Temperament and Personality
Comical and entertaining with an easy-going nature, the family-friendly French Bulldog really packs a personality punch. Known for their bat-like ears and smushed faces, these dogs have acquired a huge fan base, and for good reason.
Affectionately called Frenchies, they’re lovable, loyal companions that are highly adaptable and easy to please. From living it up in the city, to roaming around the countryside, they’re happy to call anywhere home as long as they’re with their family.
Being so people-oriented, French Bulldogs get on with pretty much everyone and love to be the centre of attention. Known for their silly antics and clownish behaviour, it doesn’t take much for these hilarious goofballs to entertain a crowd. However, while playful and peppy, Frenchies can also be king (or queen) couch potatoes. Expect to find them snoozing loudly on the sofa, a comfortable lap, or at their owners’ feet.
Their snoring, snuffling, and grunting might be part of the unique Frenchie charm, but it’s actually a result of them being a brachycephalic breed. Dogs of this nature have flat, squished faces which causes a lot of breathing problems. As such, they don’t need a lot of exercise, but playtime is very important to this pooch. Chasing after balls, catching bubbles, and indoor hide-and-seek are some of the Frenchie’s favourite games.
Sweet and affectionate, French Bulldogs generally don’t have a bad bone in their body, but they do have their quirks which some might see as behaviour problems. They can be a little stubborn during training, and might try to get away with mischief using their pleading, puppy dog eyes. They can also be a bit territorial over their people if another dog is around.
This possessive, clingy nature means the French Bulldog is prone to suffer from separation anxiety when away from its paw-rents for too long. When distressed, they can engage in some destructive behaviours such as chewing through furniture, scratching at doors, howling, or toileting inside the house.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a playful pup with bags of personality, the French Bulldog could be the breed for you.
French Bulldog paw-sonality traits:
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Sweet-tempered
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Loving and affectionate
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Super playful
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Highly adaptable
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Easygoing and relaxed
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Thrives on attention
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Loves human interaction
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People-oriented
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Funny and clownish
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Friendly and social
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Loyal and devoted to owners
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Gets on well with people and dogs
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Eager to learn
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Not known to bark
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Can be a little stubborn
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Snores, grunts, and passes wind a lot
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Suffers from separation anxiety
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Doesn’t need much exercise
French Bulldog pros and cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Friendly, social, and affectionate |
Brachycephalic breed with respiratory problems |
| Funny, goofy personality |
Skin folds prone to getting infected |
| Highly adaptable to different lifestyles |
Suffers from separation anxiety |
| Good with children and other animals |
Prone to overheating |
| Low maintenance exercise and grooming needs |
Can take a while to housetrain |
| Eager to please and good for first-time owners |
Prone to some hereditary and congenital conditions |
Are French Bulldogs good family dogs?
Absolutely! French Bulldogs love family life, and are the perfect companion for both young and more mature families. Their playful spirit is perfectly balanced with a laid-back, easygoing demeanour, so they’re not demanding in any way. As long as there’s a sofa to snooze on and a ball to chase, they’ll feel right at home. They form strong bonds with their humans and want to be involved in all their activities, but they’re probably not the best choice for super sporty families that lead very active lives. They also suffer from separation anxiety, so they need someone home with them most of the day.
Are French Bulldogs good with children?
Yes, the friendly Frenchie is known to be good with children of all ages. Their robust, sturdy build means they’re not as delicate as other small breeds, and can withstand the whirlwind of a toddler. However, their respiratory issues and injury-prone backs doesn’t make them a great partner for sports, excessive running around, or boisterous play.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Are French Bulldogs good with other pets?
Yes, Frenchies are sociable, easygoing dogs that like to make furry friends. If socialised well from a young age, they generally get on well with most other animals, including cats, rabbits and other pets. However, they can sometimes get jealous when another dog steals their owner’s attention or affection, so be sure not to spoil or pamper them too much.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Frenchie is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
Care Requirements
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a French Bulldog properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
How much exercise does a French Bulldog need?
Fully grown French Bulldogs need around 40 - 60 minutes of exercise a day, ideally split into a few short walks. This should also include plenty of indoor playtime and mental stimulation too, such as puzzle toys, tug-of-war, and games of fetch.
Getting in daily walks is essential for their health and wellbeing, as otherwise they can pile on the pounds and become obese. Carrying extra weight not only puts pressure on their joints and internal organs, but it makes their breathing problems a lot worse.
Take them to the park for a quick run around, walk them around the block, or take a leisurely stroll to your nearest cafe and let them bask in all the attention they’ll receive!
Use a harness instead of a collar on walks to prevent their airways from becoming even more restricted if they pull.
As they hate to be left alone and have low exercise needs, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.
Brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to overheating, so extreme care must be taken in hot temperatures. Avoid exercising Frenchies in warm weather and keep them indoors during the hottest time of the day.
How do you train a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs aren’t geniuses, but they’re a smart breed that’s keen to learn and even more eager to please. However, they’re free thinkers that are known to be a little stubborn and wilful, especially if training is boring. You’ll need the right approach (and the right treats) to ensure they stay motivated.
With lots of consistency, patience, and paw-sitivity, training your French Bulldog can be a highly rewarding experience!
Unleash your Frenchie’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats, such as this High Protein Baltic Beef Jerky. Frenchies are very food motivated, so just be mindful of how many treats you give during training sessions.
2. Don’t fool for their cuteness! Frenchies know how to work their sad expressions and wrap their owners around their little paw, which can lead to them getting away with bad behaviour. Remain confident and always enforce boundaries, no matter how adorable they look.
3. Keep training short, fun, and fresh. French Bulldogs will easily lose interest if training is boring, so speak their fun-loving language by using toys and games to teach commands. Do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused.
4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the friendly Frenchie. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Focus on recall. Frenchies have an independent streak and might wander off to sniff something interesting on a walk. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats – a yummy reward that’ll keep them coming back for more.
6. Do trick training. Channel their inner performer by teaching them fun tricks such as ‘high five’, ‘roll over’, or ‘spin’. This will guarantee they take centre stage where they can relish in all the attention!
7. Prioritise potty training. French Bulldogs can take longer to housetrain due to having a smaller digestive system. You should establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them.
8. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
How much grooming do French Bulldogs need?
Frenchies have a short, smooth, glossy coat that’s super easy to maintain. However, they shed moderately throughout the year, and their skin folds and ears need extra attention to prevent infection.
The three French Bulldog colours accepted by the UK Kennel Club are fawn, brindle and pied. Pied Frenchies are white with either brindle or fawn patches. You can also get sable, blue, chocolate, lilac, cream, solid black, black and tan, black and white, merle, blue fawn, and Isabella French Bulldogs, but a lot of these colourings come from recessive genes that can affect a dog’s health.
Here are some grooming tips to keep your Frenchie looking fabulous all year round.
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Remove dirt and debris from their muzzle wrinkles and skin folds using a soft, damp cloth. Bacteria love to grow in these areas, so it’s important to clean daily, especially after meal times.
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Check their skin for redness, dryness, sores, or inflammation, as this could indicate allergies.
Health and Wellness
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the French Bulldog lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. However, they’re a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a few health problems.
Healthy Frenchies should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Common French Bulldog health issues
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Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Frenchies are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face, squished nose, and narrow airway. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome causes severe breathing problems for French Bulldogs. If you notice heavy or distressed breathing in your Frenchie, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may recommend surgery to widen the nostrils or correct an elongated soft palate to improve breathing. It’s a routine procedure and can be done at the same time as spaying/neutering.
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Overheating. In brachycephalic breeds, the structure of the throat and breathing passages limits how much air reaches their lungs. This makes panting less effective and more difficult for the dog to cool down. As such, Frenchies are not suited to hot climates and shouldn’t be outdoors in hot weather.
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Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Frenchie puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. The condition can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.
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Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This is when a disc in the spine ruptures or herniates due to trauma, old age, or engaging in high impact activities. The disc is compressed against the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, and even paralysis. French Bulldogs with IVDD can be treated with specific medication, physical rehabilitation, and sometimes surgery if caught early.
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Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD). This is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, often causing spontaneous or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Blood transfusions or special IV medications can treat vWD.
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Skin Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.
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Skin Fold Dermatitis. The Frenchie has a lot of adorable skin folds, but moisture, debris, and bacteria can accumulate causing irritation and infection. Topical treatments can help alleviate soreness.
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Corneal Ulcers. A large area of the Frenchie’s cornea is exposed, putting them at risk of developing ulcers. A simple scratch can be all it takes, but it’s incredibly painful. If your dog is squinting a lot and has red, teary eyes, take them to the vet immediately. Corneal ulcers can be treated with medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or serious eye damage.
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Obesity. Frenchies are prone to packing on the pounds, dramatically reducing their quality of life. Owners can prevent obesity by ensuring their Frenchie gets daily exercise, and that they’re not fed too many high calorie treats.
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Cleft Palate. This is a congenital defect where the tissues that form the roof of the mouth (palate) don’t fully close during development. It affects a Frenchie’s ability to eat, drink, and breathe properly. Surgery is often needed to close the hole.
The Frenchie is prone to break wind…a lot. Brachycephalic breeds tend to swallow a lot of air when they eat or drink, making them gassier than other dogs. The only way to get rid of this air is to let rip!
Food and nutrition
Feeding your Frenchie a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their joints stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
How much should a French Bulldog eat in a day?
The amount you feed your French Bulldog will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
It’s generally recommended they’re fed twice a day, but Frenchie’s are big foodies, so it’s essential they’re not overindulged.
The best food for a French Bulldog is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Avoid French Bulldog health problems with these preventative tips:
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Frenchie’s nutritional needs. Try this food designed specifically with allergies in mind, or consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
French Bulldogs are prone to back injuries and joint problems, so don’t encourage them to jump up and down from high surfaces like the sofa or bed. Consider feeding them our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Stay out of the sun
Frenchies can overheat very quickly due to their brachycephalic head structure, so great care should be taken when it’s hot. Don’t allow them to sunbathe outside and avoid walks in warm weather.
Keep exercise light
Being a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs can struggle with their breathing, so make sure exercise is light, fun, and not too strenuous. Simple walks on the lead, some back garden zoomies, and indoor playtime is an ideal workout routine.
Look after their eyes
The Frenchie’s large, expressive eyes can easily melt hearts, but they can easily get injured too. Stick to plush toys that can’t scratch their eyes, and consider a diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) to help support eye health.
Monitor weight
A healthy French Bulldog weight is between 8kg and 14kg. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure their food portions to prevent overfeeding. Some of their daily calories should be allocated to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.
Say no to table scraps
It might be hard to resist the French Bulldog’s puppy dog eyes, but carrying extra weight can impact their quality of life, make it difficult for them to move, and exacerbate respiratory issues. For Frenchies who are getting a little fat, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Living Conditions
Take a look at the Frenchie’s dream home.
| Type of owner? |
Individuals, couples, and families that love to play and spend a lot of time at home. They suit people who lead more relaxed lives. |
| Outdoor space? |
A back garden isn’t essential but they need daily walks to keep trim. Housetraining can also take a while, so they’ll need access to a safe place to do their business outside. |
| Adaptability? |
They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and can comfortably live in flats, as long as they get their exercise needs met. |
| Multi-pet home? |
They can live nicely with most other animals if socialised and trained well. |
Cost of Ownership
The unconditional love of a French Bulldog is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
How much does a French Bulldog cost?
The price of a French Bulldog can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £3,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Frenchie is around £70.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £20 to £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to a number of health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your French Bulldog should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
French Bulldog Facts and Trivia
Get to know the French Bulldog even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s most beloved companions!
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They actually originate from Nottingham, England, but the breed flourished in France, which is how they got their namesake.
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The Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, had a beloved Frenchie called Ortipo. A statue of him, which sits in a museum in St Petersburg, is sculpted from quartz and bejewelled by Fabergé.
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The French Bulldog didn’t always have ‘bat ears’. Once upon a time, they had ‘rose’ ears, similar to a British Bulldog. This crinkled style ear was preferred amongst Bulldog purists, but the French eventually won the argument and these bat-like ears became part of the breed standard.
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Frenchies aren’t big barkers but they’ll try to talk to you through a variety of strange sounds, including whining, yelling, grunting, and snuffling.
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French Bulldogs have a heavy head, as well as heavy bones and dense muscles. This, along with their brachycephalic facial structure means swimming is not just hard work, but dangerous. They struggle to stay afloat and keep their head above water. A life jacket must always be worn if a Frenchie is to go swimming.
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They’re small dogs with a big attitude, and will defend their loved ones with all they have if they need to. A video on social media showed a French Bulldog chasing bear cubs off its property, while another showed a Frenchie barking at a lion, though thankfully this was through a glass window.
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Frenchies can be very sensitive and a little over dramatic if you tell them off using harsh tones, don’t give them your last bit of chicken, or even look at them funny. Stern reprimands will usually result in a sulk around the house, but just be mindful they might be attention seeking rather than actually deeply hurt!
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You can get French Bulldog cross breeds. The French Bulldog Pomeranian cross is called a Pomerdog, the French Bulldog Boston Terrier mix is called a Frenchton, the Chihuahua French Bulldog cross is called a French Chi, and the French Bulldog Beagle mix is called a Frengle.
History and Origin
Don’t be fooled by their name – these quirky canines can actually trace their roots back to England! They descend from British Bulldogs that were bred for bull-baiting, a horrific sport that was thankfully outlawed in 1835. Once these dogs were free from their deadly day jobs, they soon made their way into the show ring where they were separated by size. The Toy Bulldog was the smallest of the lot, and it’s here where the Frenchie’s story really begins.
Enamoured by their compact size and affectionate, loving nature, lace makers in Nottingham took a real shine to them. They kept these miniature bulldogs as companions while they worked long, tiring hours in unsafe mills for very little pay. The dogs would help out by catching rats, and it’s thought they also served as a distraction for fleas.
Smitten with their little dogs, these lace makers took them over to France when the Industrial Revolution made their jobs redundant. The breed flourished and gained popularity amongst Parisian society, notably artists, writers, and fashionistas. They were known as ‘Bouledogues Francais’, which translates to French Bulldogs.
These cheeky pups also became popular pets for the belles de nuit in Montmartre, which was a bustling nightlife district in Paris in the 1890s. They featured alongside their owners in risque postcards, adding a saucy note to their already interesting history!
The French Bulldog didn’t just hang around in Paris though. Word of this super chic breed spread around the world in the late 1800s, and French Bulldogs found themselves rubbing shoulders with royalty. The Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, had a beloved Frenchie called Ortipo.
They made their way to the United States around a similar time, and instantly became a hit with families thanks to their friendly, playful personalities. Ever since, these bat-eared dogs have continued to be loving little lap dogs that bring joy wherever they go.
Choosing a Puppy or Dog
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a French Bulldog.
1. Research the breed. Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a number of health problems, so you need to make sure you can look after them properly.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her French Bulldog puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Frenchies and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations, and microchipping.
When adopting a French Bulldog, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Frenchies in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
Comments (2)
Hi
I have a French bulldog
He’s always had loose stools, regardless what food I try and believe me I’ve tried most of them
Was thinking of giving yours a try, but most have chicken in and fish contains potatoe, any ideas which one to try? He also gets fed up with same food, so have to change flavours
Kind regards
Annalea
Hi Annalea, All our food does contain potato unfortunately and if wanting to avoid this, we wouldn’t have any food that would be suitable. I am sorry about this!
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