French Bulldogs Info

What could be cuter than an adorable little French Bulldog? Squeezable, aren’t they? If you want a whimsical, charming, stubborn little clown, then a Frenchie may be for you. If you want a little friend that will amuse you for hours on end, then a Frenchie may be for you. If you are ready to have your heart stolen by a bat-eared little gremlin, then a Frenchie is for you! Frenchies are seen in movies, on TV commercials, in magazines – they are becoming ubiquitous. Actually, both of Martha Stewart’s French Bulldogs, Francesca and Sharky were bred, born and raised here. Here are Francesca’s mom, Favor, and dad, Keeper.

French Bulldogs were bred to be a woman’s companion and they live up to that heritage. In the late 1800s, English Bulldogs were often bred in a Toy variety, many were not much over ten pounds! They had a variety of ear-sets – rose, bat and prick. With the Industrial Revolution, many lace workers immigrated to France, taking the little bulldogs with them. There they crossed the dogs with Pugs, terriers and other small breeds, creating the early French Bulldog. Frenchies became the darling of society and were often seen on the arms of prostitutes as they walked the boulevards of France. As is often the case, fashion traveled upwards and the wealthy soon clamored to have this charming little dog.

Many were exported to the United States, where the bat ear was “set” by American enthusiasts. In 1897, the first French Bulldog Club of America specialty show was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. Frenchies were all the rage! As many know, a French Bulldog was lost on the Titanic and a Frenchie, Ortino, was the beloved pet of one of the daughters of the Russian Royal family. His remains were found where the entire family was executed.

French Bulldogs have had periods of enormous popularity and periods of “not so much.” After WW II many breeds waned as the world regained its balance. The last five to ten years have shown an incredibly dramatic surge upward in the popularity of Frenchies. Even ten years ago it was unusual to see a Frenchie in print, now they are everywhere. Personally, I feel the internet had allowed more people to learn what a wonderful companion this breed can be. Plus, they are just cute. I know, some people hate that word associated with Frenchies, but I dare you to look at a Frenchie puppy and not think CUTE.

There is lots more info on this breed at my Jackpot! French Bulldog site. Check it out, if you wish.