It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, apparently the result of cross-breeding of Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local Parisian ratters.

The breed is susceptible to various health problems as a consequence of being bred for a distinctive appearance, sporting a brachycephalic face and skin wrinkles.

From the beginning of the nineteenth century, bulldogs were bred in the United Kingdom for purposes other than traditional blood sports such as bull-baiting, which were banned in 1835.

[4]: 6 At the same time, lace workers from Nottingham who were displaced by the Industrial Revolution began to settle in Normandy, France.

[8] In the following year, the judge at the dog show, George Raper, only chose winners with "rose ears"—ears that folded at the tip, as with the standard for Bulldogs.

[9] The ladies formed the French Bull Dog Club of America and created a breed standard which preferred the "erect bat ear" type.

[4]: 7 In the early 20th century, the breed remained in vogue for high society, with dogs changing hands for up to $3,000 and being owned by members of influential families such as the Rockefellers and the J. P. Morgans.

[15] The American Kennel Club standard for the French Bulldog states that it should be muscular, with a soft and loose coat forming wrinkles.

[20] Despite these challenges, the popularity of French Bulldogs continues to rise, emphasizing the importance of addressing their health issues.

[24] Effects of brachycephaly are stridor, stertorous breathing, emesis, skin fold dermatitis, brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, exophthalmos, pharyngeal gag reflex, cyanosis, and laryngeal collapse.

[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Other issues arising from brachycephaly are risk of complications whilst under anaesthesia,[32] and hyperthermia — with the latter caused due to an inability to effectively reduce body temperature via panting.

[36]: 1  This same study indicates that the low life expectancy for French Bulldogs is possibly influenced by the increasing number of French Bulldogs present in the UK, increasing from 2,771 KC registered individuals in 2011 to 39,266 individuals in 2020, skewing the general population to be very young on average and biasing the data.

[37][a] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 9.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[48] The French Bulldog is also prone to skin allergies (in addition to the demodicosis called out above) that often result in excessive licking of the paws, watery eyes, ear infections, sneezing, or vomiting.