French Bulldog

French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” are easygoing, happy little dogs that make loving companions. Their good-natured temperament, bright personality, and compact size have made them become one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

Caring for a French Bulldog

Frenchies are compact, small dogs with a short muzzle; a wide, flat face; and large, bat-like ears. Full-grown French Bulldogs weigh under 28 pounds and stand 11–13 inches tall. They typically have a broad, heavily muscled chest and petite body. This distinctive appearance is cute, but it also makes Frenchies susceptible to several health-related conditions.

The flatness of their face makes them less tolerant to heat and humidity, so care should be taken to prevent a Frenchie from overheating. Additionally, their face has many skin folds that should be cleaned regularly with a dog-safe wipe. Frenchies also cannot swim well because of the uneven distribution of their muscle mass and, therefore, should never be left unattended near a body of water.

French Bulldog Health Issues

The French Bulldog’s lifespan is 10–12 years, but they are prone to several conditions that can impact their wellbeing. Common French Bulldog health issues include:

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Like other flat-faced dogs, including English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Pekingese, French Bulldogs are vulnerable to a condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome. This syndrome is a combination of abnormalities that affect the respiratory tract, including narrow nasal openings; a long, soft palate in the mouth; and a narrow trachea (windpipe). These changes result in increased effort and noise when breathing.

Affected dogs may struggle to catch their breath when exercising, prefer to breathe out of their mouth than their nose, and tire easily, especially when it’s hot. It’s important that you watch your French Bulldog closely when she’s exercising to prevent overexertion.

Airway issues like this can be life-threatening. Keeping your Frenchie away from extreme heat and avoiding long walks or play sessions on hot days is very important.

Sensitive Skin

French Bulldogs also have very sensitive skin, which is often secondary to allergies. Signs of allergies may include:

• Licking or chewing the feet

• Scratching

• Head shaking

• Skin infections

• Redness or bumps on the body

• Runny eyes

• Sneezing or reverse sneezing

Some allergies may be very mild and easily managed with a dermatologic diet, medicated shampoo/wipes, antihistamines, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Other allergies may be more severe and cause skin or ear infections.

Depending on how severe they are, managing your Frenchie’s allergies may require frequent visits to the vet for the duration of your dog’s life. Keep in mind: Allergies in dogs can only be managed, not cured.

Ear Infections

Ear infections, including both yeast and bacterial infections, are another common French Bulldog health issue. Ear infections may be a sign of underlying allergies, or they may be caused by the shape of the ear canal.

Symptoms of an ear infection may include head shaking, scratching, odor, and inflammation. If you suspect that your Frenchie has an ear infection, make an appointment with your veterinarian. The vet will likely swab your dog’s ear canal and look under the microscope to see what is causing the discomfort.

Regular ear cleanings with pH-balanced ear cleaner specifically for canines can help reduce the frequency of ear problems.

Back Injuries

French Bulldogs are also prone to back injuries, especially if they are overweight and not getting enough exercise. Avoid letting your Frenchie jump from high surfaces, and instead train them to use steps to climb onto high furniture or couches. Ensure their weight is managed and provide plenty of exercise to build muscle and protect the back and joints.

Signs of a back injury in dogs can range from limping to even paralysis, which often starts with the back legs. Any change in your Frenchie’s gait or their general demeanor should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Birthing Issues

French Bulldogs are rarely able to give birth naturally due to the shape of their pelvis and size of their head. A C-section is generally required.

If you are planning on breeding a French Bulldog, establish a good working relationship with your veterinarian. Emergency C-section procedures can be costly, so it’s important to consider this expense before breeding French Bulldog puppies.

What To Feed a French Bulldog

French Bulldogs should be fed a balanced, life stage-appropriate dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Avoid overfeeding, as obesity increases their risk for back injuries and may aggravate any underlying airway issues.

How To Feed a French Bulldog

French Bulldogs should be fed two meals a day as an adult and three to four times a day as a puppy on a consistent schedule. It’s important to feed your pup a life stage–appropriate, complete diet. French Bulldog puppies should eat puppy food until they are 1 year old. Adult food is recommended from ages 1–7 years old, and a senior diet is recommended for older French Bulldogs.

Again, avoid overfeeding and switch to a calorie-restricted diet if your Frenchie is becoming overweight.

How Much Should You Feed a French Bulldog?

The exact amount fed varies by the brand and nutrient profile of your dog food. Look on the back of the bag for guidelines on how many cups to feed your Frenchie per day based on a healthy weight. Always consult with your veterinarian when changing your pet’s diet or if you have questions about their food intake.

Nutritional Tips for French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs may benefit from a quality omega-3 supplement that supports their skin and coat. Omega-3 essential fatty acids bolster the skin’s natural ability to resist overgrowth of bacteria and yeast. Additionally, essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation and support healthy joints.

Behavior and Training Tips for French Bulldogs

French Bulldog Personality and Temperament

French Bulldogs have fun-loving and outgoing personalities. They are bright and happy dogs that play well with others. With proper socialization, they usually get along well with most people and pets. They have a moderate energy level and enjoy social walks.

French Bulldog Behavior

French Bulldogs are curious and enjoy games. They love to be the center of attention and are usually not found too far away from their families. While they can be a little suspicious of new situations, proper socialization usually keeps this from being an issue, as the natural French Bulldog temperament tends to be more laid-back.

French Bulldog Training

French Bulldogs thrive in a training environment rich in positive reinforcement. They love games and do well when training is fun. But Frenchies can also be a bit uninterested if training is presented in a manner that’s not conducive to their fun-loving approach to life.

While Frenchies may thoroughly enjoy obedience and light agility training, care should be taken to ensure they do not overheat or exhaust themselves.

Fun Activities for French Bulldogs

• Short walks

• Obedience training

• Agility

• Fetch

• Tug-of-war

• Hide-and-seek games

French Bulldog Grooming Guide

Though Frenchies might need special care due to their brachycephalic build, this short-coated breed is relatively simple to keep clean.

Skin Care

A French Bulldog’s flat face can have a lot of wrinkles, and those skin folds need to be kept clean and dry. Make sure they don’t get any food or drool stuck in their facial folds after eating by wiping them with a damp cloth or a medicated wipe.

Because French Bulldogs are at risk for skin allergies, they can benefit from a bath every one or two months. If your pup does develop skin allergies, they’ll need a bath more frequently with a medicated shampoo, depending on the severity of the specific skin issues.

Coat Care

French Bulldogs have a short coat and are average shedders. Their fur only requires occasional maintenance, and weekly brushing can help catch any loose hairs before they end up on your furniture.

Eye Care

A Frenchie's eyes should be wiped as needed to clear them of any drainage. This will also help prevent moisture from accumulating in the skin fold between their eyes and nose.

Ear Care

Because they’re prone to infections, French Bulldog ears should be cleaned every week or two with a canine ear cleanser. Make sure to clean their ears whenever your Frenchie is in water, like after bath time, to ensure the ear canals stay clean and dry.

Considerations for Pet Parents

The biggest thing to be aware of before bringing home a French Bulldog puppy is the breed's potential health issues. Due to their anatomy, Frenchies can have issues with breathing, overheating, giving birth, allergies, and their backs. Ensure you have a plan for any unexpected medical expenses that may arise.