French Bulldog

      The most prevalent opinion as to the origin of the French Bulldog is that in the mid 19th century the Normandy lace workers traveled from England to France taking smaller variations of Bulldogs with them, as they sought work.  This was the time of the Industrial Revolution, and many of the cottage industries were being hard hit.  This brought about mass movement of these workers from England to France and elsewhere.  The lace workers settled among the farming communities of northern France, and the little bulldogs started on their way to popularity.  Despite their diminutive size their love of family and loyalty was as large as their "big cousins" in England.  This coupled with their proficiency as ratters assured them a place within the community.   Over the next 50 years "Les Bouledogues Francais" became established as a separate breed.

From their foothold in the farming communities of northern France these dogs gained entrance to Paris as the companions of the "Belles de Nuit" - "Ladies of the Evening".  This association gave the breed a notorious reputation.  The well-to-do classes sought these animals as a statement of their "daring nature".  The personality of these dogs being a blend of tenacious ratter, guardian and loyal companion while retaining their "dignified air" facilitated their proliferation throughout the french classes.

Unfortunately the french neglected to record pedigrees making it impossible to know exact lineage of these animals.  It can be surmised that terriers and pugs were contributors in this breed's development - but to what extent and which specific dogs were used will never be known.