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How Much Does a French Bulldogs Cost?
On average, French bulldogs cost between $1,500 to $3,000* to purchase in the U.S. However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder.
Due to their narrow hips, top-heaviness and weak back legs, French bulldogs typically can’t mate on their own. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. And due to the breed’s large head and narrow hips, mothers often require a C-section to deliver. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders.
While it’s common to purchase a French bulldog from a reputable breeder for under $3,000, there are several things that will increase that price.
- The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be.
- The color of a dog’s coat can also affect the price. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay.
- Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive.
- Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well.
Depending on the dog’s features, the most expensive French bulldog could cost as much as $30,000.
Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie.
*All cost ranges calculated as averages from various 2022 reports, including Canine Journal and PetKeen.
What Should You Know About French Bulldogs?
The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for.
French Bulldog Size
Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months.
There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds.
French Bulldog Fur Coat
A Frenchie’s coat is commonly short, smooth and fine, but there are long-haired French bulldogs and fluffy Frenchies that can have wavy hair that grows a bit longer.
Shedding isn’t a big problem with French bulldogs, though they do shed enough to not be considered hypoallergenic. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home.
In addition to brushing your Frenchie regularly, you can buy a pair of nail clippers at your local pet store to help keep your pup’s nails from growing too long and becoming uncomfortable. This can help you save on grooming costs.
French Bulldog Appearance
Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. The Frenchie’s small stature and comparatively large ears make them attractive to many pet owners.
A French bulldog puppy’s ears are floppy but will stand up straight by the time the dog is 15 months old. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies.
French Bulldog Colors
French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be.
French Bulldog Temperament
These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. While they aren’t known for being aggressive, they often growl or nip to get attention or express agitation, which can be curbed with proper training.
Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Group training classes can cost as little as $100, while private sessions can run up to a few thousand dollars.
Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. They don’t bark much but can get whiny if you leave them alone for more than a few hours, so they’ll be happier with another Frenchie or at least another pet to keep them social and active. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. (But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs.)
French Bulldog Activity Level
Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. As you can imagine, French bulldogs aren’t super active given their small size and limited mobility. A moderate daily walk is all that’s needed to help them stay healthy and happy.
On days you can’t get outside, your Frenchie can get enough exercise just by walking around your house.
French Bulldog Life Expectancy
French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years.
French Bulldog Care
It’s important to schedule routine vet visits to maintain the overall health of your pet. During your French bulldog’s first year of life, multiple veterinary visits will be needed to complete puppy vaccinations. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Each visit can cost between $100 and $300 depending on which vaccinations are given.
You can schedule a spaying or neutering procedure once your Frenchie is six to nine months old (which runs an average of $250 to $500). You can also talk to your vet about microchipping your French bulldog, a simple procedure that typically costs under $50.
Along with regular vet checkups, which will likely cost between $50 and $300 depending on where you live, you can take additional steps at home to ensure your Frenchie is happy and healthy.
Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home.
What Are Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs?
French bulldogs are known for several health problems that can require vet care and become expensive to treat, as well as affect their lifespan and quality of life. The most common health concerns include:
- Breathing issues: The characteristic appearance of the Frenchie, with a short nose and narrow airway, predisposes them to brachycephalic airway syndrome, a combination of abnormalities in their breathing. This puts them at a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia, anesthetic complications and heat stroke, and there are multiple anatomical issues that may need to be surgically corrected to help them breathe more normally.
- Hip dysplasia: Frenchies are predisposed to hip dysplasia, a congenital malformation of the hip joints. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit correctly in the hip socket. This can lead to the formation of arthritis and difficulty walking or jumping. Some pets will need surgery to correct the abnormalities. As pets age and more arthritis develops, the condition can become very painful and interfere with your pet’s mobility and overall quality of life.
- Allergic skin disease: Frenchies are prone to allergies. In dogs, allergies most commonly cause itch and changes in the skin that can lead to inflammation (dermatitis) or secondary infections of the skin (pyoderma) and ears. These conditions will require frequent veterinary visits to the vet and prescription medications to treat the infections and help reduce the itch from allergies
- Eye infections: Conjunctivitis is common in the breed and will also require a prescription medication to treat.
- Heat stroke: Frenchies are particularly vulnerable to heat strokes due to their noses and airways. Because of this, it’s not recommended to walk or encourage them to be active outside on hot days.
- Abnormal vertebrae: A French bulldog’s skeletal structure is unique among dogs. Older dogs spines can become misshapen, causing pain and limited movement. Intervertebral disc disease is an issue that many Frenchies face.
The Bottom Line: Is a French Bulldog Right for You?
French bulldogs are unmistakably cute and cuddly, but they can come at a hefty price. If you’re able and willing to make the investment, the Frenchie life may be for you. Make sure to do your research on breeders and their practices to get a healthy puppy, and look into the special needs and conditions that are common for Frenchies so you can give them the best care possible.
Since their added medical issues can become expensive for owners, having a pet insurance policy can be helpful to ease the burden of vet bills. Check out our recommendations for the best insurance plans for French bulldogs. We put Lemonade, Spot and Embrace at the top of our list for their diverse coverage, affordability and reputation with existing customers.
More Pet Ownership Resources
- Pet Insurance Cost
- What Is Pet Insurance?
- How Does Pet Insurance Work?
- Cheap Pet Insurance Companies
- Lemonade Pet Insurance Reviews
- Spot Pet Insurance Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About French Bulldog Costs
French bulldogs are considered expensive due to the additional fees it costs to breed them, such as artificial insemination and surgical delivery. Their build is also prone to medical conditions that can be costly.
Depending on the location and breeder, plus the characteristics of the dog, purebred French bulldogs can cost as much as $30,000, though it’s also common to see them priced at as little as a few thousand dollars.
Yes, French bulldogs make good pets. They’ve been a well-loved breed since 1898 when first officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. French bulldogs are good with kids and other animals, and they aren’t as yappy as many other small dogs. They also like to be affectionate.
The average cost of a French bulldog puppy is normally $1,500 to $3,000. The location and quality of a breeder can increase this price dramatically, however. High-quality breeding practices, Frenchie color, gender and other factors can turn that average price into five figures quickly.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.
Jessica WimmerAuthor
Jessica Wimmer is a veteran writer and content producer with experience in the home, pet insurance and tech industries. She’s a Pushcart Prize nominee and Write Well Award winner who has been published in Deep South magazine, The Dead Mule Journal of Southern Literature, and the Deep Water Literary Journal. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English and had a previous life as an English teacher.
Tori AddisonEditor
Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.
Dr. Kate BoatrightVeterinarian
I am a small-animal veterinarian with a passion for improving patient outcomes through client and veterinary professional education. I particularly enjoy soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, feline medicine and internal medicine.
One of my core values is building relationships — with pet owners, veterinary professionals and students. Engaging in educational opportunities around cost of care, spectrum of care, communication and mentorship has allowed me to build relationships across the profession. In mentoring early career veterinarians, veterinary students and pre-veterinary students, I hope to have a positive influence on the future of our profession.
As the owner of two cats, I have found pet insurance to be a valuable tool to limit financial stress while allowing me to provide the care that is the right fit for our family.
