The History of French Bulldog

Bat-eared but beautiful: meet the French Bulldog, nicknamed the Frenchie – c’est magnifique! These little dogs are smaller than their English bulldog cousins, making them an ideal lapdog size, though they are still stocky little dogs with some of the same wrinkling seen in English bulldogs.

The French Bulldog owes a lot to the English Bulldog. While the latter was bred for the bloody and dangerous sport of bullbaiting, the former was intended to be a companion dog. The big, strong and athletic bulldogs of the past were bred with pugs and terriers to reduce their size. This created a smaller dog with a rounded head and short lower jaw. Many craftsmen kept these little dogs, especially lace-makers in Nottingham, England.  So far, France wasn’t very involved in the history of the French bulldog, but this changed with the Industrial Revolution.

Furieux – male French Bulldog

The Industrial Upheaval and a Journey to France The dawn of the Industrial Revolution brought unprecedented upheaval for skilled artisans across England. The rapid rise of mechanized factories threatened the livelihoods of many traditional craftsmen, with the famous lace-makers of Nottingham being particularly hard-hit. As massive mechanical looms began producing lace far faster and more cheaply than human hands ever could, these artisans were forced to look elsewhere for survival. In the 1860s, a large wave of displaced Nottingham lace-makers packed up their lives and relocated across the English Channel to Normandy in the north of France. Alongside their tools and families, these craftsmen brought something else of great importance: their beloved miniature Bulldogs, which they used as both affectionate lapdogs and excellent ratters.

The Rise of the Bouledogue Français These tiny companions quickly captured the hearts of the French. Nicknamed the Bouledogue Français, the little dogs became a massive sensation. Noting this booming new market, English breeders eagerly began exporting their overly small or physically “imperfect” bulldogs to France. In Paris, the breed initially found its niche among the working class. They became the favored pets of butchers, café owners, merchants, and even the city’s infamous belles de nuit (streetwalkers) and bohemian artists, who adored the dogs’ loyal nature and wonderfully quirky appearance.

High Society and Breed Refinement It did not take long for the little French Bulldog to climb the social ladder. The breed eventually caught the eye of the Parisian upper crust and wealthy aristocrats. As high society began adopting them as fashionable companions, dedicated breeding efforts refined the dog into the recognizable silhouette we know and love today. Breeders focused on developing a compact, muscular body with straight legs, while selectively breeding away from the extreme, heavily undershot jaw characteristic of their English Bulldog ancestors.

The American Influence and the “Bat Ear” The charm of the French Bulldog was impossible to contain within Europe. In the late 19th century, wealthy American tourists traveling through Paris fell head over heels for the charismatic little dogs and began bringing them back to the United States. This transatlantic journey played a pivotal role in the breed’s modern look. While French and English breeders accepted dogs with either upright ears or folded “rose” ears, American fanciers strongly preferred the distinct, upright “bat” ears that give the dog its famously alert expression. Insisting on this unique trait, an official American breeding program was established in 1885. This dedicated effort culminated in a triumphant debut when American-bred French Bulldogs were proudly showcased at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896, cementing their status as a beloved, global icon.

French Bulldog Puppies

French Bulldogs became very popular on the East Coast of the USA. The popularity of the breed lessened after World War I. This was partly due to the popularity of the Boston Terrier, and partly because many French Bulldogs had difficulty giving birth safely. Veterinary medicine was not advanced enough for safe Caesarians to be performed at the time.

The Great Depression also lessened interest in purebred dogs.

World War II was a hard time for the French Bulldog. As lack of food led to the starvation of many dogs, as there was barely enough food in Europe for humans to eat, let alone for animals.

By the 1980s

The number of French Bulldogs was once again on the rise. Today, the Frenchie is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Many people are charmed by their bat ears, but just as much by their playful nature and easy-going personality. The French Bulldog isn’t just a pretty face. They are also clever dogs and, as long as their lessons are fun, should be easy to train. You may need to try a few different training techniques to see what works best for your Frenchie.

Like the English Bulldog, they can be a little stubborn, as they tend to think for themselves. They are also protective of their families, and make surprisingly good watchdogs. French Bulldogs love to be around people. They are good indoor dogs as they don’t need much room, and will be happy to live in an apartment. They also get on well with children. They don’t need much exercise, though a daily walk is needed to stop them getting overweight.

Like all brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short, sometimes squashed-looking muzzles) French Bulldogs may have breathing problems, and tend to snort and snore. They are also prone to heatstroke in hot weather. Be sure to prevent them from getting fat, as an overweight French Bulldog may find it difficult to breathe. They may also suffer from joint problems, cleft palates, and elongated soft palates. A reputable breeder will help you to find a healthy puppy. It is important to consult your vet about your dog’s health.

If you want a playful yet relaxed family dog that is happy to live in a small house or apartment, the Frenchie may be the perfect pet for you.