The French indeed showed dogs with shell-shaped ears but really their preference was for erect ears.
The differing opinions gathered by the Americans as to the origins of the breed worried them, and went to prove that no-one had tried to keep a reliable register of the breeding of these dogs. Many were of dubious ancestry. Like all intelligent breeders they wanted to improve the breed. And so they took matters into their own hands and, following a systematic method, with entusiasm and passion, they managed to fix and improve the breed to such an extent, that the Frenchy soon went from its obscure position to occupying an important place in the canine world. They had one great advantage, which was precisely that there was no " tug of love" for the breed.
The Americans had a clear preference for the erect ear, however the French and the English disputed this, with the result that the best dogs with erect ears went to the USA. It must be borne in mind that in the mean streets of Paris at this time they still bred for preference dogs with "bat ears".All this took place toward the end of the 19th century and in the first 3 or 4 years of the 20th.
The work that should have been undertaken by the French, for a dog that was at this time indisputably French, was taken on by the Americans. In 1925 the USA would hold the record for beauty and "know-how" in the production of the breed. In 20 years they had produced examples as good as the best of the imported dogs, if not better.
John Ross's drawing. 1893
First appearance of Frenchies in an American Show
In 1896 at the Westminster show in New York the first Frenchies were shown. All had come from France, their names being: Bellechose, Bibelot, Milo, Bordeaux, Antonni, Margot and Leida II. They were the great novelty of the show and won many admirers.
Following this first showing the most important imports were made by Mr. Phelps of Boston, who had imported some dogs previously.
In 1897 he showed M. Boulot, who had the same characteristics as Ninette and M. Rabot . An excellent head with very good positioning of the ears he was judged the best dog of his period in the USA. Boulot had won a Diploma of Honour in Paris in 1896. At the same time, in England, Père Boogum was enjoying great success as a famous champion Toy Bulldog.
It should be noted that in1896, although the erect ear was prized in New York, judges Krehl and Proctor delayed its development in France giving preference to Tuduc and Cora in the Paris Show, both of whom had shell-ears, over Mimi who had erect ears, despite the fact that Mimi was the most charming and typical bitch in th show.
The Americans took up the breed beginning to carefully document their history. They knew that the erect ear was one of its best points. Their protests were easily understood when in an American show Mr. Roper judged Regent Street and Mirza, both with rose ears, ahead of others with bat ears. Both were fine dogs, but Toy Bulldogs, not Frenchies.
There was still no accepted standard other than that of a small group of fans in Paris, the Villete Club.
When the secretary of the American French Bulldog Club wrote to the French Central Canine Society as to what was correct, the reply was," The ears should be as small as possible, slim, smooth to the touch and erect with the point turned down. Completely erect ears and "bat ears" are defects."
The Central Canine Society knew the breed in1897, but took little notice of it. It was considered a "butchers' dog" known for many years, but outside the accepted circle of canine societies and clubs.There followed a struggle between the English and Americans as to the correct form of the ear. The Americans won.
In 1898,in the Waldorf Astoriain New York, was held the first show dedicated exclusively to the Frenchy. In competition were 26 dogs and 20 bitches, not counting those which had been previously shown, and the erect ear was the predominant note. The dogs were small, less than 20lbs. There were fine examples, but little homogeneity. Some famous names were: Le Petit Caporal, Bimbi, Ajax, Oditie, M.Blanc, Folette, Riquette, Sapho, Toto, Cognac and Babette.They were an expensive luxury, costing $250-$700.
Meanwhile in England at this time the aristocracy, particularly the ladies, were taking a liking to the erect ears.Lady Grey, the Countess of Carnavon, the Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Kathleen Pilkington were among the main promoters of examples with erect ears.Lady Lewiswas the first woman president of the French Bulldog club of England, the club itself being founded in 1902.
However in France they were more interested in hunting dogs than domestic dogs. This is one reason why in France there was no specialist breed club neither was there a separate class in the shows. This did not prevent there being a strange trade, for example Grand Duke Paul, cousin of the Tzar paid 6000Fr ransom for a dog stolen in Biarritz.
Returning to the USA, Rico was the first American Champion. Imported by Mr. Marston of Boston he was judged best American dog and became the property of Mr Phelps.
Some other imports:
In 1899
Diavolo, sold for $1000 to Mr.Babcock.
Paulus, Julie and Melba.
In 1900
Maurice, La Goulue, François who beat Rico and Maurice. The latter being best stud dog.
In 1902
Dick de la Mere I, son of Rabot de Beaubourg, an excellent dog, became champion in 1903.
Calot who beat Dick and the champions Rico and Maurice. Bred by M. Ruffier. By Dick de la Mere out of Rita. Owner: Samuel Goldenberg.
In 1903
Guguss and Fanfan. Owner: Samuel Goldenberg.
Richelieu. Bred by M.Fère. Paris. By Boulot out of Miss. Owner: Mr. Lenox. Won his Championsip in three consecutive shows. In contrast to the others he was short and compact, a beautiful silky brindle weighing 23 lbs. A perfect Frenchy body.He became the property of Mr. Hunt until his death in 1911. Richelieu's career was not outstanding, at times tending to the cruel, but he has the honour of fixing the ideas of Frenchy breeders as to the typical Frenchy type.
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