The French Bulldog is a one-of-a-kind dog breed.
These small dogs are easily identifiable thanks to their big smiles, large bat ears and heavy wrinkles.
Dubbed Frenchies, these small dogs have proven popular with dog lovers in some of the biggest cities in the world.
The French Bulldog can make a wonderful canine companion thanks to their affectionate, charming and loyal personalities.
The American Kennel Club rank the French Bulldog as the second-most popular dog breed in the world.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the Frenchie, examining the French Bulldog pros and cons to give prospective owners an insight into this famous breed.
Pros
French Bulldog (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Affectionate
Frenchies are big softies, especially with their owners. So if you’re looking for a dog breed that likes the give and receive affection in equal measure, French Bulldogs could be a suitable option. The breed standard references this trait to underline it’s theme throughout the Frenchie breed.
The AKC lists the following for temperament in the Frenchie breed standard.
Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous.
Don’t bark a lot
While some small dogs are stereotyped as dogs that like to bark or yappy, French Bulldogs aren’t known for making a lot of noise. Frenchies tend to be minimal barkers, although this can vary from French Bulldog to French Bulldog. Having said that, the AKC references the breed’s ability to act as effective watchdogs so they may raise the alarm if there’s a knock at the door.
Easy to train
There is something of a misconception that bulldogs aren’t smart but this is far from the truth. These small dogs are quick to pick up training, learn new commands and new tricks. The French Bulldog was ranked 58th in The Intelligence Of Dogs but Frenchie owners attest to a smart dog that is quick to learn. The AKC recommend taking your Frenchie puppy to socialization and puppy training at the earliest possible opportunity.
Couch potatoes
You may have seen some memes on the internet likening French Bulldogs to a loaf of bread or a potato. They really are couch potatoes! If you’re a dog lover but you don’t want to exercise for up to an hour a day or you simply don’t have time to take your dog for long walks, the Frenchie could be a fit for you. Wag Walking recommend around 30 minutes of activity a day for the breed. French Bulldogs will need some daily exercise to provide mental and physical stimulation as well as to help your Frenchie keep off weight. The AKC write on their website:
A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog in shape.
Good with children
The AKC shine a light on their excellent reputation in a family setting with children. The organization give the Frenchie breed a five-star rating for their ability to be around younger members of the family. Having said that, you should never leave your French Bulldog alone and unsupervised with a child just like with any dog breed.
Easy to groom
Unlike some of the Doodle hybrids, the French Bulldog breed are relatively low maintenance where grooming is concerned. This breed have have a short coat that doesn’t shed a lot. That’s not to say Frenchies are hypoallergenic but they don’t shed as much as some of dog breeds. The AKC suggest a weekly brush to get rid of dead hair and debris.
Apartment dogs
French Bulldogs are one of the world’s most popular small dogs so it’s little surprise that you can’t walk down a street in New York, London, Paris or Tokyo without seeing a Frenchie. These affectionate dogs don’t need a lot of space or require much exercise so they’re perfect for city life.
Wag Walking had a word of warning for Frenchie owners living in apartments.
If you and your dog are apartment dwellers, outdoor diversions are still a must; a quick visit to the local dog run will go a long way.
Cons
French Bulldog (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Health problems
The biggest drawback to the French Bulldog breed is their health problems. Unfortunately these charming canines are prone to a host of issues. The French Bulldog Club of America suggest health testing for hip dysplasia, eye examination, patellar laxation, congenital cardiac disease, autoimmune thyroiditis and juvenile cataracts. Frenchies are known to potentially suffer with breathing problems so some airlines won’t allow them to fly. They can be extremely sensitive to anesthesia. The AKC add that skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorder a pose a problem.
Sensitive tummies
French Bulldogs can suffer from sensitive stomachs for a variety of difference reasons. If you enter “French Bulldogs sensitive stomachs” into Google, you’ll be greeted by over 1.6 million results. Some Frenchies can have a genetic predisposition to food allergies which can cause an upset tummy. You can check out our best dog food delivery companies in the USA and in the UK. You may want to consider a dog allergy test too.
The AKC had a stark warning for Frenchie owners where diet is concerned.
Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can damage their physical structure and puts them at higher risk for some of the breed’s health issues, so it is vital to watch their calorie intake and weight. If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods high in fat.
Separation anxiety
As a popular companion dog breed, some French Bulldogs can be prone to separation anxiety. However, it must be said that Frenchies are no more susceptible to this chronic canine condition than any other dog irrespective of breed or mix. Separation anxiety occurs when a dog owners is about to leave the home or has left the home. Some of the symptoms include barking, howling, chewing, digging or even defecating inside the home.
Price
French Bulldogs are one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. You pay anywhere from $1k to $10k for a Frenchie puppy depending on coat color, eye color, lineage and breeder. When you couple their price tag with the potential costly trips to the vet, you’ll need to think carefully and budget even more carefully if you decide to adopt a French Bulldog.
High maintenance
These diminutive little dogs can be high maintenance and stubborn. They can be the classic velcro dog, acting as your shadow throughout the day. French Bulldogs may need help getting on and off furniture, require supervision when exercising considering their breathing problems and can be fussy at mealtime. It should also be noted that French Bulldogs aren’t good swimmers so they shouldn’t be left unsupervised around a pool, pond or river.
Temperature
French Bulldogs can be extremely sensitive to temperature. Seeing as they’re a brachycephalic breed, Frenchies reacts to hot or cold temperatures. They should never be allowed to partake in strenuous exercise during hot or humid weather given their breathing difficulties.
