French Bulldog Breed History
by Lee Weston
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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.
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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.
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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.
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