As a small size molossian developed from a toy version of the English Bulldog, the French Bulldog does not show the same frailty as other small dog breeds. The French Bulldog is a powerful dog for its size, compact in all its proportions. It conveys the appearance of of an active, very muscular and intelligent animal.
The French Bulldog's main distinctive features are its bat ears and its irresistible, expressive gaze.
While the most varied theories exist about the the exact origin of the French Bulldog, the most prevalent opinion is that it originates from the miniature or toy bulldog brought to France by the Nottingham lace workers during the industrial revolution and economic crisis in England.
French Bulldog
(French Bouledogue, "Frenchie")
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The Canine Information Library 2003-2008 © All rights reserved. Photos © Nataliya Kuznetsova (Two French bulldogs outdoors); Pilar Hannan (Peggy & Monty).
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Other Small and Toy Breeds
Speculations about a more ancient origin mention artwork and skeletal finds of the ancient Indian dog, known as the Chincha Bulldog, which lived in ancient Peru and resembles the French Bulldog to a striking degree.
Excavations of the burial grounds of Ancon in central Peru of mumified bodies of dogs, skulls and skeletons indeed confirmed that bulldog-like dogs lived in Peru from 1100 to 1400 AD. In 1937 Professor Richard N. Wagner and Max Hilzheimer studied Peruvian mumified dogs and excavated skeletons.
They found that the Chincha Bulldog's skull had many similarities to the skull and anatomy of the French Bulldog. About the only difference the scientists could find was that the cranium of the Chincha Bulldog was pear shaped, not spherical like the frenchie. However, the gap in the French bulldog's history from these ancient times until the English Industrial Revolution has not been filled in yet by breed historians. Read more about the French bulldog history >>
Monty & Peggy. Own.: Pilar Hannan
The French Bulldog
by Muriel Lee
Not the usual breed info book, but one picturing Frenchies with the finesse of the "Belle Epoque" and the touch of humor that characterizes the breed. Apart from breed and health info you'll find a complete timeline of the breed and info about the origin of the Parent Club. The Frenchie's talents are highlighted in chapters about therapy work, agility and obedience. Two final chapters introduce the reader to the world of Frenchie collectibles and antiques and the French bulldog in Art.
The book is part of a new series of full-color, richly illustrated volumes about our favorite dog breeds.
More information >>
The French bulldog is a typical one-man or one-woman dog, as it can become jea. They can become very jealous of other pets as well as of the family's children. Their size make them suitable for small apartments, yet they are energetic dogs that need to be walked regularly.
To some extent similar to the English bulldog, but smaller in shape. The most typical distinctive characteristic are the bat (erect) ears. They should be set high on the head but not too close together, and be broad at the base, elongated, and, most importantly, with round top.
The head is large and square with round sharp eyes. The body is short, muscular and heavy-boned.
Moe the French bulldog
Owner: Jack Houseknecht
Coat colors
In the US brindle, fawn and white with brindle (not black) markings are all accepted coat colors. Black-and-tan, black-and-white, mouse and liver colors are disqualifications. Note that France (their country of origin) and most of the FCI member countries do not recognize fawn as a valid color.
French bulldog 'Moe' in Santa costume
Onwer: Jack Houseknecht
French Bulldog Calendars:
French Bulldog in fireman costume
Photo: Keelah J. Moran
Yoko, 2 years old, Greece
Photo: Marios Antypas
