Meet the French Bulldog: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Discover the French Bulldog, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and curious nature. Recognized as a small dog, French Bulldogs have their origins in France, where they were initially bred for companionship starting in the 1800s century.

In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective French Bulldog owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a French Bulldog or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a playful French Bulldog.

As Sniffspot user PB says, "They are very playful when they can be, but so chill when in a chill environment. They adapt well to their surroundings. Very loyal and cuddly dogs!"

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

French Bulldog Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Companion
• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
• Healthy Weight Range: 16 - 28 lbs
• Height Range: 11 - 12 inches
• Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Curious
• Coat Type: Short
• Color: Brindle, fawn, white, black, and other variations

About the French Bulldog

According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their French Bulldog, we learned that these dogs are playful and friendly. The French Bulldog is also known to be very friendly and social with children and very friendly with other pets.

When living with a Frenchie, 59% of our owners indicated that a climate-controlled environment due to breed sensitivity is ideal. Additionally, 50% of owners found that a large house with a fenced yard is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the French Bulldog learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and socialization.

In terms of exercise, 39% of Sniffspot owners say their French Bulldog benefits from low exercise every day, including around 30 minutes of walks and playtime a day. The Sniffspot Frenchie community would not recommend this dog for first-time owners due to their potential health challenges.

History and Origin of French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, often affectionately called the "Frenchie," has a history rooted in England and France. This small breed was originally developed in the 1800s as a companion dog. Its ancestors include the English Bulldog, from which it inherited its distinctive muscular build and flat face, but it was bred down to a smaller size.

The breed gained popularity among lace workers in Nottingham, England, who brought the small bulldogs with them to France during the Industrial Revolution. In France, the breed was refined and became a favorite in Parisian society. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the French Bulldog had become a symbol of chic sophistication, admired for its playful nature and unique appearance.

The French Bulldog's rise in popularity was marked by its adoption into prominent circles and its presence in dog shows, where it was celebrated for its distinctive "bat-like" ears and compact size. Today, the breed is known for its affectionate and lively personality, making it a beloved companion in homes around the world.

French Bulldog Traits and Characteristics

• Temperament: Playful, Friendly, Curious
• Energy Level: Low
• Trainability: Moderately trainable - Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
• Grooming needs: Low maintenance - Requires minimal grooming, such as occasional brushing and baths.
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets

What to Expect as a French Bulldog Dog Owner

As a French Bulldog owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current French Bulldog owners.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Grooming Needs

French Bulldog dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means French Bulldog owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. French Bulldog dogs have a short coat, which is ideal for easy care. Their short coat is considered low shed.

To keep your French Bulldog's coat healthy and up to breed standards, include brushing in your daily routine and wiping with a damp cloth to remove loose hairs and debris. Of the coat types for common breeds in the companion group, the grooming needs for French Bulldogs are low maintenance.

Exercise Needs

French Bulldogs require low activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Frenchies are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed. Frenchies make great pets and thrive with around 30 minutes of walks and playtime a day. Owners of Frenchies report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and tug-of-war.

When small breeds like Frenchies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and separation anxiety. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular low exercise to avoid excess energy.

Diet and Nutrition

What should you feed your French Bulldog to keep them healthy? As a low-energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 61% of our community feeds their Frenchie commercial dry kibble.

With low exercise, Frenchies should eat 1 to 1.5 cups a day of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 16 - 28 lbs. However, your French Bulldog's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.

French Bulldog Health Concerns

The French Bulldog breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). A reported 59% of our French Bulldog owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Frenchie's risk for these challenges increases as they age.

Similarly, 42% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Lastly, 36% of French Bulldog owners claim their dog struggles with respiratory issues like chronic cough, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory tract infections — a common Frenchie health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your Frenchie's vet.

How Friendly Are French Bulldogs?

Another important thing to consider when adopting a Frenchie is whether or not this dog fits with your current family. How friendly are French Bulldogs compared to other small-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

With moderate training, you can hone your Frenchie's companion instinct into a playful and friendly family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and separation anxiety. Our community French Bulldog owners comment on their pet's friendliness:

• Easy to maintain, very cute, they can be weird little guys. (MMM)
• Sophie is the most affectionate dog, she’s my stress relief after a stressful day, and she’s also a goofball. (Kathryn )
• Easy to get along with, adapts to whatever she is presented with in life! (Kp)

Sydney Rae on Unsplash

How to Train Your French Bulldog

Whether you're adopting a Frenchie puppy or an adult French Bulldog, training is a significant part of owning a small-sized breed. Without proper training, your Frenchie is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and separation anxiety. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Frenchie.

As a companion breed, French Bulldogs benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Frenchie community recommended based on their experience with their dogs:

• Positive Reinforcement (94%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior
• Consistent Routines (45%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations
• Socialization (42%): Socializing your dog with other pets, dogs, and people prepares them to interact with the world

As dogs bred for companionship, Frenchies are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.

What Do Owners Love About French Bulldogs?

We asked Sniffspot Frenchie owners what they love the most about their French Bulldog pups, and here's what they had to say:

• So much personality. Very entertaining, loyal, and snuggly. (Christina)
• They’re snuggly and sweet. They’re easy to bring places or travel with due to size. (Kylie)
• I love the personality of French bulldogs. They are silly and very sweet. Always keep you entertained! Plus they are exceptionally cute! (Kylie C.)

What Are the Biggest Challenges for French Bulldog Owners?

Similarly, Frenchie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their French Bulldog:

• We adopted our Frenchie and don’t know her history, but she is hypervigilant, guarded, and can be aggressive and anxious. (BMS)
• They are not good listeners. They're bossy and chew on everything. Clingy. Maintaining their health is expensive. (Christina)
• Stubborn and harder to train. Not the sharpest tool in the shed. (Kylie)

Is a French Bulldog Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

According to 53% of our Sniffspot community, French Bulldogs are not a great first-time dog. This comes from their playful nature and high likelihood of health concerns. French Bulldog owners say it best:

• Their health restrictions can be difficult to navigate. You have to be very conscious of temperatures, foods, and potential allergens with the breed. They can also be very stubborn as well! (Kylie C.)
• stubborn and incredibly naughty, smart and sneaky! I kept what felt like a constant eye on mine for the first 2 years it felt like and she still got into plenty of trouble! (MP)
• Giving him enough mental stimulation without over working his body that is prone to over heating is an ongoing challenge. (Jessica)

Advice for French Bulldog Owners

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Frenchie owners. These French Bulldog breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:

Make sure you have the right environment for a Frenchie.

• Research. Go and have a look at them and hold them beforehand. Look at other dogs too. Work out who will walk the dog. Where they will sleep. (AO)
• Consider their health issues and long-term needs. (SB)

Consider their health issues and long-term needs.

• Do your research and make sure you are buying your pup from a conservation breeder. These breeders try and breed out many of the health conditions associated with the breed to ensure a long, healthy, happy life. (Amanda)
• Have to be prepared for all of the breathing and skin issues that come with this breed. Checking their paws, and teeth for plaque, and paying attention to allergies, especially towards chicken (most common). Be prepared for lots of cuddling and kisses they’re the best dogs! (Jillian)

Recognize that this breed is prone to reactivity.

• This dog breed is very protective and aggressive towards other dogs but very loving
  (Penelope )
• Be persistent with their stubbornness. They are full of love. (Erin )

This is a hands-on dog — make sure you're a hands-on owner.

• Don't assume that all dogs from any breed are the same! Lots of French Bulldogs are known to be incredibly 'easy' apartment dogs that don't need much exercise, she is the smallest dog I've ever had and by far needs the most attention and exercise of any I've ever had! (MP)
• Be sure you can have a lot of time to spend with them, they prefer being social and with their people. (Stephanie)

Frequently Asked Questions about the French Bulldog

What is the average lifespan of a French Bulldog?

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is typically between 10 - 12 years.

What is the size of a French Bulldog?

An adult French Bulldog weighs between 16 - 28 lbs pounds and stands between 11 - 12 inches tall.

How much grooming does a French Bulldog need?

French Bulldog dogs require low-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. French Bulldog dogs have a short coat, which is well-suited for easy care. They are considered low shedders.

To maintain your French Bulldog's coat, it's important to wipe with a damp cloth to remove loose hairs and debris. Among companion breeds, French Bulldog grooming is categorized as relatively easy.

How much exercise do French Bulldogs need?

French Bulldogs require low activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Frenchies are classified as a minimally athletic, low-energy breed.

Frenchies are excellent companions and thrive with around 30 minutes of walks and playtime a day. Owners of Frenchies note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and tug-of-war.

If small breeds like Frenchies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.

How friendly are French Bulldogs with children?

According to our data, French Bulldogs are very friendly and social with children with children.

How well do French Bulldogs get along with other pets?

Our research indicates that French Bulldogs are very friendly with other pets with other pets.

What should you feed your French Bulldog to keep him healthy?

As a low-energy breed, the diet of your Frenchie is crucial. A significant 61% of our community feed their Frenchie commercial dry kibble.

For optimal health, Frenchies should consume 1 to 1.5 cups of vet-recommended food a day to maintain a healthy weight of around 16 - 28 lbs. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your French Bulldog's sex, activity level, and age.

What health concerns are common for French Bulldogs?

The French Bulldog breed is particularly prone to skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, folliculitis, and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Our data shows that 59% of French Bulldog owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Frenchie's risk for these health issues increases as they age.

Additionally, 42% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Finally, 36% of French Bulldog owners indicated their dog struggles with respiratory issues like chronic cough, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory tract infections, which are common Frenchie health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Frenchie's veterinarian.

Resources for French Bulldog Owners

Whether you're a current French Bulldog dog owner or you're considering adopting a Frenchie, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for French Bulldog owners.

• Most Popular French Bulldog Names
• French Bulldog Rescues
• French Bulldog Club of America

Sources:

• French Bulldog Breed Information. (American Kennel Club)
• French Bulldog Rescue Network. (French Bulldog Rescue Network: FBRN)