About French Bulldogs

About The Breed

Frenchies are considered a companion dog, and in 2021 the French Bulldog (Frenchie) became the second most popular breed in the entire United States. Much of their popularity stems from their sweet nature. They are people-pleasers who love cuddling, will nibble your ear, follow you from room to room, and they always want to be the center of attention, especially when they have a new person to impress.

When fully grown, the average, healthy weight of a French Bulldog is between 16 and 28 pounds. They stand around 12” tall at the shoulder and their average lifespan is between 11-14 years, but of course life expectancy is effected by many factors. With their playful spirit, love of entertaining, and a tendency to snort, French Bulldogs have earned the nickname of  “clown dogs.” Their distinctive bat-like ears are pretty amusing too! Of course, Frenchies have a reputation for being a high-class breed as well. Many celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, and Martha Stewart are proud frenchie owners.  Remarkably, the French Bulldog was so elite that one named Gamin de Pycombe was one of only 13 dogs aboard the Titanic. 

In appearance the French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog, however in miniature. And their large, erect ‘bat-like ears’ set them apart from other bulldogs. The head is large and square, with heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose. The body beneath the smooth, brilliant coat is compact and muscular. The smart and affectionate Frenchie is a charmer. Dogs of few words, Frenchies don’t bark much, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families, and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety. It is no wonder that people from Paris to Peoria swear by this vastly amusing and companionable breed.

Frenchie Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Much Space Does a French Bulldog Need? 

The Frenchie’s exercise needs can be met in a small yard or even in an apartment if supplemented by daily leash walks. Extreme care must be taken to avoid overheating, as its brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy causes problems of the throat and breathing passages that limit the amount of air reaching the lungs. This causes the dog’s panting to be less effective, making it difficult to cool down. Thus, French Bulldogs are not a good choice for hot and humid climates unless they mostly stay in places where the temperature is moderate. The breed enjoys playing games and will chase balls but may not return them. Most French Bulldogs cannot swim, and extreme care must be taken to prevent them from falling into pools or other bodies of water.

How Do You Care for a Frenchies Coat?

Coat care consists of weekly brushing and occasionally bathing. The wrinkles of the face should be cleaned and dried daily to avoid infection.

Is Snoring Common in Frenchies?

As a brachycephalic breed, the Frenchie tends to snore and sometimes wheeze.  Though small, the French Bulldog is subject to hip dysplasia. Cesarean births are almost mandatory to ensure the safety of the mother (the dam).

What is the Temperament of a Frenchie?

The French Bulldog’s grumpy expression belies a joyful disposition that has helped make it one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Often described as clownish, it is playful, affectionate, and fairly energetic. Frenchies enjoy relaxing as much as playing and are ideal for the elderly. The breed is also good for children, as long as they understand the dog’s limited ability to tolerate excessive heat or exercise. Frenchies are generally accepting of unfamiliar dogs and people but are not exuberant in these situations. Although willing to please, French Bulldogs tend to be stubborn and can require patience during training. They are moderately good watchdogs but poor protection dogs. Frenchies are neither fighters nor barkers. It should be noted that these claims are a traditional and widely accepted generalization about the breed, and the behavior of individual Frenchies may differ.

What is the average lifespan of a French Bulldog?

 The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is around 11 to 14 years.

How much do French Bulldogs typically weigh?

French Bulldogs typically weigh between 16 to 28 pounds.

Do French Bulldogs have any health problems?

French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues such as breathing difficulties, skin allergies, and hip dysplasia.

Are French Bulldogs good with children?

French Bulldogs are generally good with children and make great family pets.

Do French Bulldogs shed a lot?

French Bulldogs are a low shedding breed, but they do require regular grooming to keep their coat clean and healthy.

How much exercise do French Bulldogs need?

French Bulldogs do not require a lot of exercise, a short daily walk and playtime is enough to meet their physical needs.

What is the cost of a French Bulldog puppy?

The cost of a French Bulldog puppy can vary depending on location and breeder, but they can range from $1,500 to $5,000.

Do French Bulldogs have a tendency to snore?

French Bulldogs are known for snoring due to their short snout and flat face.

Are French Bulldogs good with other pets?

French Bulldogs can get along well with other pets if they are properly socialized.

How do I train a French Bulldog?

French Bulldogs can be difficult to train, but positive reinforcement training methods and early socialization can help. Consistency is key.

Grooming and Care

With a short, fine coat, your Frenchie’s grooming needs will be fairly easy to maintain. You’ll want to brush your pal weekly with a rubber hound glove or soft bristle brush. During the fall and spring shedding seasons, you can remove any excess hair with a stripping comb. French Bulldogs need a bath about once a month. Just make sure you use a high-quality doggie shampoo, and follow these tips for bathing wrinkly dogs. It’s very important that you keep your pup’s wrinkles clean and always check for scabs or lesions that could lead to infections. Make sure to clean their ears regularly with a damp cloth and keep up with nail trimming, too.

Common Health Issues

As mentioned, French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they are susceptible to Brachycephalic Syndrome. This affects dogs with that classic short head and narrow nostril combination and can result in all that adorable snoring and grunting that Frenchies are known for. But, unfortunately, it can also lead to complete airway collapse. Other respiratory issues include allergies and elongated soft palate, which can obstruct the airways. French Bulldogs are prone to chronodysplasia, a general term for back, spine, and disc issues. Of these, the most common are hemivertebrae, a malformation of the vertebrae that puts pressure on the spinal cord, and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is caused by a ruptured or herniated disc. These pups also have a lot of experience with hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, or having their kneecap slip out of place. In terms of blood disorders, Frenchies are predisposed to Von Willebrand’s Disease, a condition that affects clotting ability. Early signs include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding. No one dog breed is completely immune to all health problems, so it is important to take your pooch to the veterinarian for their regular checkups.