French bulldog: Dog breed characteristics & care

👉 Coming up with a pet name can be fun but tricky. Search no further! According to PetScreening’s 2024 database, the majority of our users name their male French Bulldogs Louie; Winston is the 2nd most popular male name. Meanwhile, most of our users with female French Bulldogs love Luna, then Lola.

• French bulldogs have some famous fans, including celebrity owners Reese Witherspoon and Lady Gaga.
• French bulldogs have a nickname as cute as their mugs—you may often hear the breed called “Frenchies.”
• Breeders in the United Kingdom weren’t fans of the French bulldog’s erect, triangular “bat ears,” but high society French women apparently felt differently. As a result, French breeders prioritized this feature.

French bulldogs are members of the Non-Sporting Group, a catch-all AKC categorization that typically encompasses breeds developed to interact with humans. French bulldogs epitomize this idea. They’re known for being friendly and playful. Though they’ll gladly engage in play, Frenchies are the ultimate lap dogs — always keen to curl up for a Netflix binge with you.

These small dogs with erect ears and short snouts typically get along famously with others, including children, so they’re often a good choice for people with kids. They are generally accepting of other pets in the home. A Frenchie will bark to alert you that someone is at the door, but a friend of yours is usually a friend of a Frenchie’s, as they’re often good with guests.

The French Bulldog is a small breed with a muscular body and a short, smooth coat in various colors. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, these colors include white, cream, fawn (ranging from light fawn to red fawn), or any combination. Markings and patterns are brindle, piebald, black masks, black shadings, and white markings. We teamed up with FidoTabby Alert, and according to their database, a common coat color for the French bulldog is (74%) black. 

French bulldogs are friendly and loving dogs but are susceptible to their share of health issues. A 2021 study Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source found that the breed was more prone to 20 common health disorders than other breeds. Prompt care can help your French bulldog receive the best care and outcomes.

• Allergies. Bacteria can accumulate in French bulldogs’ skin folds and cause allergies. In addition to skin folds, your Frenchie may develop allergies around their ears, eyes, and paws.
• Heatstroke. These little bulldogs are brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dogs. This feature is a breed hallmark, but it can also cause breathing difficulties, making them more prone to heatstroke.
• Obstructive airways syndrome. Frenchies were found to be more likely to develop this respiratory condition Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source , which is characterized by breathing problems and coughing.
• Difficulty giving birth. Female French bulldogs are nine times more likely to have problems giving birth, according to the 2021 research.

👉 A French bulldog’s flat face is cute, but it can lead to respiratory problems, particularly in the heat. On hot days, pay close attention to how much time you spend outside and provide them with plenty of water.

Cost of caring for a French bulldog

Allergies sound like a routine condition, but the costs can add up. A test can carry a $350+ vet bill, and medications run about $150 for four months.

When it comes to heatstroke, prevention is the best medicine. Keep your dog out of the heat, and put on the air conditioning on hot days Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source . Consider spaying your female dog to prevent the need to give birth — shelters will usually do this for free before sending an older puppy or adult dog home. Obstructive airway syndrome isn’t preventable. Depending on the severity, measures to fix it, like soft palate or stenotic nares resections, can cost $200 to $1,500.

A French bulldog can live a healthy and happy life, but issues may pop up, and you want to be prepared. Health insurance can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, with the greatest benefits going to pet parents who sign their fur babies up early. Opening a pet savings account and budgeting for the unexpected when possible can also help you fund care.

French bulldogs were first developed in France in the mid to late 1880s. Unlike their bulldog predecessors from England, Frenchies were not bred for bull sports, as those were outlawed in 1835. Around that time, lace workers affected by the Industrial Revolution arrived in Normandy with toy bulldogs.

The small bulldogs are likely a cross between toy and English bulldogs. The bat-like ears and amiable personality made the breed, also called Bouledogue Francais, become wildly popular among the French almost from the start. Artists, high-society women, writers, and designers reportedly loved the pup.

The French Bulldog Club of America was founded in 1897, with the American Kennel Club recognizing the breed the following year. Over the years, the French bulldog has been hugely popular with Americans. It recently ranked second in the AKC list of most popular dog breeds in the United States in 2021.

When you welcome a new puppy to your family, it can feel like your to-do list grows by four feet, regardless of the breed. You need to take your pet to the veterinarian for the first time and set aside time for your dog’s vaccinations. Then there’s the need to puppy-proof your home and prepare for teething.

You have big plans for a long, loving friendship with your new furbaby. No one likes to think about their new dog getting lost, but it can happen. FidoAlert has a free Fido ID and tag — just in case. Here are some other essential things to know about the French bulldog.

Exercise

Unlike other popular breeds, like the Labrador retriever, French bulldogs don’t have high exercise needs. In fact, too much exercise, particularly strenuous activity in the heat, can be hard on these flat-faced pups. They’re often content to snuggle in your lap. Their small size and low-energy temperament make them ideal dogs for small apartment dwellers.

Still, Frenchies need physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, just like humans. Short daily walks around the block or play sessions will help your Frenchie stretch their legs. Make sure to have water on hand, particularly when it’s hot, to help them cool down.

Frenchies may not need lots of exercise, but they love tons of attention. After playtime or a short walk, they’re always content to cuddle up for a contact nap.

Grooming

French bulldogs have smooth and short coats that won’t require cutting or trimming throughout their lives. Still, you’ll want to brush them about once per week with a rubber or bristle brush.

Since bacteria often grow in a Frenchie’s skin folds, which can exacerbate allergies, you’ll want to bathe your pet frequently—at least once every three months. Frenchies, like other bulldogs, have tail pockets. These pockets are small indents just below your pup’s tiny tail, and they can collect dirt and debris that trigger infections. The good news? Tail pockets aren’t challenging to clean.

Regular maintenance, such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, will keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Diet and nutrition

French bulldogs without any underlying health conditions don’t have any specific nutritional requirements. Standard dog food from a big box store with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) should have all the nutrition your Frenchie needs to thrive.

If your Frenchie has an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or food allergies, your vet may prescribe specific food.

Your vet will also provide portion requirements, and you can find general guidelines for your dog’s size on the back of every bag. Look closely at the label — the portions may be per day, in which case you need to divide it by two. Generally, a 27-pound dog should have 733 calories per day Trusted Source The Merck Veterinary Manual Trusted provider of veterinary medicine. Go to source .

French bulldogs are generally considered bright, particularly for bulldogs. They’re eager to please and highly adaptable. These endearing qualities also make the French bulldog easy to train.

The French bulldog is considered friendly, playful, and loving, but all dogs can benefit from early training from a young age. The Humane Society recommends training that focuses on positive reinforcement over yelling or punishment. Think treats and praise instead of crating and yelling.

Short, simple commands like “sit” and “stay” are easier to follow. If you’re having trouble with training, your vet may be able to recommend a professional to provide assistance in a group or one-on-one setting.

Not quite sure that a French bulldog is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds that might be a good fit. Here are a few to get you started:

• Labrador retriever. The AKC’s perennial most popular dog breed is also friendly and loyal, just like the Frenchie.
• Pomeranian. These pint-sized dogs have big personalities. The Pomeranian is also considered a highly affectionate breed.
• Bichon frise. Bichon frise are also playful and loving Non-Sporting breed dogs. They make excellent companion dogs.