Premier Pups > Dog Breeds > French Bulldog
French Bulldog Breed Information
The French Bulldog (also known as the Frenchie) is a striking, cheerful, affectionate little dog. He loves belly rubs and cuddles, games, and stunts, and thrives on human interaction. Goofy, sweet, free-spirited, and joyful, this dog is a natural-born comedian. He gladly fills the house with giggles and laughter.
Built like Batman, he has a strong confident demeanor and a well-proportioned muscular body. He has round dark eyes, large upright bat ears, and a smooth fine coat. Small in stature, the uniquely charming French Bulldog has an average height between 11 to 13 inches and an average weight between 22 to 28 pounds.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Average
TRAINING
Challenge
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Independent, Funny, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
22-28 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
11-13 in
LIFE SPAN
9-11 yrs
Characteristics
- Alert, brave, and protective of their human family, Frenchies make great watchdogs
- They are highly adaptable, whether it’s a small apartment or a big house, their main concern is to be near their family
- The French Bulldog size is 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder with a weight between 22 and 28 pounds for a full-grown adult
- Playful, friendly, and with a joyful disposition, this charming Frenchie gets along great with children of all ages, cats, dogs, other household pets, and even strangers
- They are easy to train, easy to groom, and eager to please. They make wonderful companions for first-time pet owners
- Calm, easy-going, and well-mannered, this companion pet is best suited for families with or without children, and singles, and is a perfect dog for seniors
- The breed is also known as Frenchie and Bouledogue Francais. Some also call this dog breed Bulldog Francais
- The life expectancy of this breed is 10-14 years
- These small dogs don’t have high exercise needs. A short daily walk will keep them healthy and happy
- French Bulldog shedding is minimal to moderate
- The Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognize the French Bulldog as a distinct breed
- Small, well-mannered, and quiet, this breed is currently one of the best dogs for apartment living
Appearance
The French Bulldog is a fashionable and popular dog breed that is easily recognizable by its signature bat ear features, wrinkly body, and flat-faced figure. These puppies are born with smoother skin that becomes looser and wrinklier as they age. The skin continues forming wrinkles as the puppies mature into adults.
Proud and confident in appearance, this dog has a strong, muscular, well-proportioned body paired with a flat, uniquely adorable face and a broad deep square-shaped muzzle. They have a black or light-colored nose, dark round eyes set wide apart, and large upright bat ears. Their eyes are usually dark but there are also some with blue eyes.
Their size can be classified between small and medium according to their breed standard. An adult dog can grow between 11 to 13 inches tall. The weight is most often an average between 22 and 28 pounds. The breed also has three additional sizes, although they are not yet recognized by any kennel club. These include the Mini (miniature), Teacup, and Micro. These smaller dogs usually weigh less than 15 pounds.
The Frenchie coat is short, smooth, shiny, low shedding and can come in various colors and color combinations. AKC French Bulldog colors are fawn, white, and cream with combinations of these colors. Patterns that the AKC accepts include piebald, black masks, brindle, and brindle piebald. There are also quite a few rare colors that exist within the breed. These are:
Exotic colors such as the Pied, Chocolate, and Blue Brindle, although in high demand, are extremely rare.
RELATED: Lilac French Bulldog: Full Guide & Where To Find One
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Temperament
The French Bulldog baby is a laid-back, quiet, well-mannered, and relaxed dog who loves nothing more than to be pampered and spoiled. They are only vocal when they need to alert their human family to something important.
With a great love for attention, belly rubs, and cuddles, Frenchies thrive when they are included in all family activities. Their sweet nature is one of the best qualities they have that can make them quite amazing therapy dogs. The French Bulldog is a fun, moderately active dog known to enjoy a good skateboard ride, and games like “catch me if you can”, fetch, and hide-and-seek. Kind, sweet and affectionate, these dogs are popular for being very careful and patient around toddlers and children of all ages.
The cute Frenchies are natural-born entertainers. They are goofy comedians who love to cause giggle fits by spontaneously performing a stunt or running around in circles.
Insights
French Bulldogs are one of the cutest and most popular purebred dog breeds around. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs hold second place as the most popular breed in the world. They have been in the top 5 most popular dog breeds for quite a few years now.
The Frenchie is a dog everyone loves. With its goofy personality and gorgeous appearance, it's impossible not to. They're great with kids, amazing with other...
Fluffy French Bulldogs: Real & Exotic or Myth
In recent years, there have been some fluffy Frenchies circulating in the French Bulldog population. And they have people wondering if the Fluffy French Bulldog breed is real or just a myth. They look like Frenchies, they act like Frenchies, but they also have an extra layer of fluff around their ears, so are they really French Bulldogs? Let’s dig into the mystery and uncover the truth about these longhair Frenchies.
What...
Care
Grooming
French Bulldogs are generally low-maintenance and don’t have excessive grooming requirements. They greatly benefit from having their faces cleaned and their coats brushed once or twice every week. Their ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly. It is recommended to bathe them and clip their nails at least once every other month to keep them clean, shiny, and happy. Because grooming them is easy care, they are a great dog breed for non-experienced owners.
Learn more about the steps you need to take in caring for your puppy from our Dog Grooming Guide.
Exercise Needs
French Bulldogs are moderately energetic and relaxed dogs. They love lazing around and napping as much as they love chasing balls and goofing around. They generally have low exercise needs. A brisk walk every day and some family playtime at home are enough to keep them healthy, in shape, and happy. Learn to read your dog's body language as it will help you identify your Frenchie's needs easier.
Health
French Bulldogs are known to have a few health problems, mostly due to uncareful breeding. Puppies that reputable bulldog breeders professionally breed suffer from fewer health issues compared to those bred by nonprofessional breeders. At Premier Pups, we strive to provide healthy and happy puppies.
Some issues that can appear in this breed include soft palate, allergies, cataracts, luxating patellar, and other joint problems that are very common among all small dog breeds. Some French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues when they are overly exercised or kept outside in very hot weather.
Lifespan
The French Bulldog breed's life expectancy is 10 to 14 years. Although their lifespan is typically 12 years to 14 years, there are some in the breed that proudly and effortlessly exceed it. Popeye was a pied French Bulldog that lived to be 18 years old. Regular vet checks are recommended to ensure that your puppy lives a long and healthy life.
Training
French Bulldog puppies are clever and free-spirited dogs. Their cleverness can sometimes manifest as stubbornness and that might lead to some difficulties while training. They can be excellent students if they are properly motivated. They love yummy treats, praise, and if possible, a belly rub in exchange for a well-performed trick. Keeping training sessions short and fun is the best way to keep the Frenchie alert, motivated, and attentive.
Socialization, potty training, and leash training should be done early to avoid any unpleasant surprises. These pups are known to be highly affectionate and family-devoted dogs. French Bulldogs are not usually happy to be left alone for extended periods of time and some might even be prone to separation anxiety. To avoid any destructive behavior, it is best to practice absence when they are still very young.
Get more insight on raising a new puppy from our New Puppy Owner Guide.
History
The French Bulldog, commonly known as “the Frenchie” or “Bouledogue Francais”, is believed to have emerged at the beginning of the 19th century in Nottingham England as a smaller version of the English Bulldog.
Greatly admired by lace workers (lace makers) in Nottingham as both companion pets and utility dogs, the Toy dogs would accompany their owners to work and keep their factories rodent-free. When the Industrial Revolution in England began, workers were being replaced by automated machines, and jobs grew scarce. The lace workers emigrated to Normandy France taking their treasured utility and companion dogs with them.
Soon after their arrival in Normandy, the Toy Bull dog would spread across France and evolve into the French Bulldog (with the signature bat ears) that is known today. In less than a decade, the toy bulldog became France's most in-vogue companion pet. In Paris, it was carried as a wealth statement among artists, actors, celebrities, and elites of the time.
During their reign in France, the exotic and unique dogs would be presented (by both men and women) as a courting gift to show interest and to charm.
By the end of the 19th century, the handsome Frenchie had spread out and become highly popular across Europe, the United States, and Russia.
In the short time, they have been around, French Bulldogs have been classified as the second most popular breed in the UK and the US (2020) and the third most popular in Australia (2017). These gorgeous dogs have been the pets of Presidents, celebrities, and even royalty in their early years. The Frenchie has been a famous contestant in dog shows and a popular companion pet adoringly represented in literature and art, gathering an impressive number of admirers. To this day, these cuties are among the most popular dogs in the world. The breed is recognized by the Dog Club of America, the American Kennel Club, and the French Bull Dog Club.
The unique French Bulldog breed is also a parent to numerous crossbreeds. The most popular mix is the Frug. Other popular hybrids are:
- Frenchton
- French Bull Tzu
- Froodle
- French Pomerdog
- Frenchie Bichon
- Frengle
These puppies are among the most expensive dogs due to their small litter and the extensive process breeders must undertake to breed them. Their price can range from 1 to 10k, with the fluffy French Bulldog being the most expensive variety.
Read more about the Magnificent French Bulldog.