French Bulldog Pros and Cons

If you’re considering adding a Frenchie to your family, you’ll want to know what you’re letting yourself in for with this breed.

They are adorable dogs, but they do come with some special considerations you should be aware of before making your decision.

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at French Bulldog pros and cons!

Contents of this article:

1. Frenchie Pros
2. Frenchie Cons
3. Size
4. Colors
5. Grooming Needs
   1. Do Frenchies Shed?
   2. Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
6. Life Expectancy
7. Health Concerns
8. History
9. Activity Level
10. Temperament
11. Training
12. Compatibility with Kids
13. Compatibility with Other Pets
14. With Strangers
15. Barking
16. As Puppies
17. As Adults
18. Similar Breeds to Consider
19. French Bulldog – Summary

Frenchie Pros: 

1. Small but sturdy
2. Low grooming requirements
3. They can get along with other pets
4. Manageable size
5. Big personalities
6. Ideal for small houses
7. Not overly vocal
8. Easy to train
9. Laid back attitude
10. Entertaining
11. Good watchdogs
12. Affectionate and loving dogs
13. Good family pets
14. Intelligent
15. Low exercise requirements
16. Adapt well to different lifestyles
17. Easy to care for
18. Excellent companions

Frenchie Cons:

1. Keen chewers
2. They snore
3. Prone to becoming overweight
4. Terrible swimmers
5. Tendency to drool
6. They shed
7. Some are the result of careless/irresponsible breeding
8. Expensive
9. They can be difficult to motivate
10. Don’t do well in the heat
11. Strong for their size
12. Can be food possessive towards other dogs in particular.

Size

Frenchies are not a particularly large breed, but they are definitely not a small breed either.

They typically weigh between 20 and 28 pounds and stand between 11 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder.

They are robust little dogs with short legs and a muscular build.

Colors

Frenchies come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, black.

Be careful of breeders charging more for particular colors or breeding with the aim to achieve “rare” colors as this can be an indication that other aspects of health have not been given priority.

All breeders should be aiming to improve the breed with each litter they produce and the health of their puppies should always be the number one priority. Learn how to find a good breeder and be prepared to walk away if the breeder doesn’t meet your standards.

Grooming Needs

Frenchies have a short, fine coat that is easy to care for. They’re definitely not high maintenance in the grooming department!

Do French Bulldogs Shed?

They are not heavy shedders, but they do shed some. You will probably find a few hairs around your house if you have a Frenchie.

Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

No, French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. They do shed, so if you have allergies, this may not be the breed for you.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for a French Bulldog is 10-12 years. Some may live longer, and some may not make it to 10, but this is the typical lifespan for the breed.

Health Concerns

Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to a number of health problems. These health issues include respiratory issues, joint problems, eye problems, skin allergies, and more.

Some of these issues can be kept at bay by feeding your Frenchie a high quality, complete dog food. But it is also essential to find a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and only breeds from stock free of genetic defects and common health issues. This will help to ensure that your Frenchie is as healthy as possible.

History

The French Bulldog is a relatively new dog breed developed in the 1800s in France.

They were initially bred as companion dogs for the upper class and were popular among artists and writers of the time.

The Frenchie’s popularity declined in France in the early 1900s, but they found a new home in England, where they became the rage among fashionable ladies.

They were eventually brought to America, where they have been popular ever since.

Frenchies are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and are adored by families worldwide.

In the UK, the number of registered Frenchies has increased by over 1000% in the past decade, making them the fastest-growing breed of the past ten years.

They are now the second most popular purebred dog registered with the UK Kennel Club, behind the Labrador Retriever.

Activity Level

Frenchies are a relatively low-energy breed. They don’t need a lot of exercise, and a short walk or play session will suffice. That being said, they do need some exercise to stay healthy and happy.

If you live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of space for a dog, a Frenchie may be a good choice. Just be sure you are willing to take them out for a walk or playtime every day.

Temperament

French Bulldogs are affectionate, loving dogs that make great companions. They are also intelligent and relatively easy to train.

However, they can be stubborn and have a mind of their own, so consistent training is required throughout their lives.

Training

They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as treats, praise, and petting. Like all dogs, they will need consistent training throughout their lives to maintain good behavior.

Are French Bulldogs Good Pets for Kids?

French Bulldogs make excellent family dogs. They are good with children, and their sturdiness makes them more tolerant than many similar-sized breeds of accidental knocks and bumps.

Compatibility with Other Pets

French Bulldogs typically get along well with other pets, including dogs, cats, and even small animals such as rabbits. However, it is essential to socialize them from an early age.

With Strangers

French Bulldogs can be reserved with strangers and may bark or hide when someone new comes to the house. They are not aggressive dogs, but their wariness of strangers means they make good watchdogs.

Barking

Some Frenchies don’t bark at all, but on the whole, the French Bulldog breed is also known for being good watchdogs. They will bark to alert you of strangers, but they do not tend to be aggressive dogs.

If your Frenchie is overly vocal, check out the Tackling Reactivity online course bundle by Spiritdog Training.

As Puppies

French Bulldog puppies are absolutely adorable. They are also mischievous, playful, and full of energy. Puppyhood is the time when they need the most supervision and training.

They are not particularly tricky to toilet train if you start early. This online course on Mastering Toilet Training can help French Bulldog puppy owners learn how to properly train their pups, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to keep their pet healthy and happy.

The Ultimate Puppy Bundle online course is an ideal resource for new Frenchie owners, providing detailed guidance on how to properly care for and train their new puppy.

As Adults

Adult French Bulldogs are calmer and more low-key. They still enjoy playtime, but they are content to lounge around the house and relax with their family.

Similar Breeds to Consider 

If you like the French Bulldog, you may also like these similar breeds:

• Pug
• Boston Terrier
• Bullmastiff
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Beagle
• Maltese

French Bulldog – Summary

The French Bulldog is a small, affectionate breed that makes a great companion for families. They are relatively low-energy dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise, and they are typically good with other pets.

French Bulldogs can be reserved with strangers, but they make good watchdogs. Puppies are full of energy, but as adults, they are calmer and more low-key.

If you are looking for a small, robust, loving dog to add to your family, the French Bulldog may be a perfect choice.