Discover the French Bulldog, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and curious nature. Recognized as a small dog, French Bulldogs have their origins in France, where they were initially bred for companionship starting in the 1800s century.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective French Bulldog owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a French Bulldog or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a playful French Bulldog.
As Sniffspot user PB says, "They are very playful when they can be, but so chill when in a chill environment. They adapt well to their surroundings. Very loyal and cuddly dogs!"
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their French Bulldog, we learned that these dogs are playful and friendly. The French Bulldog is also known to be very friendly and social with children and very friendly with other pets.
When living with a Frenchie, 59% of our owners indicated that a climate-controlled environment due to breed sensitivity is ideal. Additionally, 50% of owners found that a large house with a fenced yard is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the French Bulldog learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and socialization.
In terms of exercise, 39% of Sniffspot owners say their French Bulldog benefits from low exercise every day, including around 30 minutes of walks and playtime a day. The Sniffspot Frenchie community would not recommend this dog for first-time owners due to their potential health challenges.
The French Bulldog, often affectionately called the "Frenchie," has a history rooted in England and France. This small breed was originally developed in the 1800s as a companion dog. Its ancestors include the English Bulldog, from which it inherited its distinctive muscular build and flat face, but it was bred down to a smaller size.
The breed gained popularity among lace workers in Nottingham, England, who brought the small bulldogs with them to France during the Industrial Revolution. In France, the breed was refined and became a favorite in Parisian society. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the French Bulldog had become a symbol of chic sophistication, admired for its playful nature and unique appearance.
The French Bulldog's rise in popularity was marked by its adoption into prominent circles and its presence in dog shows, where it was celebrated for its distinctive "bat-like" ears and compact size. Today, the breed is known for its affectionate and lively personality, making it a beloved companion in homes around the world.
As a French Bulldog owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current French Bulldog owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
French Bulldog dogs require low-maintenance grooming. This means French Bulldog owners should expect minimal grooming, like occasional brushing and baths. French Bulldog dogs have a short coat, which is ideal for easy care. Their short coat is considered low shed.
To keep your French Bulldog's coat healthy and up to breed standards, include brushing in your daily routine and wiping with a damp cloth to remove loose hairs and debris. Of the coat types for common breeds in the companion group, the grooming needs for French Bulldogs are low maintenance.
French Bulldogs require low activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Frenchies are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed. Frenchies make great pets and thrive with around 30 minutes of walks and playtime a day. Owners of Frenchies report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and tug-of-war.
When small breeds like Frenchies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and separation anxiety. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular low exercise to avoid excess energy.
What should you feed your French Bulldog to keep them healthy? As a low-energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 61% of our community feeds their Frenchie commercial dry kibble.
With low exercise, Frenchies should eat 1 to 1.5 cups a day of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 16 - 28 lbs. However, your French Bulldog's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.
The French Bulldog breed is most prone to skin conditions (e.g., allergies, dermatitis) and digestive issues (e.g., bloating, sensitive stomach). A reported 59% of our French Bulldog owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Frenchie's risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 42% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Lastly, 36% of French Bulldog owners claim their dog struggles with respiratory issues like chronic cough, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory tract infections — a common Frenchie health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your Frenchie's vet.
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Frenchie is whether or not this dog fits with your current family. How friendly are French Bulldogs compared to other small-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Frenchie's companion instinct into a playful and friendly family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like stubbornness and separation anxiety. Our community French Bulldog owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
Whether you're adopting a Frenchie puppy or an adult French Bulldog, training is a significant part of owning a small-sized breed. Without proper training, your Frenchie is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and separation anxiety. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Frenchie.
As a companion breed, French Bulldogs benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Frenchie community recommended based on their experience with their dogs:
As dogs bred for companionship, Frenchies are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
We asked Sniffspot Frenchie owners what they love the most about their French Bulldog pups, and here's what they had to say:
Similarly, Frenchie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their French Bulldog:
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 53% of our Sniffspot community, French Bulldogs are not a great first-time dog. This comes from their playful nature and high likelihood of health concerns. French Bulldog owners say it best:
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Frenchie owners. These French Bulldog breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is typically between 10 - 12 years.
An adult French Bulldog weighs between 16 - 28 lbs pounds and stands between 11 - 12 inches tall.
French Bulldog dogs require low-maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. French Bulldog dogs have a short coat, which is well-suited for easy care. They are considered low shedders.
To maintain your French Bulldog's coat, it's important to wipe with a damp cloth to remove loose hairs and debris. Among companion breeds, French Bulldog grooming is categorized as relatively easy.
French Bulldogs require low activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Frenchies are classified as a minimally athletic, low-energy breed.
Frenchies are excellent companions and thrive with around 30 minutes of walks and playtime a day. Owners of Frenchies note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, and tug-of-war.
If small breeds like Frenchies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
According to our data, French Bulldogs are very friendly and social with children with children.
Our research indicates that French Bulldogs are very friendly with other pets with other pets.
As a low-energy breed, the diet of your Frenchie is crucial. A significant 61% of our community feed their Frenchie commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Frenchies should consume 1 to 1.5 cups of vet-recommended food a day to maintain a healthy weight of around 16 - 28 lbs. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your French Bulldog's sex, activity level, and age.
The French Bulldog breed is particularly prone to skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, folliculitis, and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Our data shows that 59% of French Bulldog owners reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Frenchie's risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 42% reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Finally, 36% of French Bulldog owners indicated their dog struggles with respiratory issues like chronic cough, tracheal collapse, pneumonia, brachycephalic syndrome, or respiratory tract infections, which are common Frenchie health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Frenchie's veterinarian.
Whether you're a current French Bulldog dog owner or you're considering adopting a Frenchie, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for French Bulldog owners.
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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