The history of the French Bulldog breed is quite fascinating and involves several countries: England, France, and America. Exploring the fascinating history of French Bulldogs includes a captivating journey from the early 19th century to today. From their humble beginnings as working-class pets of English sex-workers and lace workers transported across the English Channel to France during the Industrial Revolution to becoming adored companions globally, they are an extraordinary breed. Whether you own a ”Frenchie” or simply admire the traits of French Bulldogs that have made them such favorites, it is clear that their legacy has left an indelible mark in canine history. [13]
Origin and Relation to English Bulldogs
The French Bulldog originated in England in the late 18th century. Breeders crossbred bulldogs with smaller dogs, creating the first variation of French Bulldogs. These dogs were favored by many English workers, particularly lace-workers in the Nottingham area [1][3]. They are related to the English Bulldog and the English Toy Bulldog [13].
Impact of the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution in England had a significant impact on the origin of the French Bulldog. As the revolution led to the closure of many small craft shops, these lace-makers from Nottingham were forced to emigrate to Northern France. They took their little bulldogs with them, which then became popular in France [8][11].