Although native to France, the French Bulldog has a strong English ancestry. During the middle of the 1800's, many English lace makers immigrated to France in search of a better living, taking their beloved toy Bulldogs with them. Once in France, the miniature Bulldogs were crossed with other local breeds, until the French Bulldog, with its distinctive "bat" ears, was developed and bred true. Originally called the "Bouledogue Français," the breed gained a strong following, and in 1902, a specialty club was formed and the French Bulldog was officially recognised by the Kennel Club. Although it has never been an outrageously popular dog at the shows, its charming personality has earned it many loyal fans around the world. The French Bulldog makes an excellent family companion and enjoys life in the city or suburbs.

Appearance
French Bulldogs are a compact, muscular dog with a smooth coat, snub nose and solid bone. Their physical appearance is characterized by naturally occurring 'bat ears' that are wide at the base and rounded on the top. The French Bulldogs tails are naturally short, not cropped.

Under the American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club standards, weight is not to exceed 28 pounds (13 kg). In general, bitches range in weight between 16 and 24 pounds, with dogs between 20 and 28 pounds. The FCI does not set a hard and fast weight limit, simply stating 'The weight must not be below 8 kg nor over 14 kg for a French Bulldog in good condition, size being in proportion with the weight'.

Character
The French Bulldog is a gentle breed that typically has a happy-go-lucky attitude. Like many other companion dog breeds they require close contact with humans. They have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require at least regular tendencies before they begin. The French Bulldog energy level can range from hyperactive and energetic to relaxed and laid back.

French Bulldogs can be stubborn, and early and consistent obedience training is highly recommended. Housebreaking can be problematic, and crate training is generally the only efficient method to ensure your carpeting isn't ruined for life. It enjoys a romp outdoors, but it doesn’t do well in hot, humid weather. The French Bulldog should not live outdoors.
 

Temperament
The French Bulldog is courageous, loyal, affectionate and smart. They make good family pets and will warn of stranger, they like to play the role of family guardian. Patient and sweet, French Bulldogs crave companionship and do not do well on their own. French Bulldogs do not bark without cause. They may become very possessive and protective of their owners. French Bulldogs will hunt mice, and make excellent companions for the elderly.

Exercise/Training
The French Bulldog has minimal exercise requirements, although it is a fun-loving dog. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your French Bulldog will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. Here is what the AKC standard has to say about color:
"Acceptable colors for the French Bulldog - All brindle, fawn, white, brindle and white, pied and any color except those which constitute disqualification. All colors are acceptable with the exception of solid black, mouse, liver, black and tan, black and white, and white with black, which are disqualifications. Black means black without a trace of brindle."

Grooming
The coat of the French Bulldog needs only a very little grooming and coat maintenance. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the French Bulldog as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the French Bulldog should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.