French Bull Rat Terrier -- French Bulldog X Rat Terrier

		French Bull Rat Terrier
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			France <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the French Bull Rat Terrier

The French Bull Rat Terrier is a devoted companion with a big personality. The dignified, affectionate French Bulldog and the perky American Rat Terrier make up this spirited hybrid. Parental influences combine to give owners a loyal partner who will delight everyone he meets. He may have a stubborn streak when it comes to listening, but really wants to please. French Bull Rat Terrier owners say he's worth every minute of direction and training he needs.

History of the French Bull Rat Terrier

The French Bull Rat Terrier is one of the cutest breeds around. If anyone asks me, I'd rather say the French Bull Rat Terrier is a cross between a bat and a dog. It's absolutely adorable. The French Bull Rat Terrier is a cross between the French Bulldog and the American Rat Terrier. To better understand the French Bull Rat Terrier, you need to look at the history of its parents.

	A little of the French Bulldog
	French Bulldogs are most likely closely related to a variety of English Bulldog toys. These dogs were very popular in England around the 1850s and 1860s, and could often be found as pets for lacemakers in a region of the English Midlands called Nottingham. When the English began to lose interest in the breed, many of these dogs were sent to France, where they were named French Bulldogs. After being crossed with a variety of dog breeds, they made a big impression on wealthy urban women and rural landowners. The founding of the French Bulldog Club of America dates back to 1897, and in 1898 the organization staged a specialized show in New York's Waldorf-Astoria ballroom, greatly increasing the breed's popularity. 1902 was the founding year of the French Bulldog Club of England, and they held their first show in 1903. The breed lost popularity after the First World War and even more so during the Great Depression of the 1930s, but regained it in the 1980s and 1990s.

	Standard of the French Bulldog
	A little of the Rat Terrier
	The American Rat Terrier mix was created from a combination of crosses from earlier immigrants to the USA. These included the Fox Terrier as well as other Terriers popular in Europe in the 1800s: the Old English White Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and the Bull Terrier. Later, these dogs were crossed with the Beagle, Smooth Fox Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Whippet and Italian Greyhound. The 178th breed added to the American Kennel Club's list of pure breeds, the American Rat Terrier was recently added in 2013.

	Presentation of the Rat Terrier

Appearance of the French Bull Rat Terrier

A very attractive mix with the typical French Bulldog bat ears, the French Bull Rat Terrier packs a punch with its muscular body and strong gait. Often seen with a patch around the eye or a mask on the face, this dog will turn heads for its friendliness and nothing else. Their coat is smooth and glossy, often a mixture of white and another color. Parental influences will determine the exact shape of the head, but it can be square like the French Bulldog or narrower like the Rat Terrier. The eyes are oval and set wide apart. Color can vary, including brown and hazel. It may or may not have some of the wrinkles of the French Bulldog.

Temperament of the French Bull Rat Terrier

The French Bull Rat Terrier inherits its temperament from its parents. Good at announcing the presence of danger, depending on its size, it may still try to be a watchdog. He will show great personality, and early training is useful to make your French Bull Rat Terrier a pleasure to live with. Seeking to please their owners, they can sometimes be stubborn, but are considered very trainable, especially when properly motivated, in many cases with food. Curious and friendly, they'll be open to any adventure you can imagine. He can be slightly aggressive with strangers and other dogs, but early and consistent training will help.

Needs and activities of the French Bull Rat Terrier

Activity requirements for the French Bull Rat Terrier can be determined from those of its parents. The French Bulldog is not particularly active or energetic. A few short walks a day will be good for his health, but he may try to convince you that he'll be fine lounging around the house. Their size and lack of activity make apartments suitable housing. The American Rat Terrier, on the other hand, has been bred to work on the farm all day and has lots of energy. This half of the mix requires a lot of exercise, both mental and physical. If your hybrid isn't busy, he can get into trouble for keeping himself busy. He'll enjoy walks and hikes, playing outside with his family and visiting the dog park.

Maintenance of the French Bull Rat Terrier

Not considered a heavy excretor, your French Bull Rat Terrier will have a moulting season and will require daily brushing at this stage to keep your home and clothes free of hair. A smoother brush will work very well as it pulls the fur evenly and thoroughly. Bathing should not be a regular necessity. The French Bulldog can sometimes have sensitive skin, so your French Bull Rat Terrier may inherit this trait. Brush his teeth at least three times a week. Keep an eye on the nails and don't leave them too long, as tears and breaks can be very painful. Dress your hybrid warmly in cold weather, as it's sensitive to extremes. The same applies to heat: don't let him exercise too much on hot days, exercise him in the shade.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 04 April 2024; Hits: 429

French Bull Rat Terrier -- French Bulldog X Rat Terrier