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While theories abound about the exact origin of the French Bulldog, the most prevalent opinion is that around the mid 1800s Normandy lace workers from England took smaller bulldogs with them when they sought work in France. In the farming communities north of France that the lace workers settled in, the little Bulldogs became very popular as ratters and loyal family companions and their population began to swell. These little bulldogs were in fact "culls" of the established Bulldog Breeders in England, who were generally more than happy to sell these undersized examples of their breed to fanciers of the "new" breed in England. This was especially true of the "tulip" eared puppies that cropped up at times in Bulldog litters.
As the new, smaller Bulldogs gained popularity in France, they became favorites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street walkers. Breed historians can still sometimes turn up notorious "French Postcards" bearing images of scantily clad French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Francais." The aura of notoriety that ownership of the little dogs conveyed made them a fashionable way for the well to do classes to show off how daring they could be, and they soon became favorites of the "artistic" set across Europe.
Photos dating to around this time show photos of the Russian Royal family posing along side their French Bulldogs, and they imported several of the little dogs from France. Other famous fanciers included Toulouse-Lautrec, the author Colette and King Edward VII 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.
It is inarguable that without the influence of dedicated, turn of the century American fanciers the breed would not be what it is today. It is they that organized the very first French Bulldog Club in the world, and it was they who insisted that the "bat" ear so associated with the breed today was correct. Until that time, French Bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear.
All in all, French Bulldogs truly are an International Breed, with fanciers of many nations being responsible for the creation of the loving dogs we know today.
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What are Frenchies like to live with???
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| The Frenchie is on the whole, a reasonably healthy breed and lives between 12-16 years of age, and usually has a good old age with minimal diseases.
Some owners tell of having owned Frenchies for as long as six months without ever having heard them bark. In general, though, most (but not all) Frenchies are sensible barkers, doing so only if they feel that there is something worth really getting excited about. Like food!! They do squeak horribly though, if they are upset, for instance, if you leave them in the next room whilst you are having dinner, just search Frenchie Death Yodel on Youtube and you'll see what we mean!!
While French Bulldogs may not have the easily trained disposition of Border Collies, they are generally quite amenable towards being trained to basic obedience commands. Quite a few have even competed successfully in the obedience ring, some going so far as to win prizes!
Owners make a serious mistake when they let the cute face and compact size of the French Bulldog allow them to overlook the strong influence of the Bull and Terrier forefathers of this breed. Obedience training is strongly encouraged from as early an age as possible, and can go a long way towards ensuring your Frenchie does not develop any nasty habits. From time to time, one may encounter Frenchies who consider you - and everything else in their house - to be their property. While a cute puppy growlingly refusing to return your slippers may sound cute, such behavior in adults accounts for one of the most common reasons Frenchies are turned over to rescue. Again, be prepared to set firm rules and limits from the minute your new Frenchie comes home. You'll both be thankful for it , in the long run.
As with most dogs, Frenchies will play happily with older children who have been carefully introduced and taught to respect a dogs limitations. Smaller children must be carefully taught to never pick a Frenchie up, as they are a head heavy breed that is easy to drop which means it is easy for them to land on their heads. When lifting this breed, one should be careful to shift the majority of the lift to just behind the shoulders due to the front-heavy head and chest of the breed. As they trust you totally, they are very good at throwing themselves forwards in your arms – be prepared and have them securely held at all times.. Some fanciers believe that Frenchies may play too vigorously for the average child under 2 years, but there is always the exception to the rule. As with your children, it is the way your Frenchie has been taught that will be the deciding factor
There are undeniably some French Bulldogs who do not integrate well into multi pet households. Bitches in particular can be cranky towards each other, particularly if they are intact (un spayed). Many breeders suggest that if you have another dog in your household already, and are thinking of purchasing a Frenchie, to get one of the opposite sex, although most boys (epecially if neutered) will get on fine, as long as there are no females about to stir things up. As for cats and other small pets, a Frenchie raised from early puppyhood can be taught with consistent training to respect their right to exist, and to refrain from chasing or harassing them. If you are considering bringing an older Frenchie into your home, you'd do well to ask how they get along with other dogs or cats, before making a final decision.
The French Bulldog is also incredibly agile on the whole, able to spring up onto sofas, chairs, lounges, beds etc in a single bound – usually without having to back off and take a run at it. Despite their small stature, the strength of the Frenchie holds it in very good stead. The strength of bone and generally good ligament strength makes them quite a hardy breed, unlikely to break bones or injure themselves, even though they play fairly hard. Launching off beds and chairs even while quite young, rarely causes any damage – only heart attacks to the owners! In play, they often jump up in mid air, turn 180 degrees and come down facing the other direction. Chasing and playing with bigger dogs is no problem. As they are fairly easy going, they don’t generally start fights, but are quite willing to give an opinion on whom they are backing and will line up in support. They love to play football and although not good swimmers, they love to paddle and will lie in a pool of water on a hot day. Some of ours love to play chase with the hosepipe, they all fetch and play tug of war. Care must be taken not to let them overdo things when the weather is hot, to minimize the risk of heatstroke.
We are often asked if Frenchies drool. Well......They are French, and as such would never be caught dead doing anything as uncouth as drooling - so they do it when no one is looking.....the boys are responsible, the girls are far too genteel! Flatulence, on the other hand, is a condition common to both sexes and one that French Bulldog owners learn to live with.
A French Bulldog can be a wonderful companion for someone who is seeking a dog who craves the company of humans in low key settings. Cafe life, leisurely walks, naps on the couch, long car rides, pleasant outings to the park, luxurious suites at the Ritz -- if any of this sounds like your idea of a perfect life, then a Frenchie just may be the breed for you!
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