The Frenchie is undeniably a controversial dog breed, mainly due to the health issues that come from their physical traits.

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However, in today’s article, we don’t want to focus on that, but rather on the curiosities and characteristics that fewer people may know about the French Bulldog.

Beige and beige-spotted French Bulldog / Photo: welovedogz.hu

Here are 6 interesting facts about the French Bulldog

1) A French breed with English roots

The ancestor of the French Bulldog was a small bulldog-type dog that became popular in several English cities, including Nottingham, in the mid-1800s. At that time, this city was the centre of lace-making, and the little dog became a mascot for local workers. During this period, England was at the height of the Industrial Revolution, which endangered smaller industries such as lace-making. Many workers moved to Northern France, of course taking their dogs with them. Thus, the Frenchie has always been regarded primarily as a companion dog. Initially, it was particularly favoured by the poorer classes, but its breakthrough didn’t take long to come. These sturdy little dogs soon became popular not only among coachmen, porters, and butchers but also among artists and the upper class. Their name became intertwined with café culture and the gaieties of nightlife; even Edgar Degas and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec immortalised them in their paintings. It’s no wonder they still adapt so easily to changing circumstances today.

Brindle French Bulldog / Photo: welovedogz.hu

2) The French Bulldog in the Roman Empire

A few years ago, during excavations in the ancient necropolis of Tralleis (in modern-day Turkey), archaeologists discovered a roughly 2000-year-old find suggesting that the ancient Romans bred brachycephalic, or flat-nosed, dogs as companion animals. The flat-nosed, Pekingese-sized dog was believed to have been buried next to their owner and had distinctly French Bulldog-like features. They may have been one of the earliest examples – though not the first – since a similar skull had already been found in Pompeii in the 18th century, dating back to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 BC.

French Bulldog puppy / Kép: welovedogz.hu

3) Popular all around the world

For many years, the French Bulldog topped the MEOESZ (basically the Hungarian Kennel Club) registration list, but in 2024, dachshunds and Hungarian vizslas overtook them overall. In 2023, the French Bulldog dethroned the Labrador, which had ruled the AKC popularity list for 31 years, and managed to retain its first place in 2024 as well.

4) The French Bulldog makes an excellent watchdog

They can be great alert dogs, brave, determined, and very attentive. As a miniature molosser, a well-trained and socialised French Bulldog is courageous and devoted to their family and loved ones. A certain possessiveness can also be observed toward those they care about, but this is generally not excessive.

5) Previously two types of ears existed

At the end of the 19th century, when the French Bulldog became an independent breed, a serious debate emerged over the two existing ear types. English breeders preferred the rose ear (folded down), while French and American enthusiasts considered the bat ear the breed’s hallmark. The decisive moment came at the beginning of the 20th century, when the bat ear was officially recognised as the only accepted type. From then on, the rose ear was considered a “fault” at shows. The bat ear became an iconic and distinctive breed trait, which played a major role in establishing the French Bulldog’s legitimacy with their unique appearance.

6) Exists in only four colour variations

According to the breed standard, the French Bulldog exists in only four colour variations: brindle, fawn, brindle with moderate or important white spotting (known as pied or black-and-white pied), and fawn pied (fawn and white; fawn with moderate or important white spotting). The coat must be smooth, close-fitting, soft, and without an undercoat. Any other colour combinations, shades, or coat lengths are non-standard and therefore not eligible for pedigree registration. Such dogs cannot be called purebred, only “breed type.” Of course, this doesn’t make them any less lovable, but it’s important to highlight.

French Bulldog / Photo: welovedogz.hu

That is because many people seek unique or unusual colours. Breeders who exploit this demand often produce dogs with uncertain genetic backgrounds. Such dogs are more likely to develop health issues over time. Darker pigmentation generally indicates a stronger immune system, which can help prevent, among other things, heart disease and allergies.

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