All About America’s Newest Favorite Dog Breed: French Bulldogs!

French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, have been all over the news lately for dethroning the Labrador Retriever as the US’s favorite dog breed for the past 31 years. But where did these tiny dogs come from, and why are they so popular?

The history of French bulldogs can be traced back to the miniature bulldogs adored by Nottingham lace workers moving to Normandy in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. They took their dogs with them, and soon the breed became very popular amongst the French. The English were only too happy to sell the bulldogs deemed unfit for breeding to the French, who loved their small size and standing ears. Now named the “Bouledogue Français”, the dog became a fashion symbol of Parisian life.

As early as 1885, these dogs arrived in America alongside wealthy Americans traveling through Europe, instantly stealing the hearts of the social elite. The Americans preferred dogs with erect ears, setting the standard for this breed’s bat-like ears. And thus, the modern French bulldog was born.

Why are French Bulldogs so Popular?

These days, there are Frenchies practically everywhere you go. At dog parks, pet-friendly cafes, and even all over your social media feed. But why is the French bulldog breed so popular? There are a couple of reasons which are discussed below:

Perfect City Dogs

As a result of their small size and ability to do well in small spaces, French bulldogs are often considered the perfect city dogs. These tiny dogs are usually quiet and fond of people, making them even more suitable for city dwellers. They adjust well to small apartments without a lot of backyard space, and their small size makes them easy to transport in buses or cabs.

In a country where more than 80% of the population is urban or city-dwelling, it makes sense for the dog most suited to city life to gain popularity. Frenchies let you enjoy all the perks of owning a fun, high-energy dog when you don’t have a lot of space.

Easy to Groom

Almost everyone loves dogs, but not everyone likes grooming them for hours. Other than being time-consuming, dealing with a dog that needs a lot of grooming and sheds a lot can also be very frustrating.

The easier solution is to opt for a breed that doesn’t need a lot of grooming, a profile that French bulldog fits to a T. With their short, smooth coat and extra fine individual hairs, Frenchies only need to be brushed once in a while with a rubber grooming mitt or hound glove.

And although they shed all year round, they are considered a low-shedding breed with hair fine enough to be easily manageable.

Favored by Celebrities

French bulldogs have been associated with prestige and status for a long time. Now with so many influencers and celebrities owning one of these adorable bat ear creatures, this association has become even stronger, leading to a massive rise in popularity.

From Lady Gaga’s “Asia” to the Beckham’s “Scarlet” and Carrie Fisher’s “Gray”, these dogs have had numerous red-carpet appearances (sometimes even more than other celebrities).

Apart from celebrities, French bulldogs are also a particular favorite of social media influencers. There are hundreds of photos of Instagram influencers using their platforms to show off their fur babies, something that undoubtedly boosted breed popularity and influenced buyer decisions.

Minimal Exercise Requirements

If you work a nine-to-five job and don’t have access to a pet-friendly park or backyard, a dog that needs a lot of exercise isn’t going to be a good fit. And that’s where the French Bulldog comes in. These dogs are comfortable living in small apartments, only needing an hour or so of moderate exercise per day.

One thing to note here is that the French Bulldog is flat-faced or brachycephalic, a condition that comes with its own risks and requirements. Like most flat-faced dogs, they are temperature sensitive, vulnerable to drops in blood sugar level, prone to breathing problems, and bad at high-impact exercises like running or swimming.

Social Personality

The French bulldog personality is another primary reason for the dog’s popularity. These dogs absolutely adore humans and are also very child friendly. They make great companion dogs thanks to their travel-friendliness, adaptability, and lack of aggression toward new humans.

Frenchies have a caring and generous temperament and, if socialized early, also work well with other pet animals like cats.

So Are Frenchies Good Dogs?

Yes! Other than the traits mentioned above, the French bulldog popularity is further helped by their loyalty and intelligence. These dogs not only make good lap dogs but are also excellent watch dogs due to their quiet nature and lack of inclination to bark without reason. And their adaptable nature means they suit everyone, young, old, rural, or urban.

Image by Martin dalsgaard from Pixabay

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