French Bulldog Facts: 12 Things to Know About Frenchies
With their bat ears, solemn faces and comic timing, French Bulldogs have charmed their way into homes across the UK. But how much do you know about where they came from? Here are 12 French Bulldog facts, from their surprisingly English roots to the care that flat-faced dogs need.
Facts here come from The Royal Kennel Club and Dogs Trust. For health advice about your own dog, always speak to your vet.
History facts
1. The French Bulldog has English roots
The Royal Kennel Club traces part of the breed's ancestry to Great Britain in the 1850s, when a small Bulldog type known as the Toy Bulldog was popular in parts of the country.
2. Nottingham lace makers took them to France
When the Industrial Revolution threatened their jobs, lace makers from Nottingham emigrated to northern France and took their little bulldogs with them. The dogs became popular locally and, over about three decades and with some crosses to other short-faced breeds, the French Bulldog emerged.
3. They were the darlings of artistic Paris
Frenchies became fashionable in Paris and, according to the Kennel Club, appear in pictures of Parisian life by Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec.
4. Britain wasn't keen at first
When the breed returned to Britain at the end of the 19th century, traditional Bulldog fanciers weren't impressed. Even so, the French Bulldog Club of England was formed in 1902, and The Kennel Club officially recognised the breed in 1906.
5. Their popularity has exploded
The Kennel Club notes that French Bulldog registrations increased tenfold between 2009 and 2015, and that in 2015 the Frenchie was ranked the third most popular breed in the UK.
Looks and personality facts
6. "Bat ears" are a breed hallmark
Unlike other bulldog breeds, Frenchies have large, upright "bat ears", a term so closely linked to the breed it became a nickname. The breed standard lists "bat ears and short tail" as characteristic features.
7. They're officially "clown-like"
The Royal Kennel Club breed standard describes the French Bulldog as "full of courage, yet with clown-like qualities", with a temperament that is "vivacious, deeply affectionate, intelligent". Anyone who has watched a Frenchie do zoomies will agree.
8. Only three colours are in the breed standard
The breed standard says the only correct colours are brindle, fawn and pied. You'll see other colours in pet Frenchies too. If you're buying a puppy, The Royal Kennel Club's advice is that health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
9. They're in the Utility group
The Kennel Club places the French Bulldog in the Utility group, a mixed group of mostly non-sporting breeds that also includes the Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle.
Care and health facts
10. They're a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have short noses and flat faces. Dogs Trust explains that flat-faced dogs can be affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). It can cause noisy breathing, exercise intolerance and a higher risk of heatstroke, though not every dog is affected. If your dog is struggling to breathe, contact your vet.
11. Heat is a real risk
Because of that flat face, Frenchies can overheat easily. Dogs Trust advises walking flat-faced dogs early in the morning or late in the evening in summer, keeping them a healthy weight and not over-exercising them in warm weather. A cool mat and plenty of shade help on hot days.
12. They don't need marathons
The Royal Kennel Club lists the French Bulldog's exercise needs as up to an hour a day, and says the breed can suit a flat with a small to medium garden. Little and often, at a gentle pace, suits most Frenchies, along with plenty of games and attention.
Thinking of getting a Frenchie?
- Ask breeders which health tests and assessments the parents have had. The Kennel Club has a respiratory function grading scheme for some brachycephalic breeds. Ask about it.
- Look for open nostrils and quiet breathing at rest, and ask your vet about a pre-purchase consultation.
- Consider pet insurance from day one. Dogs Trust recommends this for flat-faced breeds.
- Consider rescue. Many Frenchies need new homes every year.
Gifts for French Bulldog lovers
Our French Bulldog collection features our own Frenchie illustration, bat ears and all, in fawn, cream or black pied, with your dog's name. Choose a personalised Frenchie mug, a print, a canvas, a dog mum or dog dad hoodie or a Christmas decoration. Brindle Frenchie? Fawn or black pied is usually the closest, depending on how dark the coat is. Our Breed Guide has more help. Practical gifts that suit flat-faced dogs include a cooling mat, a well-fitted harness (rather than a collar for walks) and a comfy bolster bed.
Frequently asked questions
Where do French Bulldogs come from?
Their roots are in the English Toy Bulldog of the 1850s. Nottingham lace makers took the dogs to northern France, where the French Bulldog developed. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1906.
Why do French Bulldogs have bat ears?
Large, upright bat ears are a defining feature of the breed and are listed as characteristic in the breed standard. They set the Frenchie apart from other bulldog breeds.
How much exercise does a French Bulldog need?
The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour a day. Keep walks gentle and avoid warm parts of the day, as flat-faced dogs can overheat.
What colours are French Bulldogs?
The breed standard lists brindle, fawn and pied. Our Frenchie illustration comes in fawn, cream and black pied.
Are French Bulldogs good in flats?
The Royal Kennel Club says the breed can suit a flat with a small to medium garden, as long as the dog gets regular gentle exercise and company.