French Bulldog breed guide

We’re diving snout-first into everything you need to know about the French Bulldog breed, from health problems to watch out for to training and grooming tips. Are you ready to get up close and personal with those squishy faces, bat-like ears, and wiggly little bodies?

French Bulldog facts

Origin: The French Bulldog breed dates back to 18th century France, when it was born from a mix of English Bulldogs, Pugs and terriers. 

Size: Frenchies measure 11-13 inches tall and weigh between 16 and 28 pounds.

Character: Sociable, affectionate, and eager to please with a stubborn streak.

Grooming: French Bulldogs don’t shed too much but their face wrinkles and ears need some extra TLC to keep them clean. 

Health needs: Frenchies are prone to a number of health conditions including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), and allergies. 

Energy levels: Low to moderate.

Intelligence: The Frenchie is a brainy breed that can be well-behaved if trained consistently.

French Bulldog lifespan: 10-12 years.

Noise levels: French Bulldogs are known to snort and snore all day long, but they’re not typically the biggest barkers.

What does a French Bulldog look like?

French Bulldogs are characterized by their “squashed”, wrinkly noses and big, bat ears. They have small, muscular bodies and their smooth coats come in various colors – white, cream, brindle, black, fawn, and piebald (a spotted mix of colors). While they’re not the breed standard, you can also find Frenchies with other markings and unique features, but note that some of these traits have been linked to an increased risk of health problems:

• Merle French Bulldog
• Blue French Bulldog
• Fluffy French Bulldog
• Long-haired French Bulldog
• Lilac French Bulldog
• Mini French Bulldog

French Bulldog personality traits

French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature and love of cuddling, which makes them excellent companions. They’re sociable, friendly, and quick to form strong bonds with their favorite family members. They’re also playful and goofy, and while they’re typically eager to please, they can also be a little stubborn at times (it’s all part of the charm!).

French Bulldog health

Frenchies may look adorable, but sadly, these looks are thought to be the cause of a number of health problems. 

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

Flat-faced breeds like the Frenchie tend to be at risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which causes obstruction of the airways. As well as making it more and more difficult for them to breathe, dogs with this condition are known to snort, snore, and also have problems digesting food, causing them to retch. In order to reduce the chance of BOAS, it’s important for Frenchies to maintain a healthy weight and avoid overheating, as this can increase the chance of breathing difficulties. 

Bone and back problems 

Because of their body shape, Frenchies can also be at risk of certain bone conditions and are prone to certain back problems in dogs. Degenerative myelopathy slowly weakens the spinal cord and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) can make walking painful. For this reason, it’s best to prevent Frenchies from running up the stairs or jumping on the bed (ramps can be used to make getting around a little easier) and also make sure they maintain a healthy weight. 

Allergies

Watch out for symptoms such as excessive itching, licking paws, sneezing, and damaged skin, as Frenchies can be prone to food and environmental allergies. They’re also at risk of developing dermatitis in the area between their wrinkles, so their faces need regular cleaning and drying.  

Eye problems

Those big puppy dog eyes can lead to trouble, and Frenchies are unfortunately prone to injuries and infections in the eyes. Be on the lookout for signs of corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and “cherry eye”, and speak to the vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary. 

Ear problems

Those big ears may also be the bringers of bad news, and a Frenchie’s narrow ear canals can be a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Allergies can also lead to secondary ear infections, so your vet may recommend special products to help keep your French Bulldog’s ears clean. 

Digestive problems 

Frenchies have sensitive stomachs and can be prone to gastrointestinal disorders and allergies, so it’s important to feed them a high-quality diet that’s easy to digest. Fresh, cooked food is generally considered to be easier on the tum, but speak to your vet about the best diet for your Frenchie. 

Not every French Bulldog will suffer from the above health conditions, but they are thought to be more at risk of developing these disorders than other breeds. Take your Frenchie for regular examinations at the vet to keep their health in tip top shape. 

What’s the ideal home for a French Bulldog? 

French Bulldogs are perfect city dwellers as they’re small in size and don’t need as much exercise as some other breeds. They’re also pretty quiet dogs, so you won’t need to worry about ruffling the feathers of anyone living closeby. Where French Bulldogs don’t do so well is in the heat – as they’re a flat-faced breed that can have difficulty breathing at the best of times, they should be kept cool at all times.

What’s the ideal human for a French Bulldog? 

Frenchies are the ultimate snuggle buddies, but also do well in the hustle bustle of family life and enjoy the companionship of children and other pets. These social butterflies absolutely adore having someone around and can get a bit mopey if left solo, sometimes spiralling into a bout of separation anxiety. So, if you need to jet off without your four-legged friend in tow, why not get a loving, in-home dog sitter? They’ll shower your Frenchie with VIP treatment, and give them around-the-clock care, company, and attention while you’re away. 

French Bulldog training

Frenchies are smart little pups with big personalities (and often a streak of stubbornness), meaning training may require a little more patience and persistence than with some other breeds. 

Socialize your Frenchie as soon as you bring them home, and introduce them to a variety of people, pets, and environments. They can have a relatively high prey drive, meaning they need to be well-trained to be around purr pals or other small pets.  

Positive reinforcement and consistent training should ensure your Frenchie learns good manners in due course. Get Frenchie puppies started with potty training from the moment they come home, and get them used to baths and hygiene rituals (like cleaning their faces) from an early age. When they’re ready to go out, train them to walk on a leash and consider using a harness to make walks more comfortable for both you and your pup.

It’s important not to let your Frenchie’s cuteness be an excuse for bad behavior – they can become a bit big for their boots without the proper training. While many are people-pleasers, some can also be prone to “selective hearing”, so setting boundaries from the get-go will help to teach them they don’t rule the roost.

French Bulldog grooming 

Frenchies have short coats that require minimal grooming, so brushing them once a week should do the trick. A bath may be on the cards if they happen to roll in something nasty – ask your vet to recommend an allergy-free shampoo if this is the case. 

However, the French Bulldog breed does require a little extra care in other areas. The wrinkles on their face must be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent infections, especially when it’s warm. Wipe away any tear stains that appear under their eyes, and pay special attention to their ears (which can be prone to infections) and the appearance of their skin (which can get irritated due to allergies and other conditions). Their nails should also be trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort.

History of the French Bulldog

The story of the Frenchie dates back to the Industrial Revolution, when English lacemakers packed up their tiniest English Bulldogs for a new life in Northern France. Initially used to hunt rats, it wasn’t long before these pups began breeding with other dogs such as Pugs and terriers (intentionally or otherwise), and the French Bulldog breed was born. In no time, these squat, perky-eared pups became the most fashionable of companions for everyone from royals to prostitutes. 

By the late 19th century, their fame had reached the other side of the Atlantic and they became recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1898. Today’s Frenchies look rather different from their ancestors with a wider stance and a flatter snout, but despite being prone to health issues, they remain one of the most-loved breeds in the world. 

Getting a French Bulldog

Being one of the most popular dog breeds in the world has an unfortunate downside – some irresponsible breeders have over-bred the Frenchie in order to maximize their profits. It’s therefore extremely important to do your homework before getting a French Bulldog – whether that’s from a reputable breeder or an adoption shelter (you’d be surprised to find how many are in need of a second home). 

Pet parents must also think long and hard about whether they can provide their French Bulldog with everything they need to be healthy and happy. They are high-maintenance pups that require special attention due to health problems and a need for company. It’s also important to consider whether you can afford to give them the care they need – Frenchies are expensive to take care of and vet bills and pet insurance can be quite high due to their numerous health problems. 

Sources:

https://www.biomedcentral.com/about/press-centre/science-press-releases/16-12-2