French Bulldog Guide: Cost, Lifespan, Colors, Temperament, Size & More

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A girl sitting with a Frenchie dog in her lap.

Companion dogs can be some of the most loving and favored pups you can bring into your home. The French Bulldog is one of the most popular of this type of dog, bred only for the pleasure of their company. But what makes this dog so lovable? We’ll go over the characteristics of this dog and what makes them a favorite among pet parents.

History Of The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog originally came from England, where the “toy bulldogs” were a favored pet of lacemakers. During the industrial revolution, many of the lacemakers moved to the French countryside, and it was there that through generations of breeding, the French Bulldog came to be. There’s a disagreement about how this dog originated, but the popular idea is this breed came from the toy version of the Bulldog crossed with a Pug and Terrier. Eventually, Parisians came to know and love the French Bulldog, and they became a staple of city life in Paris.

This breed was officially recognized in 1898 by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Did You Know?

This breed cannot reproduce naturally. Due to its narrow hips, weak hind legs, and heavy build on top, male Frenchies can’t mount females. So they must be artificially inseminated to procreate. Also, because of the breed’s large head and small hips, often the mother needs a c-section, which makes breeding expensive.

Appearance

Frenchies look a lot like Bulldogs but are smaller. They also have a few distinct features that make them unique.

Size

Full-grown French Bulldogs range from 11 to 13 inches in height. Females weigh between 16 and 24 pounds while the males are slightly bigger at up to 24 pounds. Frenchies stop getting taller between 9 and 12 months but can continue to gain weight until they are full grown at around 12 to 14 months. However, some French Bulldogs keep growing until they are two years old.

What Is A Mini Frenchie?

Just when you thought Frenchies couldn’t get any cuter, along comes the Mini French Bulldog or Teacup French Bulldog. This micro breed is a miniature version of a standard French Bulldog that is bred down in size. Mini Frenchies are about half the size of a French Bulldog and weigh between 5 and 14 pounds.

Unfortunately, there can be additional health risks associated with this miniature version of the breed. If you think this is what you want, do your research so you’re aware of the potential concerns and complications that may arise.

Coat

The coat of the French Bulldog is short, fine, and smooth. There’s also a long-haired French Bulldog, also known as a fluffy Frenchie, with wavy, medium-length hair over their ears, head, back, and chest. This hair gives them a fluffy appearance.

Color

You’ll find French Bulldogs in a variety of colors. The more common colors you’ll see are brindle, cream, fawn, and white. It’s also common to see a combination of these colors. Black Frenchies are pretty popular, but often they aren’t a true black and are a black brindle or are black with markings in a different color.

There are some other colors you may find, but these are a bit rarer. These include blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. The merle-colored French Bulldog is probably the rarest and can be one of the most expensive Frenchies you can find.

Ears

The ears of the French Bulldog are their most obvious physical attribute. While they are puppies, the ears are floppy, but by the time they are 15 months old, they stand up straight to look like the bat ears associated with this breed.

Face

Frenchies have wrinkly, smushy faces, which cause an adorable older look even as puppies and gives them their distinctive look.

Do French Bulldogs Shed?

Because of their short coat and small size, shedding isn’t a massive problem for French Bulldogs. However, they do shed enough that they can’t be considered hypoallergenic. Shedding will typically occur seasonally in the spring and fall, and you can help contain the hair by using a shedding brush regularly.

What Are Their Grooming Needs?

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your pup. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. You’ll also want to bathe your Frenchie five to six times a year, which is a bit more frequent than some other breeds. Bathing frequency can change depending on how dirty your dog gets.

Other things to consider are weekly teeth brushing and trimming their nails as needed, which are also vital grooming components.

Do French Bulldogs Drool?

Drool will be part of your world if you have a French Bulldog. It’s normal for excessive drooling to occur around mealtimes, but you’ll want to make sure that it isn’t a sign of something concerning like:

If you’re concerned about excessive drool, consult your veterinarian to make sure it’s normal.

How Is Their Temperament?

Frenchies are known for their affectionate and playful ways. This breed is incredibly loyal and excellent at cuddling on your lap. They aren’t known for being aggressive, but they can exhibit undesirable behaviors such as growling or nipping without proper socialization.

Overall French Bulldogs are great companions for individuals and families since they are great with kids. This breed also does great around other pets, but don’t leave your Frenchie alone for too long because he’ll miss you terribly. Although this is a small-sized dog, this breed is not yappy, so you shouldn’t get calls from your neighbors complaining of your dog barking.

This breed doesn’t make the cut in the smartest dog breeds contest, but that doesn’t mean they lack intelligence. They seem to understand commands but choose to obey or disobey based on their mood. To some, that shows extreme intelligence.

How To Train A French Bulldog

Training this breed is important to help them live a civilized life. Frenchies have big personalities and should be taught to walk on a lead, heel, stay, and other commands to keep them under control. Treats can motivate Frenchies and help with training.

You’ll also want to consider using a harness for leash training since it may provide better control and distribute the pressure more evenly.

Do French Bulldogs Have Health Issues?

French Bulldog at vet getting eyes examined.

As a breed, Frenchies can suffer from various health concerns that may be problematic. These conditions include:

Due to their short faces, their breathing is less efficient than a long-nosed dog. Also, anesthesia is less friendly for short-faced dogs, so if your dog has a severe medical issue, make sure your vet is familiar with Frenchies and how to anesthetize them. As with all pets, it’s essential to take your Frenchie to the vet regularly for checkups and vaccines.

Due to the potential costs associated with your French Bulldog’s health care needs, you may want to consider pet insurance right away to help handle the financial responsibility.

What Is A French Bulldog’s Life Expectancy?

French Bulldogs have an average lifespan of 11-13 years if they remain in good health.

Why Do French Bulldogs Fart So Much?

French Bulldogs are known to have a sensitive stomach and eat very quickly. These two things can cause them to be quite gassy. Be vigilant about keeping their diet steady as new foods can upset the balance, and watch out for signs of a food allergy. Slow down their eating by looking for a slow-feeder dog bowl that can help them pace themself. And learn more about dog farting remedies.

How Much Exercise Do They Need?

Frenchies are not very active and need little exercise. They are not very athletic, so a quick walk can help keep them stay trim. It’s best not to walk French Bulldogs on hot, humid days because of their short noses, making breathing difficult and can easily lead to heat stroke. This breed is unable to swim because it’s so top-heavy.

What Is The Best Dog Food For My French Bulldog?

French bulldog eating out of a dog bowl on the ground.

The best way to determine what you should be feeding your pet is to talk to your vet. They have the best understanding of your specific pet’s needs when it comes to diet. We also have our best food options for Frenchies. When you know what they need, then check out our experts’ recommendations of the best dog foods for most diet types, ages, and health concerns to help you narrow down the choices available.

How Much Do They Cost?

The average cost of a French Bulldog in the U.S. is between $1,500 and $3,000. This price can fluctuate based on the reputation and location of the breeder. To ensure the best care for your puppy, be sure to find a reputable breeder.

You can also consider adopting a pup from a French Bulldog rescue organization. While this may reduce the cost of getting a Frenchie, you might have to wait until adoption is available.

The French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed perhaps because they are low energy and adaptable to any home, even a tiny apartment. They’re also comfortable living with individuals or families. It doesn’t hurt that they are also quite cute.

Since 2011, Frenchies have gone from ranking 18th on the AKC most popular breed list to 1st place in 2022. This increase in popularity is not just about their size and appearance. Their temperament plays a role as well. They’re a total package and meet the needs of lots of people and families looking for the right pet.

Adorable Frenchies (Video)

This four-minute video from Griffin Frenchie shows you 10 reasons you might not want a French Bulldog. Spoiler alert: they’re actually reasons why you won’t be able to resist loving these adorable pups.

Is A French Bulldog The Right Dog For You?

The French Bulldog Handbook

If you love lap dogs, adorable snorting, and pushed-in faces, then the French Bulldog is an excellent breed for you. However, if you want a dog you can run or throw the frisbee with for extended periods of time, you may want to consider a different breed. To learn more about French Bulldogs, you can buy The French Bulldog Handbook and look at our interviews with Manny the Frenchie, and Sir Charles Barkley.

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