The French bulldog is a small, muscular dog with their trademark bat-like ears. Along with their adorable looks, Frenchies are lively, lovable, and playful companions. It's no wonder why they're the most popular dog breed in the United States.
Their small size means they can do well in smaller homes and apartments—especially because they're quiet, usually only barking when someone arrives at the door. On the other hand, they don't tolerate being left alone for too long, so if you work long hours or travel frequently, this isn't the right breed for you.
Another warning: Frenchies are prone to several health issues, including common breathing problems attributed to their flat faces, much like their English bulldog relatives. Read on to learn more about the French bulldog:
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 19 to 28 pounds
Coat: Short, smooth fur
Coat Color: Brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal, affectionate, lively, sociable
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: France
French bulldogs are very affectionate, family-oriented dogs who do best when spending plenty of time with their family. Your Frenchie will crave your company and won't do well if left alone for long periods each day. This is a breed that loves to be around their owners and children (along with other pets in the household, in most cases).
They can be the perfect house pet: playful clowns who lack an enormous amount of energy, so at the end of the day, your Frenchie will be happy to cuddle with you on the couch for some quality time.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Low |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
The French bulldog is an ancestor of the English bulldog. In the 18th century, some English breeders had developed a smaller, "toy bulldog" with upright ears, quite different from the larger, athletic bulldog of the period.
Out-of-work textile workers moved to France at the onset of the Industrial Revolution, bringing those smaller bulldogs along. The popularity of these dogs exploded, and the French adopted them as their own when the English turned up their noses. These Frenchies evolved to look more like the dogs of today.
Visiting Americans fell in love with the breed in the 19th century, bringing Frenchies across the Atlantic. They preferred the upright "bat ears"—the English and French enjoyed folded ears—and they became part of the breed standard in the United States.
Two world wars stalled Frenchies' growth, but the breed's popularity gained steam in the 1980s before exploding over the past few years. It's now the most popular registered dog breed in the United States.
Library of Congress
Bettmann / Getty Images
French bulldogs require notably less exercise and grooming than many other popular dog breeds, but some can use a little extra training. As long as your Frenchie is properly socialized with new people and other animals when they first arrive, they should become a friendly and happy companion.
The Frenchie is a lapdog, not a jogging partner, but routine exercise is still important with caution. These dogs can easily overheat because of their short, stubby nose and potential airway problems. Daily exercise is important, but don't overdo it.
Your Frenchie will enjoy playing in the house or yard. Besides that, a short walk, fetch, or tug-of-war is all they'll need each day.
Frenchies are smooth-coated dogs who tend to shed at a moderate rate. The breed requires little more than basic routine grooming, including weekly brushing. They lose their undercoat in the spring and fall, so owners may want to brush them more during those seasons.
If your Frenchie is prone to skin issues, then baths with skin-soothing shampoo and regular ear cleaning may help. The deep skin folds might need attention to rid them of debris using a damp cloth or baby wipe, followed by being thoroughly dried.
Trim your dog's nails every few weeks to prevent them from cracking or splitting. Practice preventative oral hygiene by brushing their teeth two to three times per week; this can help keep the breed's common gum infections and dental problems at bay.
Frenchies are smart and willing to learn, and teaching them consistently is a great way to strengthen your bond. This breed also tends to be food-motivated, which is especially helpful when training your dog. French bulldogs can sometimes be difficult to housetrain: Crate training can help.
Socialization is equally important to ensure your Frenchie adjusts well to their environment. You can begin teaching this breed basic obedience cues as early as 8 weeks old, and it's helpful to take your puppy to training and socialization classes when they're ready. This is a great way to teach your dog new cues while getting them comfortable around new people and dogs.
Most French bulldogs can coexist happily when raised with other pets, but some are prone to chasing cats or small dogs. A Frenchie who hasn't been socialized with other animals may show aggression toward dogs of the same sex. This breed can also become jealous in a multi-dog household. Most are friendly with children, but when rescuing a dog, it's always important to ask about their history with children and pets to ensure they're a good fit for your household.
The French bulldog's face shape affects their safety in more ways than just exercise. For example, take extra precautions when traveling to ensure your Frenchie doesn't overheat. Never leave them unattended in a vehicle. If you plan to fly with a Frenchie, make sure they're healthy enough to do so.
Frenchies can also be sensitive to the weather. When it's hot outside, keep your French bulldog inside as much as possible. When it's time for a bathroom break, keep your Frenchie in the shade and return inside quickly. Be alert to any signs of overheating, including excessive panting, lethargy, or weakness.
In the winter, a coat will keep your Frenchie comfortable even when the temperatures drop.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The French bulldog's physical construction means the breed is prone to certain hereditary health problems. Be aware of these conditions:
Responsible breeders will screen their puppies for these issues as much as they can, but welcoming a Frenchie to your home is an acknowledgment that your dog might need many trips to the veterinarian.
The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy
French bulldogs should typically eat two meals a day. How much you feed your Frenchie depends on their size, activity level, age, and medical history, so consult with your veterinarian to make a plan. As a baseline, plan on providing 3/4 cup of dry dog food or homemade dog food per meal.
It's also important to monitor your dog's weight, as canine obesity can shorten a dog's life and create uncomfortable living conditions at any age.
While there are many responsible breeders of French bulldogs located nationwide, this breed can also be found in local shelters and breed-specific rescues. If you plan to buy a Frenchie from a breeder, be sure to work with one who readily provides verified medical records and references for their dogs. Be prepared to spend some serious cash. Frenchie puppies from reputable breeders will likely cost you at least $3,000.
Consider starting your search through one of these credible rescue and breeding associations:
Because Frenchies are so popular, some bad actors will try to sell dogs from puppy mills. Be sure your breeder offers the records and references and allows you to meet your future dog before you buy them.
If you're still on the fence about brining home a French bulldog, here's a pros and cons list that can help you make the decision:
Pros:
Cons:
If you think the French bulldog could be the right dog for you, be sure to do plenty of research before adopting your next best friend. Talk to other Frenchie owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. If you are interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare:
There are plenty of different types of dogs that can join your family—explore a variety of dog breeds to find the best fit for you!
Healthy French bulldogs are low-maintenance dogs because they don't require as much exercise and grooming as other dogs. However, Frenchies's numerous health problems can make them high-maintenance dogs who need to visit the vet and take medication frequently.
Frenchies are expensive because it costs a lot to breed them. Female dogs have to be artificially inseminated before giving birth via c-section. That's all for a small litter of puppies—three on average. Added expenses combined with a small amount of highly popular dogs equals a hefty price. Frenchie puppies from champion bloodlines can cost upwards of $5,000.
Because of their breathing difficulties and heavy heads, Frenchies usually shouldn't swim. If they are going to venture into the pool, they should wear a doggy lifejacket under human supervision.
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