Welcome to Carolina Fabulous Frenchies!
I have always loved dogs, but I was first introduced to a French Bulldog when my then boyfriend (now husband) and I went for a stroll along the beach. A Frenchie who had been lounging under a beach umbrella sauntered out to greet us. He was so cute and friendly that I knew right at once that I just had to find out more about this adorable breed.
It may be hard to believe, but the French Bulldog is descended from bulldogs in England that were bred for bear baiting. When this practice mercifully was outlawed in the early nineteenth century, some breeders developed a “miniature bulldog” by mixing in some terrier and pug, transforming the fierce bulldog into a genial companion dog.
When lace workers in Nottingham, England were displaced during the Industrial Revolution, many of them relocated to Normandy in France, bringing their miniature bulldogs with them. They proved to be very popular, particularly with ladies of all levels of society. Hence, they became known as “French” bulldogs even though they originated in England.
But it was in America that the breed standard was set. When they were first shown at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896, the judge for the breed insisted that they should have “rose” ears that folded at the tips like an English Bulldog, whereas the lady breeders wanted the breed to have “bat” ears that stood up. The ladies then formed their own breeders club and established the breed standard, including the Frenchie’s distinctive erect ears.
In recent years, the popularity of the French Bulldog has grown steadily to now it’s the ninth most popular breed in America.
I didn’t know all this history when I got my first Frenchie—Zoe, who is still the matriarch of my pack and has the run of the place. I just knew that she was so lovable and so much fun to be around that I wanted to share the Frenchie experience with others.
So now raising Frenchies is my passion. With Carolina Fabulous Frenchies, I work hard to breed the healthiest, happiest and best-looking puppies I possibly can. If you purchase a Frenchie from me, you can be assured that you too will feel the same wonderful Frenchie love from your dog as I have.
A French Bulldog went down with the ship when the Titanic sunk. Robert Daniel, a young American banker, had purchased a Frenchie in England named Gamin de Pycombe for an extravagant price of the equivalent of $15,000 in today’s money. While his owner survived, the dog did not. Another passenger last saw Gamin swimming in the frigid Atlantic water before he disappeared.
Historically, Frenchies have always been known as particularly appealing companions for women. This “lucky dog” from a fifties-era pinup painting by Gil Elvgren seems to have it made. Even with that briefcase, I doubt he’s spent his day working at the office. I guess you could call him a Boy Toy!
Who says that Frenchies can’t be working dogs? This Frenchie, named Mutt, was a trench runner in World War I who delivered friendship and cartons of cigarettes to the troops. Wounded twice, he made it home after the war after being smuggled onto a troop ship. When the captain threatened to throw him overboard, one of the soldiers saved him by telling the captain he’d have to throw him overboard too.
Like Mutt, Frenchies had other roles as war dogs in World War I, serving as scouts, retrieving equipment from No-Man’s Land and even as decoys to draw enemy fire. This German helmet-wearing French Bulldog was featured on a French postcard bearing the slogan “We know how to defend against the invader.”
My Frenchies Zoe and Troll participated as a bridesmaid and a groomsman in our Roaring Twenties-themed wedding. They enjoyed dressing up! It was a busy weekend for Zoe—the next day she delivered a litter of puppies.