The most common beleived theory of the origin of the French Bulldog is that French seamen in the late 1800's brought dogs over the channel, from the south of England, where the Bulldogs were known to be smaller than usual.
In the same period of time, lace workers, also from the south pf England, moved to France in large numbers to practice their trade. It is beleived that these lace workers did bring their toy bulldogs with them to their new homeland.
In the official FCI Standard of the breed it is given teh following explanation of the origin of the breed; "the bulldog we know is the product of different crossings done by enthusiastic breeders in the popular quarters of Paris in the years 1880. During that period, the Bulldog being a dog belonging to butchers and coachmen of « les Halles » (market place)."
It is also suggested that Spanish Bulldogs have had some influence in the creation of the "Frenchie", but this is probably a misunderstanding based on a Spanish relief from 1625, showing a head of a Bulldog that can remind of the French Bulldog.

Picture from 1925.

In France, these small Bulldogs with "bat ears" became quite popular, especially in Paris.
From France this little Bulldog spread to England, Germany and Austria, and it was especially breeders in the last mentioned country that did a determinded and praiseworthy work in refining the breed.
The first breed club for the "Frenchie" was founded in 1880 in Paris, and first registration dates from 1885. In 1898 the first standard was established, the same year in which the « Société Centrale Canine » of France recognized the breed.

CHampion Chevet Danny Boy. Picture from the 1930's.

In 1887 the French bulldog entered the show ring for the first time.
The original standard was modified in 1931, 1932 and in 1948. In 1986 and 1994 the standard was reformulated.
In 1897 the French Bull Dog Club of America was formed, and in 1898 the American club adopted the standard.
It was in USA that the "bat ear" were standardized.

Today this happy and very appealing Bulldog has its admirerers and lovers all over the world.