Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Parisian Favorite, The French Bulldog

By Troy Richardson

When you hear the name French Bulldog, you can't help but assume that it originated from France. But the truth is, this dog was primarily developed in England as a miniature English Bulldog. When this breed reached France, the French raved all over this breed that it was named the French Bulldog.

During the middle of 1800s, lace workers from England came to France in search for jobs and they brought along with them the little bulldogs. In their community, these dogs became superb ratters and well-loved family companion. These dogs were then developed with the use of French Terriers and the resulting breed became a trend in Paris.

When the rage happened, Parisians were seen walking the streets with the French Bulldogs or also known today as the Frenchie. The Frenchie possessed an exotic look that passersby can't help but notice them and eventually, this led to chats with the owners. Old French postcards were seen illustrated with French prostitutes posing with their Frenchies and eventually, this rage spread across Europe.

Not only did common Parisians loved the French Bulldog but also some of the most well-known people around the world such as: the then Russian royal family, King Edward VII, author Collete, and Toulouse-Lautrec. By the turn of the century, American fanciers started to improve the French Bulldog and the current appearance of the breed is the result of that endeavor. The Americans also formed the very first French Bulldog Club.

The Frenchie weighs 20 to 28 pounds and has a body that is compact and muscular. It has the head of the English Bulldog only smaller, which is flat and square. The nose of the Frenchie is likened to the nose of a Pug, the ears are erect and bat like, and the tail is short and corkscrew or straight.

The coat of this dog is short, soft and smooth. The skin is not tight and is fairly lose and it makes petting this dog very pleasant to the touch. The common coat colors for this dog are brindle, fawn, white and every combination of these.

The Frenchie makes a good companion because it has a pleasant and easy going personality. Although not excessively active, this dog is nonetheless playful, sweet and affectionate. This dog will also draw a hearty laugh from you because of its hilarious and comical ways.

Moreover, the Frenchie is also bright, alert and curious and it needs a daily dose of exercise such as walking. This dog, however, is extremely sensitive to temperatures that too much heat can give it a heat stroke. Apartment living is okay with this dog and the owner does not have to have a large backyard because it is not frenetically energetic.

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