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FRENCH BULLDOG |
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During the 1860s,
Bulldogs reached the height of popularity. Toy varieties appeared, which
were highly favored, particularly around the English midlands where lace-making
flourished. These diminutive Bullys may have been taken to France when
some of the lacemakers moved there.
To say the Frenchie
was developed totally from English stock is to ignore the fact that many
other countries had, at this time, short-faced, bull-baiting and fighting
dogs. Spain, especially, had erect-eared bull-baiting dogs. This new breed
became highly visible in France, and visiting Americans brought it back
to the USA.
Originally,
many had the rose ear of their larger counterpart, but the erect, round-tipped
"bat" ear has become their hallmark. Americans have been credited
with fixing the bat ear. When this breed first "returned" to
England to be shown, around
1900, a brouhaha arose. The English were highly insulted that the French
had the nerve to use the name "Bulldog" since it was a symbol
of Great Britain. Much controversy ensued: letters and editorials in the
doggy press and opposition from the existing Miniature Bulldog faction.
But despite all this, a specialty club was formed in England in 1903,
and soon the Frenchie was recognized and is now known around the world.
Reliable sources
on the sinking of the Titantic report a French Bulldog to be the only
animal or pet to have perished in this historical disaster. The dog's
owner sued for $1,500, a substantial sum for 1912.
The French
Bulldog has less body bulk, exaggeration of wrinkle and bowing of legs
than its English counterpart. He is born with a bobtail, eliminating
the need for surgery. The breed standard is uniform throughout the world
with the exception of color. The fawns and creams so favored in North
America and Britain are disallowed in continental Europe.
The Frenchie
has a bright, alert expression, conveying his fun-loving outlook. He
enjoys a large or small family, adults or children. A delight in obedience,
he is happy, bright and willing to please. The Frenchie character, alarm
bark without yappiness and easy upkeep make these dogs a good choice
as companions.
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