The Vet’s Guide to French Bulldogs: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

French Bulldogs are widely loved for their adaptability and loyalty to their human companions. These little cuties are a small and muscular breed, and they adore lots of affection, making them the perfect pet for families.

History: During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were bred in England as small versions of the English Bulldog. Bred to be the perfect companions for lace workers moving to France, French Bulldogs evolved into the unique breed we know today, with their characteristic long bodies and short legs. Because of their loveable personality and unique appearance, they quickly became popular with different social classes in France, which included the artists as well as the upper class. In the end, they were dubbed the ‘French Bulldog‘, possessing all the positive traits from various French and English breedings.

Appearance: French Bulldogs are instantly recognisable by their 'bat ears,' short, wrinkled snouts, and compact, muscular frames. This breed is characterised by their short, smooth fur in many different colours such as fawn, brindle, white with black mask and cream. It is a great breed that has a muscular, small body and unusual facial markings.

Physical Characteristics: The French Bulldog is a small-to-medium-sized breed with a sturdy, heavy-boned build, weighing between 7.3 and 12.7kg. It has a deep and wide chest, good muscle mass, and a robust body with a short but powerfully strong build. They also possess large, square heads, flat faces, and distinctive snub noses. Even though they are small dogs, they are well built, muscular with good agility.

Temperament: The temperament of the French Bulldogs is identified through their mischievous and playful nature. Very social and loving, these dogs do well in a home with the family and are great apartment dwellers. French Bulldogs typically get along well with children and other pets, though they can occasionally be a bit stubborn.

Activity Level: French Bulldogs are generally a low-to-moderate-energy breed needing consistent activities but also like to take naps quite frequently. They have low to moderate exercise needs so short walks and indoor play sessions should be enough. Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy means they should not be over-exercised, especially in hot or humid conditions as they can easily overheat.

Health: French Bulldogs are prone to several health complications due to their distinctive physical structure, common to many brachycephalic breeds. They can experience breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during strenuous exercise. Common health concerns also include spine problems, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and ear infections. We'll discuss these issues in more detail later in the guide.

Lifespan: The French Bulldog's average life span is 10 to 12 years. With proper care, including a healthy diet and regular veterinary check-ups, Frenchies can look forward to living long and satisfying lives.

Grooming a French Bulldog involves more than just keeping their coat clean—it also includes regular care for their skin, ears, teeth, and nails. Their short coat and unique facial structure makes them require special attention to prevent discomfort or health issues.

Grooming Requirements: French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat and require low maintenance. They do shed, but not heavily, and benefit from being brushed with a soft slicker brush or comb by their owners on a weekly basis to get rid of loose hairs. It also keeps the skin healthily moisturized by spreading natural oils across it, too. Their skin folds, particularly around the face need to be checked and cleaned regularly, otherwise, they could develop infections due to trapped moisture and dirt.

Bathing: You can bathe your French Bulldog every few weeks or whenever it’s needed. While bathing, use a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo to avoid skin irritation, and pay special attention to thoroughly cleaning and drying their facial folds to prevent bacterial build-up. Avoid overbathing though, as excessive washing can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness.

Dental Care: Regular dental care is essential for French Bulldogs, as they are prone to tartar build-up and gum disease. Brushing their teeth a few days per week is an excellent way to keep them healthy. Their teeth should be cleaned daily to keep them fresh and prevent serious dental problems. 

Clean Ears: French Bulldogs are also prone to ear infections due to their large standing ears that can easily trap dirt and moisture. Examine ears weekly for wax buildup, redness, or an unusual odour. Wipe their ears with an ear-cleaning solution as prescribed by your vet, and a soft cloth or a cotton ball. Do not use cotton swabs as they can injure the ear and push debris further inside the ear canal.

French Bulldogs are adorable, but they have a host of health problems that result from their unusual conformation. Knowing about these health issues can allow you to proactively minimise their impact and ensure your French Bulldog stays as healthy as possible.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS): French Bulldogs have flat faces, which means they are prone to this condition. BAS is a problem with the upper respiratory tract in dogs, and it often causes breathing issues for them. On warmer days restrict their exercise to ensure they don’t overheat and can stay cool throughout the day. In extreme cases you may find that they need surgery to get them to breathe better.

Hip Dysplasia: Although more common in larger breeds, French Bulldogs can also develop hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, causing pain and lameness. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing joint supplements can help manage symptoms, while surgery may be necessary for severe cases.

Spinal Disorders: French Bulldogs are susceptible to spinal issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), where spinal discs bulge or rupture. Symptoms can range from mild pain to paralysis. To protect their back, avoid activities that involve jumping from heights or putting strain on their spine.

Skin Fold Dermatitis: Moisture and dirt trapped in French Bulldogs' skin folds can cause dermatitis, leading to itchiness, redness, and infection. Regular cleaning and drying of their skin folds can help prevent this.

Allergies: French Bulldogs have delicate skin and can experience allergic reactions such as itching, and redness of the skin. Allergies can be caused by environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites or potentially food ingredients. Managing allergens through diet, medications, or environmental adjustments can help provide relief.

Eye Conditions: French Bulldogs are prone to eye issues like cherry eye, corneal ulcers, and conjunctivitis. Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid swells and pops out. Quick veterinary care can prevent further complications and protect your dog’s eye health.

Training a French Bulldog can be both rewarding and challenging due to its playful yet sometimes stubborn nature. Although they are intelligent and eager to please, they may display a streak of independence that requires a consistent and patient approach to training. Success lies in using positive reinforcement techniques, maintaining a routine, and starting training as early as possible.

Best Ways to Train a French Bulldog: French Bulldogs respond best to training methods that are consistent, positive, and filled with encouragement. Short, engaging training sessions are more effective than long, repetitive ones, as Frenchies can lose interest quickly. Begin with basic commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "leave it," using clear and straightforward language. Repetition is crucial, but avoid overdoing it in a single session to prevent boredom. Incorporating playtime into training can also keep your Frenchie interested and motivated!

Socialisation: Socialisation is a crucial aspect of training a French Bulldog. Early socialisation is your responsibility as a pet owner and it helps them become well-rounded dogs that are comfortable around various people, animals, and environments. Introduce your Frenchie to different experiences in a controlled and positive manner. Puppy socialisation classes offered by many veterinary practices are a great way to expose your Frenchie to other dogs and learn basic commands in a safe setting.

Treats and Rewards: With a French Bulldog, the only type of training effective in the long run and gives positive results involves positive reinforcement. They respond well to treats, praise, or even a little affection to acknowledge their good behaviours. For training, use soft treats so they can eat them quickly without getting distracted or chewing for a long time. In addition, by pairing the treat with verbal praise or a pet on the back, you reinforce the desired behaviour. When you teach the 'sit' command, for example, give the treat immediately after they sit and praise them using an excited voice.

Common training issues: French Bulldogs can be pretty stubborn, so you might experience difficulties training them and during potty training. To overcome this, stay calm and patient. Do not resort to punishment or rough corrections, as this can cause fear and anxiety, lessening training effectiveness. Rather than trying to make bad behaviour lead to something unpleasant, reward them for doing positive behaviour instead.

Train Early: Begin training early, be consistent and use positive reinforcement to train your French Bulldog to become a well-behaved, obedient, happy dog. Just remember, patience and repetition are going to be key in working through training and bonding with your Frenchie.

While French Bulldogs aren't as high-energy as some breeds, regular exercise is still essential to keep them healthy, prevent obesity, and boost their mental well-being. Though their exercise needs are more moderate, staying active will also strengthen your bond with your Frenchie. Below are some fun ways to keep your French Bulldog both physically and mentally engaged.

Fetch: Despite their compact size and brachycephalic (flat-faced) build, French Bulldogs often enjoy a game of fetch. Using a lightweight ball or soft toy is ideal for them to carry. Keep fetch sessions short—5 to 10 minutes—to avoid overexertion, especially in warmer weather. On hot or rainy days, indoor fetch can be a great alternative to burn off energy in a safe, controlled environment.

Interactive Toys: French Bulldogs are curious and smart, making interactive toys a great way to keep them entertained. Toys that make your Frenchie work to get a treat—like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys—help stimulate their minds and reduce boredom. This mental enrichment is just as important as physical activity.

Tug-of-War: A gentle game of tug-of-war is a fun way to exercise your Frenchie. Use a durable but soft rope toy, being careful not to tug too hard on their jaw. Letting your Frenchie win occasionally adds to the fun and helps build their confidence while also strengthening your bond.

Short Walks: French Bulldogs thrive on short, leisurely walks that give them a chance to explore without overexertion. Aim for two 10 to 15-minute walks a day, avoiding the hottest times to prevent heat exhaustion. Using a harness instead of a collar is also recommended, as it reduces pressure on their neck and throat.

Indoor Play: On days when outdoor activities aren’t possible, set up indoor games to keep your Frenchie active. You can create a mini obstacle course with household items like pillows and blankets, or engage them in games like hide-and-seek. Hiding treats around the house is another fun way to keep them busy and mentally sharp.

By incorporating these activities into your routine, you’ll ensure your French Bulldog stays healthy, happy, and engaged.

While French Bulldogs are generally loving and friendly, they can sometimes develop behavioural problems. It’s important to recognise and address these issues early on to manage them effectively. Below are some common behaviour challenges you might encounter with your French Bulldog.

Stubbornness: French Bulldogs can be independent and sometimes stubborn, especially if they sense inconsistency in leadership. This trait is often linked to their brave and self-assured nature. To manage stubbornness, establish yourself as a confident leader by setting clear rules and boundaries. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour and avoid harsh punishment, which can create fear and worsen the issue.

Separation Anxiety: Because French Bulldogs are such people-centric dogs, they are susceptible to separation anxiety. When left alone for too long, they can develop anxiety or destructive behaviours. Excessive barking, whining, chewing, and scratching at doors can be countered by slowly acclimating your Frenchie to being alone. Provide them with comforting items, like a piece of your clothing, and interactive toys to keep them occupied. If their bad behaviour is particularly problematic, you may need to talk to a professional dog behaviourist.

Resource Guarding: French Bulldogs can sometimes display resource guarding, where they become possessive of their food, toys, or space. This can escalate to growling or snapping when someone approaches their valued items. To address this, teach your Frenchie commands like “leave it” and “drop it” using positive reinforcement. Practice trading objects—offering a treat or another toy in exchange for the guarded item. Avoid punishment, as it may increase the guarding behaviour.

Excessive Barking: French Bulldogs are not known for being excessive barkers, but some may fall into this category if they're bored, anxious, or requesting attention. Keep an eye on what is causing your French Bulldog to bark, then work towards desensitising them. For example, if your dog barks at noises outside, give positive reinforcement to reward quiet behaviour. Ensure that you will be playing, exercising, and using interactive toys that are going to mentally stimulate your dog. Boredom-related barking is easily combated with activities designed to keep your dog entertained.

Through education and a little bit of training you can help your French Bulldog grow into a well-behaved, well-rounded companion.

Your French Bulldog needs proper nutrition to stay healthy, active and within the ideal body weight. French bulldogs are different from other dog breeds due to their unique physical characteristics and potential health concerns.

Nutritional Needs: French Bulldogs require a high-quality diet with sufficient protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Protein assists muscle development and maintenance, while healthy fats contribute to a shiny coat and energy levels. Carbohydrates and fibre in moderate amounts will help digestion. Additionally, they require vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to support bone health, particularly in their early growth stages. French Bulldog-specific diets are perfect for keeping your Frenchie happy & healthy!

Nutrition for puppies: French Bulldog puppy growth is rapid, and it takes the right combination of nutrients to meet these requirements during this critical phase. Puppy-specific diets are designed to meet these needs, offering higher protein levels and essential nutrients like DHA, which aids brain and eye development. As a Puppy try to feed them three to four small meals a day, but as they grow, gradually transition to eating fewer times in a day with larger portions, and pay attention to their weight to help prevent overfeeding.

Adult Nutrition: As French Bulldogs grow into adults, their nutritional needs shift. They require a balanced diet to maintain energy levels, support muscle health, and manage their weight. Most high-quality dog foods designed for small breeds will provide the essential nutrients your adult Frenchie needs. Look for options that feature good protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish.

Portion Control and Feeding Schedule: Due to their tendency to gain weight easily, it's important to regulate your French Bulldog's food intake. Feed them twice a day and measure their food based on the size, age and activity level. To avoid overeating, do not free-feed (leave food out all day). A slow feeder bowl could also help your Frenchie eat more slowly and thus reduce the chances of bloat, gas, build up.

If you already have a French Bulldog or are considering getting one, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights into their training and care. While it’s a great starting point for new Frenchie owners, continue learning from reliable sources. Connect with other French Bulldog owners to share tips and advice on caring for these wonderful dogs. By staying informed, you'll be better equipped to give your Frenchie the love and attention they need for a happy, healthy life together.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe