French Bulldogs are affectionately known as "Frenchies.” These flat-faced dogs have pointy, bat-shaped ears and are a popular breed for people of all life stages.
It's no secret that French Bulldogs are unique in every way. From their looks to their personalities, your Frenchie will be one of a kind.
Thinking of adopting one? There are a few things you should know. In this guide, we'll tell you all about the French Bulldog’s temperament and how to care for your dog.
Plus, we'll tell you how to choose the right Frenchie for your family and how much space you'll need.
What is a French Bulldog?
Toy Bulldogs gained popularity in the 1800s. Lace makers in Nottingham, England, embraced the snub-nosed dogs and eventually brought the breed to France.
As the years went by, these miniature Bulldogs were cross-bred, and their looks began to change. The new breed was given the name "Bouledogue Français,” which means French Bulldog.
Because of their unique appearance and sweet temperaments, the breed quickly became a favorite around the globe — including in the US.
The average weight for an adult French Bulldog is between 16 and 28 pounds. They can measure between 11 and 12 inches tall.
These pups have a short, straight coat that comes in a range of colors. Popular varieties include white, fawn, brindle, cream, lilac, and blue.
Frenchies can live between 10 and 14 years old, but there are common health conditions that can impact their life spans.
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What are the most common Frenchie personality traits?
We know the breed doesn't always determine the behavior of the dog. In fact, only 9% of behavior variation is due to the breed, and there are other factors to consider, including training and upbringing.
However, there are a few personality traits that French Bulldogs commonly share. Here are six of them:
1. Gentle
Frenchies are a gentle breed. They're usually calm and suited to a range of households. For example, they can be the perfect pet for families, singles, couples, or seniors.
While they'll be playful puppies, they're not usually aggressive, even during their younger years. Keep in mind, though, that Frenchies can have bouts of hyperactivity.
With the right upbringing and socialization, your French Bulldog will be approachable and docile. They appreciate a kind, caring owner and respond best to positive reinforcement.
When training your Frenchie, they’ll need to be taught not to jump on your visitors.
2. Friendly
Looking for a friendly breed? You can't skip the French Bulldog. These happy pooches love being around people and won't usually hide away when you have company.
French Bulldogs don't like to be alone and can get on well with other pets. If you're thinking of getting your Frenchie a friend, they'll be best suited to a dog of the same breed.
— Bullys BehavenShould My Frenchie Sleep in My Bed?French Bulldog Breed | Origin, History, Personality & Care Needs | Nylabone
The way your dog acts around people and animals does depend on their training. If you want your French Bulldog to be comfortable around others, make sure you socialize them from a young age.
3. Affectionate
French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate personalities. They like company and will follow you around the house.
Frenchies will bond with their owners to the point of being possessive. Their "clingy" nature can be caused by separation anxiety. It's also because you make them feel safe.
They usually enjoy cuddles, sleeping near you, and sitting on your lap. Female Frenchies can be slightly more affectionate than males.
These are companion dogs, and once they've bonded with their owners, they'll give unconditional love.
4. Playful
Most French Bulldogs have a playful streak. You'll need to keep them entertained because a bored Frenchie may chew your furniture or shoes. If you need to leave your dog alone, make sure they have a chew toy.
Your pup will enjoy playing games with you. You can start by teaching them to play fetch and tug of war. French Bulldogs can also play more advanced games, such as hide and seek.
What about exercise requirements? Aim for up to an hour of exercise per day. You can break this up into 15-minute walks because these dogs can overheat. With their flat noses, the hot weather can increase breathing difficulties, so avoid the outdoors in high temperatures.
5. Entertaining
Most Frenchie owners will tell you their pets are entertaining. They like to impress their owners, and they'll always make you smile.
Your French Bulldog will like to be the center of attention. For example, they'll love to show off their tricks, such as "sit," "stay," and "drop".
If you ignore your dog, it could lead to destructive behavior, such as chewing and urinating.
Because they want to please you, French Bulldogs can be fairly easy to train. However, they do have a short attention span, so proper training can be a gradual process.
6. Alert
French Bulldogs are an alert breed. They like to know what's happening in their territory and will tell you when someone is at the door.
You can expect your Frenchie to notice if there's any activity. Whether it's a parcel delivery, visitor, or intruder, you'll be alerted with a bark.
While they can be good watchdogs, these aren't built to be guard dogs. Most of the time, French Bulldogs will only give a quick yap. They're not known to bark excessively, and they're rarely aggressive.
Is a French Bulldog a good family dog?
French Bulldogs can be ideal family pets. They're affectionate and loyal and bond with owners of all ages.
Keep in mind this flat-faced breed can get injured easily. Your children will need to be gentle and avoid rough play. It's for this reason that Frenchies can be best suited to families with children over five.
Like any dog, you should teach your kids to listen to your French Bulldog's cues. For example, the pet may give a warning growl when they're uncomfortable. In this situation, your Frenchie should have space to walk away.
Remember, children should always have adult supervision around dogs, no matter how small or sweet the animal is.
How to care for a French Bulldog
If you adopt a French Bulldog, there are a few things you should know.
They don't need much exercise and can get hot quickly. Due to their breathing difficulties, they aren't suited to climates with extreme temperatures. In cold weather, your Frenchie will need to wear a coat.
They have low grooming requirements, and you'll only need to brush their coat once a week. You should also wipe your dog's face every few days.
There is a range of potential health concerns for French Bulldogs. Besides breathing difficulties and obstructed airways, these dogs can suffer from patellar luxations (slipped kneecaps). Plus, they can get ear discharge and dermatitis.
Before you get a French Bulldog, you should be committed to taking them to regular vet visits to keep them in good health.
As said before, this is a breed that doesn't like to be left alone for too long. If your pet will be by themselves for long hours, consider getting them a friend. You'll also need plenty of toys for mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, food dispenser balls, and rope toys.
How to train a French Bulldog
All dogs need training, and French Bulldogs are no exception.
These dogs may be cute, but they're not always the smartest pets. The good news is Frenchies usually want to please their owners, so they'll try their best to learn.
If you want to train your pup, start as early as you can. You can train them yourself with the help of books or online resources, or you can take them to a store like Petsmart, doggy boot camps, or other classes to have the training done by a professional.
If you train them yourself, keep in mind that they like their routines, so consistency is key. You'll need to be patient because some skills, such as toilet training, can take time to master.
When teaching your French Bulldogs different commands, keep your training sessions short. They can get overwhelmed easily, and this can bring out their stubborn streaks.
Never punish your French Bulldog. They respond best to positive reinforcement and affection. Reward your little friend with treats and celebrate their successes.
What to look for when choosing a French Bulldog
Thinking of adopting a Frenchie? Here are a few things to look out for.
1. Breeding
When adopting a Frenchie, it's important to choose a reputable breeder. The right person will have a good track record and be experienced with this popular dog breed.
French Bulldogs can have a range of health issues, including breathing troubles, ear infections, hip dysplasia, and skin allergies. A good bloodline can help reduce some of these issues.
A responsible breeder will help you understand your dog and be there to offer advice both short and long-term.
The American Kennel Club is a good place to start if you're looking for a responsible breeder. If you prefer a rescue animal, check with any local breed-specific organizations.
2. Price
A purebred dog will usually cost you a few thousand dollars. The price can vary depending on your location, the coat color, and the breeder's reputation.
If someone is selling a French Bulldog at a price that's "too good to be true", it's probably a scam. Try to talk to the breeder over the phone and meet the dog in person. Do your research and be prepared to wait for the right dog.
The price should include a health guarantee and a written bill of sale. Your French Bulldog should have had veterinary care, including a checkup and vaccinations.
3. Background
The behavior, health, and temperament of your French Bulldog can depend on its background.
If you're adopting a pup, you should be able to learn about its upbringing from the breeder. For example, does the dog come from a home with young children and other pets? Is the Frenchie toilet trained? Has it lived in an apartment, home with a yard, or a farm environment?
On the other hand, if it's a rescue dog, you'll need to be prepared for potential issues. A French Bulldog who’s been treated poorly may have behavioral problems. Always defer to the rescue center’s volunteers for input on a pup’s personality and make sure to visit the dog several times before taking one home for good.
4. Appearance
Before you adopt a French Bulldog, take a look at its appearance. It's not about how cute the pup looks - it's about health.
We know breathing issues are common with this breed, and even dogs from reputable breeders can suffer. However, there are a few red flags.
Look for nostrils that are open and unobstructed, and check that the Frenchie's palate is short and soft. A shiny coat is also a sign of good health.
How much space does a French Bulldog need?
French Bulldogs have low to medium energy levels and don't need much space to be happy. They're a good choice for apartment living as well as larger properties.
As long as a Frenchie has its owner, it can live without a backyard. While they do need daily exercise, you can meet their needs with daily walks, games, and dog toys.
Due to their calm nature and small size, French Bulldogs are suitable for renters. If you’re looking for a little dog, check out our list of the best small dog breeds.
Remember, Frenchies can be destructive, but this is usually only if they get bored or lonely.
Make sure your home has heating and cooling to keep your pooch comfortable in all weather conditions.
About the French Bulldog personality
If you’re thinking of getting a French Bulldog, there are a few common personality traits to look out for. These traits can vary depending on upbringing and training.
For example, French Bulldogs are known to be gentle, friendly, affectionate, and loyal to their owners. They’re also entertaining, playful, and alert.
This is a beautiful breed, but French Bulldogs are prone to certain health conditions. Adopting one of these dogs is a long-term commitment, and you should be committed to regular vet visits.
Before you get a Frenchie, research the breeder and make sure your dog is coming from someone with a good reputation. Learn about the pup’s background, and check its appearance. Beware of prices that are too low, as this can signal a scam.
French Bulldogs are suitable pets for renters. Learn how the PetScreening service can help you secure a rental property.
