American French Bull Terrier Breed Pictures, Characteristics, and Facts

The American French Bull Terrier is a mixed breed, so they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull- and bear-baiting. When those sports were finally recognized as inhumane and became illegal 1835, dog-fighting sadly took its place. Thus, the Pit Bull became known for aggression. Part of this breed’s genetic makeup is an unwillingness to bite humans. Handlers reaching into the dog-fighting rings wanted to be able to separate dogs without getting hurt themselves, and so breeding dogs willing to maul humans was counterproductive. The breed developed a reputation as a strong, protective dog, but one also known for being gentle and family-friendly. Today, many view the breed as inherently scary or mean, but they have just as many supporters on their side.

The French Bulldog was first developed in England and was created to be a toy-size version of the similar English Bulldog. The breed thrived in France and Europe, and they were soon discovered by Americans as well. The United States met its first French Bulldog at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1896. Today, the breed is beloved as a lazy but loving household companion.