Vive le Bulldog Français!

Sacrebleu! It seems that Britain’s top dog is a French bulldog. Katy Birchall finds out why the endearingly bateared canine is taking over homes and hearts–and why you should do your research before buying a puppy

- Katy Birchall

Everybody loves them— it takes me hours to get anywhere,’ says Jamie bouloux of his two French bulldogs, bruce (named after bruce Springsteen) and Shirley (Shirley Temple). ‘There’s just something about them.’ Mr bouloux, Ceo of London-based MGA emergIn risk, is besotted with the breed and he’s not the only one.

Last month, the Kennel Club (KC) sent shock waves through the nation when it announced that the labrador’s long-held position as britain’s most popular dog was under threat, for the first time in 27 years, from the rise of the French bulldog, a breed that saw a 47% increase in puppy registrations in 2016 alone. registrations have increased by 368% in the past five years and 3,000% in the past 10.

Although labrador devotees are currently splashing their faces with cold water, the news is no surprise to ‘Frenchie’ fans. ‘What is surprising is that it’s taken nearly 100 years for the Frenchie to become so popular,’ declares Jackie Mavro-Michaelis, secretary of the Pennine and Scottish French bulldog Association and owner of more than 20 dogs.

‘They’re funny, loving, companionable, curious, intelligent and tenacious. They’re ideal for town or country living, they make good family pets and don’t need lots of exercise. They can, however, suffer from flatulence,’ she adds knowingly. Nor do they like water— they’re not natural swimmers. 

Enthusiasm for this cheerful, wrinkly nosed dog stems largely from its endearingly comical appearance— with its big bat ears, sturdy body and exaggerated features, the French bulldog appeals to us in the same way a baby chimp does, explains Mrs Mavro- Michaelis. ‘They have a unique look— a flat face and big, dark engaging eyes.’