Our Complete Guide to French Bulldogs

A French Bulldog (or Frenchie) is a small breed that has a lot of love to give. Frenchie’s are packed with personality, known for their love of people and have an adorable set of big ears!

It’s important to fully understand a breed before committing to bringing one into your home. So, with that in mind, here is everything you need to know about the French Bulldog

Temperament & Personality

What is a French Bulldog like to live with?

French Bulldogs are very loving dogs, who want nothing more than to be alongside their family.

They typically have a relaxed personality, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get the zoomies every now and again.

French Bulldogs are companion dogs, who were bred for the purpose of being alongside us. The French Bulldog is likely to want to be around you, whether you are watching tv, cooking or even having a bath, they are likely to want to be close by.

Despite their sidekick nature, French Bulldogs will need exercise alongside lots of cuddles with their family. Although typically shorter walks are preferred, they will still need daily exercise and enrichment.

Is a French Bulldog a good family dog?

Frenchie’s can be a wonderful breed for families. Having such a relaxed and tolerant temperament they are typically great with children.

However, they do have a slight diva streak at times with a real knack for getting what they want. The key to a well-behaved dog is socialising from a young age and of course lots of training.

Young children should always be supervised when interacting with any dog.

Can French Bulldogs live with other cats and dogs?

Yes, they can live happily alongside other pets.

A well socialised Frenchie is very tolerant, so will typically be fine living alongside another dog.

However, when it comes to cats and smaller animals there is more of a risk. French Bulldogs do have a prey drive, and a cat could trigger this instinct.

Introducing a puppy to a cat or smaller pet is likely to be easier than introducing an older dog. Any introductions should be supervised and done slowly.

French Bulldog Care Requirements

Are French Bulldogs easy to train?

Generally, yes, this breed is clever and ultimately wants to please. However sometimes the inner diva slips out and causes this breed to be a little bit headstrong.

Positive reward-based training is important for a French Bulldog and consistency is key.

How much exercise does a French Bulldog need?

If a French Bulldog were answering this, they would likely say very little… However, Frenchie’s still need daily walks of around half an hour to an hour.

This is a pretty low maintenance breed when it comes to their walkies, and some aren’t too happy about going outside. However daily exercise is essential for every dog as it will keep their weight down and strengthen their joints.

It’s worth noting a key feature of French Bulldogs and how this can impact exercise. French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (have shortened noses) which can impact their ability to breathe. This means that during the summer Frenchie’s are at a higher risk of heatstroke.

When temperatures reach over 20°C there is a chance of overheating. Vulnerable breeds like Frenchie’s will be kept safer by skipping that daily walk.

Understanding the signs of heatstroke could save your dog’s life. Read our guide to Recognising Heatstroke in Dogs.

Do French Bulldogs need a lot of grooming?

No, they are a very low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.

French Bulldogs have a short coat that mercifully doesn’t shed a lot, so a giving them a brush every few days should be enough to keep on top their grooming needs.

However, something that Frenchie’s may need more support with is their skin folds. The skin in the folds can get irritated.

French Bulldog Health

Is a French Bulldog a healthy breed?

French Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and playful however there are some significant health concerns that come with this breed.

The most crucial thing to know about Frenchie’s is that they are brachycephalic (flat faced) which can pose several health concerns.

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome – This severe breathing disorder is caused by the narrowing of the upper airways due to excess soft tissue and skull shape. If you are planning on buying or rescuing a French Bulldog, it is essential to be aware of this. Read more detailed information on the PDSA website.
• Eye Issues- French Bulldogs have more prominent eyes which makes them more vulnerable to problems such as dry eyes, cherry eye (swollen painful red gland), cataracts and conjunctivitis.
• Dental Issues- Due to having a shortened face, French Bulldogs typically have crowded teeth and are at increased risk of dental disease. Discover more about Dental Disease.
• **Luxating Patella’s –**This is where the kneecaps slip out of place.
• Skin Fold Dermatitis – French Bulldogs have wrinkly and folded skin in places and there is a potential for this skin to become irritated and inflamed.

If you are planning on buying a French Bulldog puppy, it is essential that the parents have health screenings.

What are the symptoms of BOAS in French Bulldogs?

Some French Bulldog puppies will have symptoms of BOAS early on however they might become apparent later in life, normally during 2-4 years of age.

Here are the symptoms to be on the lookout for:

1. Snoring
2. Loud breathing (snuffling noises, wheezing, gurgling)
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Continuous panting (even during rest)
5. Limited exercise ability or unwillingness to exercise

What is the lifespan of a French Bulldog?

A healthy French Bulldog can live over 10 years. However, their total lifespan will depend on genetics, preventative care, diet and lifestyle.

Always choose a reputable breeder who has the appropriate health screenings for the parents.

Nutrition for French Bulldogs

What is the best diet for a French Bulldog?

French Bulldogs need a complete and balanced diet packed with high-quality meat to support their muscles and wellbeing.

The best diets will contain the following:

• Joint Supplements – French Bulldogs are prone to certain joint issues so supportive ingredients can go a long way. Look for Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM in the ingredients list.
• Dental Supplement – Dental problems are common in Frenchie’s, so a proper dental diet containing a clinical supplement can help reduce the chance of oral disease.
• Prebiotics – Frenchies can be prone to some digestive issues, so a diet packed with prebiotics and fibre (from fruit, vegetable and plant based ingredients) will help keep stools firm and maintain their digestive health.

French Bulldog Living Conditions

Can French Bulldogs live in flats or apartments?

Yes, Frenchie’s can live comfortably in flats or apartments. However, will need space for play and of course daily walkies.

You can expect an adult French Bulldog to weigh between 11-12.5kg.

Are French Bulldogs expensive to own?

Yes.

Much like every dog breed, there will be significant expenses to consider. The following will need to be budgeted for:

• Veterinary Care- Including vaccinations, parasite treatments, microchipping, neutering or spaying and regular health checks.
• Food & Accessories- Daily food, treats, toys, beds, endless poo bags, walking accessories and grooming tools.
• Insurance – Insurance is an essential for any dog or cat owner. While these can be expensive per month or year, the sudden cost of treating an uninsured pet can be crippling. French Bulldogs are prone to certain conditions which may make insurance costs higher.

You can expect a French Bulldog to cost around £70-£110 per month or about £12000 across their lifetime.

French Bulldog Fun Facts

1. Did French Bulldogs aren’t from France? Despite their name, French Bulldogs aren’t French! They are from the UK and originated from Nottingham.
2. Did you know Frenchies make interesting noises? French Bulldogs will make yipping sounds and subtle noises to get attention from their owners rather than big loud barks!
3. Did you know French Bulldogs were bred for companionship? Frenchie’s are known for their affectionate, friendly and sweet nature. They love people and are the perfect lapdog!