Breeding French Bulldogs may be enticing because they have such a high price tag on them. While that is true, many breeders do not gain a big profit from breeding them. A lot of times, they only breakeven.
The Frenchie breeding process is not a walk in the park. Apart from ensuring their health throughout the process, you need to spend a lot of money. Unlike other breeds, you need to hold their hand during every stage of breeding.
From insemination to giving birth, they will need your help. The physical traits that we love so much in them are also the hindrances in breeding them. To know the nitty-gritty details of French Bulldog breeding, keep on reading.
Are French Bulldogs Easy to Breed?
With their physical characteristics, French Bulldogs are not easy to breed. Frenchies have short legs and narrow hips, along with a compact body. These create barriers for them when it comes to mating and giving birth.
For male Frenchies, it is hard for them to mount on their partner. Although it is not impossible to, vets will discourage you from trying this because of the risks.
Frenchies cannot regulate their body temperatures well because of their breathing problems. So if they do mount their mate with success, the stress of mating causes them to overheat.
Female Frenchies’ narrow legs make it hard to push out a puppy. It does not help that Frenchies have large heads too. While it is possible, they are not advised to go through natural birth.
Because of this, Frenchies will need a lot of your help when breeding. This would mean that they need artificial insemination and cesarean birth. Although this can prevent the risks, these procedures are very expensive.
Artificial insemination can cost you around $500 to $1000. This is for one pair of mating and the price varies depending on a dog’s pedigree and heritage.
Cesarean birth for dogs is also pricey at around $500 to $2000. Veterinary clinics cost less while animal hospitals or emergency clinics will charge more.
Breeding costs do not stop there. You also have to think about the prenatal and postnatal care of the mothers. Frenchie moms need frequent, high-quality food while pregnant and lactating.
For the reasons above, this is why Frenchies are expensive to buy. Breeding them is time-consuming and requires breeders to shell out a lot of money.
When Can French Bulldogs Have Puppies?
Frenchies can have puppies when they are sexually mature, which is around 6 to 12 months of age. They should also have undergone at least one full heat cycle as well. But you should not rush your Frenchie to have puppies, it is better to wait until they are at least 2 years of age.
At 6 or 12 months old, they are still too young and their bodies are still growing. Frenchies will continue to grow until 2 years old, although this process is very slow. They can have a safer and more successful pregnancy if you wait until they are 2 years old.
Until then, make sure they get proper nutrition and that they are in great physical health. Delaying this will help them to prepare for pregnancy much better.
They need to undergo artificial insemination, carry their puppies to term, and undergo a c-section. This is a stressful process that is too much to bear for a younger Frenchie. And that is why experts will recommend you to wait for a little bit longer.
When Can a Male French Bulldog Breed?
Male Frenchies start to produce sperm at around 6 months of age. Technically, they can start to breed at this age. But it is best to wait until they are sexually mature.
The waiting period for male Frenchies is not as long as female Frenchies. You can start breeding them at around 12 to 15 months old, once they reach their sexual maturity. If you delay this, you will see more success in breeding them.
What Is the Best Age to Breed a French Bulldog?
The ideal age to breed your Frenchie depends on their age. For males, this would be around 12 to 15 months old. For females, you need to wait a bit longer. It is best to breed them when they are 2 years of age and when they already had one full heat cycle.
These ages would give them time to sexually mature. This is crucial, especially for females since breeding takes a lot of toll on their bodies. Giving their bodies enough time to grow fully will help them prepare for motherhood.
At What Age Should You Stop Breeding a French Bulldog?
You can breed your Frenchie until they are 8 years old. While you can, it does not mean that you should do this. There are other factors to consider when breeding your Frenchie apart from age.
One thing to keep in mind is the number of litters your Frenchie has already produced. A responsible breeder will listen to vets and limit their Frenchies to only 4 litters. The more litters they have, the riskier it is for their health and well-being
Another thing is their health. Frenchies are not a healthy breed, and if they have certain diseases, this may also be present in their pups. Hip dysplasia is one of the inheritable conditions that these puppies can get.
With all these, trustworthy breeders have stricter standards on breeding. They will retire their Frenchies from breeding at 5 years old.
When Do French Bulldogs Go Into Heat?
Female Frenchies will have their first heat cycle at about 6 to 12 months old. During this period, they are fertile and they can get pregnant. But experts will discourage pregnancy in your Frenchie’s first heat.
So during this period, it is your responsibility to avoid this at all costs. Any unwanted litter at this age can be difficult for a young Frenchie, you may have problems down the road. Especially if you have not conditioned her body to prepare for breeding yet.
How Long Are French Bulldogs in Heat?
The duration of your Frenchie’s heat can vary, but it is usually around 3 weeks long. It can be shorter or longer than that and some even stay in heat for a month. This will start when their vulva swells and ends when the bleeding stops.
How Long Does a French Bulldog First Heat Last?
Your Frenchie’s first heat will last between 2 to 4 weeks long. During this period, they will seek out a partner to mate with. But remember that they shouldn’t get pregnant this early.
How Often Do Female French Bulldogs Go Into Heat?
Once your Frenchie has undergone her first heat cycle, this will recur twice a year, about every 6 months. While they can get pregnant periodically, experts will discourage you from doing this. Professionals will tell you to only breed them once a year, but even this may be too much for your Frenchie.
Giving birth yearly does not give them time for a full recovery. Coming into heat also does not mean that they can handle another pregnancy right away. With this, you should only breed your Frenchie once every 18 to 24 months.
How Can I Tell if My French Bulldog Is in Heat?
The main symptom to watch out for is bleeding and a swollen vulva. But Frenchies who are in heat will show other symptoms including the following:
- Swollen Nipples and Breasts
- Raising Their Rumps
- Licking Their Genitals
- Tail Flagging
- Increased Urination
- Behavioral Changes
- Attracting Male Dogs
These symptoms will show up in different stages of the heat cycle. To help you know what to expect, here are the four stages of the heat cycle.
Stage 1: Proestrus
During this stage, your Frenchie will have behavioral changes. They will either become more cuddly or grumpy. Other than that, their appetite will either increase or decrease.
They will also start to mask their smells to prevent male dogs from smelling them. Tail tucking, lowering their bodies, and sitting are all to hide their scent.
This is also the time when their vulva begins to swell with some bright red discharge. Proestrus lasts about 4 to 20 days, so you might want to give your Frenchie a dog diaper to help them.
Stage 2: Estrus
At this stage, your Frenchies discharge will become thinner. This changes its color from bright red to bright pink. This is when you will know that your Frenchie is in heat.
Because of this, they will start to welcome male dogs. They do this by pushing their behind into a male dog’s face while pushing her tail to one side. Estrus lasts anywhere between 3 to 21 days, with an average of 12 days.
Stage 3: Diestrus Stage
If your Frenchie becomes pregnant after estrus, this diestrus lasts about 63 days. This is why diestrus is also the “pregnancy stage”. If not, this stage can last anywhere between 60 to 90 days.
At this stage, their interest in getting the attention of male dogs will drop. Also, all other symptoms will be gone. But they may start to show pregnancy symptoms, even if they are not pregnant.
These symptoms are the following:
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Aggressive Behaviors
- Reduced Appetite
- Nesting (digging their beds)
- Nursing (clinginess to their favorite toy)
Stage 4: Anestrus Stage
The last stage is a period of inactivity, so they will not show any symptoms or behavioral changes. The Anestrus stage lasts for about 2 to 4 months. After this, the proestrus stage starts again.
At What Age Do French Bulldogs Stop Going Into Heat?
Dogs do not undergo menopause, so they will continue to go into heat even if they get old. Even if they go into heat, older Frenchies will not be as fertile as they were. They will go through the heat cycle symptoms twice a year unless you spay them.
Spaying your female Frenchie does more than prevent heat cycles. It makes them more mellow and reduces unwanted behaviors. And it also helps to prevent the development of pyometra.
Pyometra is an infection in your Frenchie’s uterus. It is the result of the hormonal changes when they are in heat. This infection is life-threatening and the best way to avoid this is to get your Frenchie spayed.
How Long Does a French Bulldog Bleed in Heat?
They do not bleed during the whole heat cycle, Frenchies usually bleed for about 7 to 10 days while in heat. The flow of their bleeding will vary. But in general, smaller dogs tend to bleed less than larger ones.
When Is the Best Time to Breed a French Bulldog?
Male and female Frenchies vary in their ideal breeding times. For male Frenchies, the best time would be when they have reached their sexual maturity. This is when they are about 12 to 15 months old.
You need to wait for more with female Frenchies because age is not the only factor in this. While they reach sexual maturity young, the best time to breed them is when they are 2 years of age. Before they reach 2 years old, they will still get bigger slowly and fill out more.
And while waiting for this, you should prepare them for breeding. They should be in top condition to undergo artificial insemination. Subjecting a young Frenchie to this stressful process is usually frowned upon.
Other than that, you need to make sure that they have already gone through at least one heat cycle. So you should breed them at least on their second heat. The issue here still ties with age, Frenchies will go through their first heat at about 6 to 12 months old.
While they can get pregnant at this stage, they are still too young for that. This is not only a concern about her physical health. Being too young, there is a risk that your Frenchie does not have her motherly instincts yet.
So they tend to reject their puppies if you let her get pregnant during her first heat. This is not something that you would want since breeding Frenchies are very costly.
How Do I Get My French Bulldog to Mate?
You should not let your Frenchies mate naturally even if they are fertile. It is too risky to breed them the usual way. Instead, they should undergo artificial insemination to diminish the risks.
To help you realize the dangers of natural mating in Frenchies, here are the risks involved.
It’s Hard for Male Frenchies to Mount
Frenchies have short bow legs that are not ideal for mounting. It will be hard for males to reach the female Frenchie. And if he can, it will be hard for him to sustain this position.
Dogs have to “tie” when mating for a given period for successful insemination. Because of this, breeding the usual way is a big obstacle for French Bulldogs. If your male Frenchie overworks themselves, that is an issue connected to the next point.
Frenchies Have Breathing Problems
Mating is physically stressful for males, from mounting to holding their position. For them to cope, they need to breathe. But since they have breathing issues, they cannot do this very well.
With overexertion, Frenchies can overheat and even collapse due to exhaustion. Female Frenchies can overheat from mating too either from agitation or excitement.
Traveling Is Dangerous
There are a lot of instances where dog owners find their furry companion the perfect mate. But the issue is that their mate is in a different city or state. So either one of them would need to travel, which is a big problem.
Air travel is not an option for brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies. This poses a serious threat to their respiratory issues. This is why most airlines do not allow Frenchies on their plane.
And if you travel by car, it can still be stressful for them. Especially when it is a hot or cold day, your Frenchie will have body temperature issues.
Even if you find your Frenchie a mate nearby, the risks of natural mating are still very high for them.
All these are avoidable with artificial insemination. Your Frenchie does not need to travel or overexert themselves to exhaustion. It is expensive, but this is better than risking their lives.
How Long Does It Take for a French Bulldog to Get Pregnant?
From the day of the breeding, it can take about 48 to 72 hours for your Frenchie to get pregnant. After 2 or 3 weeks, you should take your Frenchie to the vet to confirm if they are pregnant. This will also help you in tracking their gestation period accurately.
When Do French Bulldogs Start Showing in Pregnancy?
At 6 weeks of the pregnancy, your Frenchie’s baby bump will start to show. Also at this stage, their teats will be bigger and their nipples darker. Inside the belly, her puppies will have distinct bone structures. At this stage, you should already be preparing her birth area.
How Long Is a French Bulldog Pregnant for?
A Frenchie’s pregnancy usually lasts at around 58 to 68 days, which is about 2 months. For the duration of your Frenchie’s pregnancy, you will need to keep an eye on her. To ensure that you know what to expect, below are the stages of a Frenchie’s pregnancy.
First Week (Day 0 to 7)
After mating it will take about 48 to 72 hours for successful fertilization. Your Frenchie may show signs of morning sickness and a slight pink discharge. This is normal, and you should carry on with her usual diet.
Second Week (Day 7 to 14)
At this stage of the pregnancy, the cells begin to grow and reach the uterine horns. Like the first week, there is no need to change their routine or diet.
Third Week (Day 14 to 21)
The embryos embed themselves in the uterine lining usually on day 16. During this week, the fetuses are starting to develop and are now about 0.39 inches (10 mm). Your Frenchie may have an increased appetite at this stage too.
Fourth Week (Day 21 to 28)
The fetuses now have a distinct shape, with their spines and facial features now forming. At this stage, they are still quite small at 0.59 inches (15 mm). Your Frenchie may have swollen nipples and a clear discharge during this week.
This week is one of the most critical stages of your Frenchie’s pregnancy. You should limit their physical activity to prevent risks to the fetuses’ development.
Also, this is a good time to go to the vet for an ultrasound. Usually, you can hear the developing puppies’ heartbeats at this point. This is also a great time to ask your vet about the mother’s nutrition and diet.
Fifth Week (Day 28 to 35)
During this week, big developments will happen. The fetuses will have eyelids, toes, claws, skeletons, coats, and whiskers. Your pregnant Frenchie will also start to gain weight and eat more food.
Because of these big changes, your vet can tell you how many puppies you have in the litter by performing a scan.
Sixth Week (Day 35 to 42)
This is when your Frenchie starts showing during her pregnancy. To keep up with her growing puppies, she will ask for more food. So keep feeding her food that will supplement her and her puppies.
Other than gaining weight, your Frenchie’s nipples will also become darker. The puppies will now have their distinct markings at this point.
Being 3 weeks away from giving birth, you should start to make preparations at this stage. Your Frenchie may want to start nesting. So provide her a cozy and quiet place where she can relax.
Seventh Week (Day 42 to 49)
At this week, your Frenchie’s insatiable appetite will drop at about the 45th day. Also around this time, their belly becomes firm and larger.
Other than these, you may notice that she will start to pee more along with a significant hair loss. All these are normal and nothing to worry about.
From this point on, you can switch your Frenchie back to her regular diet. But you need to feed her more of it. Of course, you should talk to your vet before making any changes in her food intake.
Eighth Week (Day 49 to 57)
This is an exciting week because you can see the puppies move inside your Frenchie’s stomach. Frenchies usually gain about 20 to 50 percent of weight during the second trimester.
Being so close to giving birth, your Frenchie’s nesting instincts will increase a lot. You should brace yourself during this week, as some Frenchies give birth this early.
To help prevent an early birth, avoid any heavy physical activities for them. Make sure that she feels calm and at ease too.
Ninth Week (Day 57 to 65)
At the last week of pregnancy, the puppies have almost completely developed. They will start positioning themselves in the birth canal to prepare for birth. This will happen during the last days of their pregnancy.
Your Frenchie will start to show behavioral changes to prepare for birthing. This includes a decreased appetite. You must keep an eye on her during this week.
So here is a list of symptoms that you should watch out for:
- A Sudden Slim Waist During Whelping
- Restlessness (panting or pacing)
- Decreased Appetite
- A Drop in Body Temperature (usually 12 to 24 hours before labor)
How Long Does It Take for a French Bulldog to Give Birth?
Labor for Frenchies lasts around 4 to 24 hours, but there can be drastic variations from one dog to another. You will know that your Frenchie is in labor when she starts to pant, pace around, dig her bed (nesting), and even vomit. These are signs that puppies are coming out within 12 to 24 hours.
A common way to tell that she is through with labor is when she is not straining anymore. The puppies come out covered in fluid, with your Frenchie breaking it by licking. This licking also stimulates the puppies to move.
But if your Frenchie is too exhausted, which is likely, they may not be able to do this. You can help break the sac using a towel and wipe their noses gently.
If you think that she still has puppies inside and she is not straining, this can be a problem. This could mean that her puppy is stuck in the birth canal and she would need her vet’s help.
Many other things can go wrong during a dog’s labor, especially for Frenchies. This is why experts strongly recommend going through a c-section instead of natural birth.
But if you have settled with natural birth, here are signs that you should call your vet immediately:
- Straining Too Much
- Straining Too Long
- A Green Discharge
- Fetal Fluid Is Coming Out Without a Puppy
So if you have decided to go the natural route, always have a vet on standby in case something bad happens.
How Many Litters Can a French Bulldog Have?
Frenchies can safely have up to 4 litters during their lifespan. The most respected breeders will limit her litters to only 3, ensuring her health and safety. While 4 may seem a small number, there is a good reason for this.
Breeding your Frenchie between 2 and 8 years old is the safest, with lower risks for them. Although they experience their first heat cycle at around 6 to 9 months old it is risky for them to breed this young. And once they are 8 years of age, they should retire from breeding already.
They can still go into heat when they are 8 years old and above. But at this advanced age, likely, their pregnancies will not be successful. Also, they might have developed health issues already by this time.
Taking these risks into account, Frenchies have 6 years to breed within the safe age limits. You can push for her to have 4 litters, but anything more than that is cruel. Or you can play safe by limiting her to having only 3 litters.
How Often Should You Breed a French Bulldog?
In general, it is safe for you to breed your Frenchie every 18 months. But even this can be too much for them. So always seek your vet’s advice whenever you plan to breed your furry companion.
While they go into heat twice a year, it is irresponsible to get them pregnant that much. Some reputable breeders enforce a strict rule of 1 litter every two years for their Frenchie.
Having this stern rule in place ensures the health of their female Frenchies. Pregnancies spaced far apart will give Frenchies enough time to recover; cesareans are very stressful and need a lot of healing time.
How Many Puppies Does a French Bulldog Usually Have?
Frenchies produce only a small amount of puppies, with an average of 3 puppies per litter. Some litters are smaller, with 2 puppies. While some can have 4 or 5 puppies but anything more than that is very rare.
They can only produce so much because they are a small breed with narrow hips. There is no room for them to carry more puppies, unlike larger breeds which can carry 12 puppies at a time.
How Many Puppies Do French Bulldogs Have in Their First Litter?
Even in their first litter, Frenchies can have about 2 to 4 puppies. This can vary, and Frenchies can have more or less than this. But 5 or more puppies in a litter is rare and can be too much for them.
Is It Normal for a French Bulldog to Have One Puppy?
Having only one puppy in a litter is rare for dogs of any breed. There is no exact reason for this, but several factors can influence a single puppy litter.
A majority of Frenchies undergo artificial insemination to breed. This can cause smaller litters compared to natural impregnation. Sperm can die during the process of collection and insemination, so it can be that one sperm survives.
Another factor is the average litter size of the breed. Breeds who do not have large litters are more likely to produce only one puppy in a litter.
And the final reason is about the mother’s age. The peak breeding years for Frenchies are between 2 and 8 years old. Getting pregnant outside this range decreases the litter size that they can produce.
When Can French Bulldog Puppies Leave Their Mother?
Frenchie puppies can leave their mothers at around 8 to 9 weeks old. Some countries are strict with this, making it illegal to buy puppies younger than this. This is to ensure the puppies’ physical health and development at a young age.
Since Frenchies are a companion breed, they are clingy towards their protectors. Even more when it comes to a puppy and their mother and littermates. Taking them away this early is bad for their health, and may even cause behavioral problems down the road.
Also, you need to give them time to wean. This process is necessary to prepare them when they need to leave their mothers.
How Much Does It Cost to Breed French Bulldogs?
Breeding Frenchies is a daunting and expensive experience, costing about $10,800. A bulk of this cost goes into feeding two adult Frenchies. Artificial insemination, c-section, and health tests come next at $1000 each.
But the prices may vary depending on where you live, your vet, and other factors. These are only estimated to give you a better picture of the expenses.
What Is the Breed Standard for a French Bulldog?
The key characteristics of Frenchies are their bat ears, square heads, and arched back. As part of the Bulldog family, they look muscular and heavy-boned but in a compact body.
To get a better view of the breed standard, below are the ideal characteristics of each of their features.
Weight
The ideal weight for males is 12.5 kgs (28 lbs), for females, it is 11 kgs (24 lbs). Exceeding this can get your Frenchie disqualified from registering.
Head and Skull
Large and square, proportionate to their size. The skull should be almost flat between their ears with a rounded forehead.
Muzzle
Should be well defined that is clear from the side. The muzzle should be broad and deep, with well-developed cheek muscles.
The stop should also be well-defined, with a hollow groove between the eyes.
Their nose should be black as this color is desirable. Other colors are a disqualification. An exception to this is for cream or fawn Frenchies with no black masks, but this is not preferred.
Eyes
The eyes are dark, nearing black. Both eyes should match in color and are wide apart, round, and moderate in size. They should sit low in the skull and are far from the ears.
Darker eyes are best, as lighter eyes are not desirable. Any hints of blue or green in the eyes are a disqualification.
The whites of the eyes should not show when looking straight ahead.
Ears
Their bat ears should be medium-sized, with a wide base and rounded top. They should be set high and erect, with the ear opening facing front.
Mouth
This should be broad, deep, and square with a slight undershot. Their teeth should be regular and not visible when their mouth is closed. Their tongue must also not protrude and any other bites are serious faults.
Neck
Thick, moderate in length, well-arched. Their necks should have loose skin by the throat.
Back
A Frenchie’s back should be higher than their shoulders. It should have an arch, falling behind the shoulders and rising to the loin. From the top, their backs should be broader at the shoulders, narrower in the rear.
Chest
Broad, full, and deep with well-sprung ribs, with tucked bellies.
Tail
The tail should be thick at the root and tapers towards the tip. It should be straight and long enough to cover their anus. Frenchies should have short tails that carry low.
Feet
Their feet should be small and compact with high knuckles. Their hind feet should be longer than their forelegs. The nails should be short, thick, and black.
Hindquarters
Strong, muscular, and longer than forelegs so that the loin is higher than the shoulders.
Forequarters
Short, straight, muscular, and wide apart.
Gait
They should have a four-tracking foot pattern. The front track should be wider than the rear track. They should have a flowing and unrestrained movement.
Temperament
Intelligent, highly affectionate, and adaptable. Frenchies should be alert and playful, but not boisterous.
Coat
Frenchies should have short and fine coats that are smooth and brilliant. Their skin should be loose at the head and shoulders to create wrinkles.
Color
The acceptable colors are brindle, pied, cream, white, and fawn. Desirable traits may vary, but certain coats are a disqualification. This includes the following:
- Solid Black
- Mouse
- Grey or Blue
- Blue Fawn
- Black and White
- Black and Tan
- Liver or Chocolate
Should French Bulldogs Be Spayed?
Spaying your Frenchie is important since dogs do not have menopause. To spay them is to prevent unwanted litter, roaming, aggression, and more. To help you decide, below are the pros and cons of spaying your Frenchie.
Pros
Prevents Unwanted Pregnancies
Although they may need your help to breed successfully, this is not impossible. Male dogs can still sniff your female Frenchie who is in heat, even if you try your best to protect them.
And as you know, giving birth is difficult for Frenchies. More often than not, they will need a c-section which is very expensive. If you go for a natural birth, you could risk her and her puppies’ lives.
Lessens Heat Periods
Your Frenchie being in heat can be inconvenient. The swelling, bleeding, behavioral change, and the male dogs trying to court her.
Discourages Roaming for Mates
Female Frenchies who are in heat can also roam around your neighborhood to search for a mate. This is dangerous as they can get lost or hurt themselves outside. Spaying reduces their urge to do this.
Decreases Urine Marking
As they age, female Frenchies can get more and more territorial. To mark their territories, they sometimes use their urine. While spaying cannot get rid of this, it can reduce this.
Improves Their Health
Research suggests that spaying reduces many health issues. This includes cancers, uterine infections, and breast tumors. Unspayed Frenchies are also at risk for developing pyometra, an often fatal infection.
Helps Them Live Longer
Because you avoid a lot of serious health issues, spaying can extend your Frenchie’s life. On average, spayed Frenchies get to live 18 months longer than unspayed ones.
Cons
While spaying is a great idea, it also comes with certain risks. To help you make a better decision, it is important to know what these are too.
- Complications From Anaesthesia
- Post-Surgical Infections
- Urinary Incontinence
- Joint Problems
- Weight Issues
- Risk of Developing Hypothyroidism
- Risk of Developing Pancreatitis
- Higher Risk of Developing Hip Dysplasia
Keep in mind, all these are possibilities. Getting your Frenchie spayed does not mean that they will have these issues as a result.
At What Age Should a Female French Bulldog Be Spayed?
Many experts will tell you to spay your Frenchie at 6 months of age. There are varying recommendations out there, so it is best to talk to your vet about this instead. To keep you well-informed, their age plays a big part in this.
Spaying your Frenchie too young puts them at risk for many health issues. This includes hip dysplasia, urinary incontinence, and more. This is why they should undergo at least one heat cycle first before spaying.
But spaying them too old is generally not recommended too. This is because they will struggle to recover from the surgery when they are older. This is why it is better to spay them before their second heat cycle.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a French Bulldog Spayed?
The cost of spaying your Frenchie depends on where you live. But in general, spaying costs about $135 to $300.
Should French Bulldogs Be Neutered?
The benefits of neutering Frenchies can outweigh the risks to many dog owners. And since your Frenchie cannot decide for himself, you need to make the better decision for him. To help you with this, below is a list of pros and cons for neutering them.
Pros
Improved Behavior
Male Frenchies tend to escape home to search for a mating partner when they smell one. If they do not escape, they may show sexual behaviors like humping you or objects at home. Neutering them can reduce these unwanted behaviors.
Many Frenchie owners say that their furry companion is less aggressive after neutering. Although there is no research to back this, this may be true for your Frenchie.
Prevents Unwanted Pregnancies
It is hard for Frenchies to mate naturally, but this can still happen. While the chances of them getting another dog pregnant is slim, it is better to be safe.
Improved Health
Neutering can help to prevent health issues related to their reproductive organs. This includes prostate problems and testicular cancer.
Helps Them Live Longer
Neutering can help your Frenchie live a longer life by preventing health issues. And on average, neutered Frenchies can extend their life compared to those who are not.
Cons
It is unfair to only present the benefits of neutering your Frenchie. With this, here are the risks that you should be aware of.
- Complications From Anaesthesia
- No Impact on Their Behavior
- Expensive
- May Affect Bone Development
When Should a Male French Bulldog Be Neutered?
You can get your Frenchie neutered around the age of 4 to 9 months old. Opinions vary from one vet to another, but this timeframe is what is most suggested.
Some vets have concerns about sexual maturity. They will recommend neutering your Frenchie before they reach this point. This is to maximize the health and behavioral benefits of neutering.
Other vets are more concerned about their musculoskeletal development. So they will recommend neutering your Frenchie older, at around 8 months old.
Whatever the case may be, it will all depend on your Frenchie’s health. Their genetics, environment, and nutrition are all factors. So always seek your vet’s advice.
How Much Does It Cost to Neuter a French Bulldog?
Neutering costs depend on where you live, but on average, it costs about $125 to $175. Some clinics will charge you up to $300 for neutering.