The French Bulldog actually originated in England, which may come as a surprise. Its history began during the Industrial Revolution, when textile workers started bringing small dogs with them for companionship. Initially, the choice fell on the miniature English Bulldog, but the breed was ultimately shaped by crossing three breeds: the English Bulldog, the Pug, and the Terrier. When these workers moved to Paris, they brought their dogs with them, and from there the breed’s popularity grew rapidly, eventually reaching distant countries, including the United States.

Some observers note that French Bulldogs have features reminiscent of human infants: large, upright ears, prominent cheekbones, big eyes, and a rounded face. While this is subjective, the breed’s affectionate and playful nature often reinforces this impression.

French Bulldogs are deeply family-oriented. They show great love and trust toward their owners and are well-suited for homes with children. They are playful and energetic, yet calm and relaxed, making them ideal companions for both active and more sedentary lifestyles. Above all, they thrive on love and attention, forming strong bonds and a sense of attachment with their owners.

CHARACTERISTICS

The French Bulldog belongs to the molossoid group. Despite its small size, it is a compact, muscular dog with surprising strength and vitality.

• Weight: 8–14 kg

• Height: 28–35 cm

• Body: compact and sturdy

• Coat: short, dense, glossy, and soft, without an undercoat. Can be solid, brindle, or pied (white with patches).

• Other traits: broad black nose, naturally short tail.

There are two main categories within the breed:

1. Standard French Bulldogs (FCI Standard No. 101 / 17.04.2015), recognized by ENCI, with typical coat colors: fawn (light to dark beige), black (with or without white chest markings, with or without brindle stripes), and completely white puppies provided the nose and eyelids are black. Standard puppies receive an ENCI pedigree, certifying their origin and listing their maternal and paternal ancestry.

2. Exotic French Bulldogs: featuring rarer colors such as:

   • Blue: caused by the recessive dd gene, which dilutes black into silver-gray or bluish tones.

   • Merle: a more recent color variation, determined by the M gene.

   • Chocolate and other color variations, influenced by intensity, combinations, and gene predominance.

Since these colors fall outside the national breed standards, they are not recognized by ENCI, but they may be certified by other national or international organizations that verify origin and pedigree.