French Bulldog Quick Stats
LIFESPAN:
10 – 12 years
WEIGHT:
Under 28 lbs
HEIGHT:
11 – 13 inches
DO I SHED?
Yes
Personality:
Playful, smart, and adaptable
Common Health Problems:
Cherry eye, breathing problems, and skin allergies
Help protect your Frenchie
French Bulldog: How Do I Look?
Also known as a Frenchie, the French bulldog dog breed is a smaller counterpart to the standard bulldog. They have large “bat” ears that stand straight up, round eyes, and flat-like faces that give them an alert expression.1
The adult French bulldog shouldn’t exceed 28 pounds unless you overfeed them, and they can range between 11 and 13 inches tall.1
Coat Type and Colors
French bulldogs have smooth, short coats. Here are the standard colors for French bulldogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC):1
- Brindle
- Cream
- Fawn
- White
- Brindle and white
- Fawn and white
- Fawn brindle
- Fawn brindle & white
Ears
Frenchies have round, pointy ears that stand straight up, giving them an expressive face.
Ear infections are common in bulldogs due to the narrowness of their ear canals, which creates a warm, moist environment that yeast and bacteria love. Special care is needed to keep their ears clean so pet owners can avoid costly veterinary bills.1 The average vet visit for an ear infection costs $850.3
Shedding and Grooming
French bulldogs are moderate shedders who are relatively easy to groom. Simply brush them with a medium-bristle brush once a week, perhaps after a good bath. Brushing can also promote new hair growth and support coat health by dispersing the skin oils. 1
Frenchies have tight folds around their ears, eyes, and noses that need special attention during baths to avoid skin infections.2 If you’re pressed for time, a wet washcloth will help to keep your dog’s skin free from bacteria. Make sure you dry their face and body thoroughly to avoid bacterial growth.1
Drooling Level
Drooling isn’t a major issue with Frenchies, but some can be a bit drool-prone. If that’s a significant area of concern, this breed may not be for you.1
French Bulldog: Personality Traits
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
I love everything life has to offer: Eating, playing, sleeping, and hanging with my people are all my favorite things to do. I may not be the best hiking companion, but I hope you’ll love me as much as I’ll love you!
Behavior
Frenchies have an affectionate, easy-going personality and are great for laid-back families that can give them plenty of love and attention. They are playful but not super energetic, making them the perfect companion for both a game of fetch and cuddling on the couch.1
Trainability
Positive reinforcement training works best for Frenchies because they are eager to please and tend to be quite food-motivated. Consider puppy training classes if you struggle to train your French bulldog.1
Exercise Needs
A French bulldog doesn’t require a significant amount of rigorous activity, but routine exercise is important to help them stay in good physical condition and prevent obesity.4 They enjoy a good play session, chasing balls, and playing tug of war. This should also provide them with the mental stimulation they need. Avoid overly strenuous activity because Frenchies’ short noses can cause breathing issues when they are breathing heavily or overheating.1
Good With Kids?
Frenchies are very good with children. These bundles of energy will keep up with the most rambunctious kid while being calm enough for solemn teenagers. As long as you take the time to socialize your Frenchie, they can make wonderful family dogs, which may help explain why they’re one of the most popular breeds around the world.1
Good With Other Pets?
Socialization is also key with French bulldogs and other pets. Most Frenchies get along well with other animals, but some may chase cats or show aggression toward other dogs. Take extra care to socialize your pets, and you’ll have close fur buddies in no time.1
Barking Level
Excessive barking is generally not a problem in this breed. If your Frenchie barks, it’s usually only to get your attention or to warn you someone is coming.1
French Bulldog: Costs
Frenchies are fairly expensive dogs to purchase for several reasons. First, they are one of the most popular dog breeds, so demand is high. Also, they are expensive to breed because female dogs have to be artificially inseminated and give birth via C-section. Some breeders invest in health screenings and genetic testing, which adds to the price of a puppy.5
The cost of a standard Frenchie puppy will typically fall between $2,500 – $4,000. However, if you want a puppy that’s a rare color (like blue) or one from a champion bloodline, you may have to spend up to $15,000 or more. Adopting from a shelter or rescue is significantly cheaper, perhaps costing $300 – $1,000.5
Of course, there are many other costs associated with having a pet. Lifetime costs can add up to $19,840 for a small dog. This total includes spaying/neutering, regular vet visits, vaccinations, food and treats, toys, and anything else your pup may need in their lifetime.6
French Bulldog: Health Issues
French bulldogs may experience various health issues, including:2
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Skin issues such as dermatitis
- Corneal ulcers
- Cherry eye
- Conjunctivitis
You should familiarize yourself with these health concerns, and if you notice signs of any of them in your pup, contact your vet.
How pet insurance can help french bulldogs
The issues that commonly plague Frenchies can be costly to treat. Here’s a look at the average cost to treat some of the most popular:
Medical Issue |
Average Treatment Cost |
BOAS |
$3,000 - $5,0007 |
Hip Dysplasia |
$4,000 - $10,000 (per hip)8 |
Patellar luxation |
$1,000 - $5,000 (per knee)9 |
MetLife Pet Insurance could help you cover some of the costs of these common afflictions. Find out more about our French bulldog insurance.
French Bulldog: A History
As their name suggests, French bulldogs are French dogs. In the late 19th century, some lace makers in England selectively bred smaller toy bulldogs. During the Industrial Revolution, many of these lace makers moved to France, bringing this new type of bulldog with them. Wealthy Americans visiting Paris saw these new French bulldogs and began bringing them home to the United States.4
Despite being relatively expensive to purchase, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. Their small size makes them wonderful pets to keep in apartments, townhomes, and generally small living spaces, making them popular among people who live in big cities.1
Every breed is special. Get care tips for yours.
French Bulldog Mixes
As you can imagine, dog breeders love to mix French bulldogs with other breeds. There are many reasons for this, but you can bank on a Frenchie mix to be fun-loving, compact, and ready to play. Here is a handful of the popular mixes you can find on the market:10
- Frenchton: A Boston terrier mixed with a French bulldog
- Frug: A pug mixed with a French bulldog
- French bullhuahua: A Chihuahua mixed with a French bulldog
- French bullabrador: A Labrador retriever mixed with a French bulldog.
- Froodle: A poodle mixed with a French bulldog
- Frengle: A beagle mixed with a French bulldog
- French bull tzu: A shih tzu mixed with a French bulldog
Be sure to chat with the breeder regardless of which one of these wonderful mixes you choose. Every animal is an individual with unique genetics. It’s your responsibility to find out as much as you can before you bring the puppy home.
Your dog deserves great care. Get it with the help of MetLife Pet.