Members of the French monarchy were deeply fond of dogs since the early beginnings. Dogs were humanized and sometimes even considered a superior race. They would help fill the voids French monarchs had in their lives due to solitude and isolation. Children were raised with dogs from a very early age in their life, thus creating really strong bonds with their pets. Dogs were adored for their innocence, loyalty, and for always being there; they would not betray nor hurt their owners, making them a great companion during the monarch's lonely, privileged lives. A known game amongst Royal families was to attach little carriages to their dogs and have them carrying it throughout the palace.    

It is known that Henri IV’s eldest son, Dauphin Louis, who reigned from 1610 as Louis XIII, had several dogs since birth, and he started hunting with his dogs from an early age. Louis had ten pet dogs when he was a child, and his favorite was Isabelle, a chien d’Ostreland, who would even sleep with him at nights. He created quite a strong bond with his dogs, and they were his favorite discussion topic and his major focus. He would suffer greatly whenever a disgrace happened to any of his ‘petits chiens’. 

In Versaille, dogs were also a very popular companion. Louis XIV, responsible for building the palace, was a known dog-lover. He had several Great Pyrenees, but his most beloved dog was a Poodle named Filou. It was thanks to this king that the Toy Poodle became greatly popular amongst French Court.

Another wide-known dog enthusiast was Marie-Antoinette, and the Papillon was amongst her favorites. Her preferred dog was Coco, a dropped-ears Papillon. She also had another Papillon named Thysbée and a Leonberger called Odin, which was given to her by her lover, Count Fersen. After Marie-Antoinette’s death, her two Papillons were looked after by the inhabitants of the house, but never found. It is believed Madame de Tourzel, the trusted governess of Marie Antoinette’s children, took care of the dogs. It’s even said that Mme. Tourzel took Coco to la Place de la Concorde on the day the queen was being beheaded. Coco survived the French revolution and lived for 22 years. The dog was buried in the Hôtel de Seignelay, and a gravestone marks the place where its body was located.

Dogs are still a beloved companion in France. The country has strict laws to protect these loyal companions and its people is very dog oriented. French presidents are often caring dog-owners. It is known former president Nicolas Sarkozy’s Labrador and two Chihuahuas caused great damage in the palace. The current French President, Emmanuel Macron, has a Labrador cross named Nemo, who is often seen with the president and his wife.