It is most commonly believed that, during the 19^th Century Industrial Revolution, Normandy lace workers from England took miniature or toy Bulldogs with them when they sought work in France. These little Bulldogs became very popular as ratters and loyal family companions. They were in fact 'culls' of the established Bulldog breeders in England, who were generally more than happy to sell undersized examples of their breed to others. It is likely that, in France, the ancestors of French Bulldogs were sometimes bred to terrier breeds – hence the upright 'bat' ears of our present dogs. English Bulldogs have a 'rose' ear.

As these small Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favourites of the Parisian 'belles de nuit' - the French working girls. The aura of notoriety that ownership of these small 'Bouledouges Francais'  conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well-to-do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favourites of the 'artistic' set across Europe.

Rose ear

Bat and rose ears

Photos dating from around this time show the Russian Royal family posing with their French Bulldogs. Other famous fanciers included the author Colette and King Edward VII. Toulouse-Lautrec included some Frenchies in his drawings. As a point of historic interest, a French Bulldog, insured for the, at that time, astronomical sum of $750, was on board the ill fated Titanic.

Edward VII of England

Prince Felix Yusupov of Russia

Collette

Toulouse-Lautrec

French Bulldogs truly are now an international breed, with fanciers of many nations being responsible for the creation of the loving dogs we know today. 

Appearance

French Bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth brilliant coat, snub nose and solid bone structure. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded on the top. Their tails are naturally short.

French Bulldogs come in a variety of colours and coat patterns – particularly in North America. In most European countries only brindle, black masked fawn and pied dogs are acceptable as show dogs.  In Canada and the United States a variety of dilute fawn colours, minus the black mask, are also acceptable – ranging from dark fawn to light cream coloured dogs.

Under Canadian and American Kennel Club standards, weight is not to exceed 13 kg (28 lbs). Under most European standards the dog can not exceed 13.5 kg (30 lbs).

Temperament

French Bulldogs are usually an agreeable breed with an upbeat  attitude.They need close contact with humans – these are pets, not kennel dogs. They have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do appreciate regular daily walks. As adults, their generally calm nature and limited tendancy to bark makes them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers.  It is essential that owners understand that French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors. Their bulk and their sometimes compromised breathing systems make it hard for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. In addition, Frenchies are top heavy and therefore have a difficult time swimming. Be cautious when exercising your Frenchie during hot or humid weather.

Some adult French Bulldogs can play too roughly with smaller children, and should be monitored at all times during play. As well, children should be cautioned not to pick French Bulldogs up, as their size can mask how truly heavy they actually are.

French Bulldogs are essentially a bull and terrier breed so it is not surprising to learn that dog aggression can sometimes occur. Generally, this takes the form of same sex aggression, particularly with bitches. Owners considering adding a second dog to their household are often cautioned to choose one of the opposite sex. Spaying or neutering can do much to curb aggressive tendencies before they begin. The French Bulldog energy level can range from hyperactive and energetic to relaxed and laid back.

French Bulldogs can be stubborn, so early and consistent obedience training is highly recommended. However, they have competed successfully in numerous competitive dog sports, including dog agility, obedience and rally obedience, Obtaining a Canine Good Neighbour certification on your French Bulldog is a good idea, and an excellent way of ensuring they have a solid set of basic manners. Many French Bulldogs excel as therapy dogs, with most seeming to truly enjoy the attention and interaction with both children and the elderly.

In general, Frenchies are amiable, good natured, playful dogs, and make excellent companions for families, single persons and the elderly.

Health

Although they are still considered among the healthiest of the Bull breeds, there are several congenital diseases and conditions to which French Bulldogs are susceptible.

Some French Bulldogs suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. One of the most common defects in French Bulldogs is elongated soft palate. An elongated soft palate can manifest as anything from a mild condition causing labored breathing to a severe condition that can cause the affected dog to pass out from moderate exercise. Some Frenchies are also born with pinched nares (nostrils). 

Frenchies may have eye issues. Screening of prospective breeding candidates through CERF (the Canine Eye Registration Foundation) or by a canine eye specialist can help to eliminate instances of these issues in offspring. The skin folds under the eyes of the French Bulldog must be cleaned regularly and kept dry in order to avoid infections.

Because French Bulldogs are descended from dwarf examples of the English Bulldog breed, they can suffer from spinal abnormalities.  Most have some hemivertebrae (partial vertebrae). Some develop premature disc degeneration as they age.

In North America, French Bulldogs frequently require a Caesarean section to give birth. As well, some French Bulldog stud dogs are incapable of naturally breeding, requiring breeders to undertake artificial insemination of bitches.

Skin allergies have been known to affect some French Bulldogs, particularly those with lighter coat colours.

 

Those considering the purchase of a French Bulldog would be well advised to ask what disorders breeders are testing for. Reputable breeders strive to produce dogs that are as healthy as possible, and while these tests are expensive for the breeder, they can help to save the puppy purchaser hundreds or even thousands of dollars in potential vet bills.

Please do not buy a puppy from a pet store.  No reputable breeder sells through pet stores - they are stocked through brokers, puppy farms and highly questionable back yard breeders. Also stay away from puppy brokers who import very young pups from overseas to resell in North America. Be careful of very large 'get your puppy today and pay by credit card' internet sites.  They are puppy farms. These folks don't care if the puppy you buy (if indeed they send a puppy at all) is healthy.