Torque is nine months old now – theoretically as tall and long as he’s going to get. He’ll still fill 
out, as all puppies do as they mature, but my little boy isn’t so little any more. In fact, he’s a bit taller and longer than Teddy. It seemed to happen overnight.
He’s my third Frenchie – and the one that most closely adheres to all the breed descriptions I carefully read before getting my first French Bulldog, Dax.
Frenchies are supposed to have poor tolerance for heat. Dax, also a brindle, adored the sun and would sun bathe as long as I’d allow it. Teddy is a fawn-colored Frenchie and not only loves lying in the sun, he loves the heat and rarely will even pant. I know this reflects his wonderful breathing apparatus as well as heat tolerance, but he’s truly a sun worshipper. The thing I worry most about with Teddy in the sun is those pink-interior ears getting sun burnt.
Torque loves sun bathing, too. But he’s not good at it. The 90 degree days we’ve had recently had him panting in no time. I’ve been prepared for Frenchie-in-hot-weather for years – but Torque’s the first one who’s actually needed the cool coat, the always-available water supply, and shade over his crate in the car.
Frenchies are supposed to be clowns – always up for a game, for play, for just being silly. Teddy is the most serious dog on the planet. Yesterday he actually played with a toy for 20 seconds and it was cause for amazement. Dax was occasionally silly, but was really too busy being queen bee to cast her dignity aside. Torque’s a goof. He wiggles his adorable butt in the air, races around the house, barks at the puppy in the mirror, and is a joyous little fellow. He even hugs – the first of my dogs ever to do that.
Frenchies are supposed to love everybody and be perfectly willing to abandon their homes and families to the first person waving steak in their faces. Dax and Teddy – both momma’s kids. I’ve worked pretty hard at training Torque to pay attention to me and come when called – but I wouldn’t bet a paycheck that the steak wouldn’t win. He’s a very sociable fellow and wouldn’t want to insult anyone by ignoring them.
Frenches are supposed to be flatulent. Fortunately, none of mine have been. I credit our willingness to keep trying different high-quality foods until finding the right ones to keep their digestive systems, and our noses, happy.
Every breed has certain characteristics that make it what it is. Every dog of a certain breed will look similar – to the point that most people won’t be able to tell them apart. In a room full of Frenchies, I’ll always know my dogs. But each dog is unique. Once you’ve done the research and decided which breed is right for you, there’s still a lot to learn about the individual dogs. It’s a lot of fun getting to know Torque – my French Bulldog.
