Introduction
In many countries, bringing your dog to a restaurant or cafe is commonplace. However, in France, dogs joining their owners at the dining table is far less widespread. This peculiar custom sparks curiosity for many travelers and dog lovers visiting France. Do French dining establishments allow dogs to sit at tables? What are the cultural viewpoints and etiquette surrounding this practice? This article will explore the fascinating relationship between dogs and French gastronomic culture.
History of Dogs in France
The origin of dogs as pets in French households dates back centuries. Dogs have long been regarded as loyal companions by the French people. One of the most popular French dog breeds, the Papillon, was favored by royal families as early as the 16th century. French royals and aristocrats often kept small dogs like Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as pampered lapdogs. The tradition of dogs as beloved pets continued well past the French Revolution and through the modern era. Today, nearly 20 million households in France own a dog, indicating their established status within French family life.
French Views on Dogs
In France, dogs are seen as beloved family members and close companions rather than just pets. Many French people treat their dogs like their own children, welcoming them into their homes and lives in a very intimate way. Dogs are afforded more freedoms and privileges in French households compared to some other cultures where dogs are kept outdoors and separated from family interactions.
It’s very common for French families to bring their dogs with them to cafes, restaurants and on family outings. French dogs are allowed to sit in chairs, sleep in their owner’s beds and receive premium food, toys and healthcare. The French have a very egalitarian view of dogs as sentient beings deserving of respect and quality treatment.
This loving bond with dogs reflects the French philosophy of joie de vivre – joy of life. Dogs are viewed as living beings that enhance our human experience. The French celebrate the day-to-day pleasure and fun that dogs bring into their lives as an essential part of the culture.
Dogs in French Restaurants
It’s not an uncommon sight to see dogs accompanying their owners to restaurants and cafés in France. Unlike in some other countries, most French establishments welcome pets, especially well-behaved dogs, to dine with their humans.
The French have a reputation for loving dogs and treating them like members of the family. Therefore, it’s generally accepted for dogs to join their owners for a meal out on the town. Most restaurants won’t bat an eye at a dog resting under the table or sitting nearby.
While public health regulations prohibit pets from being in restaurant kitchens, the dining room is fair game in most cases. As long as the dog doesn’t disturb other patrons, chefs and waiters are typically happy to accommodate canine guests.
Some French restaurants even offer special doggie menus with pet treats and food bowls for the four-legged customers. Others will bring a bowl of water and maybe even a few table scraps for dogs to enjoy. It all contributes to the very pet-friendly dining atmosphere found in France.
Rules of Etiquette
In French restaurants, there are certain unspoken rules of etiquette that dog owners are expected to follow. Dogs should remain well-behaved throughout the dining experience. Barking, jumping on furniture, begging from other tables, or causing any type of disturbance is considered unacceptable. Owners should keep their dogs either sitting or lying down calmly under the table. Letting a dog wander around the restaurant freely would be regarded as rude.
Some basic training is required so that dogs know not to snatch food off plates. Owners should bring small treats to occupy the dog during the meal if needed. But feeding a dog scraps under the table too often can encourage begging behavior. It’s best for dogs to wait patiently while their owners eat. Also, dogs should not be allowed to drink directly from glasses or plates on the table. Owners should bring a portable water bowl and offer their dog drinks away from the dining table.
While friendly greetings from a calm dog may be tolerated, letting a dog go around the restaurant seeking attention from strangers is not acceptable. The dog should remain focused on the owner and stay close to their table. In essence, dogs should be “seen but not heard” to meet French expectations for proper restaurant manners.
Seating Positions
When dining with their owners at restaurants or cafes in France, dogs may sit in one of three positions:
On the floor – Many dogs simply sit or lie down on the floor next to their owner’s chair while their human eats. This allows the dog to comfortably relax and wait for any scraps that may be offered.
On a chair – Some French restaurants keep designated dog chairs for canine guests to sit on. These are usually simple wooden chairs without cushions. Small and medium dogs may sit directly on the seat, while larger dogs often just have their front paws up.
In the owner’s lap – It’s not uncommon for small dogs to sit in their owner’s lap during the meal. This allows the dog to be petted and fed titbits easily. However, lap dogs at restaurants should be calm and well-behaved to avoid disturbing other patrons.
Dining Habits
When it comes to dining habits, many French dogs are accustomed to being fed choice scraps directly from the table by their indulgent owners. Bread crusts, bits of cheese, meat trimmings, and vegetable ends often find their way into eager canine mouths over the course of a meal. Dog owners may even offer treats from their own plates to reward begging dogs patiently waiting under the table. It’s not uncommon to see dogs catch pieces of food tossed to them as a game by laughing family members. While this may seem improper to some, the French tend to have a relaxed attitude about sharing cuisine with their cherished pets.
Sanitation Considerations
Having dogs in restaurants and kitchens raises sanitation concerns. Dogs can shed hair and dander which can get into food during preparation and service. Their paws can also track in dirt and germs from outside. While most dogs are domesticated, they still have natural behaviors like sniffing food and licking that make sanitation difficult in dining areas.
Commercial kitchens must follow strict health department regulations for cleaning, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining proper food storage temperatures. The presence of pets runs counter to many standard safe food handling practices. For example, dogs may lie on the floor where food spills can occur. Their bathing habits are less controlled than human hand washing requirements in kitchens. Having a dog sit at the table makes sanitation harder for the server and other guests sharing that dining space.
For these reasons, there are valid concerns around the sanitary implications of allowing dogs to be present in restaurant kitchen and dining rooms. Careful precautions would need to be taken to mitigate health risks.
Cultural Comparisons
The French practice of dogs sitting at the table stands in stark contrast to that of other cultures and countries.
In the United States, for example, it is extremely uncommon for dogs to be present at dining tables, let alone sit in chairs. Most restaurants prohibit pets from entering altogether. Allowing a dog to dine at the table goes against prevailing social norms and etiquette standards in American culture.
Likewise, in many Asian cultures such as China, Japan, and Korea, having dogs inside restaurants is almost unheard of. Dining out is seen as a human-only activity, and dogs are generally not welcomed indoors. The preference is to leave pets at home when going to restaurants.
Even in other Western countries such as Britain, Italy, and Germany, it is relatively uncommon to see dogs seated at dining tables. There is not the same widespread cultural acceptance of it as found in France.
The French inclination to treat dogs like family members dining together thus sets them apart from much of the world. Allowing dogs at the table is a unique hallmark of French culture and hospitality.
Conclusion
From a historical perspective, dogs have long been a beloved part of French culture and family life. However, when it comes to dining out in restaurants, there are nuanced cultural rules and etiquette regarding if and how dogs may join their owners at the table.
While dogs are a common sight in French cafes and bistros, especially when dining al fresco, formal restaurant dining has more stringent policies. Most upscale French restaurants do not allow dogs, though some may permit very small dogs to sit in their owner’s lap or under the table. Rules are periodically relaxed in pet-friendly locales.
Overall, the French have a pragmatic approach. Sanitation, diner comfort, and the dining experience are prioritized over doggy dining rights. With reasonable precautions and training, French restaurants can accommodate pets and owners. However, restaurants ultimately reserve the right to enforce their own etiquette policies.
Compared to the US, France has a less dog-centric culture, with more formality around restaurant dining. However, the deep affection and history between the French people and dogs endures. With some common-sense restrictions, dogs can still participate in the treasured ritual of dining out with their beloved owners.