French Bulldogs have a rich history. They were companion dogs in the 1800s and this still rings true today. So you can say that being a man’s best friend comes naturally to them.
Sweet, loyal, and playful are some of the characteristics that make them delightful. They have many qualities that appeal to many. And because they are so adaptable, they can fit into most people’s lifestyles.
But there are also some caveats that you should know about Frenchies. Like getting too clingy, demanding attention, health issues, and more.
They need an owner who makes time for them and is willing to put up with their needs. If you are this person, Frenchies are terrific furry companions.
How Popular Are French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs have been rising in popularity for over a decade. They ranked the 18th of AKC’s most popular dog breeds in 2011, shooting up to 2nd place in 2020 and 2021. So for two years, they were only behind the Labrador Retriever, the most popular breed for over 30 years.
To add to this, Frenchies have also been one of the most popular dog breeds on Instagram. The number of Frenchie-related posts and hashtags are the main contributors to this.
With their popularity and extremely high price tag, owning a Frenchie can be a status symbol. Many celebrities and high-profile individuals own Frenchies. This backs up the breed’s status as the “it” dog.
But the wide recognition of Frenchies comes with a cost. Breeding a Frenchie is difficult and expensive and breeders may find it hard to keep up with the demand. There is often a long waiting list to get a Frenchie, so some will inevitably take shortcuts.
With this, many produce Frenchies that are unhealthy. And this breed is not the healthiest dog, to begin with. So if you plan to get a Frenchie, it is best to go with a reputable breeder, even if you may wait longer.
Why Are French Bulldogs Popular?
Many people fall in love with this breed mainly due to their personality and temperament. But there is so much more to love about Frenchies. So, below is a list of reasons why Frenchies have been so popular over the years.
Frenchies Are Adaptable
Whether you live alone in a small apartment or with a family in the suburbs, they can adjust well. This trait appeals to many people from various backgrounds already. With this, it is no wonder many consider getting a Frenchie.
Frenchies Are Sociable
They are people dogs who also enjoy the company of other animals. Frenchies are friendly and outgoing in nature, as long as you socialize them from a young age.
It helps that they are compact in size. You can carry them anywhere and they will be happy to meet other people and dogs with you.
Frenchies Are a Small Dog
Being the compact version of Bulldogs makes them an attractive dog breed for many. Being compact in size, Frenchies do not need a large space to thrive. If you have a smaller yard, they will be happy to play in it!
Frenchies Are Quiet
Smaller dogs can be noisier than larger ones, but not with this breed. Frenchies are on the list of the quietest dog breeds, which is one of the reasons why they are great apartment dogs.
Frenchies Are Low Energy
Frenchies do not need a lot of exercise compared to other dogs. Walking them only takes 15 to 20 minutes twice a day to keep them happy.
Many people consider Frenchies as lazy dogs because they sleep so much. But that is because their energy meter runs out fast. So the more they play, the more they sleep.
But do not get fooled, Frenchies can get hyper when awake. Like other dogs, they love to run around and play to their heart’s content. Sometimes, they do not even know when to stop.
This energy goes away pretty fast though, so they sleep a lot during the day to replenish it. Many people consider Frenchies as lazy dogs because they sleep so much. But that is because their energy meter runs out fast.
When Did French Bulldogs Become Popular?
The Frenchie’s popularity came in two waves. The first one was around the 1860s when they became well-loved in France. While the second one started in the 1990s and then rapidly topped the charts around the 2010s.
If you want to know the interesting history of French Bulldogs, here is a quick summary.
Back in 1835, bullbaiting became outlawed as it was a brutal practice. So, English breeders mixed Bulldogs with Terriers to make a small version of the former. The goal was to create a companion dog resembling Bulldogs.
Then, the Industrial Revolution happened. So, by the 1860s, lace workers in Nottingham had to move to France in search of work. They brought their small Bulldogs with them, which the French grew fond of. This created a demand for Frenchies.
English breeders were happy to ship Bulldogs that had “defects”. Those who were smaller and had erect ears made their way to France.
Soon, they became popular as a fashion symbol of the elites of France. The English rejected these dogs, while the French embraced them. This is why we now call them French Bulldogs.
Their popularity began to decline after World War I, continuing to do so for the next few decades. Breeding them was difficult as cesareans were not common yet. Also, air conditioning was not widespread yet as well.
These discouraged many to get Frenchies as their companions. But in the 1990s, there was a rise in Frenchie registrations in America. This would begin to soar in the coming years.
In 2011, Frenchies ranked 18th on the AKC’s most popular dog breeds. And in both 2020 and 2021, they are now the second most popular dog breed according to the AKC.
What Country Has the Most French Bulldogs?
It is hard to say which country has the most Frenchies. But there are three countries with the most number of Frenchies today. These countries are the USA, UK, and Australia.
Their popularity in the USA may be due to their adaptability to apartment living. Of course, other factors contribute to this. But more and more people there have been buying Frenchies in the last few years.
In the UK, there has been a rise in registering Frenchies since 2004. In 2021, Frenchies are their fourth most popular dog breed, which is an impressive rise.
The same thing is happening in Australia, where Frenchies are in the top 10 most popular dog breeds. It seems that the French Bulldog’s charm has made a worldwide hit!
How Rare Are French Bulldogs?
Frenchies were rare in the 1940s, where only a few breeders kept the breed alive. But this is not the case anymore as there is a steady demand for Frenchies today. People from all around the world enjoy their company, so it is not hard to see one everywhere.
Is a French Bulldog Good for Beginners?
If you are a first-time dog owner, then Frenchies are a great breed to start with. This is because they are adaptable, easy to groom, and trainable. But Frenchies can be quite stubborn, so there are pros and cons to them, like any other dog.
So, if you are planning to get a Frenchie, you must make an informed decision first. Below is a list of what makes them good and what makes them challenging to own.
The Pros of Getting a Frenchie
They Have Wonderful Personalities
Frenchies are a ray of sunshine, lighting up any room they enter. They are affectionate, sociable, even-tempered, and many other things.
And as companion dogs, they are loyal and protective of you. They will defend you with their life, not minding their small size.
They Are Easy to Groom
Like other short-coated breeds, Frenchies only need minimal baths and regular brushing. Other than that, you should also clean their ears and teeth, and cut their nails.
The more tedious task is to clean their wrinkles, as these trap dirt and moisture that can lead to an infection. Pay close attention to their facial folds and tail pockets, as these are their problem areas.
They Are Flexible Dogs
Wherever you live, Frenchies can adjust to their new homes well. They do well with families, children, and older people too. But of course, you need to make sure that you provide for their basic needs.
Exercise, nutritious food, water, and your attention are some of these. It will also help if you socialize with your Frenchie at a young age. This will make it easier for them to engage in new experiences as they grow older.
They Are Not Barkers
A happy and healthy Frenchie only barks when they need to. The common reasons why they bark are when they want to alert you or when they get excited. With this, a Frenchie who barks more than usual is alarming.
Excessive barking in Frenchies can mean that they are in pain, stressed, or they may have a health issue. So if there is anything out of the ordinary, you should see a vet.
They Are Nonaggressive
Although their ancestors were bred for aggression, this is not the Frenchie we know today. Frenchies are social butterflies who love to make new friends whenever they can.
But of course, they can get aggressive in certain situations. Frenchies can get overattached to their owners. So anyone or any other dog who goes near their human can trigger their aggression.
They Don’t Need Many Exercises
Every dog needs their daily exercise, but Frenchies need less of it. Frenchies only need a couple of short walks each day to keep them happy. So if you are a busy bee, Frenchies may fit your lifestyle.
They Make Good Friends With Other Pets
When you are not at home, Frenchies can cope better when they have a furry companion with them. Even if that friend is a cat, Frenchies will welcome them with open arms!
The key here is to socialize your Frenchie early. Without this, they may show aggression towards your other pet.
The Cons of Getting a Frenchie
They Are Stubborn
Sometimes, it seems like Frenchies have selective hearing. But this does not mean they are dumb, they are quite intelligent dogs. They can be stubborn at times, not wanting to do anything that does not interest them.
This can make it challenging to train them, which needs a lot of your patience. But they will learn in time as long as you stay firm, consistent, and set rules.
It will also help if you know what motivates them, usually, Frenchies cannot resist a good treat. So use this to your advantage when training them!
They Are Droolers
It is no secret that Frenchies drool a lot. So you will be cleaning up after your Frenchie quite a bit. If this bothers you, this can be a dealbreaker.
They Shed Substantially
Frenchies are not the biggest shedders out there. But come winter or summer season, they shed their undercoat a lot. So you may need to brush their coat more during these seasons to reduce this issue.
They Are Tricky to Potty Train
Potty training your Frenchie can take several months, with some saying this takes up to 8 months. Expect some accidents with your Frenchie pup, too. They do not have full control of their bladder until about 4 to 6 months of age.
They Are Not a Healthy Breed
Frenchies are prone to a lot of health issues due to their genetics. They have breathing problems, which means they are susceptible to overheating and hypothermia. Other than that, they are also predisposed to these health issues:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Ear Infections
There are many other health problems that Frenchies may develop, these are only some of them. So if you want to get a Frenchie, you also need to be financially committed to them.
They Are Susceptible to Separation Anxiety
Frenchies are companion breeds, so they can get too attached to you. So when you are not around, this can stress them out a lot. This can lead to separation anxiety, which causes a lot of unwanted behaviors.
Do French Bulldogs Make Good Family Pets?
For many reasons, Frenchies are wonderful family pets to have. They are not aggressive in nature and are very affectionate towards their family.
If you have kids, Frenchies will enjoy playing with them. This breed is gentle and acts appropriately when interacting with children.
Other than that, being in a family may be better for Frenchies. They do not like spending much of their time alone. So having someone in the house most of the time will keep them happy, avoiding stress and anxiety.
It also helps if you already have other family pets. Frenchies are happy to befriend them and they can keep each other entertained.
There is a big “but,” though. This may only work if you train and socialize your Frenchie. Otherwise, they may not know how to interact with other family members and pets. This can lead to aggression, jealousy, and other unwanted behaviors.
Your Frenchie is still a product of their environment. So you cannot expect them to be well-trained off the bat. You need to put in the work, too.
Do French Bulldogs Do Well With Kids?
Since they have an even temperament, Frenchies make a great companion for your kids. According to the tests by the ATTS, Frenchies have one of the most steady dog temperaments. Along with their playfulness and patience, this breed does very well with kids.
This is a big advantage as kids tend to roughhouse dogs. Being pulled and poked can make other breeds quick to aggression. Frenchies may not mind this, so you can trust them a bit more when interacting with kids.
It also helps that Frenchies are on the smaller size. As kids playing with larger dogs can be uncomfortable for some. Still, you should not let your Frenchie play with children unsupervised.
Are French Bulldogs Good With Babies?
With their docile and cuddly nature, Frenchie can be good with babies. But, this depends on your Frenchie too. If they are not used to babies or children in general, you need to be extra careful with them.
Keep in mind that you should never let your Frenchie stay with a baby unsupervised. This goes for other dog breeds as well. You may never know how they behave around a fragile baby.
Are French Bulldogs Good With Toddlers?
Frenchies are patient and put up with a lot of things toddlers do, making them great friends. Having a Frenchie is like taking care of a kid too, so they will find a playmate in toddlers.
But because of this, you have to watch over them when they play with toddlers. Frenchies get excited when they see kids playing, sometimes too excited.
They may not know when to restrain themselves, so they can run over a toddler when they want to play. Your Frenchie can easily knock them over, which is not something you would want.
Are French Bulldogs Good for Old People?
Frenchies can fit the slower lifestyle of older people well. The main reason is that Frenchies do not need a lot of exercise, several short walks a day will do. This is a great way for seniors to get moderate exercise as well.
Other than that, Frenchies adapt well to living in smaller spaces since they are also small dogs. If you want to, you can take them to a nearby park where they can run around without a care. This is a great way for you and your Frenchie to socialize with other people and dogs too.
Another advantage is that Frenchies do not need extensive grooming. You only need to brush their coats regularly, clean their ears and teeth, and trim their nails.
The more extensive part of grooming Frenchies has to do with their skin folds. These trap dirt, bacteria, and moisture that can lead to infections when left alone. But cleaning them is as simple as wiping the wrinkles with a damp cloth, so this is still quite easy.
Like other dogs, Frenchies need some training for them to be well-behaved. This can be tricky since they are quite stubborn. But they will respond well if you find the right motivation for them, usually, treats work wonders.
Frenchies also have a personality that works well with older people. This breed can be quite clingy and they hate it when they are all alone at home. So they are happiest when there is someone with them all the time.
Are French Bulldogs Good for People With Anxiety?
Frenchies have a natural ability when it comes to comforting their humans emotionally. They have no problem giving unconditional love and are quick to cuddle you when you need it. Along with their sunny disposition and clownish antics, Frenchies are a joy to be with.
As companion dogs, Frenchies have qualities like emotional support or therapy dogs. This is why Frenchies can work in hospitals, care homes, and other places as therapy dogs.
If you have anxiety, Frenchies can help in the following:
- Lowering Your Resting Heart Rate
- Lowering Your Blood Pressure
- Reducing Stress
- Lessens the Feeling of Loneliness
Are French Bulldogs Lap Dogs?
The characteristics of Frenchies make them suitable as lap dogs. They are cuddly, gentle, and low energy. Plus, they love to be close to you, even if that means sleeping on your lap while you work.
But there are certain issues in getting a Frenchie as a lap dog too. There are always pros and cons to consider. For you to make an informed decision, here is a list of those:
Why Frenchies Are Great Lap Dogs
They Are Very Affectionate
Frenchies are happiest when they are by your side. Sometimes, they will disregard your personal space just to be as close to you as possible.
They have a lot of unconditional love packed in their small bodies. So they are happy to show it to you by cuddling.
They Are Protective of You
Despite being small, Frenchies will not hesitate to protect you when needed. By staying on your lap, they can watch out for any threats, keeping you out of harm.
They Are Even-Tempered
Frenchies are nonaggressive and calm, which is always something to look for in a lap dog. So when you need to switch positions or grab a glass of water, they will not get mad at you.
They Love Sleeping
With their low energy, Frenchies love to nap throughout the day. It is easy for them to get tired after a short walk. And after wearing them down, they will fall asleep, preferably near you or on you.
Why Frenchies Are Not Great Lap Dogs
They Should Not Jump
To get on your lap, most dogs have to jump. But Frenchies have a genetic predisposition to back problems. Jumping can either cause this or make their condition worse.
You can avoid this though by letting them on your lap in a different way. Train them to tell you when they want to get on your lap or use a dog ramp.
They Are Huge Farters
Frenchies are notorious for passing gas way too often than anyone would like. And their farts can get quite smelly too, which can put you off when they are sleeping on your lap.
They Can Get Heavy
Although not they are not the heaviest, Frenchies can weigh up to 28 lbs (12.7 kg). While some can tolerate this, others may find this too much. This all depends on you, but a lap dog’s weight is something you should consider.
Are French Bulldogs Friendly With People?
Frenchies are very friendly and love to be friends with everyone. They thrive in environments where they get lots of human attention. This is where their positive disposition shines through.
Some Frenchie owners even find them too friendly. They think that if an intruder comes into their home, Frenchies will bark and demand pets after.
Of course, their friendliness also depends on how well you socialize them. Without this, Frenchies can fear strangers, making them act aggressive. This is because they do not know how to interact with people other than their owners.
But if you socialize your Frenchie, they become huge social butterflies. This is perfect for their personality as a playful and clownish breed.
Do French Bulldogs Get Attached to One Person?
As a loyal breed, Frenchies can be very devoted to one person, their owners. They create a special bond with the person who takes care of them, getting attached. Frenchies choose their person when they are puppies and they will stick to this person for life.
But they can get too attached to a fault pretty quickly. If your Frenchie depends on you too much, they can develop separation anxiety. This can cause destructive, self-hurting, and unwanted behaviors.
Why Do Some French Bulldogs Attach to One Person?
Spending a lot of time taking care of your Frenchie can leave an impression on them. Frenchies are social dogs, so they will gravitate toward the person that takes care of them the most. They see this person as a source of their needs, comfort, and security.
How Do I Create a Bond With My French Bulldog
Your Frenchie gets to decide who their favorite person is. But that does not mean they do not create bonds with other people. They have a lot of love in their small bodies to give to others!
To create a bond with them, make sure you have a lot of positive interactions with them. Below are concrete examples of how you can do this.
Feed Them
Frenchies depend on humans for food. So if you give them their necessities, they will like you more. Feeding them by hand may be better so they associate food with you.
Give Them Love and Affection
If they show you some love, return the favor! Frenchies love attention and they will know who gives them the most cuddle time. They sometimes choose their favorite person based on this, and not on who gives them food.
Spend Time With Them
Bond with your Frenchie over playtime as this will help establish a strong bond. Doing things they love, like playing fetch, will help them see you in a good way.
Even training will get your Frenchie to like you, as long as you make it fun. The more you invest time in them, the more they will like you.
How Much Attention Does a French Bulldog Need?
This clingy breed needs a lot of attention. Adult Frenchies should not be alone for more than 8 hours a day, and for puppies, this is even shorter. Because of this, Frenchies are not for those who work very long hours daily.
Lack of attention can push your Frenchie to do unwanted behaviors. They become attention-seekers, excessive barkers, destructive, and more. This can also make them even more stubborn than they already are.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a French Bulldog Per Year?
The yearly cost of taking care of a Frenchie is around $1,953 to $4,182. This price can vary depending on where you live. Keep in mind that you will spend more at first as you need to buy some doggy essentials.
The price above does not include buying a Frenchie yet, which costs thousands of dollars too. It also does not cover emergency costs, like unexpected injuries.
The expenses this price includes are the following:
- Their Food and Treats
- Toys
- Grooming Essentials
- Leash and Collar or Harness
- Waste Bags
- Bedding, Blanket, and Clothes
- Vet Expenses (including vaccines)
- Pet Insurance
- Preventive Meds
- Dog Sitter and Walker
- Professional Training
- Travel Expense
How Much Is A French Bulldog?
Good-quality Frenchies can cost you a few thousand dollars. This will depend mainly on where you buy them and their color. Buying from a reputable breeder is best to ensure that you get a healthy Frenchie pup.
If you are keen on getting a Frenchie in a particular color, you are in for a treat. Rarer colors cost so much more! Here is a summary of their average prices based on color:
- Brindle, Fawn, and Pied: $1,500 to $3,000
- White, Black, and Black and White: $2,000 to $4,000
- Chocolate, Blue, Blue and Fawn, and Merle: $4,500 to $6,500
- Isabella, Lilac, and Blue Merle: $8,000 to $10,000
Unfortunately, registries do not recognize the rarer colors. AKC only accepts Frenchies in fawn, brindle, and pied. So if this is something you are planning to do, stick with these three colors.
Why Are French Bulldogs Expensive?
A Frenchie’s high price tag is mainly because they are hard and expensive to breed. With their odd proportions, natural birth is often impossible.
Reputable breeders will charge more because they spend more on producing puppies. They make sure to give the mother and her puppies a quality life, from pregnancy to postnatal care.
Other than that, Frenchies have a small litter and the demand cannot keep up with it. Frenchies also have expensive pregnancies, requiring c-sections. Natural birth is hard, as mothers have narrow pelvises and the puppies have large heads.
Other factors also affect a French Bulldog’s costly price tag. Some of them are the following:
- The Puppy’s Color
- The Breeder’s Reputation
- If the Puppy Is a Show Dog
- The Puppy’s Bloodline
Is a Boy or Girl French Bulldog Better?
One Frenchie is not better than the other because of their gender. This all boils down to your preference and what you are looking for. Although males and females are similar, there are key differences that you may want to know.
Below is a list of what makes these differences to help you decide which one you should get.
Personality
Male Frenchies are playful, bold, and assertive. They have alpha-dog tendencies, so they may have a fit over their dominance in the household. With this, they tend to mark their territory, like peeing inside the house.
Female Frenchies are docile, calm, and cuddlier. They prefer to snuggle up to you more than playtime. But females tend to have mood swings and are quick to aggression if you annoy them.
There are pros and cons to both, but they suit different types of owners. If you want an active Frenchie, go with a male. Or if you want a lap dog Frenchie, go with a female.
Physical Traits
Male Frenchies are larger and heavier, with larger heads and a stockier build. They weigh around 20 to 28 lbs (9 to 12.7 kg) and stand 11 to 12 in (279 to 304.8 mm) high.
Female Frenchies are the opposite — smaller, lighter, and slimmer. They weigh about 16 to 24 lbs (7.3 to 10.9 kg) and stand 10 to 11 in (254 to 279 mm) high.
Trainability
Their intelligence does not play a part in this, one is not smarter than the other. Instead, this boils down to their personalities.
Male Frenchies can be more stubborn because they are more dominant. They will battle you over who gets to be the leader in the home. It also does not help that males mature slower than females. Because of these, training male Frenchies can take a lot of patience and time.
Female Frenchies can be easier to train as they mature faster. They are more open to learning new commands, tricks, and lessons.
Health
Their health is also an important aspect to consider. Owning a Frenchie needs a lot of commitment and your wallet needs to get involved too.
Research has shown that male Frenchies are more prone to develop health issues. Out of 26 health problems common in Frenchies, males are prone to 22 of them. Females are prone to only four of these health issues.
Given that Frenchies are expensive to own, this is a heavy decision to make. Medical costs can stack up over time, especially when they get older.
Is a French Bulldog the Right Dog for Me?
Frenchies can light up your life, but it can also be challenging to take care of them. The question is, are you willing to put up with it?
There is no doubt that Frenchies are wonderful companions. They are extra sweet, fiercely loyal, and have bubbly personalities. Also, grooming them is straightforward and it is easy to keep them happy.
Other than that, they are flexible, fitting well in many households. Whether you are single or have a big family. They will also adapt to the city life or the barn life well.
But Frenchies come with a cost, they are an expensive breed to get and own. They are prone to many health issues, some of which can be difficult to avoid. Even extreme temperatures are fatal to these goofy dogs.
And while they are very affectionate, this can be too much. Once they get over-attached to you, it can lead to many problems, like separation anxiety.
Frenchies need an owner who will reciprocate their devotion to them. You need to be firm, consistent, patient, and loving towards them.
Other than that, you need to invest a lot of time and money to keep them healthy and happy too. But if you can give these to them, you will never have a dull moment in your life. They are more than willing to repay you with an endless supply of love.
