Black French Bulldog: Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts
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French Bulldogs are popular dogs that come in various colors and patterns. But black French Bulldogs are rare and can be difficult to find. Some black French Bulldogs have white patches on their chests or are said to be black when they’re really brindle. Pure black French Bulldogs can be more expensive due to their rarity.
There is no difference between black French Bulldogs and other Frenchies. They share the same traits and characteristics. The only difference is the color of their coat.
The Earliest Records of Black French Bulldogs in History
Black French Bulldogs are descendants of Bulldogs that were used as bull-baiting dogs in England. Once the cruel sport was banned in 1835, breeders began to change the look of the Bulldog, using terriers and small Bulldogs to create smaller versions of the dog. English Bulldogs were also changed to the look that we know today: heavy dogs with wrinkles and exaggerated facial features. The Bulldogs of the bull-baiting days were well-muscled, athletic, strong dogs.
The French Bulldog was developed in England and became popular among lacemakers. After the Industrial Revolution, these lacemakers moved to France and took the dogs along with them.
How Black French Bulldogs Gained Popularity
The popularity of French Bulldogs soared in France. Here, breeders further developed the small Bulldogs and they quickly became popular among Parisians. Wealthy Americans who traveled to France soon also fell in love with the little Bulldogs. They began to bring them back to the United States and define their look. Some French Bulldogs had bat ears, while others had ears that resembled roses. Americans preferred the bat-eared look over the rose one.
Formal Recognition of the Black French Bulldog
In 1896, French Bulldogs were shown at Westminster. However, an English judge chose to only exhibit dogs with rose ears, which infuriated Americans who had entered their bat-eared dogs. They then formed the French Bulldog Club of America and drew up a breed standard that only allowed bat-eared dogs to participate in shows. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898.
Interest in French Bulldogs continued to grow until after World War I. Then, French Bulldogs saw a decline in their popularity that lasted 50 years. The little dogs were difficult to care for. As a brachycephalic breed, they had trouble breathing in hot weather. They also routinely required C-sections to deliver their puppies.
The dogs found popularity again in the 1950s, when a breeder named Amanda West began showing her cream French Bulldogs. While black French Bulldogs are popular today, there are so many colors to choose from in the breed. You may have to search to find a truly pure black French Bulldog from a breeder or rescue.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Black French Bulldogs
1. Black French Bulldogs are not recognized by the AKC.
There are only nine standard colors that the AKC recognizes for French Bulldogs: brindle, cream, fawn, fawn brindle, brindle and white, white, fawn and white, white and brindle, and fawn and white. Black French Bulldogs are still lovable French Bulldogs in every way, but their color has not been chosen to represent the breed.
2. They are popular with celebrities.
Many French Bulldogs have famous owners, like Reese Witherspoon, Madonna, Hugh Jackman, and Carrie Fisher.
3. French Bulldogs can’t swim.
The body of a Frenchie is not made for swimming. They are heavy, stocky dogs with bulbous bodies. They have a difficult time staying above water, and their short legs don’t help them much. They can’t tilt their faces up out of the water to breathe and still keep their bodies above the surface. It’s best to not let this breed anywhere near open water and to always supervise them when they are around rivers, pools, and lakes.
Does a Black French Bulldog Make a Good Pet?
Black French Bulldogs are beautiful dogs that make great pets. They love to play and interact with their owners. This is a social breed that doesn’t like to spend much time alone. They are intelligent dogs that can be trained easily with the proper methods.
French Bulldogs make great watchdogs and will always alert you to anything happening around your home. They don’t need much exercise or grooming. They are a low-maintenance breed, but they should not be kept outside for long in very cold or very hot weather.
You may need to search for black French Bulldogs because the color is so rare. Check with your local French Bulldogs rescues or breeders to see if pure black French Bulldogs are available.
Conclusion
Black French Bulldogs are just one color variety of Frenchies. They are rarer than other colors, so they may be difficult to find. If you do find one, they may be more expensive.
These loving little dogs are just like any other French Bulldog, though. Their coloring doesn’t affect their personality. They make fun, affectionate pets that love their families and don’t require much maintenance.
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Featured Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
