The French Bulldog gained popularity in 19th-century England, particularly around Nottingham, where lace workers adored their compact “toy” bulldogs. When many of these workers relocated to France in the mid-1800s, they brought their beloved dogs with them. French women were especially charmed by the small Bulldogs—particularly those with erect, bat-like ears, a trait the British considered undesirable. In France, these endearing dogs quickly became à la mode, capturing hearts and attention wherever they went.

By 1898, the breed's charm had crossed the Atlantic. That year, America hosted a dog show devoted solely to French Bulldogs, one of the most elegant events of its time. The show captivated the elite, who fell for the breed’s goofy charm and magnetic personality. Today, their legacy lives on in every loving home seeking a French Bulldog for adoption—a loyal companion with a rich and fascinating history.

French Bulldogs do well with family life and are particularly good with young children. They are playful and make good watchdogs.

A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog in shape. Frenchies enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally.

The French Bulldog breed doesn’t need a lot of space and does well in urban environments so long as they have access to the outdoors for potty time and exercise. These mischievous goofballs are happy to curl up at their owner’s feet most of the day. French Bulldogs make a lot of noise like grunting, snoring loudly, or wheezing, so sharing a small space with one can be grating if you have a low tolerance for such sounds.

Attention-seeking Frenchie dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that doesn’t shed much.

Socialization benefits Frenchies. Expose them to a wide variety of people, places, and situations as soon as possible so they are well-adjusted. Their big personalities need a fair amount of training to ensure they are successful in situations. They can be stubborn, but at heart, they are people pleasers and are eager to perform well. Highly motivated by food, French Bulldogs train easily when it’s made into a game.

French Bulldogs are very affectionate with their families and get along well with other animals if socialized properly. They will love nothing more than cuddling up next to you.

The cost of a French Bulldog from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.