Dog Breed

French Bulldog

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Primary image of French Bulldog dog breed
Full Name
French Bulldog
Alternate Names
Frenchie, Frog dog
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Life Span
9 - 11 years
Weight
22 - 30 pounds
Description

The French Bulldog or "Boudogue Francais" are small-sized dogs, who are the natural goof-balls of dog breeds. Frenchies are alert and curious, but quickly switch from their serious nature, and enjoy playing and entertaining their family like non other. They also are amiable, sweet, and companionable- making them a great choice for apartment living.

Origin
France
England
Bred For
Lapdog
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the French Bulldog good with children?

    Yes, the French Bulldog is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the French Bulldog naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the French Bulldog friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the French Bulldog is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the French Bulldog is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the French Bulldog friendly with other dogs?

    The French Bulldog is about average in how friendly they are with other dogs. They can be timid or defensive, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for dog parks and living with other dogs at home.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the French Bulldog like to cuddle?

    The French Bulldog likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the French Bulldog like to play?

    The French Bulldog will almost always be ready for play! The French Bulldog is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the French Bulldog make a good service dog?

    The French Bulldog would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the French Bulldog good for first-time owners?

    The French Bulldog is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the French Bulldog be trained?

    The French Bulldog can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the French Bulldog can be incredibly well-trained.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the French Bulldog shed a lot?

    The French Bulldog does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the French Bulldog easy to groom?

    The French Bulldog requires very little grooming relative to other dog breeds, their coat is very low maintenance.
    Exercise Need

    Does the French Bulldog need a lot of exercise?

    The French Bulldog requires some daily exercise, but daily walks should be enough. The French Bulldog appreciates going outside and on daily walks, but they will be ok without anything overly athletic.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the French Bulldog?

    The French Bulldog has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the French Bulldog bark? Does the French Bulldog bark too much?

    The French Bulldog barks an average amount. It can vary widely between French Bulldogs - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the French Bulldog a good guard dog?

    The French Bulldog is the opposite of a guard dog!
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the French Bulldog good at staying alone? Is the French Bulldog independent?

    The French Bulldog considers their owner part of the "pack" and hates being left behind. This can be a good thing for someone looking for an emotional support dog who is loyal and always by their side, but bad if the dog will need to be left at home alone for extended periods.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the French Bulldog a good apartment dog?

    The French Bulldog is an excellent dog breed for an apartment. Some daily exercise is still important, but if they get that then the apartment will be more than enough for them to call home.
    Size

    How big is the French Bulldog?

    The French Bulldog is below average when it comes to size. They are not a "toy" breed, but it is still significantly easier to travel with them.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the French Bulldog tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a French Bulldog?

    The French Bulldog does not tolerate hot weather very well, and we would not recommend having a French Bulldog if you live in a very hot weather climate. At the minimum, they would need a home with air conditioning.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the French Bulldog tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a French Bulldog?

    The French Bulldog does not tolerate cold weather very well, and we would not recommend having a French Bulldog if you live in a very cold weather climate. Even if your home is warm, it can be inconvenient to go on walks, and you may need to have a sweater for your French Bulldog.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the French Bulldog try to run away?

    The French Bulldog does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the French Bulldog a healthy dog? The health of a French Bulldog should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The French Bulldog has many health problems that should be considered. The French Bulldog can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the French Bulldog?

    The French Bulldog has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the French Bulldog daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the French Bulldog drool?

    The French Bulldog drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the French Bulldog have a large prey drive? Does the French Bulldog like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The French Bulldog has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the French Bulldog atheltic?

    The French Bulldog can have athletic moments, and bursts of speed, but does not have the endurance as other highly athletic dog breeds. They would do great for occasional jogs, but probably not the best for long-distance runs or anything more athletic than that.

Breed Variations

  • Image for the Fawn variation for dog breed

    Fawn

  • Image for the Brindle variation for dog breed

    Brindle

  • Image for the White variation for dog breed

    White

  • Image for the Lilac variation for dog breed

    Lilac

  • Image for the Black variation for dog breed

    Black

  • Image for the Pied variation for dog breed

    Pied

  • Image for the Sable variation for dog breed

    Sable

  • Image for the Merle variation for dog breed

    Merle

  1. Non-Sporting
  2. Small Molossian
  3. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a purebred dog that belongs to the Small Molossian sub group, which falls under the larger Non-Sporting dog breed group.
Non-Sporting group: The Non-Sporting group of dogs is probably the most diverse in the sense that it has a variety of dogs, and they were not all bred for one specific purpose. Each breed in the non-sporting group is unique! They have been primarily bred as house pets, and because of that make excellent additions to the family. Exercise is still important for them, but the typical non-sporting dog does not have the energy of of a sporting or working group dog.
Small Molossian sub-group: The small molossian type of dog is the category for French Bulldogs and Pugs. They have health problems, do not tolerate hot or cold weather very much, and do not score the highest on the intelligence rankings... and yet, they are right at the top for the most popular dog breeds, so what is it? First of all, small molossian type dogs are unique- they have the build and personality of a giant dog but in the body of a small dog. This results in a hilarious personality that is always fun to have around. They are very friendly, like to cuddle, and are an excellent dog for a first time owner. Because of their size and medium to low energy level they make the perfect dog for apartment living.

French Bulldogs for adoption

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