The French Bulldog’s roots can be traced back to Nottingham, England. He is a descendant of the early bulldogs, which were primarily created for bullbaiting.
Lace makers took a fancy to the French Bulldog and made it their mascot. They would use these small bulldogs to warm their laps whilst at work. The Industrial Revolution caused many lacemakers to lose their jobs, and they had to relocate to northern France, where their work is still highly valued. French Bulldogs became very favourable in the French countryside where the lacemakers relocated. The modern French Bulldog was crossed with other breeds, including terriers and pugs which gave the breed its unique bat-ears. The Frenchie’s popularity spread out to the rest of France over time, in Paris they were highly sought after by society ladies and artists. They were given the name Bouledogue Francais. In 1902, the French Bulldog Club of England was established. The Kennel Club officially recognised the breed four years later. By the end of the 19th century, the French Bulldog became widely popular with several breed clubs in Europe and America. The French Bulldog is an adorable, alert, loving, and comical companion. He prefers to always be by his owner’s side, whether playing or lazing around. The Frenchie is a lap dog and loves the company of people. Since a Frenchie requires close human contact, he tends to have separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. The French Bulldog is a good watchdog. He rarely barks, but when he does, it’s a sign that something’s amiss. This trait makes him a great companion for apartment dwellers. He is fond of children of all ages, especially if they grew up together. Although the breed is friendly by nature, some can get territorial and would bicker with other dogs. Since the Frenchie does not easily warm up to other dogs, early socialisation is crucial to ensure that he matures into a friendly and balanced dog. The French Bulldog is skilled in agility, obedience, and rally, he is intelligent and retains the information well. Although he is easy to train, he has a stubborn and independent streak. Incorporating fun games during training sessions prevents his focus from slipping away. Since French Bulldog is highly food motivated, rewarding him with treats will produce positive outcomes. Do not forget to be generous with praises too, as the Frenchie loves pleasing his owners. Several factors affect the behaviour of dogs. What comes into play is the nature versus nurture debate, which is also applicable to dogs. All dog breeds have their common traits and predispositions attributed to their genes and ancestry. However, a dog’s personal experiences, such as early socialisation and training, are also considerable influences in shaping his personality and behaviour.