The Ultimate French Bulldog Guide: Everything You Need to Know

This Ultimate French Bulldog Guide is packed full of information for current & future Frenchie Owners.

If you’re looking to add a pint-sized pup with a lot of personality to your home, chances are you’ve considered a cute and charismatic French Bulldog.

To help make this simple decision even simpler, we’ve created this guide packed full of information for future French Bulldog Owners.  

If you’re still on the fence after learning all the things that make this breed unique, be sure to read all the way through.  We’ll summarize the highlights and help you decide whether or not a French Bulldog is right for your home.  

French Bulldog Physical Characteristics

Small, but mighty, Frenchies are known for their short, compact stature.

How big are french bulldogs?

Generally, French Bulldogs reach between 11-13” in size.  Typically they weigh between  26-28 lbs. These fun-sized pups are ideal for a family seeking a smaller dog. 

Despite their small stature, Frenchies are an extremely muscular breed.  Their short legs are stocky and well-proportioned for their small bodies. 

A French Bulldog’s head is perhaps their most distinguishable and arguably cutest feature.  Their short, smushed snout and the soft wrinkles that roll across their face make for a squishy-sweet, adorable appearance that is hard to resist. 

Due to their similar appearance, it’s a common misconception that French Bulldogs are just miniature bulldogs.  However, several characteristics, including their adorable “bat ear” are specific to their unique breed. These upright ears are a natural occurrence and not a result of any surgical adaptation. 

Their compact skull structure is also unique to Frenchies.  A French Bulldog’s skull is actually flat between the ears resulting in a smaller head and shorter, upturned muzzle than a traditional English Bulldog.  

Due to the nature of their skull Frenchies are quite top-heavy.  When carrying a French Bulldog you should do so cautiously.  Be prepared to fully support their front end or you may find them toppling over in your arms. 

French Bulldog Colors

French Bulldogs can come in a variety of colors.  Breeders sometimes spend years trying to achieve certain colors through many generations of sires and dams.

What are the most common colors?

The most common colors are brindle, cream, fawn and most variations or combinations of these colors.  These are also the colors recognized by the AKC.

What are the most rare colors?

Rarer colors are blue (grayish-blue slate color), chocolate (brown), liliac (appears light blue, almost silver), black,  and merle (dapple pattern).  While beautiful, these colors are sometimes linked to more specific health problems, so investigate these options thoroughly before picking a pup with a certain fur color.

French Bulldog Breed Mixes

Despite the apparent perfection of a French Bulldog as is, many breeders have jumped on the designer dog bandwagon and offer pups with mixed breeds. 

What are the most common mixes?

The Frenchton (Boston Terrier/Frenchie), and Frenchie Pug (Pug/French Bulldog) are two of the most common combinations.

Other, less popular combinations include the French Bulhuahua (Frenchie/Chihuahua), Froodle (Frenchie/Poodle), and the Frengle (French Bulldog/Beagle).  Mix breed combinations are on the rise and a quick Google search will fill your feed with adorable combinations.

French Bulldog Temperament

Are French Bulldogs affectionate?

French Bulldogs are known for their gentle nature and love for affection.  Social animals by nature, you may find that your Frenchie never meets a stranger.  These pups will welcome any opportunity to be the recipient of any and all attention.

While Frenchies tend to be even-tempered, don’t confuse that with a lack of personality.  Due to their innate desire to be the center of attention, Frenchie pups love to clown around.  They quickly recognize that adorable antics capture their owner’s attention and results in more of the affection they crave. 

Are French Bulldogs good with kids?

Generally speaking, French Bulldogs do well in homes with children. Their lively personalities paired with their laid-back temperament make them the perfect playmate for kids.  Temperament studies have actually concluded that Frenchies have one of the most stable temperaments of all breeds.  

Despite stereotypes about small dogs being big barkers, most French Bulldogs do not bark often.  They may speak up if there’s a knock on the door or a loud noise in your home, but otherwise, these pups are not very noisy.

Are French Bulldogs a good pet?

French Bulldogs can make great pets for the right owner. They are affectionate, friendly, and have a unique and charming personalities. They’re generally easy to care for, require minimal grooming and exercise, and are well-suited for apartment living.

However, it’s important to note that French Bulldogs also have some potential health issues that owners should be aware of, such as breathing difficulties due to their flat faces, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders. Additionally, they may have a tendency towards obesity if not provided with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

French Bulldogs can also be stubborn and difficult to train, so owners need to be patient and persistent with their training efforts. They also have a reputation for being relatively vocal and can be prone to excessive barking.

Overall, French Bulldogs can make great pets for the right owner who is willing to provide them with the love, attention, and care that they need. It’s important to do your research and carefully consider whether a French Bulldog is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation before bringing one into your home.

Are French Bulldogs high maintenance?

Overall, Frenchies are generally not considered high maintenance when it comes to grooming or exercise needs. They have a short, smooth coat that doesn’t require frequent brushing or trimming, and they are not very active, so they don’t need a lot of exercise. They are also typically small enough to comfortably live in an apartment, making them a good choice for city dwellers.

However, on the flip side, Frenchies can be high-maintenance in other ways. They are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a short snout and may be prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.

This can require extra attention and care from their owner to ensure they are kept cool and comfortable. They can also be prone to weight gain, so a healthy diet and regular exercise should be provided to keep them at a healthy weight.

Frenchies are also notoriously stubborn can also be stubborn and difficult to train, so they may require more time and patience than some other breeds. Additionally, they can be prone to separation anxiety and may require extra attention and care when left alone for extended periods of time.

Lifespan

While we all wish our pups could live forever, you can expect your Frenchie’s life expectancy to mirror that of most dogs. 

How long do French Bulldogs live?

As a general rule, a healthy French Bulldog to live somewhere between 9-12 years.  

The oldest living French Bulldog on record lived to be 14 and a half years old. 

Unfortunately, Frenchies can also fall victim to health issues that can rob them of precious years. 

Common French Bulldog health issues

Sadly, French Bulldogs are not regarded as pinnacles of good health. 

Unfortunately, the factor that results in most in these health issues is their breeding. Some of the common health concerns French Bulldogs are affected by are:

• Breathing problems – BOAS, URT Infection
• Cleft Palate
• Eye Issues – Cherry Eye, Conjuctivitis
• Ear Infections
• Allergies – Food and Environmental
• Skin Problems – Skin Fold Dermatitis, Bacterial Skin Infection
• Digestive issues – Diarrhea, excessive gas
• Back & Spine Issues – Hip dysplasia, IVVD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)

Breathing Problems 

The short, smushed snout of a Frenchie is one of the most endearing characteristics of the breed.  Breeders intentionally breed dogs to encourage this specific trait and conform to breed standards. 

Unfortunately, this trait also contributes to breathing difficulty.  Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome also know as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is common in French Bulldogs.  Due in part to their narrow nostrils, this disorder can cause these pups to have difficulty breathing. 

If your pup suffers from this, you may find them to be a noisy sleeper or be sensitive to heat which can make it more difficult to breathe. Symptoms such as this are important to mention to your vet because early intervention can be helpful in preventing secondary conditions that can develop due to this syndrome. 

Cleft Palate 

The compressed snout of a Frenchie can cause more than respiratory issues in a French Bulldog. Unfortunately, Cleft Palates are also common in French Bulldogs.  

Cleft Palates are a genetic disorder that causes an abnormal opening in the mouth. This happens when the two palates in the roof of the mouth fail to fuse in utero. This opening is problematic as it can cause food and water to enter through their nasal passages and cause infections.

Without surgical intervention, cleft palates can lead to chronic sinus infections and pneumonia, which can ultimately result in death. 

Eye Issues

Do French Bulldogs have eye issues?

The short snout of a Frenchie doesn’t do much in terms of protecting their eyes when they accidentally bump into things. As a result, French Bulldogs are prone to eye issues, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away.

Cherry Eye

French Bulldogs are prone to Cherry Eye.  This is a condition where red tissue protrudes from the corner of the eye.  This tissue is actually a prolapsed eyelid.  While a treatable, quick response is important to ensure there are no long-term issues as a result.

Additionally, French Bulldogs can suffer from cataracts at an earlier age than most dogs.  Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to begin to cloud and can impact your pup’s vision. 

Other eye issues French Bulldogs may encounter can include common eye ailments like dry eye and conjunctivitis.  Both of these issues can be the result of allergies, or irritants in the atmosphere and are generally easily treatable. 

Ear Infections

The bat ears of a Frenchie are without a doubt adorable but are also a cause for potential ear problems.  The openness of their ears makes them a target for dirt and debris.  This can accumulate if not cleaned and lead to ear infections. It’s important to be sure your pup’s ears are cleaned regularly. 

Deafness is also fairly common in Frenchies, particularly in those who have a merle or white coat.  This is actually due to a lack of pigment cells resulting in part of the inner ear not developing correctly.  

While a French Bulldog can be born deaf, deafness can also occur slowly over time.  Your vet can perform tests to determine whether or not your pup suffers from hearing loss. 

Allergies

Just like any dog, Frenchies can suffer from allergies. Most commonly allergies are attributed to either food, skin,  or environmental allergens. 

Food allergies sometimes occur with Frenchie pups.  Similar to an allergic response in humans, food allergies will quickly show themselves and can often be resolved through diet.  Foods that French Bulldogs may find themselves allergic to include but aren’t limited to: dairy, chicken, beef, fish, corn and soy. 

Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, mold and certain insects can trigger allergies in dogs.  Commonly, these allergies cause symptoms such as restlessness, itchiness, sneezing and runny nose.  Your vet will be able to prescribe medication that can help with persistent allergy symptoms. 

Skin Problems

A Frenchie’s cute wrinkles can also be magnets for skin issues like dermatitis.  This can be a symptom of allergies or can occur when their face is not properly washed and thoroughly dried.  While these issues commonly occur on the face, you may also find it necessary to wash the folds behind their tail as debris can become trapped there and lead to issues. 

On the other side of things, some Frenchies have trouble with dry skin. Fungal and bacterial infections are often the culprit, but underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism or allergies can also be the cause. 

Always be sure to check your pup frequently for fleas or rashes such as ringworm.  Sometimes what appears to be a skin issue is actually a parasite problem.  Regular flea and tick treatment can prevent most of these issues. 

Digestive Issues

If your pup eats the wrong thing, you might be able to smell them before you enter a room.  Frenchies have small, but mighty flatulence.  Since their nasal passages are so short, they usually breathe primarily through their mouth which means they take in more air. This often causes them to have more gas to expel. 

This also introduces more bacteria into their gut, which can lead to other issues like Gastroenteritis (inflammation and irritation of the stomach) and Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).  Additionally, some Frenchie pups suffer from chronic diarrhea.

Luckily, most if not all of the digestive issues are manageable through proper diet and exercise. 

Back & Spine Issues

French Bulldogs are bred to have short backs, legs and tails.  Due to this, they can be prone to nervous system disorders that affect their spine and joints. 

Issues such as hip dysplasia, knee issues, and IVVD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) can occur in French Bulldogs, especially as they age.  However, maintaining a healthy weight and proper diet can go a long way to preventing these types of problems in Frenchies. 

Cardiovascular Issues

Perhaps some of the scariest issues a French Bulldog may face are those related to its heart. 

Heart murmurs and heart disease are two common issues many Frenchies face.  Thankfully, these are also health problems that may be avoided with simple lifestyle adjustments such as a better diet and more exercise. 

Thyroid disease

Sometimes, French Bulldogs also have issues with their thyroid.  These issues occur when your pup isn’t secreting enough, or too much, of the thyroid hormone.   

Hyperthyroidism occurs when a dog creates too much of the thyroid hormone.  This can cause increased appetite, thirst, and urination in your pet.  You will also typically see weight loss. Hyperthyroidism is not as common as hypothyroidism in dogs. 

When a dog has hypothyroidism, it does not create enough of the thyroid hormone.  This may cause them to gain weight and become lethargic.  You may also notice changes in your Frenchies coat and skin if their thyroid is underactive.  

Luckily, thyroid problems are pretty easily treated with inexpensive medication your veterinarian can provide. 

Avoiding health issues

While the list of potential health problems is long, keep in mind not all French Bulldogs will suffer from them.  As has been mentioned, many health issues can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. 

To potentially avoid health issues it is also essential that you obtain your Frenchie from a reputable breeder or rescue. Responsible breeders take great care to avoid passing medical issues through lineages.   Taking the time to research where you get your pup from can ultimately save you a lot of money and heartache. 

Where to Buy your French Bulldog  

Unfortunately, puppy breeding mills are still all too common.  French Bulldog puppies often fall victim to these commercial establishments that mass-produce animals for profit.  These types of places are ripe with problems and notorious for producing pups with health issues.

When you first begin the search for your new pup, you can thoroughly vet the breeder you are considering by doing the following.

Investigate their Business Practices

It’s important to choose an AKC Breeder of Merit.  These breeders are required to comply with health screenings and maintain accurate record keeping practices including registering their litters.  

Additionally, breeders can belong to other organizations such as the French Bulldog Club of America.  Organizations such as these require members to uphold a Code of Ethics that encourages responsible dog breeding. 

Too often irresponsible breeders ignore best practices resulting in litters of pups with health problems.  To boot, breeders like this sometimes produce puppies whose family lineages overlap, which can create behavioral issues in addition to health challenges. 

Get a Contract

Be sure to further protect yourself and family by seeking a breeder who provides a contract.

Your breeder should offer you the opportunity to have the pup examined by your veterinarian.  Should any cause for concern be alerted to  you by your vet, your contract should allow 48 hours to return the pup for a full refund.

The breeder should also be able to provide the name and registration number of both the sire and the dam of the puppy, as well as all previous veterinary records. 

By 6 weeks of age, your pup should have received their first round of shots and have also been wormed.

Also pay attention to the questions the seller asks you.  A good breeder is going to want to ensure that their pups are going to loving and responsible homes. To do so they may ask you about your home environment and experience with animals.  

Things to look for at your First visit 

In addition to demonstrating their responsibility through records, a breeder should also be able to showcase their standard of care at the first visit. From your first interaction, you should be able to get a good sense of the breeders values and what sort of environment the pup is coming from. 

When you arrive, request to interact with the pup in the area where both the puppies and Mom spend their time most.  You will be able to determine a lot from their living quarters. Ideally these pups are raised in part of the home and not confined to small kennels or dog runs for most of their day.

Also be sure to ask to meet both pup parents.  Spending a little time with them can give you a preview of the puppies’ disposition.   You may be able to recognize any behavioral red flags should they arise.  You can also see first hand how healthy the parents seem to be. 

While meeting for the first time you should also look around for clues that they’ve been working to socialize the pups through play and exercise.  Ask lots of questions and be sure that your breeder seems knowledgeable about French Bulldogs and able to answer any questions you may have.  

Also, do not forget to ask for references.  Reputable breeders will have satisfied customers and will be able to be easily vetted by a previous client.  Additionally, responsible breeders have established a relationship with a vet and should be able to provide you with a vet reference. 

Adopting A French Bulldog

While most people purchase their pups from a breeder, it is also possible to adopt a French Bulldog.  Due to their popularity as family pets, being successful in an adoption can be tricky because there are often many applicants for foster Frenchies!

Organizations like the French Bulldog Rescue Network connect prospective pup parents with Frenchies in need of homes.  Expect to be thoroughly vetted when applying for a rescue pup.  A rescue’s mission is to deliver dogs to their forever homes and to do so they may be meticulous when selecting a pup’s owner. 

Additionally, don’t expect to get your rescue pup for free.  Rescues frequently charge adoption fees, and pure bred Frenchies can still cost a premium through a rescue network. 

Additionally, you can keep an eye out at your local shelter or on Petfinder.  While purebred dogs are rarer in these places, it is not unheard of.  If you see one though, be sure to act quickly. There’s a decent chance you’ll have a lot of competition. 

French Bulldog care 101: Important care tips

Once you’ve found your Frenchie pup, you’ll need to be prepared to properly care for.  Pet ownership is a big responsibility and new pup parents need to be educated on how to properly groom, feed, and train their recent editions. 

Grooming your French Bulldog

One of the biggest advantages of having a French Bulldog is their relatively low maintenance grooming needs.  However, there are still a few grooming practices you should be sure to adopt to keep your pup happy and healthy.

Face and Ears

While their short snouts are one of the things that makes them adorable, Frenchies often find themselves dealing with skin infections if this area isn’t kept clean. 

Be sure to regularly, and thoroughly, wash the folds of skin on your pups face and clear out any dirt or debris. When you wash these areas be sure to thoroughly dry them as trapped moisture can cause irritation and infection. 

Additionally you will need to frequently clean your French Bulldog’s ears. Their large, open, ears can be magnets for dirt and debris which can also lead to infections if not monitored. 

Coat

Despite the fact that a Frenchie’s coat is generally low maintenance due to its short and smooth texture, it is still beneficial to brush your pup occasionally.  While French Bulldogs aren’t notoriously bad shedders, regularly brushing their coat will remove dead hair and debris while also allowing their skin oil to circulate and promote new hair growth.

When it comes to choosing the right brush for your Frenchie, rubber bristles are a top choice. The soft bristles are effective at removing surface-level grime, while their pliability is gentle on sensitive skin. However, caution must be taken when brushing around any existing sores. Our recommended brush of choice is the ZoomGroo, as it effectively removes debris and promotes a healthy coat.

This brush is a must-have product for any French Bulldog owner. It’s designed to remove loose hair, dirt, and dander from your Frenchie’s coat gently. It’s perfect for French Bulldogs because it’s small, easy to use, and stimulates the skin while distributing natural oils, leaving your French Bulldog’s coat looking healthy and shiny.

Teeth

While the short squishy muzzle of a Frenchie is arguably one of their cutest features, it also makes them more prone to dental issues.  While you don’t need to brush your dog’s teeth daily, it is recommended to do so a few times a week. 

At your pup’s yearly check-up, be sure to have your veterinarian take a good look at their teeth.  If your dog is showing an excess build up of plaque it may be necessary for your vet to perform a thorough dental cleaning.

Nails

Keeping nails clipped is an important grooming habit for any dog.  When your dog’s nails become too long they can cause discomfort and lead to injuries such as broken or ripped nails. 

Clipping your Frenchies nails is easy and requires minimal investment.  You can purchase a tool such as a grinder, or a simple set of nail clippers will also do the trick. Be sure to start exposing your pup to having their nails clipped at an early age so they will be comfortable having it done regularly. 

Feeding your French Bulldog

If you acquire your Frenchie as a puppy you will quickly see that they are rapidly growing and changing.  Due to this their dietary needs change throughout their early life as well. 

Your pup should be introduced to puppy mush, or wet dog food by 6-8 weeks of age.  Throughout the first 6 months of their life, you’ll need to offer them several meals throughout the day. 

Your pup should work up to eating 1.5 cups a day and at 6 months of age you can offer meals twice a day. 

Be sure your pup is eating high quality puppy food for the first year of life.  At one year of age you can switch to adult dog food but you should continue to feed about 1.5 cups of food a day. 

It’s important to also consider your pup’s activity level and height, as some Frenchies will require slightly more or less food to maintain their ideal weight. 

Training your French Bulldog

While Frenchies can be a little stubborn, they are also very intelligent and generally pick up on new commands quickly.  Their stubborn nature may make them appear to do it on their own time, but with practice and repetition they will learn quickly. 

The best commands to start with are teaching them to sit, walk on a leash, and appropriate play with their toys.  Teaching your pup early on what things are off limits and encouraging them to play with their own toys can save you from having your things become chew toys. 

Additionally some commands you’ll want to teach your pup early on for their safety are leave it, drop it and stay.  All puppies can get in some precarious situations, and these simple commands can save them from getting hurt or worse. 

In addition to training, you will want to be sure your pup is properly socialized.  Once their vaccinations are complete, you’ll want to expose them to other pups so they can learn how to interact correctly and follow social cues unique to the dog world. 

Puppy playdates and dog parks are a great place to make this happen.  If you’re not confident training your dog by yourself, you can also find training classes where meeting other pups will be an added benefit. 

Is a French Bulldog right for you?

Now that you’ve learned all things French Bulldogs, you may find yourself still on the fence about whether or not a Frenchie is right for you. 

Getting a new pup is a big decision and a lifetime commitment, so it’s important to weigh out all the pros and cons of your choice. 

To help you out we have compiled a list of the top reasons you should, and the top reasons you might not, consider making a Frenchie your next pup. 

Reasons you should own a French Bulldog

Just in case you haven’t picked up on the benefits already, we’ve compiled them into a quick list to help you decide whether or not a Frenchie is a good fit for your home. 

Of course, it would be hard to list all the reasons your next pup should be a French Bulldog, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10. 

1. Low maintenance grooming

These pups don’t need weekly baths, nor do they need costly grooming appointments.  A few essentials like a brush, nail clippers and dental products will be sufficient for keeping your Frenchie groomed. 

2. Fun-sized

If you’re looking for a smaller dog, a French Bulldog is the perfect option. 

Small, but sturdy, these pups are the perfect size companion.  They make the perfect snuggle buddy as they are just enough to keep your lap warm.  Additionally, they make a great companion for some  short afternoon walks. 

3. Well-tempered 

If Frenchies had a motto, it might likely be “Hakuna Matata.”  These pleasant pups truly have no worries and are generally very well-mannered. 

They are extremely laid back and patient.   They rarely are aggressive and are noted to have one of the most stable temperaments of all breeds. 

4. Social and friendly

French bulldogs are extremely social in nature.  These naturally affectionate pups rarely meet a stranger. 

Even if you do happen upon a Frenchie who isn’t outgoing, you will find they are generally still very politely reserved and well mannered around other people. 

5. Don’t need a lot of exercise

Yet another benefit of owning a Frenchie is their low-maintenance exercise needs. 

The short stature of their legs and the compressed nature of their face means they tire more easily, making long walks and hikes difficult. 

Your pup will be perfectly happy with several short walks throughout the day.  This makes them a great companion for someone who has a less active lifestyle.  

6. Great with kids

Due to their gentle and patient nature, French Bulldogs make the perfect companions for families with children.  

Frenchies were practically born to be playmates and will love the energetic attention a child provides.  Though these pups aren’t generally hyperactive, they enjoy playing and quality time with all family members, big and small. 

7. Not usually Loud

Unlike most of the other small breeds, French Bulldogs are generally much less inclined to bark. 

They are much more selective about when they choose to bark and it will usually be if they are trying to alert you to something. 

While there are exceptions, generally Frenchies are regarded as one of the quieter breeds of dogs.  They make great pets for owners who do not want their peace disturbed by incessant barking.

8. Extremely affectionate

Did we mention they like to snuggle?

If you’re a fan of affectionate pups who can keep you company on your latest Netflix binge, Frenchies are the pup for you!

These devoted dogs can never get enough attention!

9.  Don’t need a lot of space

As we’ve discussed, Frenchies are small dogs.  Small dogs come with the benefit of not taking up much space. 

If you live in a smaller home or apartment, French Bulldogs make the perfect pets.  While having a yard to explore is ideal for any dog, even having a very small yard works for these french bulldog pups!

10. Adorable antics

Your home will have no shortage of laughter with a Frenchie around!  

French bulldog puppies are quite, cute clowns and will bring smiles to your face daily with their adorable antics.

Don’t believe us?  A quick search for funny French Bulldogs is sure to make you smile!

Reasons a French Bulldog might not be a good fit

While the list of reasons you should adopt a French Bulldog is long, there are also just a few reasons you may find that a Frenchie is not suitable for your home or lifestyle. For some people, french bulldogs are the worst breed to own. These are the six most common reasons potential pet parents go with a different breed. 

1. You want a super-active pup

If you’re looking for a pup ready to climb mountains and go on long hikes with you, a French Bulldog might not be the best choice. 

While Frenchies could perhaps win an Olympic Medal in couch cuddling, they are not well suited for an extremely active lifestyle.  Their short legs tire easily and their compact snout can make breathing difficult. So if you’re looking for a pup to help you train for your next marathon, a French Bulldog isn’t going to be your best bet.

2.  You don’t want a clingy dog

Frenchies feed off of constant attention.  If you don’t relish the idea of a pup in your personal space pretty much 24/7, you should perhaps seek a dog that’s more of a lone wolf. 

French Bulldogs are in fact so needy that they are prone to developing separation anxiety when experiencing long bouts of isolation or distance from their owners.  A Frenchies ideal owner would be someone who works from home and is able to interact with their pup frequently. 

3. You have no patience. 

While Frenchies are very intelligent dogs they are notoriously stubborn and can sometimes be difficult to train.  You may find that training a French Bulldog requires more of a time investment than working with other breeds. 

However, Frenchies are highly food driven and with the right enticement quickly become more receptive to learning new tricks.  With a little patience and a few extra training sessions, you’ll find even the most stubborn of pups can be well trained. 

4. You’re looking for a guard dog

If you’re in search of the ultimate guard dog, you should probably keep looking.  While French Bulldogs are very dedicated to their families, they are not an aggressive breed, nor do they appear very threatening. 

Your Frenchie would probably alert you to an intruder, however, their intervention would likely stop there.  In fact, you may find that instead of attacking an unwanted visitor, your pup rolls over and demands belly rubs. 

Fierce protector, they are not, but as far as champion cuddles go, a Frenchie can’t be beaten. 

5.  Frenchies can have health issues.

Sadly, French Bulldogs can be prone to many different health issues.  Frenchies often have allergies and skin issues.  They can also develop back problems as they age. 

Additionally, due to their short snout, these pups can have breathing issues and sometimes develop issues with their eyes.  However, proper care and diet can go a long way in preventing and helping with any health issues that may develop. 

6. Health issues can be costly.

Sometimes Frenchies require a bit more vet care than your average dog.  They may need a special diet to accommodate their allergies.  Irritated skin folds may need a prescription topical treatment. 

Little vet bills add up quickly, but some of these costs can be offset by acquiring insurance when your pup is young.  You can also speak with your vet and see if there are dietary supplements they recommend to help prevent skin and allergy issues.

Still, supplements don’t come without a cost, so be prepared knowing you may have to shell out a little more money to keep your Frenchie healthy and comfortable. 

Summary

While French Bulldogs are not for everyone, there is a reason the AKC ranked them as the 2nd most popular pet breed in 2020. 

These pups are pint-sized bundles of love and affection sure to bring joy to any household.  With proper care and training, a French Bulldog makes the perfect pet in almost all circumstances.