What Is The History Behind the French Bulldog?
Is it part English Bulldog, Pug, or some Terrier?
The Nickname “Frenchie”
The French Bulldog breed is often nicknamed a Frenchie. The history of the French Bulldog’s development is a bit unclear, mainly because of poor record-keeping.
Early Origins
We do understand some basics: in the 1800s, Normandy immigrants—specifically lace workers from Northern France—brought these dogs to England. These dogs were first found in the farming regions of Northern France and became very popular in France when the lace workers moved there.
The French Bulldog, known for its small size, stood out among other larger breeds. It became well-loved for its friendly, loyal nature.
Breed Development
Regarding the breed’s origins, it’s commonly believed that Terriers and Pugs played a significant role. As time went on, it’s also thought that the English Bulldog may have contributed to the breed.
However, the precise influence of the English Bulldog and how much it has shaped the French Bulldog’s genetic makeup is still puzzling.
The Most Volatile Breed In Terms of Size In all the World!
Variance in weight can be from 15-40 pounds!
Activity & Build
This dog is active in sports, which I might compare to a quarter horse. They envy a walk—if possible 10 times a day—but that walk will usually only be 5 to 10 minutes.
Preferably, choose a muscular dog. Occasionally, you might see less muscular ones due to rare genetic variations, such as those seen in terriers. Since this breed has been heavily influenced by human breeding, the physical traits vary significantly. These differences in physical traits also affect the price.
Despite meeting optimal breed specifications, French Bulldogs often seem heavier than they appear. This is because they have a dense bone structure for their size.
Distinguishing Features
Their erect ears are a distinguishing feature, a trademark of the breed. In appearance, their faces blend features of a Pug and an English Bulldog.
The ears can range from extremely large to medium, making them appear like little bunny rabbits when they’re young.
Size & Weight
The French Bulldog can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, but the breed average is 22 to 28 pounds, standing about 1 foot tall.
Coat Colors & Variations
A fun aspect of the breed is the tremendous variation in color, unlike other breeds that are more consistent. This breed spans everything from white to brindle to fawn, with or without spots, and in varying shades of almost every color of the rainbow.
Fad colors in French Bulldogs include chocolate, black, blue, and tricolor. Traditional breeders and clubs, such as French Bulldogs LA and the American Kennel Club (AKC), have long disapproved of these colors. The concern stems from the inbreeding necessary to produce these hues. However, we are optimistic that ethical breeding practices and patience will gradually change this perception.
AKC Standards & Eye Color
According to the AKC, “brindle” refers to a range of shades from dark coffee to coffee with cream, and these coats should always have golden hair sprinkles.
It’s important to note that the standard eye color is dark brown. Variations often result from fad colors, historically linked to in-line breeding. This method tends to amplify recessive traits, leading to the reproduction of similar eye colors. Such practices have been traditionally frowned upon, but we hope to see a shift in attitudes in the near future.
Trusted Door-to-Door Delivery for Your French Bulldog Puppy
Finding the right French Bulldog puppy is a huge decision, and we don’t believe distance should get in the way of that connection. While French Bulldogs LA is rooted in Ojai and Los Angeles, we make sure our puppies reach their new families safely anywhere in the USA. After nearly 25 years as breeders, we know how scary it is to trust someone with your new baby. That is why we work exclusively with an amazing, trustworthy nanny named Micki who hand-delivers our puppies with the same care we give them here at home.
We use FaceTime and video chat to make the process transparent and safe, allowing you to get to know your puppy’s personality before they arrive. Because of my background in animal behavioral psychology, we spend months getting to know these little ones so we can help you pick the perfect forever match. Our nanny can meet you at any of the 30 top international airports, including major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York, Seattle, and Phoenix. Whether you are looking for a rare Blue Merle or a Fluffy Frenchie, we are here to support you for the life of your dog. Don’t be afraid of the distance. Give us a call at 805-876-5000 to start the process.
The BEST LAP DOG ever!
Your French Bulldog MUST SLEEP WITH YOU.
Frenchies are bred to be a “non-working class dog”. This means exactly that, it will not work for you but rather be a great companion happy to sit all day at your feet or on your lap. Although it’s temperament is more like a big dog, it is not delicate in its ways it all. It is still small enough to be carried around or brought on board a plane. It loves walks albeit short ones and is sensitive to the heat so in the summertime I walk them only at night or early mornings. They cannot swim as easily as other breeds and need to be worked with in the beginning with the lifejacket as a puppy so that it can learn to swim. If you wait until they’re fully grown to teach them to swim it will be much more difficult due to their heavy body mass. In the meantime if you don’t have a pool though they love waiting in a kiddie swimming pool. They are not “yappy” dogs but speak when they need to. On occasion, some may howl like a coyote or periodically an actual true bark. But these are more rare instances.
The FRENCH BULLDOG is the most FRIENDLY DOG EVER!
They love EVERYONE, to a fault, even a thief!!
French Bulldogs “Frenchies” are very happy dogs, always greeting the people in their life with body wiggles and jumps of joy. They would be a fun addition to any household, lighting up the room with their smile. Yes, they seem to smile! They are very social with all people never acting skittish, in fact the first to greet you. They behave well off the leash and it would be a common sight to see an owner walking a busy street with their dog freely at their side for they are very obedient and easy to train. They often snore though, so know this trait is common. That’s the price you might pay for that pushed in nose that we all seem to gravitate towards. Many doggy daycares will tell you the French bulldog is the boss dog of the pack. This may often be so but more and more French bulldogs are submissive. In fact, I, as a breeder, am breeding for this quality so as never to have a dog that you have to worry about fighting with another dog. Note that French Bulldogs do not drool unless extremely emotional and perhaps there is a dog in heat nearby otherwise primarily a dry mouth.






















