French Bulldog Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: The French Bulldog coat is moderately fine, short and smooth. They’re light shedders, and require minimal brushing with occasional bathing. Most grooming attention can be turned toward their wrinkles, ears, and toenails. Wrinkles should be kept dry to maintain healthy condition. They need to be cleansed often with a damp towel or gentle dog shampoo. Redness, odor or sores between the wrinkles are signs of infection and should be inspected further by a vet. Their bat ears can accumulate an excess buildup of wax and debris and need to be rinsed and gently swabbed often. French Bulldogs, especially those who walk less on pavement, have fast-growing toenails which also need to be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and splitting.

Shedding: French Bulldogs’ fine, short coat is very manageable. They are light shedders, and don’t have a double coat, so they don’t lose and grow new layers of fur when the season changes. They should be brushed and bathed regularly to keep stray hairs in check, but there isn’t much maintenance required in this department.

Training: French Bulldogs can be a challenge to train. They have a specific kind of devotion to their owners, which involves playing and cuddling, but not much else. They are sensitive and earnest and typically slow to housebreak. They will take expectations to heart, though it may take a bit of extra effort on the part of the owner. Treats, in moderation, will definitely help motivate this breed!

Barking: Frenchies are generally quiet dogs. They have a sharp, low, raspy bark that they may use to announce the arrival of the mail carrier, or playtime, but they’re not really the loud type. Besides barking, Frenchies do make a variety of other sounds. They’re often ‘talkers’ who yowl and yip in communication. They also cough, snort, snore, and just breathe heavy because of their smooshed muzzle. And they can be quite gassy, so expect occasional flatulence.

Personality: French Bulldogs are solemn-looking little clowns. They’re relaxed, affectionate, and comical. They can be outgoing but also charmingly disinterested and sometimes stubborn.

Temperament & Behavior: Frenchies are companion dogs that thrive with one-on-one contact. They are relaxed and affectionate, though sometimes aloof or reserved around strangers. Often called a “clown in the cloak of a philosopher”, they have a serious, stoic appearance that belies their comical nature—just imagine these little pig dogs hustling down a hallway to retrieve a tennis ball! They give their all during playtime, but Frenchies spend most of their time snoozing or cuddling with their people. They can be stubborn, territorial, and people-possessive, traits which need to be mediated during their early years.

Behavior with Kids: French Bulldogs are generally good with children. They’re tolerant, enjoy any extra attention, and aren’t too big or exuberant to cause a problem in size difference.

Protection: French Bulldogs are not an aggressive breed but they are considered adequate small guard dogs for their tendency to announce visitors and feel protective of the home.

Life span: On average, French Bulldogs live to be about 10-12 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: Like all bulldog breeds, Frenchies have issues that are directly related to their conformation – namely their short snout and head. Dogs like Frenchies are called “brachycephalic”, which literally means “short head.” This setup creates problems moving air, which results in issues with proper oxygenation and cooling. Other conditions seen in Frenchies may include, but are not limited to the following: cataracts, entropion, urinary stones, dystocia, Brachycephalic airway syndrome and hemivertebrae.

Preventive Care: If you decide to get a French Bulldog, it’s important to establish a great relationship with your veterinarian when your dog is a puppy. He or she can help you identify issues that may be a problem early in your puppy’s life, and may be easier to correct when he’s young. A great example of this is entropion, or the inward rolling of the lower eyelid. This problem can often be very easily corrected when your puppy is very young, and if it’s addressed early, hopefully it won’t need surgery later on.

Like all bulldogs, Frenchies can easily become overweight. Consider feeding a food that is designed to help you carefully manage his weight. Keep careful tabs on weight by visiting the veterinarian’s office for weigh-ins, and adjust food volume accordingly. Being overweight can make it even harder for a Frenchie to breathe, as extra weight in the neck area inhibits the passage of air through already shortened and narrowed passages.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Frenchie is 0.5 - 1 cup

Energy Level: Not interested in exercise, would rather doze the day away

Exercise: French Bulldogs need a minimal amount of exercise. They’re great company for cruising around town and running errands. Just walking with them from A to B will keep their activity at a reasonable level. They’re not terribly athletic, so brisk walks, supplemented with some time playing or running around outside a few times a week, will be adequate. Frenchies are always at risk of overheating when exercising too hard, especially when the weather is warm, because their muzzle doesn’t allow them to ventilate efficiently, like other dogs. And, also unlike other breeds, swimming is not advisable exercise for Frenchies. They need to be actively supervised in the water because they’re usually too top-heavy to swim by themselves.

Climate: French Bulldogs are best in a moderate climate. They’re not suited to warm, humid climates because they can easily overheat and their single coat won’t stand up to frigid temperatures, either.