French Bulldog History and Characteristics
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French Bulldogs are small companion breeds of dogs. The name shows that they originate from France, however the British and Americans may have played a bigger role in development of the breed. This breed is widely referred to as the Frenchie.
The most widespread belief about the origin of the French Bulldog, is that around the mid-1800s Normandy lace workers from England took small bulldogs with them when they went in search of work in France. In the farming communities north of France that the lace workers settled in, these tiny bulldogs became very prevalent as loyal family companions and ratters and their population grew. These small bulldogs were actually "rejects" of the established bulldog breeders in England, who were very happy to sell these undersized versions of their breed to fanciers of the "new" breed in England. This was particularly true in terms of the "tulip" eared puppies that emerged at times in bulldog litters. Frenchie’s were initially bred as ratters, however are now bred as companions and lap dogs.
As the little bulldogs became popular in France, they became favourites of the Parisian "Belles De Nuit" - the street strollers. The main reason being that when walked, the striking dogs pulled attention to their owner, and gave potential clients a valid reason to talk with her. Another being that the passive breed was pleased to nap for short stretches when taken to hotel rooms, without causing trouble. Breed historians still timely turn up infamous "French Postcards" bearing images of inadequately dressed French prostitutes posing with their little "Bouledogues Français". The impression of disrepute that ownership of the little dogs carried made them a trendy way for the high classes to show just how audacious they could be, and soon became favourites of the "creative" set through Europe.
Some photos dating to this time show the Russian royal family posing with their French bulldogs, and they imported quite a few of the Frenchie’s from France. Further famous enthusiasts include Toulouse-Lautrec, the author Colette and King Edward VII. A single French bulldog, insured for the, huge sum of $750, at that time, was on board the ill-fated Titanic.
Without a doubt, without the influence of enthusiastic, turn-of-the-century American fanciers the Frenchie wouldn’t be as it is today. It was them who organized the first Fluffy French bulldog club on the planet, and they are the ones who insisted that the "bat" ear so connected with the Frenchie today was correct. Until then, French bulldogs were shown with either the "bat" or "rose" ear.
The Lh/Lh gene means that the dog has visual long hair while the Sh/Lh means the dog has visual short hair but carrys the gene to create long hair offspring puppies.
French bulldogs are a global breed, with French bulldog breeders of many nations being in charge of the creation of the dogs we know now.