PAW PAL

French Bulldog Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

French Bulldog Appearance

The French Bulldog is a small but strong pup with an adorably big head. Frenchies have large, round eyes, bat-like ears, and (as a brachycephalic dog breed) flat faces and cute wrinkles.

Ears:

Often described as “bat-like,” French Bulldog ears are rounded at the tips and stand upright.

Eyes:

French Bulldog eyes are round and dark brown. Green or blue eyes are possible, too, but they’re not the breed standard.

Nose:

Frenchie noses are usually black, but it’s not unusual to see a paler snout on a dog with lighter fur.

Coat Length:

The French Bulldog’s coat is short and smooth. It’s not overly thick or fluffy. If you do see a fluffy Frenchie, he’s a mix; Frenchies will a little extra floof might be part Pomeranian or Chihuahua.

Coat Color:

French Bulldog colors are often white, cream, fawn, or any combo of those, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard. Some have “masking” (black fur that’s patterned around their eyes), while others are piebald (with patterns of white patches). Others may have patches of color on their body. However, many Frenchies come in a lot of other lovely colors. Some have a merle coloring with marbled hues, while some are gray, black, or blue. These just aren’t AKC regulation.

Tail:

Frenchie tails are short and may be straight or twisted like a corkscrew.

French Bulldog Temperament

Though small even when full-grown, French Bulldogs might occasionally mistake themselves for a much larger dog. Be sure to train and socialize your French Bulldog puppy early on, so he’ll politely greet guests (both human and animal) who come to visit—and charm everyone as much as he’s charmed you. But make no mistake: Frenchies are friendly dogs who develop deep bonds with their people. They can sometimes feel anxious when their people are out of the house for too long, so you’ll want to make sure your bestie has a calm routine and doesn’t get left alone too often. This breed is good with kids and babies, but as with any dog, always supervise playtime and teach the little ones in your life how to interact with animals. A typical French Bulldog’s personality traits also help them get along with other dogs and cats, but be sure to introduce them properly.

How to Care for a French Bulldog

Grooming

French Bulldogs are a short-coated breed and easy to groom. Bathing: Unless they get very dirty, Frenchies only need a bath every one to three months (overbathing removes the natural oils from their coat and skin, so don’t give them too many spa days). Between baths, keep their face folds clean with a damp washcloth or cleansing wipes. Brushing: Do French Bulldogs shed? Yes, but not as much as Boston Terriers or Pugs. Weekly brushing will reduce the amount of loose hair you find around the house. Use a grooming glove or simple bristle brush to give your pup a good brushing. Dental care: You should brush your dog’s teeth every day and start the routine when your French Bulldog puppy is young. The earlier you start, the quicker they’ll get used to this simple habit. (Don’t forget an annual visit for a pro cleaning, too.) Ear care: At least once a week, check your Frenchie’s ears for dirt, redness, or swelling. Your vet may recommend at-home cleaning. Nail care: When you hear your Frenchie’s nails clicking on a hard surface like a tile or hardwood floor, you’ll know it’s time to give their nails a trim. Close

Training

Don’t be fooled by that cute French Bulldog face: Your adorable pup has a mind of their own, so it’s smart to train them. By socializing them early, you’ll teach your Frenchie to avoid becoming overstimulated or too excited, especially around other pups. As with all dogs, Frenchies respond well to positive reinforcement—think treats, toys, and praise. If they get frustrated during training sessions, take a break. (We all need one now and then.) At the end of the day, your Frenchie’s goal is to make you happy! If you take the time to train them, they’ll make you a very proud pet parent. Close

Diet

You’ll want to pick a high-quality dog food that’s AAFCO-compliant for your Frenchie’s stage of life (puppy, adult, or senior). You can find some foods specifically made for the breed, like Royal Canin’s adult and French Bulldog puppy food. Frenchies are prone to obesity, especially since exercise can be difficult for these pups due to the way they’ve been bred. (French Bulldogs have flat faces, which can make breathing a bit difficult at times.) Ask a vet about the right combo of quality kibble and physical activity. Keep an eye on the scale and adjust amounts as needed. Occasional treats are fine, particularly if you’re using them for positive reinforcement, but treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily food. Close

Exercise

Cuddly, bouncy French Bulldogs aren’t exactly the Olympians of the dog world—nor do they aspire to be. With their short legs and flat face, these happy pups enjoy laid-back strolls or brisk jaunts. They’re unlikely to say no to fetch in the yard or an invigorating walk around the neighborhood. Keep an eye on their breathing when they’re active. As a flat-faced (or brachycephalic) breed, Frenchies are prone to airway issues that can cause them to have trouble breathing. When out and about, your French Bulldog will breathe easier while wearing a harness than a standard collar and leash combo. Don’t forget mental stimulation, too: Dog puzzles, scent work, and simply getting out and exploring the world will enrich and entertain them. Close

Environment

French Bulldogs can be city dogs, country pups, or perfectly content in suburbia. As long as they have you, they’re good to go. There are, however, two dealbreakers: extreme heat or extreme cold. Maybe it’s fitting that these continental cuties prefer a moderate climate. If you happen to live somewhere with wild weather, be prepared to keep your Frenchie in air-conditioning during summer hot spells. Minimize the time they do spend outside, as this breed is most prone to breathing issues when the temperature spikes. You can also buy products to keep dogs cool and prevent heatstroke. Limit their time outside in frigid winter temps as well, and invest in a new wardrobe of French Bulldog clothes, from dog coats to dog sweaters.   Whether you live in an apartment or house, don’t leave a French Bulldog alone for hours at a time. These pups are prime candidates for doggy daycare or a regular pet sitter who can stop by to check on them and reassure them they’re not alone. Close

French Bulldog Health

A French Bulldog lifespan is about 10–12 years. Unfortunately, there are some French Bulldog health issues pet parents should be aware of, and purchasing pet insurance is probably a good idea for this breed.

Allergies: Dog allergies can be seasonal (dust, pollen, mold) or, though less commonly, related to food. If your dog is suddenly itchier than usual, have your vet check him out.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): This condition is tough for Frenchies. Many pet parents consider their dogs’ little snorting and snuffling sounds cute (and they are!), but sadly those sounds are also a sign of breathing troubles due to the dogs’ smooshed anatomy. Manage symptoms by keeping your dog at a healthy weight and avoiding extreme temperatures; severe cases could require surgery.
Ear infections: French Bulldogs are prone to ear infections because their ear canals are narrow. Regular ear cleaning can help.
Eye issues: Common eye issues include cataracts, which cause cloudy eyes and lead to blindness, as well as cherry eye. Surgery can often correct both conditions.
Skin infections: A Frenchie’s charming face wrinkles can trap bits of food and moisture—it’s OK, no one’s perfect. But bacteria and yeast can multiply there, leading to skin infections. Keep them at bay by cleaning your dog’s folds every day, and monitor for signs of infection, like bumps, scabs, irritation, redness, or swollen skin.
Spine and orthopedic issues: Your French Bulldog may be susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), hip dysplasia, and a luxating patella. Talk to your vet about how to best protect your Frenchie’s health.

French Bulldog History

In a surprising twist, the French Bulldog actually originated in England.
Bred as a smaller type of Bulldog (aka the English Bulldog), Frenchies became popular in particular in Nottingham, a center for lace-making. Their charm kept pet parents captivated, even after the Industrial Revolution forced a move to France.
In Paris, the tiny Bulldogs became a staple at chic cafes, and they even appeared in the paintings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who famously chronicled the vivid scene of the Belle Époque.
By the end of the 1800s, Americans, too, had taken notice of these delightful dogs, and the French Bull Dog Club of America was established in 1897. The French Bulldog became fashionable in the U.S., especially among socialites.
Following World War II, their popularity decreased, but it began to rise again in the 1960s. Impressively, in 2022, these adorable pups nabbed the No. 1 spot on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds, a title they still hold today.
If you’re thinking about bringing home your own French Bulldog puppy, expect to pay upwards of $5,000 or more. It’s also important to invest in pet insurance and stash some funds away for any future medical problems your dog may develop.
You can also find French Bulldogs for adoption. Reach out to a French Bulldog rescue (like the French Bulldog Rescue Network), keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter or animal rescue.

FAQs

How long do French Bulldogs live?

The average French Bulldog lifespan is 10–12 years.

Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

No, French Bulldogs are not considered “hypoallergenic” dogs. Frenchies produce dander and saliva, which, along with normal shedding, may trigger allergies.

Do I need a special French Bulldog harness?

It’s OK to put a collar on your French Bulldog to accessorize, but when it comes to walks and attaching a leash, you should choose a harness. Harnesses help flat-faced dogs breathe better by taking pressure off the windpipe.

Can French Bulldogs swim?

No, French Bulldogs are not natural swimmers and should never be left alone near water. Their body structure and face shape make it difficult to keep their head above water, so outfit your Frenchie with a well-fitted doggy life vest whenever you’re near a pool, lounging by the lake, or on a boat.

Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog: What’s the difference?

Boston Terriers are a little more energetic and high-spirited than Frenchies, though they’re usually equally good with kids and other animals in the house. Frenchies also have a body that’s a bit stockier, while Bostons have a more delicate bone structure and pointier ears.

Are French Bulldogs a good choice for first-time pet parents?

Yes! If you can commit to their training and making sure that they don’t get lonely, Frenchies will be a great dog to venture into pet parenthood with. With proper training and socialization, they’ll be happy to adjust to your lifestyle and social schedule.

french bulldog

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Expectancy

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color