The History of French Bulldogs

The French Bulldog is a popular breed of dog, but their history wasn’t always this cute. Originally from England, these pups had humble roots before they gained the popularity we see today.

English lace workers migrated to France during the Industrial Revolution, taking their beloved toy bulldogs with them. The curious dogs instantly became a fashion symbol of Parisian life.

Origin

The French Bulldogs that we know today originated in England. The dogs that we see at dog shows today are descended from an earlier version of the bulldog, which were often used as ratters and as companions.

When the English lacemakers started to move to Normandy in the 19th century, they brought with them many smaller bulldogs. These bulldogs had been bred to be used as companions and to chase away rats, so they were quite a popular breed in these northern farming communities.

Some of the smaller bulldogs had “tulip” ears, which were erect but with drooping tips. They were considered too small to be shown in the English Bulldog Club, but fanciers in France readily accepted them.

These dogs also had very short underjaws and round heads, which made them easy to train. They were a very popular breed in England and were also known for their friendly and affectionate personalities.

They were also very good ice breakers for brothel clients, especially in the Montmartre district of Paris. They would often follow the working girls around, bringing them food or treats.

After the Industrial Revolution, these lace workers were replaced by low-wage workers in factories. Some of these women worked in a lot of tight spaces, so they were interested in getting a smaller dog that could fit on their laps.

The Frenchie was a great choice for these lace workers because it was a good size and did not require much exercise. This allowed the lacemakers to spend more time making their beautiful products.

Once the lacemakers had settled in France, they began to breed these little dogs with local ratting terriers. The result was a hardy, friendly, and well-loved dog that is now known as the French bulldog.

These little dogs are still very popular in France and are a favorite of society women. Their adorable faces, bat-like ears, and playful nature make them a great companion for older people and families with children.

They are a very loyal and friendly breed that gets along well with other pets. They also love human interaction and are very devoted to their owners. They have a high prey drive, so they may need some training if they are not properly socialized. They are a great family pet and will get along with all types of other dogs and kids.

Characteristics

French Bulldogs are one of the most popular types of dogs in the world. These tiny companions are easy-going and friendly, making them perfect for families with children. They’re also loyal and loving. They’re not very high-energy and don’t require a lot of exercise, but they do need daily walks or play time to stay healthy.

Frenchies come in a variety of colors and patterns, including fawn, cream, and various shades of brindle. Their coats have a smooth, glossy texture and are easy to groom.

The Frenchie is a small breed that weighs between 19 and 22 pounds and is most often between 12 and 15 inches in height. They can be spry and active or quiet and lazy, depending on their individual personalities.

These sweet dogs are very loving and devoted to their owners, and they’re eager to please. They’re excellent family pets as long as they have a strong leader who’s able to provide them with plenty of attention.

This dog isn’t very good at defending itself, so it’s not recommended for people who live alone or who don’t have a lot of experience training dogs. It can also be aggressive toward other dogs if they’re not properly socialized.

It’s important to discuss your lifestyle with a responsible breeder before you adopt a puppy, and be sure you understand how much exercise and training your dog needs. A Frenchie can be a great addition to an active household, but they’re not right for someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time outside.

They can also become destructive if they’re not properly trained, so be sure to spend a lot of time on obedience training with your dog. They’re also not a good guard dog, so don’t leave them unsupervised outdoors.

Their brachycephalic face can cause them to struggle to breathe in hot or humid weather, and they’re prone to a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome. This condition causes the soft palate in their mouth to enlarge, which obstructs the natural flow of air to their lungs.

It’s also possible for this breed to develop allergies or other skin conditions. If you’re concerned about your Frenchie’s health, visit a responsible breeder who can test for these conditions and recommend the best treatment options.

Health issues

The French Bulldog is one of the world’s most popular small dog breeds. Known for their affectionate and playful natures, they also get along well with children and other pets. However, as with any other breed, they are susceptible to a variety of health issues.

The breed is prone to many common problems including back pain, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), skin fold dermatitis and ear discharge. These problems can be debilitating and can have a major impact on your pet’s quality of life.

If you’re looking to adopt a French Bulldog, it is important to find an ethical and responsible breeder who will do all of the necessary genetic testing. This will greatly reduce the risk of major health problems developing.

It is also important to ensure your dog is healthy from a young age. Proper exercise and diet can help your pup stay active, reduce joint pain and improve their overall health.

Keeping your French Bulldog at a healthy weight can also help prevent back, spine and hip issues. Be sure to feed them a high-quality breed-appropriate food two or three times per day to keep their bones, joints and muscles in tip-top shape.

The flat face of brachycephalic dogs makes them more vulnerable to breathing disorders, known as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition is characterized by narrow nasal openings; a long, soft palate in the mouth and a narrow trachea (windpipe). These conditions can make it difficult for your dog to breathe, causing them to breathe through their mouths rather than their noses, making it difficult to catch their breath when exercising and tiring easily, especially when hot or humid.

Breathing problems can make your dog sneeze or cough more frequently. This can be a sign that they are having difficulty breathing and you should visit your vet immediately.

Another common health issue that affects French Bulldogs is a condition called ‘cherry eye’ where the eye tissue sticks out of the eye socket and can cause a corneal ulcer. These injuries can be painful and should be treated as soon as possible.

Training

French Bulldogs can be stubborn, so it is important to stay patient when training them. They need frequent socialisation so it is important to introduce them to new people, places and other dogs from a young age.

They are incredibly intelligent and take well to positive training methods such as food rewards, praise, and play. It is advisable to not hit the dog when training them, as this can cause them stress and anxiety.

As a beginner, it is best to start with small amounts of food and reward them when they do something correct. Once they have become used to this method, you can progress to a more rewarding system.

Potty training can be a challenge for Frenchies, so it is recommended to get them outside as soon as they wake up and after playing or eating. You can also use a potty pad to make indoor training easier.

Housebreaking is a lot easier for Frenchies than other breeds and it should be done early on in their lives to help prevent accidents. You should also use a crate when housebreaking your dog. This will help your dog feel secure and will reduce the likelihood of them urinating or defecating in other areas.

A crate can also be used to help train your puppy to go to bed. When you first put them in the crate, offer them treats and pet them until they are relaxed. You can then slowly increase the time that you are able to leave them in the crate before leaving the room.

Rewarding your Frenchie with a treat or toy when they do something right will help them to see that you are happy with their efforts. This will encourage them to keep up the good work and try to please you in other ways as well.

You should be careful not to reward your dog every time they do something wrong, as this will only encourage them to do it again in order to get their attention. You should also avoid shouting or hitting your dog when they do something wrong.