History of the French Bulldog Breed
Javi’s French Bulldog Learning Center
From Javi’s French Bulldogs & American XL Bullies Breeder | Sherman, TX
History of the French Bulldog Breed
Javi’s French Bulldog Learning Center
From Javi’s French Bulldogs & American XL Bullies Breeder | Sherman, TX
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].
Popularity in France and Name Origin
In France, these small bulldogs became highly popular and were soon in high demand as pets [8][9]. They were initially known as “Bouledogues Français” [6]. By 1912, the breed’s name was officially changed to the French Bulldog [14][8].
Link to the Brothels of Montmartre
In the 19th century, French Bulldogs were often associated with the brothels of Montmartre in Paris. They were flaunted as accessories by the city’s belles de nuit (night beauties), creating an indelible association between Paris’ sex workers and their French Bulldog companions [2][12].
The Famous French Bulldog Bouboule
Bouboule was a famous French Bulldog who belonged to Madame Palmyre, the owner of the famous café La Souris. Bouboule was known for his outsized personality and was famously depicted in the post-Impressionist paintings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec [2][3][4][5].
French Bulldog Popularity Worldwide
The French Bulldog breed has become popular worldwide. They are among the most frequently registered dogs in several countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States [7][9].
Role of America in the Breed’s Development
America played a significant role in the development of the French Bulldog breed. Wealthy Americans traveling in France fell in love with these endearing little dogs and began bringing them back to the USA [6]. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1898 [10]. Today, the French Bulldog is recognized by all major kennel clubs in the United States and many countries worldwide [13].
Mrs. E.L. Pulsifer and her French Bulldog, Maurice, in 1905
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Grand Duchess Tatiana and Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia in captivity at Tsarskoe Selo in 1917
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Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (pen name Colette Willy): French author, mime, actress 1873-1954; Author of “Gigi”. – Javi’s French Bulldog Learning Center
(click to enlarge)
The Evolution of the French Bulldog Breed
In 1893, the miniature Bulldogs, which had previously been rejected, were renamed as Bouledogues Français and reintroduced to England. Despite their popularity in France, English breeders were not welcoming. The newly-titled breed did not fit the English Bulldog standard; they were considered too small and weak. There was a fear that cross-breeding Bouledogues Français with English Bulldogs might have detrimental results.
Rather than forcing Bouledogues Français into the Bulldog mainstream, enthusiasts of the smaller breed established their own kennel club in 1902. The popularity of Bouledogues Français grew so much that even the English Kennel Club could not ignore their existence, officially recognizing the breed in 1903.
By 1912, the breed was renamed the French Bulldog. With their inclusion in the English Kennel Club, French Bulldogs became increasingly desirable. Initially, only the affluent could afford them. However, similar to the identity shift Bulldogs experienced alongside England’s growing humane movement, French Bulldogs also underwent a transformation. [6]
French Bulldogs in America
French Bulldogs accompanied wealthy French and English socialites on their visits to America. The American social elite were instantly smitten with the adorable breed, particularly those with erect ears. This preference suited English and French breeders who mostly favored the rose-eared types.
Influential owners of French Bulldogs, such as the J. P. Morgans and the Rockefellers, petitioned the American Kennel Club (AKC) to recognize the breed. Following a judging controversy at the Westminster show in 1897, the AKC swiftly added the breed in 1898.
During the Gilded Age, French Bulldogs became a fashionable accessory in American society, especially among wealthy ladies who wanted to follow Parisian fashion trends. Bulldogs with perky ears fetched prices up to $3,000, leading to a surge in thefts of the breed. [6]
The Decline of French Bulldogs
The devastation of World War I affected everyone, including French Bulldogs. Over the next 50 years, the breed’s popularity slowly declined. This could be attributed to several factors.
One possible reason is the rise of Boston Terriers, a small brachycephalic breed that originated in the United States. They were similar to French Bulldogs but taller and leggier, and they were hailed as the first non-sporting breed in the US.
Another potential reason is the health issues associated with French Bulldogs. They often had difficulties whelping naturally, leading to many early deaths. French Bulldogs are rarely able to give birth naturally due to the shape of their pelvis and size of their head. A C-section is generally required. However, safe cesarean procedures did not exist back then, leaving owners to hope for the best.
By 1940, French Bulldogs had transitioned from being “immensely popular” to “immensely rare.” There were only around 100 registered French Bulldogs in the AKC and a selected number of breeders in the US and across Europe. Their high cost also reduced their likelihood of being purchased. [6]
Resurgence in Popularity in the 1980s
The resurgence of the French Bulldog’s popularity in America beginning in the 1980s can be attributed to several factors:
Urbanization: French Bulldogs are considered perfect city dogs because they do well in small spaces, are not noisy, and most are very fond of people [23].
Celebrity Influence: High-profile individuals, including celebrities like Lady Gaga and Martha Stewart, started owning French Bulldogs, which likely boosted their popularity [24].
Social Media: The advent of social media platforms in the late 1990s and early 2000s provided a platform for sharing adorable pictures and videos of French Bulldogs, further boosting their popularity [24].
Breed Characteristics: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly, loving nature and their small size, which makes them a great companion, especially for those living in apartments or cities [23].
History of Dog Breeds: THE FRENCH BULLDOG!
Video Credit: Cesar Millan
At Javi’s French Bulldogs & American XL Bullies Breeder, we not only want to provide you with the best value in your choice of the dogs we offer; we want to help inform you so that you make a choice that will be best for you and your pet – even if that means you realize that a French Bulldog or American XL Bullie is not for you!
In this article, “The History of the French Bulldog Breed”, we hope to help you make an informed decision about purchasing your French Bulldog puppy. “Frenchies” also have a fascinating history that you probably wouldn’t believe if you just saw it in a movie!
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