The French bulldog just hit #1 on the popularity charts in the UK, surpassing the Labrador, a breed that had held first position for thirty years.
While the Labrador is still the most popular breed in the United States, the French bulldog has surged in popularity there too, reaching #4.
Frenchies have received a lot of exposure recently. Reese Witherspoon has Pepper, Lady Gaga has Asia Kinney, the Beckhams have Scarlet and Hugh Jackman has Dali. French bulldogs have also been the pet of choice for Leonardo DiCaprio, Hilary Duff, Madonna, Martha Stewart and Michael Phelps amongst others.
They’ve appeared in commercials (Sketchers), television programs (Modern Family) and movies (Bringing Down the House, Due Date, Secondhand Lions).
Thanks to social media, French bulldogs have become celebrities in their own right. Mannie-the-Frenchie leads the way with his 1.1 million Instagram followers!
It’s easy to see what all the fuss is about.
No one’s perfect.
Popularity has a down side when rogue breeders see an opportunity to cash in. French bulldogs, like many purebreds, are predisposed to certain health issues including eye, ear and skin conditions.
As a brachycephalic (short-nosed breed), Frenchies are predisposed to breathing difficulties, especially during exercise and when they become over heated. Breathing troubles are also exaggerated if dogs become overweight. Check our dog breed chart for ideal weights.
Responsible registered breeders of French Bulldogs (such as Kennel Club Assured Breeders) account for these issues by supplying the buyer with information on the pup’s parents. Whenever possible you should always meet the pup’s parents so you can see for yourself that there are no exaggerated features, such as an overly short snout, that might cause health problems.
French bulldogs were actually first bred in England as a miniature bulldog, but lacemakers took them to France where the breed became fashionable among society ladies, prostitutes, artists, writers and the general bohemian crowd.
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