French Bulldog: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training

Q: Do French Bulldogs shed?

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!

Q: Can French Bulldogs swim?

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.

Q: Are French Bulldogs good with kids?

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.

Q: Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

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.

Q: Are French Bulldogs aggressive?

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.

Q: Are French Bulldogs easy to train?

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.

A lovable family pet with a big personality

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.

Vital Stats

Size:	Small
Coat:	Short, smooth hair
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

Size 11kg
-
13kg Coat short
coat Exercise up to1hr Life span 4.5+years Flat-faced Yes

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.

Reveal more

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.

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.

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.

Reveal more

Get a French Bulldog quote

Find out more about the conditions that we see most in French Bulldogs throughout their lifetime.

More Health Information

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.

Reveal more

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.

Reveal more

FAQs

Do French Bulldogs shed?

Can French Bulldogs swim?

Are French Bulldogs good with kids?

Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

Are French Bulldogs aggressive?

Are French Bulldogs easy to train?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Do French Bulldogs shed?

Can French Bulldogs swim?

Are French Bulldogs good with kids?

Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

Are French Bulldogs aggressive?

Are French Bulldogs easy to train?

Help & Support page

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

Beagle

Bichon Frise

Border Collie

Border Terrier

Boxer

English Bulldog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavapoo

Chihuahua

Chow Chow

Cockapoo

Cocker Spaniel

Dachshund

Dobermann

English Springer Spaniel

French Bulldog

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Greyhound

Husky

Jack Russell

Labradoodle

Labrador

Lhasa Apso

Miniature Schnauzer

Pomeranian

Poodle

Pug

Rottweiler

Shiba Inu

Shih Tzu

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Find out more about some of the UK's most popular dog breeds and discover which breed could be your ideal canine companion with our breed selector quiz.

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.

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments

Get a French Bulldog quote

[{ "url":"/pet-information/blog/how-to-adopt-a-rescue-dog/", "image":"images/blog-assets/Winter-blues.jpg", "tags":"rescue pets petplan advice", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet Rehomingblog", "title":"How to adopt a rescue dog", "intro":"Adopting a rescue dog can be a life-changing experience for…", "meta":"Adopting a rescue dog can be life-changing experience. Any person considering rehoming one of these dogs should ask some of these key questions.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/puppy/advice/lucys-law/", "image":"images/pet-information/Lucys-Law.jpg", "tags":"", "species":"", "categories":"puppy gettingPuppy", "title":"The low-down on Lucy’s Law", "intro":"Lucy’s Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a…", "meta":"Lucy’s Law came into effect 6th April 2020, following a petition against poor puppy farming conditions. We look at what this is and how it can affect UK dog and cat owners.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/dog-mot/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/dog-mot-banner.jpg", "tags":"health check-up senior", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior health brianFaulkner video", "title":"Dog Health Check", "intro":"As well as the annual dental checkup and booster vaccinations…", "meta":"Learn how you can play a part in your dog´s health by carrying out regular health checks. The faster a problem is identified, the faster it can be treated.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/what-dog-is-best-for-me/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/what-dog-is-best-for-me-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet nickJones", "title":"What dog is best for me? ", "intro":"Getting a dog is an exciting time, but there’s lots…", "meta":"Getting a dog is an exciting time, but there’s lots to consider when choosing one so you can be sure the breed will suit your lifestyle.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/dog-breed-personalities/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/breed-personalities-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior behaviour", "title":"Meet the breeds: dog breed personalities", "intro":"Any dog lover will know that our canine friends can…", "meta":"Any dog lover will know that our canine friends can have big personalities! And, whilst every dog is different, most breeds have typical characteristics that set them apart from the rest of the pack. Read on to find out more about dog breeds and their traits.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/questions-for-your-breeder/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/2021/good-breeder-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior youYourPet", "title":"Questions for your breeder ", "intro":"If you are considering getting a puppy from a breeder,…", "meta":"Find out the key things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder.", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/blog/how-to-make-your-dog-happy/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/2021/dog-happy.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior behaviour", "title":"10 easy ways to keep your dog happy", "intro":"Try our simple tips for making sure you have a…", "meta":"Try our simple tips for making sure you have a relaxed and contented doggy every day", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/why-does-my-dog-follow-me-everywhere/", "image":"images/thumbs/mixed-sizes/2021/dog-follows-me.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"young adult senior behaviour", "title":"Why does my dog follow me everywhere?", "intro":"Is your dog like your shadow? Petplan’s dog behaviourist Nick…", "meta":"Is your dog like your shadow? Petplan’s dog behaviourist Nick Jones answers common questions about this canine behaviour, and explains what to do if your pet is a bit too, er, dogged in their devotion!", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" },{ "url":"/pet-information/dog/advice/five-games-to-play-with-your-dog/", "image":"images/blog-assets/games-web-dog-thumb.png", "tags":"", "species":"dog", "categories":"behaviour nickJones puppy 3m-6m puppyGames&Exercise", "title":"Five great games to play with your dog", "intro":"Playing regularly with your dog will keep them stimulated, teach…", "meta":"Playing regularly with your dog will keep him stimulated, teach you about his personality and strengthen the bond between you. ‘All dogs enjoy different games, so working out which kind he enjoys and the rewards he responds to is the first step,’ says Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Welfare at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. ‘Border Collies like to chase toys and bring them back, while a Springer Spaniel will enjoy interaction based on searching for a toy. ", "featured":"", "listingcustombuttontext": "" }]

All dog advice

A lovable family pet with a big personality