What was the first color associated with the French Bulldog?

The Bulldog, as a breed, has a long history dating back several centuries. The breed’s first recognized color was most likely brindle. Brindle is a classic and traditional color pattern characterized by dark stripes or streaks on a lighter background.

In the early history of the Bulldog, these dogs were originally used for bull-baiting, a cruel and brutal sport that involved dogs attacking and immobilizing bulls. Brindle Bulldogs were favored for their tenacity and ability to withstand the rigors of this sport.

Over time, the Bulldog’s role evolved, and the breed was bred for different purposes. In the 19th century, when bull-baiting was banned in England, Bulldog enthusiasts began selectively breeding the dogs for more docile and companionable traits. This selective breeding led to the development of the modern Bulldog we know today, which has a wide range of coat colors beyond just brindle, including fawn, white, and various combinations of colors.

While brindle was one of the first and most historically significant colors associated with the Bulldog breed, the breed’s appearance has diversified over the years to include various colors and patterns. Different kennel clubs and breed standards recognize a range of coat colors for Bulldogs.