The French Bulldog (also known as the "Frenchy") and The Beagle have become some of the most popular household companions in The United States.
In fact, for the fifth year in a row, The American Kennel Club, The Frenchy is New York City's most popular breed.
New Yorkers will love both breeds. Frenchies are great for New York City apartment living due to their small size, quiet demeanor, and little exercise requirement.
Beagles are great for upstate New York homeowners that have plenty of room to let them run, do not mind some noise, and want to join in on their dog's playful activities.
Both of these breeds can be great additions to your family under the right conditions. If you are interested in having one of these breeds become an addition to your family, there are some things you should know about each of them to determine if they are a good match for you.
To start your research off, you can watch these videos from Animal Planet's show Dogs 101 on The French Bulldog and The Beagle.
Their experts cover a broad range of topics for you to consider as you continue your investigation into these breeds. Besides, who doesn't want to watch those adorable faces?
History Of Both Breeds
A Dog By Any Other Name Is English?
The origin of the French Bulldog is a surprising one. Based on its name, people would think that it was first developed somewhere in the landscapes of France by some noble who wanted a companion dog. Unfortunately, this is wrong. The French Bulldog's origins started in England.
According to the French Bulldog Club of America, about 200 years ago, the English were developing variations of bulldogs for their fighting ability or as ratters. As the bigger fighters became more popular, the small ratters gained interest in Normandy and Paris, France.
They became known as, Bouledogues Français (Bulldog France). The working-class people kept them as ratters and let their "cuteness" draw in customers.
As the Frenchy became more known, French Aristocrats soon fell in love with these adorable little dogs and wanted one for themselves.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Americans started bringing the French Bulldog back with them from their excursions from France.
In France, The French Bulldog had both ear versions; the bat ears, or the floppy ears. Wealthy Americans generally preferred the erect bat ears, but both ears could be found in the United States.
The breed was recognized by Westminster In 1897, and The American Kennel Club recognized the French Bulldog a year later. The bat ear standard was not set until the 1950s.
Did Zeus Keep A Beagle In His Pocket?
The Beagle's origins are speculative at best. According to Cesar Millan and other experts, we know that an unnamed breed of hound in the 5th Century B.C.E. was used for hunting by the Greeks.
Various incarnations of this hunting dog were created to make them better hunters and companions. It was the Romans that brought the Beagle ancestors to England.
It was not until the mid-1700's that the term "Beagle" was first used. These eight to 9-inch dogs were referred to as "Pocket Beagles" since they could be held in a hunter's pocket when they were not on the trail of small game.
As hunting became more popular, they were bred with more medium-sized dogs to chase down a fox. This medium-sized Beagle became so popular, the Pocket Beagle died out by 1901 due to lack of interest.
The Modern Standard Beagle did not come to the United States until the 1870s. General Richard Rowett of Illinois saw these dogs as great hunting companions.
Americans also saw them as wonderful family pets. The AKC recognized them in 1885 based off of Rowett's standards, and the first one won Best in Show in 1928.
Lifestyle Traits Of Both Breeds
Keeping Up With The Kids
Even though the French Bulldog is small, they can be a great playmate with your young children.
It is always recommended, no matter the breed, toddlers and young children are supervised and taught how to play with their four-legged siblings. Eye-poking and tail pulling are not appreciated.
Frenchies have a protective nature when it comes to meeting strangers. Dog Breed Experts state that this comes from their somewhat self-centered nature. Socialization is the key to overcoming this hang up.
Beagles are almost childproof. According to All Pet Magazine, they can tolerate ear and tail pulling. If this occurs, more than likely, your Beagle will get up and walk away instead of acting out.
They also have the energy to run with your children. This can make mid-day nap time for your kids and puppies a lot easier.
When it comes to cuddling time, Beagles love being lapdogs. They want their hugs and cuddles. But then- Just like that- off they go. Their hunting instinct also gives them a sense of independence and curiosity to explore.
Remember, they are a nose with feet, so they want to go around searching for new smells or make sure familiar smells are in the right place.
Will My Vet Bill Buy Them A New Building?
Frenchies are prone to a lot of health problems due to their genetic makeup. According to Dog Time, French Bulldogs are one of the Brachycephalic (Brak-E-So-Fal-ic) types of dogs. Due to their big heads and short muzzles, they can have sinus issues that may require surgery.
They can also suffer from bone, joint, and spine issues throughout their lifetime as well. Speak to your veterinarian about nutritional and other methods that can minimize your dog's risk of developing these problems.
Conversely, Beagles are generally hearty dogs. Health problems that have shown up include joint and eye issues.
Since these dogs are so popular, make sure your new best friend is coming from a reliable breeder to avoid health problems that come from overbreeding.
Let's Play The Sitting Game
Training techniques for the French Bulldog require a firm, consistent, positive, and patient owner. The earlier you start the better.
Frenchies have an "eager to please" mentality, but like most bulldog breeds, have a streak of stubbornness in them.
The AKC recommends using food motivations and making a game out of training to keep them cooperative and motivated.
Beagles are thinkers, can get bored easily, and their noses can get them in trouble. If you are considering a Beagle, make sure you have at least a 5 ft. fence or better so they cannot jump over it.
No matter how well they are trained, if they are on a scent, no amount of training will recall them. Remember, they have 220 million scent receptors.
Negative training techniques will shut a Beagle down. Creative, positive reward training is the best way to go. Beagles have been trained by Homeland Security to hunt down many dangerous things in airports, along our borders, and other secure areas.
Training your Beagle to sit, stay, and do their business outside is achievable with patience and consistency. Contact a certified dog trainer in your area if you need assistance with training techniques.
It's The Dog's House, I Just Pay For It
French Bulldogs can live almost anywhere. In their early existence, they were popular among the city dwellers of Paris.
Today, they are popular in some of the most popular cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other major metropolitan areas. Avoid places with extreme temperatures. With their short fur, they can become cold, or too hot.
If you bring your Frenchie with you to your winter home in Florida, make sure you keep him or her in the air conditioning.
Some experts believe that the word "beagle" comes from the french word "begueule," which means open throat.
The Beagle not only likes to bark, but has three different types of bark: Barking, Baying, and Howling. Working Beagles use these three different noises on the trail to identify the game.
It is loud and can be heard far away. If you do not have patient neighbors, your Beagle could create unwelcomed feelings between you and your neighborhood.
Beagles prefer open space. They need to run out their energy. Suburbs that do not have restrictions and rural areas are ideal for this breed.
Regular walks or jogs can help them release this energy and take care of that daily steps-per-day goal you have.
Picturing Yourself With Your New Best Friend
Frenchies and Beagles have different needs and traits. The French Bulldog is quiet and a people pleaser. They will lay at your feet while you are finishing that budget report at home.
The Beagle is a medium-sized dog that will help you walk off the stress of the day when you get home. At the end of the day, they will lay in your lap on the couch in between double-checking the kitchen floor for any missed human food treats.
Either way, you will have a devoted four-legged companion that can be a goofball that your family will love and will steal your heart forever.
As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama.
