French Bulldogs were originally bred as smaller companion versions of the English Bulldog. After the banning of bull-baiting in England in 1835, larger bulldogs were bred for show, but a smaller version known as the Toy Bulldog became popular with lace workers in England as lap warmers during their work. When these workers migrated to northern France, they brought the small Bulldogs with them, where the dogs became fashionable companions across society, from workers to Parisian social elites. The French further developed the breed, likely crossbreeding with Pugs or Terriers to refine its look and traits. The breed was especially prized as a companion dog, known for their affectionate, friendly nature and compact size suited for close human contact rather than work or sport.
