Popular American Dogs that are French
There are over 20 dog breeds that were developed in France, among the most popular are the:
Bichon Frise: Pronounced bee-SHON free-ZAY, this small and intelligent dog breed originated in Spain. They lived aboard ships and kept the sailor’s company during long voyages. They were taken along many trade routes across the centuries into other countries. They were believed to be used as items of barter by Spanish sailors around the Mediterranean basin and that is how French sailors brought the dogs to Europe from Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, in the 14th century. The breed’s close association with European nobles began sometime in the 13th century. Most notably, they became the preferred companion dogs of the royal courts of Spain, Italy, and France. The breed became a great favorite of the French nobility during the Renaissance in the 15th century. Bichons were popular during the reign of France’s King Francois I, it reached the peak of their popularity during the reign of King Henry lll. King Henry was so fond of his Bichons, that he carried them wherever he went in a special basket that he hung from his neck with ribbons. The French Revolution abruptly ended Bichon’s position of privilege in 1789. But these adaptable dogs were able to survive by becoming circus performers. The breed makes many appearances in portraits which can attest to its popularity. The painter Francisco de Goya included a Bichon in several of his paintings. Bichon Frise was first brought to the United States by a french family in 1956.
Poodle:Although it is the national dog of France, the poodle actually originated in Germany. They were originally bred as waterfowl hunting and retrieving dogs in the 15th century. This is why, in France, they are called caniche, a name derived from chien canard meaning “duck dog” in reference to its duck-hunting ability. Breeders began producing smaller versions of the poodle to delight the Parisian Bourgeoisie during the 18th century, who often carried their toy poodles in their large shirtsleeves, leading to the nickname “sleeve dogs.” The original poodle is the partially-colored or “parti” poodle, which references its dual-colored coat. Due to their intelligence, athleticism, and looks, the poodle was once commonly used as circus performers in France. They would dance, perform somersaults and walk on their hind legs, among other things. The poodle was brought to the United States after World War ll and by the mid-1950s, it had become the most popular dog breed, a position they held for more than 20 years. Many American icons like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney and more, have owned poodles. One of the most famous earlier poodle paintings was by Rembrandt dated 1631, it is a self-portrait of him with his brown and white poodle.
French Bulldog: The bouledogues français is currently the fourth most popular dog breed in America. The breed was brought to France in the 18th century from England by lace workers displaced by the Industrial Revolution. These ladies kept warm by having the dogs sit on their laps while they worked. They were bred to be companion dogs. The breed first appeared in the United States in 1896, where they affectionately got the nickname “Frenchie.” These dogs quickly became a hit with American high society, they were owned by influential families like the Rockefellers and J.P. Morgans. By 1906, the french bulldog was recognized as one of America’s five most popular dog breeds and never strayed too far from that list. England’s King Edward Vll, who reigned during the 19th century, was very fond of his pet Frenchie, Peter. Another amazing fact about these pooches is that Frenchies served as delivery dogs in World War l, they used to deliver cigarettes to soldiers. The famous artist, Andy Warhol, used Frenchies for his inspiration. He featured Yves Saint Laurent’s french bulldog, Moujik ll in the final portrait he ever painted. It’s the only dog ever immortalized by the famed pop artist.
Basset Hound: The breed originated in 6th century France, making it one of the oldest dog breeds. They were bred to hunt by following the scent of their prey, they were put to hunt in packs. Their name comes from the French word bas meaning “low.” The basset hounds became popular during the reign of the emperor Napoleon lll in the 19th century. England’s Queen Victoria also had a few basset hounds of her own. It is commonly believed that Marquis de Lafayette brought basset hounds to the United States as a gift for George Washington. Basset hounds surged in popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s with its appearance in the advertising campaign for Hush Puppy shoes. The breed also inspired the cartoon character Droopy. A basset hound also appeared in the TV series “Columbo” as Columbo’s pet dog, aptly named Dog. Also, we can never forget the time when Elvis Presley sang his smash hit “Hound Dog” to an actual basset hound named Sherlock.
Works Cited
- Reisen, Jan. “Poodles: 10 Fun Facts About This Smart, Stylish Dog Breed.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 30 Dec. 2019, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-poodles/.
- “10 Fun Facts About Bichon Frises.” Thomas Labs, www.thomaslabs.com/product/10-fun-facts-about-bichon-frises/articles.
- “Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts.” DogTime, dogtime.com/dog-breeds/bichon-frise#/slide/1.
- Kriss, Randa. “Bichon Frise Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bichon-frise/.
- “11 Fluffy Facts About the Bichon Frise.” Mental Floss, 3 Aug. 2015, www.mentalfloss.com/article/66745/11-fluffy-facts-about-bichon-frise.
- “Bichon Frise Dog Breed – Facts and Personality Traits: Hill’s Pet.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/bichon-frise.
- Steinman+, Henry, et al. “20 Cool Facts About the Bichon Frise Breed.” Puppy Toob, 7 May 2018, puppytoob.com/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-bichon-frise/.
- Reisen, Jan. “Poodles: 10 Fun Facts About This Smart, Stylish Dog Breed.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 30 Dec. 2019, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-about-poodles/.
- “10 Fancy Facts About Poodles.” Mental Floss, 8 June 2015, www.mentalfloss.com/article/64749/10-fancy-facts-about-poodles.
- “Poodle Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts.” DogTime, dogtime.com/dog-breeds/poodle#/slide/1.
- “Poodle Dog Breed – Facts and Personality Traits: Hill’s Pet.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/poodle.
- Kriss, Randa. “Basset Hound Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/basset-hound/.
- “Basset Hound Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts.” DogTime, dogtime.com/dog-breeds/basset-hound#/slide/1.
- “Basset Hound Dog Breed – Facts and Personality Traits: Hill’s Pet.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/basset-hound.
- “11 Facts About French Bulldogs.” Mental Floss, 18 Nov. 2018, www.mentalfloss.com/article/63568/11-charming-facts-about-french-bulldogs.
- Hopkins, Barb. “6 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know about French Bulldogs.” Embracepetinsurance.com, www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/6-fun-facts-about-french-bulldogs.
- “French Bulldog Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts.” DogTime, dogtime.com/dog-breeds/french-bulldog#/slide/1.
- Greenberg, Aurora. “French Bulldog Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/.
- Spark, Sarah. “13 Mind Blowing Facts About French Bulldogs.” SPARK PAWS, SPARK PAWS, 30 Jan. 2019, www.sparkpaws.com/blogs/community/13-mind-blowing-facts-about-french-bulldogs.
- Admin. “Brittany Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brittany/.
- “Brittany Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts.” DogTime, dogtime.com/dog-breeds/brittany#/slide/1.
- “Brittany Dog Breed: Facts and Personality Traits: Hill’s Pet.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/brittany.
- Estorque, Casey. “Brittany Breed Information Guide: Quirks, Pictures, Personality & Facts.” BarkPost, 7 Oct. 2019, barkpost.com/answers/brittany-spaniel-breed-information-guide/.
- History of the Bichon Frise, bflcsingapore.tripod.com/id11.html.
- Capuski, et al. “Dog Parading on the Catwalk Stock Photo.” Getty Images, www.gettyimages.com/photos/celebrities-with-french-bulldogs?phrase=celebrities+with+french+bulldogs&sort=mostpopular.
- “The Poodle.” Piccolo’s AKC Standard Poodles, www.piccolospoodles.com/thepoodle.htm.
- “Pin by Graham Carpenter on Elvis Presley: Elvis Presley, Elvis, Poodle.” Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/504332858273633281/.
- National Purebred Dog Day®. “Columbo’s Basset Hound.” National Purebred Dog Day®, 6 Nov. 2016, nationalpurebreddogday.com/columbos-basset-hound/.
- Shapira, J.A., et al. “Hunting & Shooting Attire Guide.” Gentleman’s Gazette, 7 Sept. 2020, www.gentlemansgazette.com/hunting-shooting-attire/.
- “Bichon Frise History, Entertaining Us for Centuries: All About Bichon Frises.” All About Bichon Frise Dogs, 28 Mar. 2021, all-about-bichon-frises.com/bichon-frise-dogs/bichon-frise-history/.
- Boccone, Bud. “The Bichon Frise, History’s Sociable Survivor.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 20 Apr. 2021, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/the-bichon-frise-historys-sociable-survivor/.
- “Bichon Frise – Everything You Need To Know.” All About Bichon Frise, 15 June 2020, allaboutbichonfrise.com/bichon-frise/.
- Stevenson, Mary. “Article Surfing Archive.” Bichon Frise: King Henry III’s Favorite Pet – Articles Surfing, articlesurfing.org/pets/bichon_frise_king_henry_iiis_favorite_pet.html.
- “History of Parti Poodle.” Huxtable The Poodle | Toy Poodle Blog | Parti Poodle, huxtablethepoodle.blogspot.com/p/history-of-parti-poodle.html.
- Kane, Kiki, and Kiki Kane. “Here’s Everything You Probably Don’t Know About Poodles.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 10 Dec. 2020, www.rover.com/blog/heres-everything-probably-dont-know-poodles/.
- “Famous French Bulldogs Through History.” Frenchie World Shop, 30 Dec. 2019, frenchie.world/blogs/news/famous-french-bulldogs-through-history.
- James, Dan. “Where Do French Bulldogs Come From?” FrenchBulldogio, 26 May 2020, frenchbulldogio.com/where-do-french-bulldogs-come-from/.
- Woebgon Bassets Home Page, www.woebgonbassets.com/basset-info/basset-hound-history.html.
- “Basset Hound.” K9 Research Lab, www.k9rl.com/dog-breeds/hounds/basset-hound/.
- Arbuckle, Alex. “When a Basset Hound Humiliated Elvis Presley on Live TV.” Mashable, Mashable, 25 Mar. 2016, mashable.com/2016/03/25/elvis-hound-dog/.
- “Pin on Photos I <3.” Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/141652350750086225/.
- Circus Bygone, www.poodlehistory.org/PCIRCUS1.HTM.
- “Circus Poodles (Page 1).” Circus Poodles (Page 1) – Line.17QQ.Com, line.17qq.com/articles/ndoonccov.html.