-
The origination of the breed
Concerning the question of when, how, why and where the French bulldog came about is difficult to say with
absolute certainty. It is probable that the English bulldog however, played a role. There are several theories concerning
the history of the breed. One of the more popular theories follows:
When after the 1820’s the dogs fights became less popular and the bulldog was kept as a house dog it is possible
that it was cross-bred (either accidentally or on purpose) with some other smaller breed, possibly a terrier or pug. From that
arose a smaller, more muscular dog, which lent itself easier to the small worker houses in the region around Nottingham, where
many cottage workers lived. The thus bred dogs, also called toy-bulldogs, had tip ears.
As more and more machines took over the hand work (industrial revolution), the cottage workers and other workers from the
region around Nottingham were left jobless and had to search elsewhere for their livelihoods. Many established themselves in
the North Western part of France around Calais and of course, they took along their dogs.
By further unions with, among other things terriers, the dogs developed a standing ear. These dogs were introduced into the
United Kingdom and were there immediately rather popular and became recognized as the French bulldog by the Kennel club. Some
of the British were offended by this “French bulldog” which they thought was an insult to their own national symbol. They felt
that this smaller dog was clownish, and they didn’t like the bat ears, also called tulip-ears.
By careful breeding and cross-breeding arose the basis from which the present French bulldog has arisen. The “clown dog” and
the Belgian Griffon will have provided to this their share also.
The introduction in Paris went a long way to furthering the reputation in the rest of the world, especially with America and
the United Kingdom.
Another popular theory was proclaimed by a self-proclaimed dog expert from the beginning of this century. Paul Megnin’s theory
is as follows:
Namely, that the butchers of Paris had always
kept bulldogs as they were already used as ratters. These Terrier-Boules -- not to be confused with Bullterriers -- were
inter-bred with the smaller bulldogs which the displaced cottage industry workers had brought with them to France around 1870.
The results were small, muscular dogs with cut ears and tail. By unions with Toy-Bulldogs and possibly also snub dogs around 1870
the French bulldog would have arisen.
You can see that concerning the genesis, very little can be said with absolute certainty. Sadly, the French
did not keep pedigree records of this dog. The eventual result is what today counts most: the French bulldog.
-
The further development of the breed
Around 1870 in the popular neighborhoods of Paris one found the people who were crazy about the first lines of
this breed. These were ordinary people, who began to compare their dogs with each other. More and more effort was put into
perfecting the traits of this French bulldog and an association was even set up there. In 1888, the first standard was
established and the interest for the breed grew steadily.
Popularity grew first with the ladies of the night (“belles de nuit”) who bought and kept these dogs because of their particular appearance. Once they were allowed on exhibitions, they dogs touched also the ordinary people and even the nobility fell under the spell of lively “Frenchies”. They became the household pets of prominent characters such as king Edward VII, Mistinguette and even some Grand Dukes to the Russian court. From 1888 the French bulldog really came into vogue and the English and Americans especially showed much interest. As a result, the development of the breed went very fast. Of the first-bred dogs which caused quite a stir, "Rabot the Beaubourg" is well known and the inheritance which he left to his offspring was the bat ears. It wasn’t until 1898 that the breed was officially recognized, mainly due to the intervention of Baron Carayon, one of the first aristocrats to own and publicly show his French bulldog. Much credit must also be given to a certain Gordon Benett, an American who made a large contribution towards ensuring the popularity of the French bulldog when he became the Vice-President of the Bulldog Club of France.
Both the Americans and the English showed much interest in the
breed, but everyone had their own idea of what the ideal version
of the French bulldog was. Both groups wanted own breed standard
due to clear differences, especially in regard to the ears;
which they could not agree upon.
Due to the influence of several well-to-do American lovers of
the “Frenchie”, the popularity of the dog has rose to even
higher highs, as and a breeding standard was finally established
and acknowledged in 1898.
This breed standard has remained constant for years, subject only to some minor modifications, but was updated in 1948 by the
French club and by the Societé Centrale Canine and the F.C.I. as well. Recently some new modifications were again introduced.
Thus now among other things, the color fawn has been permitted, a color which until recently on the continent of Europe was a
disqualifying trait although in the United Kingdom and America it had been permitted.
After WWII, countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and more recently, the Netherlands had an important influence on the
completing of the breed’s picture. Although about ten years ago it was common in a show to see a French bulldog suffering from
breathing difficulties, nowadays this problem is no longer encountered. Modern medicine and better selection at breeding
have nearly eradicated these problems and now the French bulldog scores very high if it has reached the average age which is
possible for this breed to attain. At present, that is now more than ten years.
-
The character of the French bulldog
Although he might have had savage fighting dogs as ancestors,
the French bulldog is one of most affectionate and sensitive
dogs there are; by nature extremely pleasant. He craves the
closeness of his master. In the company of elderly people he is
very quiet, but he also gladly participates with the turbulent
games of children. When introduced to guests, he is never
hostile; he will simply sniff at them and then follow them
everywhere.
He is a sociable house dog, quite suitable to small apartments
as well as large homes. He is very sweet tempered with people,
especially with children. French bulldogs are merry,
intelligent, quiet by nature, very reliable and very
affectionate. He is a small dog, true, but with a character that
is usually seen in the larger breeds, which is nowhere near as
frightening. In a group of other dogs, he is frequently the
dominant one, even if the others are much larger. Some people
find his appearance frightening, believing him to be dangerous
but that is totally not the case.
The French bulldog is often referred to as a clown in a philosopher’s clothing; he’s always in a good mood. In his playful moods, he can be rambunctious, jumping wildly, but on the other hand he can also spend many contented hours snoring, preferably against his master, a sign that he is satisfied and happy. He gladly goes out to explore, pushed by his intelligence and curiosity. He is very strong-willed. It is sometimes said concerning him, that he can behave just like a person who runs off sulking if he feels as if he isn’t getting enough attention. The result of all these properties: a dog with character, in a compact package, in short: a fine companion to keep around for many years of enjoyment on both sides.