French Bulldog Page
The French Bulldog - A brief history.
The French Bulldog is a delightful little dog who shows little remnants of his gladiator ancestry. The French Bulldog or "Frenchie" evolved from the fighting Bulldogs of the early 1800's. With the abolition of bullbaiting in 1835, the Bulldogs of the era fell into decline. Thankfully some dedicated fanciers of the breed sought to tame the ferocious nature bred into these dogs for over 600 years. There is speculation about this point, but the most reasonable explanation for this achievement was the introduction of Pug blood. Regardless, there evolved two distinct types of Bulldog. The larger 55 - 50lb variety and the smaller 30 - 25 lb variety. These small nimble dogs adept at ratting fell into particular favour with the lacemakers of the mid 1800's. The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought about an exodus of lacemakers from the Nottingham district to Northern France who took their little Bulldogs with them. They met with Bulldogs of sorts already native to the Continent and bred with them.
Most of the emigrants from England were tiny dogs, weighing anything from nine to twenty pounds. A lot were no more than 'runts' of litters - others while possessing strong Bulldog features, revealed the influence of Terrier crossings. A few were well-made Bulldogs in miniature. Conscientious French breeders of Bulldogs seized upon the best and with consummate skill commenced the development of what we recognise now as the French Bulldog. The prevalence of pricked ears became a feature desired in the French Bulldog or Bouldogue Francais. However, in the closing years of the last century, the breed lacked the fine blocky head and body that we admire today, and apart from the desired 'bat' ears which was being bred for, it remained still rather nondescript in size and substance. These little fellows became increasingly popular in France in the latter 1800's and were especially favoured by prostitutes of the era as lap dogs. The female glittoratzi of the time took to owning Frenchies in an effort to be daring, hence the advance of these charismatic little dogs to the upper classes.
A Champion French Bulldog
In 1893 George R. Krehl, honorary member of the Bulldog Club (Inc.) imported some of these French bred dogs from Paris and exhibited them at the Kennel Club show at the Crystal Palace that year. It took the Bulldog fancy by surprise and evoked much adverse criticism of what was termed 'foreign dog intrusion' and 'travesty of a Bulldog' and similar remarks. However, the little animal was quaint and it's comical, nevertheless attractive 'bat' ears greatly appealed to the ladies of the day. Speedily the new breed became popular and it was not long before it was allowed a section in the Kennel Club Stud Book under the designation 'Toy Bulldog', by which name it remained soon to have it's own Toy Bulldog Club.
Unfortunately, the breed became degenerate due to haphazard and wildly commercial breeding. Soon it faded from the public eye. While this regression was taking place, the French, who had disclaimed by now all connections with the English Toy breed produced their example of the TRUE French Bulldog.
The French Bulldog was recognised as a breed in England in 1905, although many specimens had been imported prior to this. The Frenchie fell in favour with American tourists in Paris who took specimens back with them to the USA. The American breeders are largely attributed to the production of cobby, massive headed and square jawed specimens which have become the ideal for this breed.
One of the facts of life that no Frenchie owner can truly comprehend is that the French Bulldog is not a common breed. In truth, very few people outside the Frenchie fraternity or the dog show world even know of the breed's existence.
The French Bulldog is an active, intelligent little dog, small but solid in stature. He is a gentle, affectionate companion, obedient and very responsive. An excellent family dog, he will entertain himself when necessary. He is not yappy, but will make a willing guard dog. He is able to exercise in small surrounds, but will enthusiastically take on any cross country course.
He is patient and has an amazing sense of humour. He is easy to groom, with a coat that is short, thick and smooth. He does have a tendency to snore!
The French Bulldog will be totally devoted to you, gain his affection and you will be loved to bits. His existence will be solely based on pleasing you, and if he can get you to laugh at his antics, even better!
For more information refer to a breed club or reputable breeder near you.
THE FRENCH BULLDOG BREED STANDARD - by Dorey Carlson
Temperament
Keep in mind that the Frenchie is first and foremost a companion dog and a miniature version of a bulldog in that their "root breed" is the toy bulldogs that were common in England in the late 1800's. As such, they should be very out-going and friendly to people, athletic in that they should be able to join their owner in a walk in the park, or spend an evening playing with children. Yet, they are not to be "unduly boisterous", in that you don't want a hyper dog or one that is uncontrollable. You don't want a terrier attitude in a bulldog body. You do want a dog that is lively and active, and full of itself.
Head
When looking at the head straight on, you should see a square box. The flat head between the ears, flat lines along the side (no cheekiness), and a flat lower jaw line. The ever important ears should be large, yet in porportion with the head. They are rounded at the top, wide at the base, and held erect. Incorrect are trianglular ears, and ears that are too pointed. The bell of the ear should stick out slightly from the sides of the head when seen from the front.
Body
The Frenchie body is square, cobby, well boned and musclular. The legs of the Frenchie should be as straight and strong as those of a good Boston terrier, but you want more bone and muscle. Comparing the body of a Frenchie to a Boston terrier is like comparing a marathon runner to a body builder. The Boston is trim, light on it's feet and "built for speed", while the Frenchie is massive, robust, and should look ready to "take on the world". Both are athletes in their own right, just built for a different purpose. One feature that the French bulldog kept from its bulldog roots is the roached back. The roach is caused by the back legs being slightly longer than the front legs, lifting the topline.
Movement
The French bulldog double tracks with reach and drive. This is developed in part by their pear shaped body, wide massive chest and slightly narrower rear. The back legs should move inside of the front legs, yet all legs covering ground with a free, easy going movement that is free of clumsiness. Keep in mind that this a dog that would accompany his mistress in a walk in the park, and you don't want to have to carry the dog home, so the Frenchie should be fit enough to do that duty.
To be continued ....
Dorey Carlson - "The first rule in successful dog training is to be smarter than the dog. Which is why some breeds are easier to train than others."
