Frenchies 101

Non-Sporting

Thanks in large part to celebrities and social media influencers, the French Bulldog has quickly gone from an obscure breed to an undeniable status as one of the most popular of all breeds. Compact and sturdy, Frenchies are well-suited to city life, where they delight their families with an outsized and playful personality. They are bright dogs who learn quickly, although they can be stubborn. As with other short-snouted dogs, Frenchies need families keenly aware of the breed's heat intolerance and other related issues.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Frenchies

Big dog attitude in a compact body

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
11 to 13 inches tall
Group Size Small
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
020
Weight
15 to 28 lbs
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Mature adult Frenchie

4 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Intervertebral disc disease

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Corneal (eye) ulcer

Senior Frenchie

7+ years

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Corneal (eye) ulcer

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Intervertebral disc disease

Frenchie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Gastritis

Young adult Frenchie

7 months to 3 years

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Skin allergies

Mature adult Frenchie

4 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

risk-level-bar

Corneal (eye) ulcer

Senior Frenchie

7+ years

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Corneal (eye) ulcer

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

Frenchie puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

Young adult Frenchie

7 months to 3 years

Risk level for common Frenchie conditions

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

4-Color combo Fawn and white French bulldog GettyImages-468083067

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French bulldog puppy GettyImages-1252603903

Gary Fisher, the French Bulldog who belonged to the late Carrie Fisher, had a cameo appearance in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Gary and Carrie were inseparable, and after her death he retired to Florida with her assistant, who adopted the dog.

French Bulldog coat care and colors

The French Bulldog comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and marking, some recognized by breed clubs, others not. They have a smooth, easy-care coat. Brushing a couple of times a week will reduce shedding almost to nothing, and no professional grooming is required. Most Frenchies have prominent skin folds especially above the nose, which should be cleaned regularly and checked often to prevent infections.

The Frenchie can be a little testy when it comes to nail trims. Avoid this in adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.

How often should I bathe my French Bulldog?

There’s no need to wait until your French Bulldog is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Most Frenchies do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. You can extend the time between your Frenchie's baths with regular brushing and combing.

What is the best way to clean the wrinkles on my French Bulldog?

Preventive care of skin folds in the French Bulldog requires daily cleaning with a gentle soap solution, applied with a washcloth. Dry thoroughly. If the area inside your Frenchie's folds is irritated or inflamed, contact your veterinary healthcare team for advice and treatment options.

Should I trim my French Bulldog's nails myself?

Absolutely! Start your French Bulldog as young as possible, rewarding them with praise and small treats for accepting gentle handling of their feet. Slowly introduce clipping or grinding, and reward your Frenchie for tolerance. Some people swear by a "lick mat" with peanut butter -- no xylitol or other sweeteners, please! -- to keep their dogs occupied and distracted while nails are being trimmed. Weekly touch-ups prevent nails from becoming long daggers that are painful when cut. If you'd rather not mess with your Frenchie's nails, a groomer or your veterinary healthcare team will be happy to trim nails for you.

Frenchie exercise & training

Couch potato

Exercise level

A good walk, ideally in cool weather, should take care of the French Bulldog’s daily exercise needs. Pet parents should be vigilant in preventing overheating, which can be deadly.

Class clown

Trainability

French Bulldogs love their families, but they may have their own thoughts on what they want to do. Encourage good behavior with praise and tiny treats.

Group 7456

Frenchie fun facts

Top girl names for Frenchies

100%

of Frenchies are female

0%

of Frenchies are male

Top boy names for Frenchies

Nationwide loves French Bulldogs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Frenchies

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