Quirky, playful and full of energy, the French Bulldog is the epitome of a small dog with a big personality. Their small size and fun-loving nature makes them great playmates for children, but like all breeds, careful supervision is a must.
Facts & advice
French Bulldog
A lovable family pet with a big personality
Vital stats
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| Size: | Small |
| Coat: | Short and smooth |
| Exercise | Up to 1 hour a day |
| Life span: | 4.5+ years |
| Flat-faced: | Yes, consider this breed's additional health needs before buying |
| Breed group: | Toy |
| Temperament: | Playful, affectionate, independent |
French Bulldog temperament & personality
Suitable for families with or without children, French Bulldogs can quickly feel like part of the family.
- French Bulldogs are quirky and playful, and rarely bark.
- With careful introductions and with the right socialisation, French Bulldogs can get along with other dogs and even cats.
- They love human company so your schedule should allow for lots of time spent at home to prevent separation anxiety, which French Bulldogs can be prone to.
French Bulldog training & exercise
French Bulldogs often suffer from breathing problems due to their short muzzles and, as such, you should let them take the lead on the level of exercise while out and about.
Training tips
- Frenchies’ independent streak means recall training is a must to help keep them safe when out and about.
- This breed can be a little wilful which can make training challenging. Food can be a handy motivator during the early phases but try not to make treats the norm to prevent obesity.
Exercise
- French Bulldogs need up to an hour’s exercise every day, on top of plenty of play and mental stimulation.
- Their shorter muzzles also make French Bulldogs prone to overheating so in the hotter summer months it’s best to exercise your dog earlier and later in the day when it’s cooler.
Keeping them happy
- French Bulldogs are naturally curious and will enjoy exploring the garden or a secure outside area.
- Try to spread out walks and playtime throughout the day to keep them engaged and entertained.
- As a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs can get tired more easily so make sure your pet is taking a break if they’re panting or out of breath.
Common French Bulldog health conditions
There are certain health conditions that affect French Bulldogs more frequently than other dog breeds. We’ve outlined some of our recent claims data to help you understand some of the health issues we see more in French Bulldogs than in other dog breeds. If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable French Bulldogs breeder.
As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS. This health problem is due to a short facial structure that creates a squashing effect of the tissues at the back of the nose and in the throat. Their flattened faces make it hard for them to pant and cool themselves down; in hot weather they can overheat, which can cause health issues.You can alleviate some of the symptoms by keeping your dog inside on hot days, exercising them moderately and using a harness rather than a collar, which can put extra pressure on their airway.
Bred to have a flat face, French Bulldogs have eyes that stand prominently on their faces. This means their eyes are more exposed than other dogs’ and can be more prone to infection. Eye injuries can lead to a corneal ulcer, which will become increasingly serious if treatment is delayed. Another common French Bulldog health issue is ‘cherry eye’, where eye tissue sticks out of the eye socket. It can affect one or both eyes and will require a trip to the vet.
French Bulldogs are more prone to issues and pain with their spine and neck than other dogs and this can be a result of the way they are bred to develop characteristics such as short back legs and a curly tail. We see a mixture of issues ranging from back pain to slipped discs also known as invertebral disc disease (IVDD). This occurs when the discs between the vertebrae (backbones) become damaged and brittle with age or general wear and tear. This makes the discs prone to rupturing, moving (‘slipping’) and pressing against the spinal cord itself. Treatment depends on the cause and location of the problem but may include medication, rest and possibly even surgery to help the dog live a comfortable life.
Your French Bulldog’s distinctive ‘bat ears’ are a big part of their charm, but they can also represent a common source of health issues. A narrow ear canal combined with a wide-open entry way mean germs and debris can easily get in and cause infection, even with a careful cleaning routine. Look out for redness, discharge or scratching at the ear and seek your vet’s help at the earliest opportunity. They’ll determine the severity of the infection, prescribing antibiotics or keeping your pet in for observation. Severe or recurrent cases may require surgery.
The skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body and can be affected by a number of disorders. Skin allergies are a common type of skin condition we see are likely to affect French Bulldogs, and these can lead to dermatitis (skin inflammation). Allergies can be caused by many different items, including things that are inhaled (such as pollen or dust mites), items that are eaten (for example, wheat), items that the dog comes into contact with (for example, washing powders), or bites from parasites such as fleas. As allergies cannot be cured, treatment may be required for life, but is usually effective enough to ensure that the dog can enjoy a happy, normal existence
French Bulldog grooming
While French Bulldogs don’t shed as much as other breeds, you may still find hair around your home, especially as the summer months approach and you should be prepared for some hands-on cleaning and grooming rituals.
- Keep on top of any moulting or shedding with weekly brushing
- You can bath your French Bulldog in water occasionally, but be sure to keep shampoo away from their delicate, exposed eyes and to dry each skinfold carefully
- Cleanse their ears regularly to help prevent infection
- French Bulldogs commonly have excessive skin folds around their nose which will require daily attention to ensure they are clean, dry and free from infections.
Find more of our dog grooming tips to help your dog stay in the best condition.
French Bulldog nutrition
As French Bulldogs have a lower exercise tolerance, it’s important to keep an eye on their portions to prevent excessive weight gain.
- Feed a high-quality, breed-appropriate food two to three times a day.
- Always keep plenty of fresh water available, particularly on hot days when they can easily overheat
- Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is particularly important to reduce the risk of back, spine or hip problems, which are common in the breed.
French Bulldog frequently asked questions
Whilst they shed less than some other breeds, French Bulldogs are still low to moderate shedders. Frenchies tend to shed all year round, with a heavier shed around the spring when they start to lose their winter coats. There’s nothing you can do to stop your dog from shedding, but regular brushing will help to remove any loose hair and keep your French Bulldog’s coat in tip-top condition!
As with other brachycephalic, or short-snouted, breeds, French Bulldogs are not cut out to be swimmers and don’t instinctively take to the water like some other dogs. It’s best to avoid letting your dog in or near deep water. However, French Bulldogs often do love the water, and will enjoy a paddle or spray with the hose, especially in the hotter summer months.
Playful and affectionate, French Bulldogs are generally good with children, and their smaller size makes them better suited to households with younger children than some other breeds. However, as with any dog breed, French Bulldogs should never be left alone with children and playtime should always be supervised to make sure everyone is safe and happy.
French Bulldogs do shed moderately and so are not recommended as suitable for allergy sufferers. It’s important to remember that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are better for those with allergies than others.
French Bulldogs are not normally aggressive. Instead, they tend to be even-tempered and their playful nature means they’ll get along with most animals and people. Good socialisation and exposure to different places, people and animals from an early age will help to ensure that your French Bulldog grows up to be friendly, confident and well-rounded.
Whilst French Bulldogs will love training sessions as an opportunity to spend time with their owners, the breed is known to be a little wilful which can make training more of a challenge. Make sure you keep training sessions light and fun, with plenty of positive reinforcement to keep your French Bulldog engaged.
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French Bulldog insurance considerations
Most French Bulldogs live a long and happy life, but they can be prone to respiratory problems or other joint, skin or health problems. Some of these conditions can be lifelong and expensive to treat so it’s important that when choosing dog insurance, you consider the length of time policies cover different conditions. Petplan’s Covered For Life® policies allows you to claim for the same condition year after year, so long as you renew your policy, allowing your pet to receive the best care for ongoing conditions.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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