French Bulldog

The French Bulldog has rocketed to the top of the AKC’s most popular breeds list, claiming the number one spot in recent years after a remarkable surge in popularity. With their signature bat ears, compact build, and endlessly entertaining personality, it’s easy to see why Frenchies have captured so many hearts. If you’re a first-time owner, also check out our first week with your new puppy guide before bringing one home.

But behind those adorable smooshed faces are some serious health considerations that every prospective and current owner needs to understand. This guide covers the full picture — the wonderful qualities that make Frenchies so beloved, the health challenges that come with the breed, and practical advice for giving your French Bulldog the best life possible.

History and Origins

Despite the name, the French Bulldog actually originated in England. During the Industrial Revolution, lace workers in Nottingham bred miniature Bulldogs as companion dogs. When many of these workers relocated to France in the mid-1800s, they brought their little Bulldogs with them.

In France, these compact Bulldogs were crossed with local breeds, likely including terriers and pugs. The distinctive bat ears — which English Bulldog fanciers rejected — became a hallmark of the new breed. Parisian society, particularly artists, writers, and cafe owners, embraced the breed enthusiastically.

The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1898. For over a century, the French Bulldog was a moderately popular companion breed. Then, beginning around 2012, the breed’s popularity exploded — fueled in part by celebrity ownership and social media exposure. By 2022, the French Bulldog had overtaken the Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed in America.

This meteoric rise in popularity has brought both good news (more resources and awareness for the breed) and bad news (an increase in irresponsible breeding to meet demand, leading to higher rates of health problems).

Temperament and Personality

The Frenchie Charm

Adaptable and easygoing. French Bulldogs are remarkably adaptable dogs that adjust well to different living situations. Apartment, house, city, suburbs — a Frenchie is happy as long as they’re with their person. This adaptability is one reason they’ve become so popular with urban dwellers.

Affectionate to the core. Frenchies are genuine lap dogs who want to be with you at all times. They’ll follow you from room to room, curl up on your lap (or your keyboard), and generally make it clear that being near you is their favorite activity. This deep attachment makes them wonderful companions but also means they’re prone to separation anxiety.

Playful and entertaining. Frenchies have a clownish personality that keeps their owners laughing. They’ll zoom around the house, play with toys enthusiastically, and make a variety of entertaining noises — from snorts and grunts to what can only be described as “talking.” Many Frenchie owners say their dog has more personality per pound than any other breed.

Alert but not yappy. French Bulldogs are alert to their environment and will bark to let you know about visitors or unusual sounds. However, they’re generally not excessive barkers — a trait that apartment neighbors appreciate. They tend to bark with purpose rather than out of boredom or anxiety.

Sociable with people and pets. Most Frenchies are friendly with strangers, good with children, and get along well with other dogs when properly socialized. They’re not typically aggressive, though some can be territorial about their food or favorite human.

Potential Challenges

Stubbornness. Frenchies are intelligent, but they have an independent streak. Training requires patience and creativity — if a Frenchie decides they don’t want to do something, they can be remarkably immovable (both figuratively and literally). Keep training sessions short, positive, and fun.

Separation anxiety. Because Frenchies bond so deeply with their owners, many struggle when left alone. This can manifest as destructive behavior, excessive barking, or house training regression. Gradual desensitization, enrichment toys (like a stuffed KONG), and sometimes professional behavioral support may be needed.

Flatulence. There’s no delicate way to say this: French Bulldogs are gassy. Their brachycephalic anatomy means they swallow more air while eating, which has to go somewhere. A high-quality diet, slow-feeder bowls, and probiotics can help manage this, but some degree of gas is simply part of life with a Frenchie.

Care Needs

Exercise Requirements

French Bulldogs need moderate exercise — significantly less than sporting or working breeds, but more than a purely sedentary lifestyle.

• Daily exercise: 30-60 minutes, split into 2-3 shorter sessions
• Ideal activities: Short walks (15-20 minutes each), indoor play, puzzle toys, gentle fetch
• Activities to avoid: Running, intense fetch in warm weather, swimming (they can’t swim), prolonged outdoor exercise in heat or cold

The key word for Frenchie exercise is moderation. Their brachycephalic anatomy makes intense exercise dangerous, particularly in warm or humid conditions. A Frenchie who is panting heavily, drooling excessively, or slowing down needs to stop and cool down immediately.

Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise for Frenchies. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and interactive toys provide stimulation without the respiratory strain of vigorous physical activity.

Grooming Needs

French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance in the grooming department, with one important exception: their facial folds.

• Coat brushing: Once per week with a rubber grooming mitt or soft bristle brush. Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately.
• Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo, as Frenchies are prone to skin allergies.
• Facial fold cleaning: 2-3 times per week minimum. This is critical. The folds around a Frenchie’s face trap moisture, food particles, and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for infection. Use a damp cloth or unscented baby wipe to clean between folds, then dry thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of pet-safe balm or coconut oil to prevent irritation.
• Ear cleaning: Weekly. Those bat ears are adorable but can trap debris. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton ball. See our dog grooming tips guide for a step-by-step ear cleaning walkthrough.
• Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks.
• Dental care: Daily brushing recommended. Frenchies’ crowded teeth (a consequence of their shortened jaw) make them particularly prone to dental disease. Read our complete dog dental care guide for a step-by-step brushing routine.

Brachycephalic Care: The Most Important Section

This is the section every Frenchie owner needs to read carefully. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the most significant health challenge facing French Bulldogs, and it affects virtually every aspect of their care.

The term “brachycephalic” means “short-headed.” French Bulldogs have been bred to have extremely flat faces, which compresses their airways and causes a range of breathing difficulties:

• Stenotic nares: Narrowed nostrils that restrict airflow
• Elongated soft palate: The soft tissue at the back of the mouth is too long, partially blocking the airway
• Hypoplastic trachea: A windpipe that’s narrower than normal
• Everted laryngeal saccules: Tissue near the larynx that gets pulled into the airway

The result is a dog that snores loudly, breathes noisily, gags or regurgitates easily, overheats quickly, and has reduced exercise tolerance. Some degree of BOAS affects the majority of French Bulldogs, though severity varies widely.

Heat Management

French Bulldogs are extremely heat-sensitive. Their compromised airways make it difficult for them to cool themselves through panting (the primary cooling mechanism for dogs). This means:

• Never leave a Frenchie in a hot car — even for a few minutes
• Limit outdoor time when temperatures exceed 75-80 degrees F
• Walk during cooler parts of the day (early morning, evening)
• Provide cooling aids: Cooling mats, cooling vests, fans, and constant access to fresh water
• Know the signs of heatstroke: Excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, stumbling, vomiting, or collapse. Heatstroke is a medical emergency — cool your dog with lukewarm (not cold) water and get to a veterinarian immediately.
• Be cautious with air travel. Many airlines restrict or ban brachycephalic breeds from flying due to the elevated risk of respiratory distress at altitude. If you must fly with a Frenchie, consult your vet first.

Nutrition

French Bulldogs benefit from high-quality food with a few breed-specific considerations:

• Small kibble size: Their flat faces and undershot jaws make large kibble difficult to pick up and chew. Small breed formulas with smaller kibble work best. Our Blue Buffalo Life Protection review covers a solid small-breed formula option.
• Omega fatty acids: Important for skin health, as Frenchies are prone to allergies and dermatitis. Learn more in our guide to choosing dog food.
• Moderate calories: Frenchies can gain weight easily due to their lower exercise capacity. Monitor portions carefully and maintain a healthy body condition.
• Probiotics and digestive support: Can help manage the gas and digestive sensitivity common in the breed.
• Slow feeders: Frenchies tend to eat quickly, swallowing air in the process (worsening both gas and breathing). A slow-feeder bowl encourages slower eating.

Training Tips for French Bulldogs

1. Keep it short and sweet. Frenchies have limited attention spans for repetitive exercises. Training sessions of 5-10 minutes work better than 30-minute marathons.

2. Use high-value treats. Frenchies are food-motivated, and the right treat turns a stubborn Frenchie into an eager student. Small, soft treats that can be eaten quickly work best.

3. Be patient with house training. French Bulldogs can be slower to house train than some breeds. Consistent schedule, frequent trips outside, and generous rewards for outdoor elimination are key. Crate training helps tremendously.

4. Use a harness, never a collar for walking. Pressure on the neck from a collar exacerbates breathing difficulties. Always use a well-fitted harness that distributes pressure across the chest.

5. Socialize early and often. Expose your Frenchie puppy to different people, dogs, environments, and experiences between 8-16 weeks of age. Well-socialized Frenchies are more confident and less prone to fear-based behaviors.

6. Positive reinforcement only. Frenchies are sensitive and can shut down or become stubborn in response to harsh corrections. Reward what you want to see, redirect what you don’t, and stay patient.

Is a French Bulldog Right for You?

French Bulldogs Are a Great Fit If:

• You live in an apartment or small home (they’re perfectly sized and not overly energetic)
• You want an affectionate, loyal companion dog
• You work from home or are home frequently (they crave companionship)
• You want a low-exercise dog that’s happy with short walks and indoor play
• You appreciate a dog with personality, humor, and a talent for making you laugh
• You’re prepared for potentially significant veterinary costs
• You live in a moderate climate (not extremely hot or humid)

French Bulldogs May Not Be Right If:

• You want a running or hiking partner (their breathing limits vigorous exercise)
• You live in a very hot or humid climate without air conditioning
• You’re not prepared for potential health costs (Frenchies are among the most expensive breeds for veterinary care)
• You’re away from home for long hours (they don’t handle isolation well)
• You want a quiet dog (snoring, snorting, and flatulence are part of the package)
• You want a dog that can swim (they absolutely cannot)
• You’re looking for the most affordable breed to own (between purchase price and health costs, Frenchies are a significant investment)

Choosing a Responsible Breeder

If you decide a French Bulldog is right for you, choosing a responsible breeder is absolutely critical. Look for breeders who:

• Health test breeding dogs for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye conditions, and cardiac issues
• Can show you BOAS severity assessments for their breeding stock
• Breed for moderate (less extreme) facial structure, which improves breathing
• Provide a health guarantee
• Are willing to take the dog back at any point in its life if needed
• Are registered with the French Bull Dog Club of America

Avoid breeders selling “exotic” colors (merle, blue, lilac) at premium prices, as these colors are not recognized by the AKC breed standard and are sometimes associated with additional health problems.

Adoption is also a wonderful option. French Bulldog rescue organizations frequently have dogs available, including puppies and young adults. The French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) is a good starting point.

You Might Also Like

• Golden Retriever Breed Guide — The friendly family dog vs. the apartment-friendly Frenchie
• Labrador Retriever Breed Guide — Compare two very different energy levels
• KONG Classic Review — The top enrichment toy for keeping Frenchies mentally stimulated indoors
• Best Dog Grooming Tips — Coat care, fold cleaning, and bathing techniques for all breeds
• Dog Dental Care Guide — Critical reading for a breed prone to dental disease
• How to Choose Dog Food — Decode ingredient labels and find the right small-breed formula
• Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers — Durable toy options for Frenchies that like to chew

Frequently Asked Questions