French Bulldog Dog Breed: Personality, Size and More

The French Bulldog, with its large bat-like ears and even temperament, is one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world, especially among city dwellers. 

Frenchies have strong personalities and require a good amount of training to become well-mannered companions. It is, therefore, recommended to start socialization early and enroll them in puppy training classes. While they can be stubborn, they are also eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.

French Bulldogs are currently the most popular breed in the U.S. according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) popularity rankings.

They originated in England from toy-sized Bulldogs that had gained popularity in several English cities in the mid-1800s. These toy Bulldogs became a mascot of the lace makers of Nottingham and when many of them migrated to northern France, they took their dogs with them. Over the decades these dogs were crossbred with other breeds, possibly terriers and Pugs, which led to the development of their now-famous bat ears. 

Paris eventually embraced the delightful new breed, establishing the Frenchie’s reputation as the quintessential city dog and, by the end of the 19th century, the popularity of Frenchies had spread across Europe and America. 

French Bulldogs have large, square heads with heavy wrinkles above an extremely short nose and the body beneath their smooth coat is compact and muscular. 

They are relatively quiet dogs and do not bark much, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They also do not require much exercise which makes them suitable for city living.

As a small breed, they require sizable portions of high-quality food, appropriate to their age and weight. See our best foods for French Bulldogs page for inspiration.

General Characteristics:

• Origin: England
• Size: Small/medium
• Height: 11 to 13 inches 
• Weight: Under 28 pounds
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years

Appearance:

• Coat: Short, smooth and sheds minimally.
• Colors: White, brindle, fawn, brindle & white, tan.
• Build: Small to medium-sized breed with a muscular build.

French Bulldogs Temperament:

• Calm: They are not known to bark unless they are looking for attention.
• Can be a diva: Set boundaries from day one.
• Eager to please: This makes them easy to train.

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: Early socialization and training will help them grow into confident adults.
• Exercise: A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day is usually sufficient to keep a French Bulldog in shape. These dogs enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally. 

Grooming: 

• Shedding: The French Bulldog has a short coat that sheds very little. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair.

Interesting Facts:  

• French Bulldogs are popular pets among celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon and Hugh Jackman.

• They are called “clown dogs” due to their playful nature, enjoyment of entertaining others and tendency to snort.

• Frenchies face more congenital and developed health issues than other dogs, and more than 80% of their litters typically require a cesarean delivery.

• The French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a flattened face and snout. This particular facial structure can impact how they eat, as it may cause them to gulp in more air or even affect their breathing when they bury their noses in their food bowls. Additionally, because they have delicate, rounded stomachs that are compact, the way they inhale air through their mouths can lead to excessive gas.

French Bulldog Price:

The average cost of a French Bulldog in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality French Bulldog:

Price Range: A purebred French Bulldog from a breeder typically costs between $1,500 and $8,000. Rarer coat colors can sell for $6,000 or more.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Adoption fees range from $400 – $1,200 depending on age and health of a French Bulldog.