French Bulldog - History and Breed Standard
Breed History
In the mid-19th century, a small version of the Bulldog began to gain popularity in English cities like Nottingham, a hub for the lace-making trade. These compact Bulldogs became favorites among the local artisans and often served as companions and mascots within the lace-making community.
As the Industrial Revolution brought sweeping changes to England, traditional cottage industries like lace-making faced increasing pressure. Many lace workers relocated to northern France in search of opportunity, bringing their beloved toy Bulldogs with them.
In their new surroundings, these little dogs quickly found favor in the rural communities. Over time, they were likely bred with other small companion breeds — possibly including terriers and Pugs — eventually giving rise to the distinctive bat ears we now associate with the breed. The French affectionately named them the Bouledogue Français.
The breed’s charm soon captured the hearts of Parisians, and it became a beloved fixture in the city’s vibrant culture. French Bulldogs were often seen in sidewalk cafés and dance halls, adored by artists, entertainers, and the fashionable elite. Their image was even immortalized by artists such as Edgar Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec in their depictions of Parisian nightlife.
By the late 1800s, the breed’s popularity had grown well beyond France, reaching both Europe and the United States. However, acceptance came more slowly in England, where the Bulldog held national pride — and some bristled at the idea of the French adapting the British icon to their own taste.
American breeders played a key role in shaping the modern breed, particularly in promoting the bat ear as the defining feature of the French Bulldog. Thanks to their efforts, the bat ear became the breed standard and the hallmark by which the Frenchie is recognized around the world today.
General Description
The French Bulldog, despite of its name, is believed to be at least partly of British origin. The French Bulldog is thought to be a descendant of the Toy Bulldog, which was bred during the nineteenth century and exported to France. In fact, English Lace makers from the Midlands who went to work in France took small Bulldogs with them. This stock is believed to have mixed with shortened-faced bull-baiting dogs from other European countries. The French Bulldog breed was brought to England and first shown in conformation shows around 1900. Their lifespan is between 10 and 13 years.
Head
The head must be very strong, broad and square. The head of the French Bulldog is characterized by a contraction of the maxillary-nasal part. The head must be broad and have almost have a flat bulging forehead. Fault: Head too small in proportion to the body.
Ears
The shape termed “Bat Ear” is correct. The ears must be broad at the base, elongated, with a round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with the orifice to the front. The leather of the ear fine and soft. Fault: Other than bat ears (Short set high, natural or cropped).
Muzzle
Short, broad, with concentric symmetrical folds coming down on the upper lips. Fault: Incisors visible when mouth closed and/or tongue visible when mouth closed.
Eyes
Dark in color, wide apart, set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible, round in form, of moderate size, dark colored, neither sunken nor bulging. Rims of eyelids must be black.
Nose
Broad, very short, turned up, nostrils well open and symmetrical, slanting towards the rear. The leaning of the nostrils as well as the snub nose must, however, allow for normal nasal breathing. All nose colors are acceptable. The nose should be a solid color. Lacking pigment should be considered non preferred. Fault: Completely pink nose (a small amount is acceptable).
Neck
Should be thick and slightly arched without dewlap.
Chest
Broad, deep and full. Rib cage barrel shaped with the belly tucked up. Fault: A hollow or narrow chest (slab sided) should be considered a serious fault.
Back
Broad and muscular with a roach back and slight slant close behind the shoulders; strong and short, broad at the shoulders and narrowing at the loins.
Shoulders
Broad at the shoulders should be well laid back with significant angulation to allow for good movement. Fault: Straight shoulders.
Legs
Forelegs should be straight and wide apart, neither bowing out nor turning in. There should be significant bone substance. Elbows should be relatively close to the body. Lacking bone and substance is very undesirable. Fault: Bowed or turned out resulting in poor movement or cow hocks are a disqualifying fault.
Feet
Moderate in size, compact and firmly set on the ground, turning slightly outward. Fault: Weak pasterns and/or splayed feet.
Height
Males: 9 – 13 inches at the shoulder. Females: 8 -12 inches at the shoulder.
Weight
Between 10 – 28 pounds. Weight over 28 lbs up to 33 lbs allowed in breeding stock or pets, but will be penalized in the show ring.
Color : Any color is acceptable, including Merle, with no preference for one over another.
Coat
The coat should be rather fine, radiant, short and smooth to the touch. While a short coat remains the preferred standard for French Bulldogs, a long coat is now permitted and does not constitute a disqualifying fault. Long-coated individuals may exhibit feathering on the legs, ears, or neck area as well as an overall longer coat length, which is acceptable. However, in conformation evaluations, preference will be given to dogs with a short coat when all other characteristics are equal.
Tail
Short, set low on the rump, close to the buttocks, broad at the base, knotted or kinked naturally with tapering at the tip.
Temperament
Disposition should be outgoing and happy. Well behaved, adaptable and comfortable companions with an loving nature. Fault: Human aggression without provocation is a disqualifying fault.