Breed Spotlight: French Bulldog

Four minutes

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, cataracts, and skin allergies

Help prepare for unexpected vet bills

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 to 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

In addition to these colors, a French bulldog may have markings on their coat or face that are black, white, brindled, or piebald (irregular patches of two colors).1

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

Shedding and Grooming

French bulldogs are moderate shedders who are easy to groom. Simply brush them with a medium-bristle brush once a week, perhaps after a good bath.1

Frenchies have tight folds around their ears, eyes, and noses that need special attention during bathing sessions 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 bacteria.1

Drooling Level

Drooling isn’t a typical Frenchie trait, but some can be a bit drool-prone. If that’s a concern, this breed may not be for you.1

french bulldog standing in leaves

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.3 They enjoy a good play session, chasing balls, and playing tug of war. Avoid overly strenuous activity because Frenchies’ short noses can cause breathing issues when they are breathing heavily or overheating.1

Note that Frenchies can’t swim and should never be left unattended near a tub, pool, or body of water. They can drown due to their short legs and their top-heavy body.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.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 only to get your attention or to warn you someone is coming.1

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.3

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

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:4

  • 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
  • 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.

French Bulldog: Health Issues

French bulldogs may experience various health issues, including:2

You should familiarize yourself with these health concerns, and if you notice signs of any of them in your pup, contact your vet.

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 as well, adding to the price for 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 $16,440 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

How Pet Insurance Can Help French Bulldogs

Sadly, the French bulldog dog breed comes with a handful of health issues. They commonly suffer from heatstroke, allergies, skin conditions, and orthopedic issues caused by their body structure.2 Frenchies need regular veterinary care to check their hearts, eyes, and back. These bills can add up over time without a dog insurance policy.

Brachycephalic Syndrome (BOAS)

For example, the Frenchie can develop BOAS, which is a result of their short snouts, narrow nostrils (often referred to as stenotic nares), and elongated soft palates.2 This can lead to difficulty exercising, overheating, trouble breathing, or a full collapse of their airways.2 A MetLife Pet dog insurance policy may help cover the cost of diagnosis or treatment for BOAS.

Thinking of bringing home a new puppy? For more information on how pet insurance can help your French bulldog, check out our guide on how pet insurance works. And remember, signing up for dog insurance while your Frenchie is a puppy is smart as it can ensure your dog has coverage before something becomes a pre-existing condition.

Your dog deserves great care. Get it with the help of MetLife Pet.