“Terrier Boule.” It’s not a variation of the dessert, Crème Brûlée, but the two terms do have common ground in French culture, and one is are less fattening than the other (but no less addictive).

The term “Terrier Boule” is not present in the AKC’s breed standard for the French Bulldog, but we came across the term while glancing at the 2018 Judges’ Education Presentation presented by the French Bull Dog Club of America. After a little digging, we learned that the term has to do with the Frenchie’s early development.

As it appears in the educational materials, “Terrier Boule” is presented as a speculative nod to the breed’s ancestry—particularly the possibility that early French Bulldogs were refined with some other breeds, possibly Pugs and terrier-type dogs that may have been used to set size and type, namely the breed’s compact build and playful personality.

Literally translating from French as “Terrier Ball” or “Round Terrier,” the phrase reflects both the breed’s distinctive, rounded physique and its wonderful character that some say may trace to terrier stock, though we found no concrete historical documentation to confirm this influence.

We leave for another day discussion of the breed’s iconic bat ears, a broad and deep chest, and a strong, muscular build, and focus instead on a term we have not seen anywhere else. Our impression is that “Terrier Boule” ultimately provides historical color rather than serving as a guideline on how to evaluate the breed. The Frenchie’s evolution—from miniature Bulldogs imported to France and crossed with local companions, possibly terriers, as industrial migration swept across Europe—earned it affectionate descriptors like “boule” in France, but judges are advised to focus on type, soundless, and structure as specified by AKC and FBDCA guides.

In the end, “Terrier Boule” invites conversation and speculation,  and serves as a gentle reminder that while colorful expressions and tales from the past can enrich appreciation for the French Bulldog’s charm, it is historical footnote. The true measure of the breed lies in careful adherence to established standards.

Image: French Bulldog dog sketch hand drawn engraved style by BigJoy/Deposit