French Bulldogs are on the list of the quietest dog breeds out there, only making noise when needed. But their clownish personalities shine through when they talk. They make a wide variety of sounds to match their cheery nature.
But sometimes, their vocalization can be excessive. Since they are a quiet breed, this can be alarming, an underlying issue. They can be in pain, suffer from anxiety, or have an underlying health issue.
So as a responsible Frenchie owner, you have to be the advocate of your loving Frenchie. This is why you need to know what the noises they make mean so you can help them when they need it.
Are French Bulldogs Noisy or Quiet?
Frenchies are a quiet breed, only making noise when needed. This is what makes them great apartment dogs and possibly great watchdogs.
But this is about barking, whining, and some of the usual noises dogs make. With Frenchies, you must know that they make sounds due to breathing problems.
As a brachycephalic breed, your Frenchie can be noisy, but not loud. They may make sounds when they breathe, especially when it is too cold or too hot for them.
Other than that, they are notorious for their snores as well. This can get too noisy for you if you let them sleep beside you.
Frenchies can also reverse sneeze, which may sound silly to you. Reverse sneezing is when they make quick, sudden inhalations through their nose. They will then make some snorting or gagging noises while they stand and extend their necks.
So while Frenchies are not noisy the way dogs usually are, they do make odd sounds here and there. But this all comes from their flat faces and soft palates, which they have no control over.
Why Are French Bulldogs So Noisy?
Frenchies are people dogs, so they love interacting with humans! With this, they can be talkative, which is consistent with their outgoing personalities. There may be a “language barrier” when they talk to us, but that does not stop them.
But the meaning behind their sounds is something you need to decipher, as it can mean anything. They may be trying to tell you that they want to go potty, or play, or that they are not feeling well. As their protector, this is where you should step in and figure out what this is.
And as mentioned above, sometimes, it may not be because they are trying to say something. Frenchies make odd noises due to their breathing difficulties. They can breathe loudly, snore, snort, and gag because of this.
Are French Bulldogs Barkers?
One reason why Frenchies make great apartment dogs is that they do not bark much. They only bark when needed, like alerting you when someone is at your door.
But keep in mind, how you raise your Frenchie plays a big part in their barking habits. This is why when you find that their barking is excessive, you need to stop this behavior right away. Otherwise, this problem will worsen as they age, making them a noisy Frenchie.
Why Does My French Bulldog Bark So Much?
When Frenchies bark, it can mean a lot of things. As mentioned, they only bark with reason. But when this becomes excessive, this can be a sign of deeper issues.
So below is a list of the reasons why your Frenchie barks.
They Are Protecting You
Frenchies will bark when there is a stranger nearby, which is a territorial behavior. For example, someone approached you on your daily walks. Or they may bark when someone is at your front door.
They Are Barking at Other Dogs
This is an issue if your Frenchie is aggressive towards other dogs. Or, it could be because they are not properly socialized.
They Are Seeking Attention
One of the ways your Frenchie communicates with you is through barking. When it comes to attention-seeking barks, it can mean any of the following:
- Your Frenchie Wants to Play With You
- Your Frenchie Wants to Go Outside
- Your Frenchie Wants Food
- Your Frenchie Wants to Cuddle
These are only a few examples of why your Frenchie is trying to grab your attention. Your Frenchie may want to tell you something else that is not on this list.
They Are Scared
Anything can trigger your Frenchie’s fears. The sound of fireworks, the vacuum, or even a loud sound of something dropping on the floor. It can even be an unfamiliar object in your home.
And if you moved to a new home, or there is a new family member in the house, they can bark out of fear. Barking is their natural response to all these.
They Are Lonely
Frenchies are social butterflies who love being with their humans all the time. If your Frenchie is alone for long periods, this can make them anxious. In response, they bark to show their unhappiness, which is a common reason for excessive barking.
They Have Separation Anxiety
If your Frenchie is alone too much, they may develop separation anxiety. Frenchies who suffer from this are in extreme distress when their owners are away. This overattachment will lead to destructive and unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking.
They Lack Stimulation
Boredom can bring out many unwanted behaviors in your Frenchie, including excessive barking. They bark to entertain themselves if they are alone at home with nothing else to do.
They Are in Pain
Sometimes, your Frenchie is trying to tell you that they are not feeling well. They cannot talk to you, so barking is their only way.
At What Age Do French Bulldogs Start Barking?
Frenchies start to vocalize when they are about 2 to 3 weeks old, but they will start to bark at around 16 weeks old.
At first, the sounds they make are soft, which become louder by 6 to 7 weeks of age. Some Frenchies are naturally quiet, while others become more talkative as they age.
Keep in mind that Frenchies are a quiet breed in general. Some who grow up to be noisy are a product of their training.
So if your Frenchie puppy is an excessive barker, you need to train them how to keep quiet right away. There are many methods to do this, but teaching them the “quiet” command is most helpful.
Do French Bulldogs Grow Out of Barking?
Barking is a natural dog behavior, so they do not grow out of it. Frenchies will keep doing this for the rest of their lives. It is their way of interacting with you, other dogs, and their environment.
But like other dogs, you can help your Frenchie to reduce their barking. Now, this will boil down to how you train your furry friend.
So, you can teach your Frenchie commands to stay quiet once they become noisy. Or, you can teach them other ways to communicate with you. If you do not train your Frenchie these, the barking can become worse as they age.
Also, keep in mind that Frenchies can develop unwanted behaviors due to many factors. Lack of attention, separation anxiety, and health issues can make their barking worse. So keep your Frenchie happy and they may not have any issues with being noisy.
How Do I Get My French Bulldog to Stop Barking at Everything?
This normal dog behavior is a problem that many dog owners face. If you are facing this issue too, here are some tips that you can try to reduce your Frenchie’s barking.
Ignore Your Frenchie
If your Frenchie barks for attention, stay calm and ignore them. This will teach them that barking will not get your attention. In time, they will get discouraged and look for a better way for you to notice them.
Remain Calm
Your Frenchie will mirror your behavior or react to whatever you show them. By shouting or scolding them, they may bark more.
They may even see this as a form of aggression, which can result in two things. Either they will counter with aggression too, or they will run off out of fear.
Use the ”Quiet” Command
You can train your Frenchie to stop barking by telling them to “quiet” down. Below is how you can train them for this.
- Step 1: Let them bark and wait until your Frenchie stops on their own.
- Step 2: Once they stop, say “quiet”. Praise them, and then give them a treat. They will learn that they get rewarded for being quiet.
- Step 3: Keep repeating this exercise daily for a few days.
- Step 4: Now you can test your Frenchie. When they bark, say “quiet” and wait about 10 seconds. If they stop, reward them. Otherwise, practice steps 1 to 3 again.
- Step 5: Shorten the waiting time. Only give your Frenchie a treat if they bark within 8 seconds. If successful, shorten this to 6 seconds, 5 seconds, and so on.
Let Them Adapt to Their Triggers
Some things, experiences, or sounds trigger your Frenchie’s fear, causing them to bark a lot. While you can remove these, this option may not solve the issue in the long run.
So you should teach them that these triggers are not a threat to them. Get them used to these so they are comfortable seeing or hearing these in time.
For example, if they bark at strangers, slowly have them interact. Say your quiet command, and when successful, reward them.
Give Them Stimulation
If their barking is due to boredom, you need to give your Frenchie something to do. Daily walks twice a day will tire out your Frenchie so that they will nap the day away while you are at work.
Or, you can also provide them with lots of interactive toys to keep them entertained. Food-dispensing toys are great for Frenchies, keeping them busy for hours on end.
Ask for Professional Help
If all else fails, you need to ask for help from a vet or a dog expert. These professionals are better equipped to handle the issue. They will be able to help you pinpoint the cause of your Frenchie’s barking.
This is especially true if your Frenchie’s barking is due to a health issue. When they are in pain, they let you know, and managing this is out of your control. Your vet can provide treatment for this and should help your Frenchie’s barking.
Do French Bulldogs Bark at Other Dogs?
Like any other breed, Frenchies also bark at other dogs. This can be frustrating if you are walking them in your neighborhood or park. This behavior is a pretty common behavioral problem in dogs.
Why Does My French Bulldog Bark at Big Dogs?
Barking is also a way your Frenchie communicates with other dogs. What those barks mean, only they can understand. So to understand this better, you should know why your Frenchie barks at other dogs.
Below, you will find a list of these reasons.
They Want to Play
Friendly breeds like Frenchies want to make friends wherever and whenever they can. When they bend their front legs and wag their tails while barking, they are asking to play.
They Fear the Other Dog
Frenchies are a smaller breed so they may get intimidated by larger dogs. Their greatest weapon against bigger dogs is their barks. These barks are often lower in pitch and last longer than usual.
They Want to Greet the Other Dog
Your Frenchie may say hi to another dog, even if the other does not reciprocate the greeting. Since Frenchies are very social, you may see this behavior often.
They Lack Socialization
Frenchies who are not used to seeing other dogs get confused when they see one. They do not know how to interact with them, so they become nervous and bark.
They Get Frustrated
Your Frenchie can get frustrated when they cannot greet every dog they come across. This is common when they are walking on a leash because this restrains them. With this, your Frenchie barks out of frustration.
They Are Being Protective
When another dog is on what your Frenchie considers as their territory, they will bark as a warning. This is not limited to your home, it can be your car, garden, or their usual walk route.
How to Stop a French Bulldog From Barking at Other Dogs
If you want your Frenchie to stop barking at other dogs, you first need to know their triggers. The next they bark, take note of the other dog’s breed, sex, and size. It will also help to know how close your Frenchie has to be with them before they start barking.
To stop them from barking, it will help if your Frenchie also knows the “quiet” command. But oftentimes the emotion of seeing another dog can be too strong. So here is how you can train your Frenchie not to bark at other dogs —
When you walk, take your Frenchie’s favorite treats with you. As soon as you see a dog from afar, have a treat ready. Once you notice that your Frenchie sees them, say “yes” and give them a treat right away.
Do this fast, before you Frenchie can even begin to bark. Keep repeating this whenever you come across another dog.
This will teach your Frenchie that seeing other dogs is great. And by not barking, they receive a reward.
In time, your Frenchie will focus more on you and the treat instead of other dogs. You will eventually reach a point where they do not bark at all.
Why Do French Bulldogs Bark at Strangers?
The most common reason why Frenchies bark at strangers is to alarm their owners. But this is not always the case. It can also be due to territorial issues, anxiety, fear, threat, and lack of socialization.
How to Stop French Bulldogs Barking on Walks
To stop your Frenchie from barking during walks, first, you need to know whom they are barking at. Then you can narrow down the reasons why they are barking.
By knowing these, you can foresee when your Frenchie will start barking. Now that you know what triggers this, here is what you can do —
Whenever you go out for walks, grab some special treats with you. Not the ordinary treats your Frenchie gets, but something extra tasty!
So when their trigger is nearby, say another dog or a stranger, feed them treats before they can react or bark. This way, the next time your Frenchie sees them, they will turn to you for treats instead of barking. With more practice, they will learn to ignore others on their walks.
Why Do French Bulldogs Bark at Kids?
Frenchies barking at kids can be alarming, especially when they do this to your children. So why do they do this? Context is important in this situation, so you need to assess the situation as a whole.
To help you out, here are common reasons why Frenchies bark at kids.
Lack of Socialization
Your Frenchie may not have encountered kids much, so they get very frightened seeing one. Kids are smaller and make a lot of noises and movements that your Frenchie is not familiar with. So, they do not know how to react but bark at them.
Your Frenchie Had a Negative Experience
Children may not know how to handle a Frenchie, they tend to roughhouse dogs. A kid may pull their tail, poke them, and more. All these can traumatize your Frenchie, so they will fear every kid they see and bark at them.
Barking out of Frustration
Like with other dogs, Frenchies can bark at kids out of frustration. Kids like to play and run around and your fun-loving Frenchie may want to join them! But when they are on a leash or they are indoors, they bark to show their unhappiness.
Your Frenchie Is Warning the Kid
This is where context comes in. Sometimes, Frenchies will only bark at kids when one is near their toy or food. This is resource guarding and your Frenchie is warning the kid to stay away.
When this happens, you need to remove the kid from the situation right away. Your Frenchie may nip at any moment to protect their belongings.
Territorial Barking
Like with adult strangers, Frenchies may bark at a kid passing by your home. They are protecting their territory, your home, and are trying to send them away from it.
Your Frenchie Is Uncomfortable
When kids get rowdy, this can make your Frenchie uneasy. Or it can also trigger their herding instincts. So, they bark at kids to make them stop.
Your Frenchie Is Jealous
Frenchies can get overly attached to their owners. If this is the case with yours when someone goes near you, even a kid, they get jealous and bark.
Why Does My French Bulldogs Bark at Night?
Frenchies may bark at night due to many reasons, this can range from alarming you to depression. Waking up to barks in the middle of the night is not the most pleasant thing. By figuring out the cause of this, you can help yourself and your Frenchie get a good night’s rest.
Here are the possible reasons for your Frenchie’s night barks.
Fear of Other Animals
Your Frenchie may bark in fear when there is something that alarms them at night. This can be other dogs in the neighborhood, creepy animals, or something else. When they do this, they hide somewhere while barking.
Sometimes, your Frenchie may bark at a particular area. You must check this, as they may have seen a rodent or a snake.
Replying to Another Dog’s Bark
If your neighborhood has other dogs, they may bark at night and your Frenchie will want to chime in. This is a territorial response, they are only trying to protect your home.
Fear of Darkness
Some humans are afraid of the dark and this can be true for your Frenchie as well. With this, they bark in fear, not letting your sleep well at night. If this sounds like your Frenchie, consider getting a night light to curb their anxiety.
A Sudden Loud Sound
There are situations when your Frenchie hears loud sounds outside. Thunder, rowdy crowds, fireworks, these are all unfortunately out of your control.
Alarming You of Strangers
A Frenchie’s alertness is what makes them great watchdogs. Whenever they believe someone is on your territory, they begin to bark to let you know.
They Are Hungry
This is not a common reason, but it can happen. Once your Frenchie feels hunger in the middle of the night, they may let you know by barking.
Attention-Seeking Barks
Frenchies can be high maintenance because they get very needy. They depend on you for almost everything. This can become worse if you do not spend a lot of time with them, so they will demand attention.
Not Enough Exercise
Lack of exercise during the day can make your Frenchie restless at night. They did not use much of their energy throughout the day so they still have a lot left over by bedtime.
Because they still have energy left, they become bored at night, when everyone is asleep. This can lead to excessive barking and whining so they can entertain themselves.
So tire out your Frenchie before bed by playing with them. While you are at work, provide them with lots of toys to keep them active during the day.
They Have Depression
In extreme cases, separation anxiety can lead to depression. Depressed Frenchies are more inclined to bark, whine, and show aggressive tendencies.
Do French Bulldogs Howl?
Howling is your Frenchie’s way to communicate with you and other dogs. Sometimes, the reason can be worrying like health issues or separation anxiety. Because this has a wide range of reasons, below is a list of possible causes.
To Get Attention
Barking is not the only vocalization your Frenchie knows to catch attention. They may learn to manipulate you into noticing them by howling.
To Alert You
Also like barking, Frenchies may howl when they sense danger or a stranger nearby. Or, your Frenchie may have discovered something and they want to let you know.
They Got Injured
Dogs howl when they are in pain due to injury and your Frenchie is no different. This is another way of vocalizing what they are feeling.
They Are Calling Other Dogs
Wild dogs howl to make their pack members come back to their base after hunting. This may not be relevant to domestic dogs, but this is still a residual instinct to gather other friends.
They Are Marking Their Boundary
Dogs howl to signal to others that they have already claimed an area. This can serve as a warning, too, for whoever goes within their boundary. It can also be in defense, scaring away those who are nearby.
They Are Responding to Sounds
Sounds in the environment can trigger your Frenchie to howl. Sirens are common stimuli, your Frenchie may join in and howl as well. Sometimes, music can also trigger this canine behavior.
Howling is a way for wild dogs to get together. So certain sounds may trigger your Frenchie’s sense of community. Once the sirens stop, your Frenchie will also stop howling.
They Have Separation Anxiety
A lot of unwanted behaviors in Frenchies occur due to separation anxiety. They may howl when you are not around, so your neighbors are the ones who will notice this. Along with howling, these other symptoms may occur:
- Destructive Behaviors
- Potty Accidents
- Pacing
- Scratching
- Digging
Why Does My French Bulldog Howl at Night?
The most common reason why Frenchies howl at night is due to anxiety. But there are also other possible reasons for this, like seeking attention, expressing pain, or communicating with other dogs.
Occasional howling at night is okay, as this is a normal behavior in dogs. But if your Frenchie does this every night, you may want to visit your vet.
First, you should rule out any medical causes that may get worse if left untreated. If this is not the case, you can ask for your vet’s expertise on how to fix this issue.
Are French Bulldogs Yappy?
Frenchies are not part of the yappy dog breeds. Instead, they are one of the quieter small-dog breeds you can find. Although they may yap at times, there is usually a good reason behind it.
Why Is My French Bulldog So Yappy?
Your Frenchie may be yappy because they are anxious, alarmed, or excited. Sometimes, it can be because they are seeking your attention, especially if you have been busy. Since Frenchies are not noisy, their yaps mean something and they do not do it to annoy you.
Why Does My French Bulldog Whine?
When your Frenchie whines, it usually means that they want something. But whining is also connected to being in pain, stress, and a few other things. If you are trying to figure out what your Frenchie is trying to say, below are the common reasons for this.
They Want Your Attention
Frenchies are needy and they want your attention all the time if they could. If you did not pay enough attention to them or if they lack stimulation, they will whine at you. This is something you need to address as it can lead to unwanted behaviors in the long run.
They Are Under Stress
Whining along with panting, pacing around, or trembling means they are stressed. Check your environment, what could be making your Frenchie uneasy? It could be a sound, a new pet, or even a new item in your home.
Other than that, whining can also mean separation anxiety. Your Frenchie will do this when you are not home. The only way to fix their whining issue, in this case, is to treat the disorder itself.
They Are in Pain
Vocalizing to express pain is a normal dog behavior. Sometimes, you can pinpoint what the problem is. If they whine when they jump, this can mean that they have joint pain.
But if you cannot figure this out, it is best to take your Frenchie to the vet. They may have a medical issue that needs treatment as soon as possible.
They Are Asking for Something
What that “something” is can be anything. They may want water, food, playtime, potty break, or attention. It can also be something silly as their toy being stuck somewhere. The more you spend time with your Frenchie, the easier this will be to decode.
The whining should stop once you give them what they want or need. But if it does not, there may be a problem that you need to address.
For example, if your Frenchie still whines after you took them out to pee or poop, there may be a medical issue. They could have problems with their bladder or digestion that needs the help of a vet.
They Are Apologizing
Frenchies can get naughty, which leads to some mishaps or accidents at home. When they know they did wrong, they will whine in an attempt to say sorry to you. Whining may also be a submissive behavior, which is part of their canine instincts.
If this is the case, accept their apology and leave the room. Your Frenchie will understand that you already forgave them.
How to Stop French Bulldog Whining
The first thing you need to do is to understand what their whines mean. This is so you can ignore attention-seeking whines, and acknowledge more important ones. If your Frenchie whines when they need something, like a potty break, that is the only time you should give in.
Once you have that down, here is what you can do to put a stop to their whining.
Ignore Your Frenchie
Do this when your Frenchie is whining to get your attention. Do not look at them, talk to them, or react. This will teach them that whining will not get them what they want.
Give Them Comfort Items
If your Frenchie is whining because they feel uneasy, give them items to bring them comfort. This can be their favorite toy, a fluffy blanket, or soft pillows. And if they suffer from anxiety, you can give them a shirt that smells like you.
Bond With Your Frenchie
Spend some quality time with your furry companion. You are the one who makes them happy, so why not make them feel loved? This will help prevent any whining because they feel like they lack your attention.
Keep Your Frenchie Stimulated
A tired Frenchie is a happy Frenchie because they will sleep once they get worn out. When they whine at night, that can be due to the leftover energy they have from the day. Make sure that they use all that before bedtime to avoid another sleepless night.
Only Notice Them When Needed
Their whining is sometimes justified, in the case of needing food, water, or wanting to go potty. You should only give in to them when they are asking for these. They will learn that you only respond to their whines when it comes to these.
But Frenchies are smart little dogs. They may whine and make you think they need to go potty when they do not need it. Pretty clever of them!
If this happens to you, take him to his potty area. After that, bring him back to his cage and do not cuddle or interact with them. Show them that you are firm with your reasons for noticing their whining.
Why Does My French Bulldog Puppy Cry So Much?
Frenchie puppies can be big cry babies because they have a new home and a new environment. This is all unfamiliar to them and the absence of their mother and siblings makes it worse. Other than that, they may also cry for other reasons.
As puppies, Frenchies are even more dependent on you. So they cry for attention, potty breaks, or when they need feeding.
Sometimes, their reason for crying can be medically-related. They can have blocked tear ducts, making their eyes water. Along with this, their eye area can get stained with a reddish-brown color.
Or your Frenchie may have eye allergies and they are allergic to a lot of things. A reaction to allergens can make their eyes water, which makes them look like they are crying.
How Do I Keep My French Bulldog Quiet?
There are many methods you can try to keep your Frenchie quiet. But it is always helpful if your Frenchie knows the quiet command. This way, you can put a stop to their excessive noise in unexpected situations.
Other than that, you can follow these other tips. The more options you have, the better!
Remove the Trigger
If your Frenchie makes a noise at something specific, you can remove the object in question. They will stay quiet as long as their trigger is not around. This way, you do not allow them to make a fuss.
Desensitize Them
Sometimes, you cannot avoid your Frenchie’s trigger, like meeting a stranger during walks. With this, you need to keep exposing them to the trigger. This will show them that there is nothing to be afraid of.
You may need treats in hand for this. The moment you spot their trigger, give them treats and praise right away before they can react. This way, you take their focus away from the stranger and make them focus on you.
Ignore Them
This method is helpful for almost any noise your Frenchie makes. Teach them that being noisy does not get them what they want, pretend you do not hear them. Once they quiet down, reward them right away.
Keep doing this, making the waiting time longer and longer each time before you give them a treat.
Wear Them Out
A tired Frenchie does not have the opportunity to make noise. Instead, they will sleep to regain their energy. So if you want to keep your Frenchie quiet, a lot of playing and exercise can help.
