Harlequin French Bulldog | The Unique & pretty Dog Breed
The Harlequin French Bulldog is a quite unique version of the French Bulldog breed characterized by its sleek and lovely Harlequin coat. This coat pattern which features the patches of different color makes the Harlequin French Bulldog to be unique as compared to other French Bulldogs. Similar to the standard French Bulldog, this breed also possesses muscular, compact body, droopy bat like ears, and friendly and playful nature. If you are in search of a dog breed that is rare as well as affectionate, the Harlequin French Bulldog is what you need.
In this article we will discuss about the history of this breed, the characteristics and some important tips about the care of the Harlequin French Bulldog as well as interesting facts about this variation of the breed. If you are thinking of getting one for your family or need more information about this beautiful dog, then this article will provide all the necessary information.
History of the Harlequin French Bulldog
This is a type of the popular French Bulldog breed that originated from the early 1800s in England before becoming popular in France. Developed from toy dog breeds for company to lace makers, the French Bulldog found its way into the French nobility due to its friendly, playful and easy going temperament.
Although the French Bulldog comes in many colors, the Harlequin color pattern is quite unusual. The Harlequin coat is a fawn, cream or black color with irregular, random white, black or blue spots all over the body. This coat pattern is genetic and is not accepted by all the breed associations; nevertheless, this makes it a rare feature for those who like extraordinary looks in their dogs.
Classification of Harlequin French Bulldog
By Purpose
Just like any other French Bulldogs, the Harlequin French was originally bred for companionship purposes. French Bulldogs were not originally bred for work but for love, companionship, and amusement of their owners. The Harlequin French Bulldog follows this tradition and is an ideal family dog and an excellent pet for any person or for any age.
By Size
The coat of the Harlequin French Bulldog is also quite like other French Bulldogs, which are medium in size but muscular and small in height. Here are some size characteristics:
Height: 11-12 inches
Weight: 16-28 pounds
Coat: Short-haired, sleek, has the black and white Harlequin pattern.
They are perfect for apartments, city dwellings, and houses with limited space due to their small stature but they have a very muscular body, which makes them appear confident.
Most Popular Traits of Harlequin French Bulldog
The coat of the Harlequin French Bulldog is one of the most striking and its character is truly lovable. The most common traits are as follows:
Harlequin: The coat is the breed’s most defining characteristic; it is Harlequin-patterned. This pattern has a background color with irregular shapes of other colors as spots or blotches.
Temperament: Being a French Bulldog, the Harlequin French is a lovable, energetic, and playful dog that will make a good family pet.
Small in size, the Harlequin French Bulldogs are suitable for apartments, urban homes, and suburban neighborhoods.
Easy to groom: Since the Harlequin has a short coat, it does not require much attention when it comes to grooming.
Temperament: The Harlequin French Bulldog is friendly and adaptable, and does well in both urban areas or a house.
Factors to Choose a Harlequin French Bulldog
There are following factors which should be taken into consideration before having or buying a Harlequin French Bulldog:
Health Considerations: Like any other French Bulldogs, the Harlequin French Bulldog has some special health issues that are associated with this breed because of its flat snout. Some common health issues include:
Breathing Issues: Due to its flat face, the Harlequin French Bulldog is prone to breathing problems especially when in warm or humid environment.
Health Problems: Due to their small built, the breed may be affected by hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Health Concerns: They are prone to skin disorders like infections in the folds of the skin and the wrinkles.
This is very important in ensuring that they are healthy and in good condition always; they need to be taken for regular vet checkups, fed well, and given the care they require.
Grooming Needs: The coat of the Harlequin French Bulldog is short and smooth; thus, it does not require a lot of grooming to maintain. However, because of the folds that are found on the face of such animals, cleaning and drying are critical to avoid skin related complications. It is recommended that brushing is done occasionally to help in preventing shedding while at the same time adding a healthy shine on the coat. The Harlequin coat does not need much care and attention but the patch work design may need some extra care to remain bright.
Exercise Requirements: The Harlequin French Bulldog is not very active and therefore the need to engage in exercises is minimal. Lack of activity will be accommodated by short walks and playtime only. However, due to short snouts, it is advisable not to overexercise in hot conditions in order to prevent heat stroke.
Training and Socialization: However, they are not very obedient dogs as they are intelligent and can be quite stubborn at times. It is very important that training should start at an early stage of the dog’s life, so that it can have good behavior. Positive reinforcement is the best approach to use because these dogs are very responsive to attention and rewards.
How to care of a Harlequin French Bulldog
The following are some points that could be useful in the management of your Harlequin French Bulldog:
Take Care during Summer: Because of the said breed characteristic, it is best to avoid exposing your Harlequin French Bulldog to high temperatures and humidity.
Routine Appointments: This is important to take your dog for routine checkups so as to minimize health complications for your dog.
Exercise them mentally: Although low energy, they require to be mentally engaged with toys, training, and socialization.
A healthy diet should be followed by them to help them maintain their weight and their physical well-being. Always ensure that you do not feed them too much food as they have the tendency of becoming obese.
Fun Facts About the Harlequin French Bulldog
Here are some pieces of information you may want to know about the Harlequin French Bulldog breed:
Rare Coloration: The coat pattern that is found in Harlequin is a very specific and desirable one among dog lovers.
Loving and affectionate: This breed of dog loves to cuddle and be cuddled, and is therefore referred to as the lap dog.
Jolly but lazy: While these dogs love to play with their owners or with other pets, they are quite content to watch from the comfort of their owner’s bed or a couch which makes the Harlequin French Bulldog suitable for owners without a large amount of physical energy.
Highly Sociable: Such breeds of dogs need companionship and get along very well with kids, other animals and even strangers.
Where to Find a Harlequin French Bulldog
If you are planning to get a Harlequin French Bulldog, you should consider the following characteristics:
Reputable breeders: The breeders should be those that are well known to care about the health of the animals and their temperaments.
Rescue Organizations: You can get your Harlequin French Bulldogs from French Bulldog rescues or the breed rescues.
Some of the online platforms are AKC Marketplace or Petfinder They may have available dogs for adoption.
FAQs about Harlequin French Bulldog
Conclusion
To recap, the Harlequin French Bulldog is a beautiful and rather uncommon type of the French Bulldog due to its distinct coat pattern and friendly temperament. However, this dog breed demands extra care and attention when it comes to its health and grooming issues; thus, it is an excellent choice for people who would love to be associated with an active, loyal, and unique dog. Before adopting a Harlequin French Bulldog, it is important to know what is involved in properly caring for it and giving it a good home.