very popular. In 1898 the United Kennel Club was formed with the intent to provide registration and fighting guidelines for the breed. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, only the American Staffordshire Terrier, which was added to the roster in 1936. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier has evolved into a wonderful companion and working dog. The new hybrid American French Bull Terrier takes advantage of the great qualities that both of this breed has to offer, and will no doubt become very popular in the future.
The American French Bull Terrier has a solid blocky look to its appearance and has a solid brick-like head which is usually very broad between the cheeks. The jaws are powerful looking with teeth that form a scissors bite. The muzzle is straighter than the shortened muzzle of the French Bulldog parent, which provides easier breathing and none of the health risks of the parent dog. The neck is strong and thickly muscled and runs into a deep chest. This dog carries a lot of the American Pit Bull Terrier characteristics but has been softened by the French Bulldog influence. While muscular in appearance, the American French Bull Terrier is agile and strong for its size. The tail tapers to a point. The eyes are round and deep set while the ears are a triangular shape that is held erect with the tops flopping over. The front legs are strong and straight, with wide rounded paws. It is an attractive hybrid, producing a dog that is eager to please, with a mild nature.
The American French Bull Terrier is a hybrid dog that is good with children and other pets. It is easy to train and learns basic commands such as sit, stay, and come easily. It is important with all dog breeds to socialise your young pups early and to begin training them while young. These dogs respond to patient consistent training and love to get praise. They are sensitive to the mood of their people, so if you are getting impatient during training, take a break, or you will risk confusing them. They are true people dogs, and while they look tough and strong, they are mellow and pleasing dogs. Daily exercise is needed to keep your dog fit and healthy and to wear off some energy before they settle in for the night. They make great watchdogs, barking to let you know strangers are about and will defend the owner valiantly if need be, but are not aggressive unless threatened. They are more likely to lick your visitors to pieces rather than harm them. The American French Bull Terrier gets on well with the household cat and is happy to play ‘mom’ to any stray animals you bring in the home. Words to describe this breed are friendly, loyal, obedient, clownish, stubborn, courageous, and intelligent.
The American French Bull Terrier loves a family game and will happily join in games of fetching, tugging, running and swimming. They love to go for a walk, and training them to walk at heel is easy as long as you start young. Getting the dog out in the community will help socialise him with other dogs and people, and they love to meet new contacts. If you have a well fenced yard, the dog will be happy to follow its humans around and help them when needed (even if their help is not needed, they will offer it) As a companion dog they get a bit lonely if left for a long time without company.
Written by Darlene Stott
Published: 10/05/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
More articles by Darlene Stott
