Frenchnese
The Frenchnese is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Havanese. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Frenchnese. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat and sturdy bone structure that creates an impression of strength within a small package. This breed typically weighs between sixteen and twenty-eight pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females. The body is well-proportioned with a characteristic roached back that rises gently toward the loin, a wide and deep chest, and relatively short, stocky legs that give the breed its distinctive low-to-the-ground appearance. The breed possesses heavy bone structure for its size, creating a powerful little dog despite its compact frame, and should feel solid when lifted. One of the most distinctive features of the French Bulldog is its large, square-shaped head with trademark bat ears that stand erect and are broad at the base with rounded tips. These unique ears are set high on the head and carried upright with the opening directed forward, giving the breed its alert and curious appearance. The face is flat with a very short muzzle characteristic of brachycephalic breeds, featuring heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose. The eyes are set wide apart, positioned low in the skull, and are dark in color with a round shape that contributes to the breed's expressive, intelligent gaze. The underjaw is deep, square, broad, and slightly undershot, with thick, broad flews that hang over the lower jaw. The coat of the French Bulldog is short, smooth, and fine in texture, lying close to the body with a natural sheen. The skin is moderately loose and forms soft wrinkles, especially around the head and shoulders, contributing to the breed's characteristic appearance. Acceptable coat colors include brindle, fawn, white, cream, and combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white. Solid black, liver, mouse gray, and black with white or tan markings are considered disqualifications according to the breed standard. The tail is naturally short, either straight or screwed but not curly, set low, and carried without being raised above the horizontal. The overall impression should be one of an active, intelligent, and well-balanced dog of small structure.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament French Bulldogs are exceptionally affectionate with family members and are typically patient and tolerant with children of all ages, making them excellent family pets. They tend to be friendly toward strangers once properly introduced, though they can demonstrate protective tendencies toward their loved ones when they sense a threat. The breed is known for developing strong attachments to their owners and may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, preferring constant companionship. They generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized from a young age, though supervision is recommended during interactions with much larger dogs due to their small stature.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations French Bulldogs frequently suffer from skin and eye conditions requiring ongoing management. Their characteristic skin folds require regular cleaning to prevent bacterial and yeast infections. The breed is predisposed to allergies affecting both skin and digestive systems, often requiring special diets and medications. Eye problems include cherry eye, where the third eyelid gland protrudes, cataracts that can lead to blindness, and corneal ulcers caused by their prominent eye position. Additionally, the breed commonly experiences gastrointestinal issues including food sensitivities and inflammatory bowel disease. The typical lifespan ranges from ten to fourteen years with appropriate veterinary care.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with a slightly rectangular body that is marginally longer than it is tall, with an ideal height-to-length ratio of approximately four to five. Males and females stand between eight-and-a-half to eleven-and-a-half inches at the shoulder and weigh between seven and thirteen pounds. Despite their small size, Havanese are solidly built with moderate bone structure, never appearing fragile or delicate. The breed moves with a distinctive springy, lively gait that results from the relatively short upper arm, creating a unique prancing action. The head of the Havanese is proportionate to the body with a broad skull that is slightly rounded and a moderate stop. The muzzle is equal in length to the skull, with a full nose that can be black or brown depending on coat color. The large, dark eyes are almond-shaped and set fairly wide apart, contributing to the breed's soft, intelligent expression. The drop ears are set high and fall along the cheeks, reaching approximately halfway to the nose when extended. The tail is set high and arches over the back, carried loosely curled and adorned with long, silky plumes. The hallmark of the Havanese is its beautiful coat, which is long, soft, and silky in texture. The double coat can reach six to eight inches in length in mature dogs and may be straight, wavy, or even curly. Unlike many breeds, the Havanese coat is lightweight and designed to protect from tropical sun rather than cold weather. All colors and patterns are acceptable in the breed, including white, cream, fawn, red, chocolate, black, silver, and any combination thereof. The coat naturally parts along the spine and falls gracefully on either side. Some owners choose to cord the coat, creating long, rope-like sections similar to the Puli or Komondor. A short-coat variety also exists, carrying a recessive gene that produces a smooth coat with lighter furnishings.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Havanese are excellent family dogs that get along wonderfully with children of all ages when properly socialized. Their gentle, patient nature makes them tolerant playmates, though interactions with very young children should always be supervised due to the breed's small size. They typically coexist peacefully with other dogs and pets, showing little aggression or territorial behavior. The breed adapts well to various living situations including apartments and is suitable for first-time dog owners. However, their strong attachment to their families means they can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for extended periods. Prospective owners should be prepared to include their Havanese in daily activities and provide plenty of companionship and interaction.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions including cataracts are common in Havanese, particularly as they age. Cataracts cause the lens to become opaque, progressively impairing vision and potentially leading to blindness. Regular ophthalmologic examinations can help detect these conditions early. The breed is also prone to allergies that may manifest as skin irritation, itching, and ear infections, with common triggers including pollen, grass, and certain foods. Hypothyroidism occurs in some lines and requires lifelong hormone supplementation. Despite these potential concerns, with proper health screening of breeding stock and regular veterinary care, most Havanese live long, healthy lives with an average lifespan of ten to fifteen years.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Frenchnese may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the French Bulldog and Havanese to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.