What is a French Bulldog?

Frenchies are affectionate and loyal. They don’t need much exercise, but do like a lot of play. As a flat-faced breed, they can struggle with breathing – especially when it’s hot or given strenuous exercise. They don’t need much grooming, but do need regular cleaning in their folds. While trainable, they can be a bit stubborn.

A guide to owning a French Bulldog

Thinking of getting a French Bulldog – otherwise known as a Frenchie to its friends? You’re in good company. They’re one of the most popular companion dogs in the UK. It’s hard not to fall for their expressive eyes, bat ears and friendly demeanour.

As with all breeds, there are certain things worth knowing before you commit to getting a French Bulldog. Here we’ll look at their specific needs and common health issues, along with their temperament, exercise and grooming requirements. Allez!

Are French Bulldogs good family dogs?

They certainly are. They love being around their human family, and are good with children and other pets. It’s well worth getting them socialised early though, just to make sure they respond well to other beasts – human or otherwise.

French Bulldog size and appearance

Frenchies are usually fairly small and compact, though muscular. They’re a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, with a squished muzzle and deep facial folds. And you can’t miss the big beguiling eyes and instantly recognisable bat ears.

They have a short, smooth coat which is usually one of the following colours:

• Fawn (a light tan colour)
• Brindle (dark stripes on a lighter base coat)
• White
• Pied (white base colour with patches)

They’re usually about 28-31cm tall at the shoulder, weighing about 8-14kg. As such, they’re a manageable size even for fairly modestly sized homes.

Do French Bulldogs have tails?

Yes, French Bulldogs do have tails. Because they’re so short and stumpy, it’s often assumed they’re docked, but they’re just naturally that way.

What were French Bulldogs bred for?

Bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting, a cruel practice involving a dog grabbing an angry bull by the nose and hanging on for life. The French Bulldog appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, said to be a cross between Toy Bulldogs from England and Parisian ratters. Despite this colourful ancestry, French Bulldogs are nowadays bred as companion dogs.

What is the French Bulldog’s temperament?

The Frenchie’s personality is:

• Affectionate: They’re bred to be companion dogs, and love a good cuddle.
• Playful: They love to play, so you should be game too.
• Friendly: Frenchies are sociable dogs, who will get on well with kids and other pets.
• Loyal: French Bulldogs form strong bonds with their humans, and will protect you as much as their size allows.
• Can be stubborn: This can make training tricky on occasion, but don’t indulge them too much.

Can French Bulldogs be left alone?

Frenchies are companion dogs, bred to be around people. For this reason, you should never leave them alone for too long. They can be prone to separation anxiety if not around their humans for long periods.

If you do have to leave them, make sure they have plenty of water, and familiar comforts such as their favourite toys, blankets and so on. No dog should be left for longer than four hours if you can help it, and with Frenchies it’s likely to be much less.

How much exercise does a French Bulldog need?

Good news if you like spending a lot of time with your feet up… Frenchies don’t need a huge amount of exercise. A couple of short walks a day plus some indoor playtime will usually be sufficient for a healthy and happy pup.

Don’t skimp on playtime though, as they’re a playful breed, and it’s just as important to keep them mentally stimulated as physically.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that, as a brachycephalic breed, they can be prone to overheating and breathing issues. On hot days, avoid walking them at the hottest times, and always make sure they have access to fresh water and shade.

Can French Bulldogs swim?

Many French Bulldogs love water, but they’re not great swimmers. Make sure they stay shallow, and stay close at hand if they need any help. If you want to take your Frenchie swimming, it might be best to get them some form of float to wear, and never leave them unsupervised.

Our expert says…

French Bulldogs may look tough, but they can face a number of health problems, many of which start early in life and need lifelong care.

Having a flat face puts strain on several parts of the airway, from the nostrils to the windpipe. When these issues add up, the condition is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). It makes it harder for Frenchies to stay cool, breathe easily, or exercise comfortably.

Their wrinkles – especially around the face and tail – trap moisture and can lead to skin infections, while allergies often add to the irritation. Narrow ear canals also make ear infections more likely.

French Bulldogs can be born with spinal deformities and heart murmurs, and may develop joint problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps). Their large, exposed eyes are prone to ulcers, cataracts and cherry eye (when the tear gland slips out of place in the corner of the eye). They often have sensitive stomachs, but some also have structural digestive issues like hiatal hernias or pyloric stenosis.

I’ve seen Frenchies with multiple issues live very happy lives – but they do need extra care, attention, and sometimes treatment from a young age.

Dr Nicole Olewinski BVSc MRCVS

Meet our pet experts

How long do French Bulldogs live?

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is around 10-14 years.

What are the common health issues for a French Bulldog?

As mentioned, being a brachycephalic breed is the big one. This can sometimes lead to breathing difficulties (evidenced by snorting) and overheating. It is possible to get treatments for this, but it’s just as important to be mindful that they’re not over-exerted, or exposed to too much heat.

Because of their folds, Frenchies can develop skin infections and rashes. To prevent the build-up of bacteria and yeast in trouble spots, make sure to clean right into those folds.

French Bulldogs are also prone to hip dysplasia on account of their short bodies. This can be very painful, and needs immediate veterinary attention. If they seem to be walking unusually or struggling, be sure to get them checked as soon as you can.

French Bulldog grooming and hygiene

Due to their short coat, French Bulldogs are pretty low maintenance grooming-wise. But skin conditions are fairly common. A warning sign of this is if they begin to smell. Be sure to clean their folds regularly. Don’t forget that corkscrew tail can have very deep folds too. Bathing can help soothe and balance the skin, but only with the right shampoo – anything harsh can make matters worse. 

It’s also important to keep an eye on their nails to prevent them curling around and becoming uncomfortable. Depending on how you exercise your Frenchie, their nails may not wear down very quickly and could need filing or trimming every 3 or 4 weeks. Filing is easier to do safely. Or – and this is recommended for first-time owners – you can take your Frenchie to a groomer so they can show you how.

Do French Bulldogs shed?

All dogs shed, but with short fur, the Frenchie’s shed is comparatively low. As with many breeds, they shed more in spring in preparation for their shiny new summer coat. It’s still a good idea to give them a weekly brush to keep it in good nick.

Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

No dogs are truly hypoallergenic. Because of the low shed, Frenchies may be better for some allergy sufferers. But they do shed a little, including dander (dead skin), which can contain allergens.

How to train a French Bulldog

While French Bulldogs are eager to please their humans, they can also be stubborn, so there’s a balance to be struck.

Here are a few pointers:

• Positive reinforcement is key – don’t use harsh discipline with your Frenchie. Reward good behaviour and lessons learnt. It’s best to keep training sessions short and fun.
• They can often be stubborn, but you shouldn’t let them get their way all the time.
• Frenchies are very food-driven. This is useful for training, but it’s important not to overdo the treats, as they can be prone to obesity.
• As with all dogs, it’s a good idea to socialise them early. This helps them get used to other dogs and become more confident. Getting them into good habits early can also help prevent aggression later on.

What insurance do I need for my French Bulldog?

The level of dog insurance you choose for your French Bulldog will usually come down to your circumstances and budget. So you know exactly what you’re getting for your money, read our guide to whether pet insurance is worth it.

We think that all dogs deserve the most comprehensive level of cover as possible, which is why we only sell different types of lifetime cover. We could also cover your Frenchie for any pre-existing conditions they may have with our Lifetime Plus policy, subject to acceptance*.