French Bulldog: Your Complete Guide

The French bulldog is a small companion breed with an affectionate and playful personality. These dogs have surged in popularity in recent years, earning them the most popular dog breed title since 2022, according to the AKC’s yearly published most popular dog breeds list.

Also known as the Frenchie, the French bulldog has a character bigger than their size. Our article will guide you through the characteristics of this popular companion dog breed, covering everything from their physical features and temperament to care needs and health.

Continue reading to the end to find out if the French bulldog is the right dog breed for you.

Quick Look at the French Bulldog

Below is a quick look at the French bulldog in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. We’ll touch on each point in more detail in the later parts of the article.

What Is the History of French Bulldogs?

It might come to mind that French bulldogs are from France due to their name, but these dogs actually originate from the United Kingdom. In the 1800s, toy-sized bulldogs were popular companions in Nottingham, particularly among lace makers.

After the Industrial Revolution displaced lace workers, they began settling in Normandy, France. It was here that the toy bulldogs gained popularity among the French, and breeders back in England started to send bulldog-type dogs that they considered too small.

These toy bulldogs gradually became a standardized breed and were named Bouledogue Francais. As for the breed coming to life, it is believed the French bulldog descends from toy-sized English bulldogs bred with the pug and small terriers.

By the start of the 20th century, French bulldogs made a name for themselves and became popular companion dogs throughout Europe. The first specimens of this breed were imported to the United States in the late 19th century, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1898.

Nowadays, French bulldogs mostly enjoy their lives as companion dogs. They are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in both small apartments and large houses, making them suitable for a wide range of individuals and families.

What Do French Bulldogs Look Like?

French bulldogs are small dogs that are brachycephalic, also known as flat-faced. They appear as if their faces are pushed in towards the back of the skull, giving them a distinct look. However, this makes them prone to various health conditions, particularly problems related to breathing – more on the breed’s health down below.

As for the coat, French bulldogs come in various colors. The brindle pattern is the most popular coat color, followed by fawn and cream. French bulldogs also have other coat color potentials, including a combination of these colors, such as brindle and white, fawn brindle, fawn and white, and fawn brindle and white.

Although rare, French bulldogs may also have blue, chocolate, or lilac coats.

What Size Is a French Bulldog?

French bulldogs are small-to-medium-sized dogs that stand between 11 and 13 inches tall at the withers. While this is in the same range as many small dog breeds, French bulldogs are heavier than closely tall dog breeds, weighing 18 to 28 pounds.

What Is a French Bulldog’s Coat Type and Length?

The French bulldog has a short, smooth coat with a fine undercoat that helps them regulate body temperature in winter and summer. The coat is quite soft to the touch and sheds moderately twice a year.

The short coat of the French bulldog doesn’t require much grooming. Being low-maintenance is perhaps one of the reasons French bulldogs are currently the most popular dog breed. However, there are a few essentials French bulldog owners must incorporate into their dog’s grooming routine. We’ll cover these in detail down below.

What Is a French Bulldog’s Temperament?

The French bulldog is a dog breed devoted to their family. They form strong bonds with their owners and can’t get enough of pets, praise, or any kind of affection. However, this loving nature also makes them prone to separation anxiety. French bulldogs aren’t the type of dogs you can leave home alone for extended periods every day.

French bulldogs aren’t the most athletic but are always up for playtime. When offered, they rarely turn it down and are often the ones who initiate play with other dogs.

Overall, you can expect a French bulldog to be lively, affectionate, and sociable around other dogs. The easy-going temperament makes the breed ideal for first-time dog owners.

Below, we’ll detail this breed’s temperament more, covering their family life, aggression, barking habits, and more.

Are French Bulldogs Good With Kids?

Frenchies usually get along well with children of all ages. The playful personality of the French bulldog makes the breed great for keeping children active. When socialized properly, they aren’t prone to snapping at children, but overexcitement may make a French bulldog act bold around kids.

As with any other dog breed, an adult’s supervision is essential when kids and dogs spend time together, especially during playtime. Other than getting hyper when aroused, you won’t need to worry about a French bulldog behaving well towards kids.

Are French Bulldogs Good With Other Animals?

French bulldogs typically do well with other dogs. They are the friendly type that considers unfamiliar dogs as potential playmates. This trait makes socializing the breed effortless as puppies and young dogs.

However, the French bulldog has a fairly high prey drive. These dogs may want to chase after small animals like cats and rabbits. During basic obedience training, focusing on recall and leash manners is essential to enjoy daily walks with a Frenchie so they don’t pull on the leash after spotting small furries.

Despite their high prey drive, most French bulldogs do well with cats and small animals they grew up with. Still, prey animals like Guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters should be kept in a part of the home away from a French bulldog if you have any.

Are French Bulldogs Aggressive?

French bulldogs aren’t generally aggressive dogs. However, they have some predisposition to aggression due to the long lineage of bulldog and terrier-type dogs in their bloodline.

It’s important to socialize French bulldogs properly and address behavioral issues they may develop early on to prevent them from becoming snappy around other animals and people. Since they are naturally friendly and playful dogs, socializing them to make Frenchies well-rounded dogs doesn’t take much effort.

By letting a French bulldog interact with new dogs and strangers throughout puppyhood, you can eliminate a great deal of aggression from them. Following this, they won’t also become prone to food aggression or being overly territorial.

Do French Bulldogs Bark?

French bulldogs are rarely excessive barkers. They usually bark only to alert or when something really gets their attention. Otherwise, Frenchies are quiet dogs.

However, some Frenchies may be yappy and make funny noises. The high-pitched sounds or screaming usually occur when they are passionate about something or don’t get what they want.

These are usually not a problem, but Frenchies may resort to making such noises when they are bored or experiencing anxiety. Considering that these dogs are prone to separation anxiety, crate training can be a great way to help them overcome their fears and make them well-behaved when home alone.

Are French Bulldogs Affectionate?

Being affectionate is one of the highlights of this breed’s temperament. They love spending time with their owners, even if you’re not doing anything special. These dogs appreciate every moment with their owners, making them excellent emotional support animals.

Properly socialized French bulldogs also enjoy the presence of strangers. These dogs love receiving attention from new people and befriend anyone who pets and praises them quickly.

Are French Bulldogs Intelligent?

The French bulldog is a relatively intelligent dog breed aware of what’s happening in their surroundings. They understand human emotions well and have great social skills. However, French bulldogs can be free-minded at times and try to figure out things on their own rather than looking for direction from their owners.

According to the 1994 book The Intelligence of Dogs, the French bulldog ranks 58 out of 79 dog breeds. They indicate that it takes between 40 and 80 repetitions to teach them a new command – more on the breed’s trainability below.

Are French Bulldogs Energetic?

French bulldogs are low-to-medium energy dogs. They tend to get hyper sometimes, especially around new dogs and people, but Frenchies generally keep their cool. With these, Frenchies don’t require long walks. Taking them for half an hour’s walk should be sufficient to keep them well-exercised.

Although most French bulldogs enjoy living a calm life, they benefit from mentally stimulating activities like any dog breed. Exploring new places during walks, using dog puzzles, and scent work are ideal ways to keep them engaged. Varying things for playtime can also provide similar engagement for French bulldogs to benefit their health.

Are French Bulldogs Easy to Train?

French bulldogs can get self-willed but are generally eager to please and relatively easy to train. Teaching these dogs basic commands won’t take long once you find what your Frenchie likes. Typically, a high-value treat is enough to put a French bulldog’s mind to focus on training.

However, their stubborn side shouldn’t be underestimated, especially as puppies during potty training. It can be difficult to potty train Frenchies, but by using positive training techniques without harsh punishment, they can learn when it is the right place to potty quickly.

Are French Bulldogs Good Watchdogs?

French bulldogs and similar dog breeds usually don’t make good watchdogs. They are alert dogs that may keep a vigilant eye, but their actions against an intruder won’t go beyond simply staring or making low-pitched barking sounds at them.

It would be better not to expect a French bulldog to be a good watchdog or a guard dog. They are simply companion dogs that will expect their owner to protect them when needed, not the other way around.

Are French Bulldogs Good Service Dogs?

Service animals must behave well in all social situations. They shouldn’t be distracted in public and must stay on task at all times to assist their handler with a disability.

Since French bulldogs aren’t the best candidates for advanced training and are not very athletic dogs, they don’t typically make good service animals. However, the affectionate and loving personality of the French bulldog enables this breed to be an excellent therapy or emotional support animal.

How to Care for a French Bulldog?

At first, you might think the French bulldog not requiring long walks and having moderate mental stimulation needs would make them low maintenance. However, this breed is far from it.

French bulldogs require a lot of human attention and care to live a happy life. They are affectionate dogs that thrive under human care and attention. As you can expect, Frenchies tend to be quite clingy and bothered when you leave them home alone frequently.

Below, you’ll find the care needs of a French bulldog, focusing on grooming, health, and feeding.

Do You Need to Groom a French Bulldog?

French bulldogs don’t require frequent brushing. You can maintain a Frenchie’s coat with weekly brushing and keep it in top condition.

While the coat requires minimal care, Frenchies have specific grooming needs due to the wrinkles on their face. French bulldog owners should clean their dog’s wrinkles, including the area around the eyes, once a week, using unscented baby wipes or a damp soft cloth.

However, one thing to note is you should always use a new wipe or clean the cloth after each wrinkle to keep the area hygienic.

Besides these, you should clean a French bulldog’s ears monthly, trim their nails when necessary, and brush their teeth at least three times a week if not done daily.

Do French Bulldogs Shed?

French bulldogs are low to moderate shedders. They don’t shed much throughout the year except for seasonal changes, where shedding becomes noticeable as the undercoat prepares for summer or winter. During this time, you can increase brushing to a few times a week to keep shedding in check.

Although not a hypoallergenic dog breed, the size and how easy it is to manage shedding may make the French bulldog an ideal dog breed for those suffering from mild pet allergies.

What Health Problems Do French Bulldogs Have?

Because Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs, they are prone to breathing difficulties. Namely, the brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. This common health condition puts a lot of stress on the respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties.

Frenchies are also prone to stertorous breathing, where they make a noticeable sound with each breath. Due to various breathing problems, they shouldn’t be taken out for walks when it’s too hot.

Besides conditions that may affect Frenchies due to being brachycephalic, eye conditions like cherry eye, entropion, and juvenile cataracts are common in this breed. Frenchies may also develop orthopedic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and luxating patella.

On one last note, Frenchies often can’t reproduce on their own. Due to their narrow hind legs that can’t support their body weight enough to mount, they must be artificially inseminated to reproduce. This explains why the breed is so expensive compared to other bulldog-type dogs.

Considering many health conditions affect these dogs, covering the vet bills or getting appropriate pet insurance for a French bulldog may be costly. All these should be a consideration for prospective owners.

How Long Do French Bulldogs Live?

French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, according to the American Kennel Club. However, the health problems associated with this breed may significantly impact the lifespan of a French bulldog.

What Should a French Bulldog Eat?

A Frenchie should eat high-quality dog food appropriate for their size, activity levels, and age. They can also eat a homemade diet, but it should be carefully balanced by a licensed vet to ensure your French bulldog gets all the nutrients they need to live a healthy life.

Is a French Bulldog the Right Dog for Me?

Overall, the French bulldog is an affectionate and playful dog breed. These dogs are very devoted to their families and thrive when provided with lots of attention. They are adaptable dogs that can live in various living arrangements, including small apartments.

There are many qualities of these dogs that make them great for first-time dog owners, such as being friendly and small. However, the health problems associated with this breed require an involved owner. They suffer from various health conditions that may require emergency vet visits.

It isn’t only the physical health conditions to keep in mind. Frenchies are also prone to separation anxiety and may develop behavioral issues if left alone for long periods. These dogs match the best with individuals and families who can provide the love and attention Frenchies need to live a fulfilling life.