History

The French bulldogs origins are still unclear like so many breeds. Thee French and the British both claim the breed is native to their respective countries

It is believed The British Bulldog was being bred to reduce their size , making it more a lady’s dog and from this came the Toy Bulldog.

These toy bulldogs were believed to have exported to France with the Nottingham Lace Workers during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th Century, when they went to Calais to find work in the still non mechanised lace factories

Toy Bulldog 1900's, note the tulip ears

These dogs were miniature bulldogs some weighting as little as 12lbs , with “ rose “or” Tulip” Ears.

Little Jemmima & Ch Pere Boojom1896 Toy Bulldog owned by Lady Kathleen Pilkington, the first Hon President of the FB club

The Bat Ears is known to have come from the mixture of the Spanish bulldog to the French type. Making it the breed it is today.

The toy bulldog and the French bulldog were tow distinct breeds and many owners despised the other. It as agreed that two breed clubs be formed with any dog under 20lns being a toy , no matter what their ears were like, any an dog with bat ears and a weight between 20- 28lbs being a French bulldog.

The two breeds developed over the next 10 years, until the French bulldog took over on popular, although the miniature bulldog is making a comeback in the US.

Berbays Le Boy an American import to the UK in 1926

The French bulldog Club of England was formed in 1903 and still as active today, The first show had a entry of 51 dog , not so different from today breed entries average about 70 . The French judge reported that only 10 dogs he rated as Moderate the rest were good or very good..

The first French bulldog Champion was in 1905 Ch Stanymore Argus. The first . to win a group was Ch Hernhill Hugo, followed by a offspring in the 90.s in Merrowlea Enchandress who is current breed record holder.

Ch Mark of Millgouse

The fawns and pied were also gaining popular and in the 60’s saw so of the most influential dogs of the breed . Champion Honey King of Quatt, is regarded as the breed ideal, also Ch Benhook Cidar Cup proved to be useful.

Then we move on to the 80s where Tollydane Pierrot of Nokomis was the top stud for many years and is still line bred to , today. His place was take by a bitch Emma, Merrowleas Enchantress,

Pierrot