The Paws
menu icon
search icon
×

14 Amazing Facts That All French Bulldog Lovers Must Know!

Published: by Masha Roiuk · This post may contain affiliate links

If you are a true French Bulldog lover, then you seriously need to look through these 14 amazing facts about them!

In this article, you might find yourself being flabbergasted by not knowing the info that you are about to read.

#1 They’re not French

two French Bulldogs sitting ground with a woman behind
The name might fool you, but French Bulldogs did not originate from France. They’re actually British by origin through British Bulldogs.

#2 The runts of the litter

three French Bulldog puppies sitting on top of the mattress in the backyard
English breeders still preferred the larger bulldogs to the small breeds. With the popularity of the smaller bulldog breed in France, English breeders began to send over any bulldogs that might be considered too small or those they considered faulty (ears that go straight up, for example). At this point, the dogs have become largely popular in France, especially in Paris. This was where the small bulldogs were eventually bred with local Parisian ratters, or dogs that are used for hunting rats. Terriers are the most common ratters, and this was the breed that the imported British Bulldogs were bred with in France. The result of the cross was a completely new breed that was called the Bouledogue Francais, which literally translates to French Bulldog. The Frenchies obviously took to the body of Bulldogs, but they definitely retained some Terrier qualities such as playfulness, energetic, and of course, the erect ears.

#3 The original Frenchie look

black Frenchie puppy lying on the green grass
Most of us know how French bulldogs look today, but much like how most species of animals change through time, so did the bulldog. When French bulldogs first became a breed, they didn’t always have the “bat ears” that they are so known to have today. The original Frenchie look actually consisted of a more English bulldog look. English Bulldogs had more of a rose shape to their ears with softer edges all in all. Imagine a smaller bulldog with those ears - that’s how the original breeds looked like. However, American breeders preferred the look of the bat ears on the French bulldogs, so they worked to preserve this quality. This is what’s now globally recognized as one of the primary qualities of a French bulldog.

#4 The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age standing on the ground
By the late 19th century, around 1870s up until the 1900s, the trend in Paris became apparent. It wasn’t the clothes or the shoes that stole the show. It was the French bulldog. Frenchies became the trendiest companion, and the style spread across the Atlantic over to America. During this time, French bulldogs became a highly fashionable pet and accessory in American societies, especially among the wealthy. Frenchies at the time used to sell for at least $3000 per animal, a price that’s not too far from how much it costs today. But if you account for inflation, then you can easily see how $3000 in the late 1800s is a whole lot of money - way more than what the animals cost today. In fact, only the most influential and richest of families could afford to own these dogs back then. Think of the Rockefellers and the J.P. Morgans as an example.

#5 Famous fans

French Bulldog lying on the green grass
The popularity of French bulldogs did not stay in the Gilded Age. Rather, their popularity grew and grew until people from all over the globe are in love with this animal. They’re so well-loved, in fact, that even high-profile celebrities go crazy over their very own Frenchies. Let’s start with English novelist Nancy Mitford, famous designer Yves Saint Laurent, and famous novelist D.H. Lawrence. Among the richest and most powerful in Hollywood are the biggest French bulldog fans as well. The Beckhams have been known to love their bulldog as well as Lady Gaga. Leonardo di Caprio has a Frenchie he aptly calls Django. Lastly, Hugh Jackman is known for posting lovely pictures of him together with his French bulldog, Dali, on social media.

#6 Bad swimmers

French Bulldog puppy sitting on the table with a flower in front of him
Dogs are known to be great swimmers. French bulldogs can’t swim; even if they did a little, they’re horrible at it - horrible enough that if they were in the water for a long time, they will undoubtedly drown. The reason for this is in the French bulldog’s anatomy. Because of their short muzzles, French bulldogs have to tilt their heads far back in order to prevent water from going up their nose and to keep their mouths out of water altogether.

#7 French Bulldogs and the Titanic

French Bulldog puppy looking sideways
Not even a champion French bulldog could’ve pass up the opportunity to be aboard the Titanic. The Frenchie’s name was Gamin de Pycombe, He was only two years old at the time when Titanic sailed and went down.

#8 Health issues

two French Bulldog puppies standing on the green grass
Pedigree dog breeds are known to be susceptible to health issues. As far as French bulldogs are concerned, their main health concern has to do with their facial structure. The structure of their faces gives French bulldogs a lot of breathing issues. There are a few French airlines that ban French bulldogs from flying, along with other short-snouted breeds. This is due to the fact that even the slightest breathing issue can lead to deathly situations in the air.

#9 On popularity, again

Yorkshire Terrier puppy standing on the table
It’s worth noting again that French bulldogs are very popular. They are actually considered to be the sixth most popular breed throughout the entire world.

#10 Kid-friendly dog

French Bulldog puppy with its one ear up
The personality of French bulldogs makes them great companions not just for adults but for children as well. They are very playful and full of energy; they’ll never get tired of playing with kids and vice versa.

#11 Friendly with other dogs

French Bulldog sitting on the concrete in the yard
French bulldogs are known to be able to handle being with other dogs under one roof.

#12 Not a lot of exercise

French Bulldog lying on the blanket
It turns out that Frenchies aren’t exercising material. They won’t be the best dogs for you if you wish to be extremely active with your dogs. French bulldogs are not active at all, and they’re also not the type of dogs that would run around constantly.

#13 Not a lot of grooming

French Bulldog puppy with a bunch of harvested chamomile flowers in its mouth while standing in the yard
One of the few things that deter people from becoming pet owners is the grooming. In a sense that might be true; however, in the sense of French bulldogs, pet owners will not have to worry too much about grooming at all. They only shed seasonally as well, so that means you won’t have to worry about shedding all the time. They’re just dogs that are very clean and easy to maintain.

#14 No bark, more talk

adult French Bulldog standing in the yard with a French Bulldog puppy in front of him
Dogs bark. That’s just what they do. Frenchies are not known to be barkers at all, but they do like to talk a lot. French bulldogs have an entire communication system that consists of yawns, yips,and gargles. They will use any of those or any number of combinations of those just to get their points and hesoes.
«
»