From lace makers' laps to city apartments
In the 1800s, lace workers from England who moved to northern France brought small bulldogs with them. The little dogs became a hit in Paris, and the breed we know today, with its bat ears and flat face, took shape there before becoming popular in the United States.
Personality: the comedian of the dog world
French Bulldogs are playful, affectionate and alert, and they are happiest wherever their humans are. They tend to bark less than many small breeds and adapt well to apartment life, which is part of why they are so popular in cities.
They can also be stubborn, so short, fun training sessions with rewards work better than long drills.
Why toilet paper?
A roll that unspools the moment it gets a paw is instant entertainment for a playful, people-focused dog, especially one that is bored or looking for attention. Puzzle toys, a few short play sessions a day and a closed bathroom door keep the rolls intact.
Our Puig notebook, "Rolling in trouble", celebrates every Frenchie who decided the bathroom needed redecorating.
Living with a Frenchie
Their short, flat faces (they are a brachycephalic breed) make it harder for them to cool down. Avoid exercise in hot or humid weather, give them shade and water, and watch for heavy, noisy breathing. Most Frenchies are not strong swimmers, so supervise them near pools.
Short, frequent walks suit them better than long runs. Ask your vet about breathing and weight, since both matter a lot for this breed.
Gift ideas for French Bulldog lovers
A few ideas that fit the breed and the people who love it:
- The Puig notebook: an A5 spiral hardcover with 100 ruled sheets and a Frenchie tangled in toilet paper ($19.99).
- A cooling mat for warm days.
- A treat puzzle to keep their clever brains busy.
- A cozy bed for the long naps Frenchies take very seriously.