If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the French Bulldog – they are currently the UK’s fifth most popular pet and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 11 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. Popular pooch
The French Bulldog is one of the world's most popular breeds. In 2020 they were the second-most popular registered dog in the United Kingdom, the second-most popular dog breed in the United States and are the third-most popular dog in Australia. Since that peak they've waned somewhat, but remain in the top 5 in many countries around the globe, including in Britain. | AFP via Getty Images

6. Famous fans
Famous faces who have been French Bulldog owners include Lady Gaga (Asia, Koji and Gustav), Reese Witherspoon (Minnie Pearl), The Rock (Hobbs), Chrissy Teigen and John Legend (Pippa), Jeremy Piven (Bubba), Hugh Jackman (Dali) and Jason Priestley (Swifty). | AFP via Getty Images
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7. Caring and sharing
French Bulldogs are a very caring breed. In 2009 a French Bulldog called Bugsy became a foster parent to a baby orangutan called Malone who had been abandoned by his mother at Twycross Zoo, in England. The pair were inseparable until Malone was big enough to join the other orangutans. | AFP via Getty Images
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8. In fashion
In the late 19th century the French Bulldog became so popular with wealthy Americans their price soared to up to $3,000 per dog. Members of influential families including the Rockefellers and the J.P. Morgans were regularly seen out-and-about showing off their Frenchies. | AFP via Getty Images

