French Bulldog
Top-Winning French Bulldogs in Finland
French Bulldog
Top-Winning French Bulldogs in Finland
A relative of the British Bulldog, the French Bulldog as it is known today was developed in in Paris in the late 19th century. It was first known as a dog of butchers and porters at the famous "les Halles" (the market place). It soon made its way into high society and the world of artists who were charmed by his peculiar appearance and character. The first breed club was founded in 1880, and the first French Bulldog standard was published in 1890 when the French Kennel Club recognized the breed.
The French Bulldog is a powerful dog for its small size with a compact body and a short face and a snub nose. It strong, broad and square head has almost symmetrical wrinkles and erect bat ears. Its coat is smooth, and the coat color ranges from white to brindle fawn or pied (white with brindle patching). Nowadays, all fawn shades from red to light brown (cafe au lait) are permitted. In temperament, the Frenchie is sociable, lively, playful and sporty, and it is said to be particularly affectionate towards his masters and children. A mature Frenchie in good condition weighs from 8 to 14 kilos.
Outside its country of origin, the French Bulldog has been very popular elsewhere in Europe and the United States. The first Frenchies were imported into Finland in the 1920's and gained in popularity in the next decades until the second World War when the breeding declined and the original breeding stock disappeared. After the war, the breed regained its popularity with imports from several countries, especially Sweden. Today, annual registrations are around 150 dogs.
The breed has become very fashionable in the last few years, and demand exceeds supply. This combined with relaxed import regulations within the European Union has led to increasing imports of often sub-standard, mass produced and often unregistered puppies from the Baltic countries as well as Russia. Therefore, we advise puppy buyers to make sure that they buy their puppy directly from a breeder and insist on the authenticity of vaccination and health certificates as well as registration certificates.
For more information on the French Bulldogs in Finland, visit the homepage of the French Bulldog Club.
