French Bulldog
Bouledogue Français
A true companion (with perhaps a pinch of ratting abilities in its past) the French Bulldog makes a lovable, intelligent pet.
French Bulldog Standards
- 12"
- 22-28 lbs
- small, stocky dog
- erect, bat ears
- tail may be straight or cork-screw
- loose skin, short and smooth coat
- any combination of brindle, fawn or white
History of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a companion breed that was developed in France. Their exact history is debated, but it is generally accepted that their ancestors were old style Toy Bulldog which are now extinct. In the early 1850s these toy dogs were common throughout England, when the Industrial Revolution was threatening the “cottage industries” in the country. Out of work lace makers from Nottingham decided to try their luck in northern France and took their dogs with them. In turn they became popular in rural districts and from there their development becomes less clear. Some say that after showing a fondness for ratting terrier blood was added to the line, while other suggest crosses with the Pug was made. After several decades of unknown breeding their type became fixed and they began moving into urban districts. They were famously kept by Belles de Nuit (Ladies of the Night) at first and then as others wanted to appear socially daring they found their way into even more homes. When the French Bulldog first returned to England in the 1890s it was not accepted by English fanciers, who objected to this ‘ill-bred’ bulldog. They desired to return the breed to its resemblance of a traditional bulldog, in particular wanting to eliminate their bat ears. It was the American breeders that objected to this change and after establishing the first breed club set the standard to protect the breed as we know it today.
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