The Percheron reached its peak at the beginning of the 20th century. France then had 20,000 Percherons who circulated in Paris for the Compagnie des Omnibus Parisiens (Parisian Omnibus Company). From the 19th century, Percherons were widely exported around the world and, in particular, to the United States for agriculture. The Percheron breed then enjoyed in Europe and beyond a consideration equivalent to that of the English horse and largely contributed to the fame of the French region of Perche. During the First World War, the Percheron distinguished itself by its strength and courage by towing war material and transporting supplies to the soldiers on the battlefields.