The French Bulldog is a dog breed that originated from a group of English bulldog fanciers who were not interested in dog-fighting. The English artisans, particularly lacemakers, bred a small bulldog that would weigh at least 16 lbs but not more than 28 lbs. As the Industrial Revolution grew in England, the lacemakers and other artisans took their skills (and small dogs) to France, where they could continue to ply their trade. The small bulldog earned quite a following in France, and by the late 1800s they were known as French Bulldogs or Frenchies. When wealthy Americans traveled to Paris, they were very taken with the little Frenchie and imported them to the United States. The breed was first exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1896.