Known for their friendly personalities, perky ears, and adorable short faces, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the country.
French Bulldogs, affectionately known as “Frenchies,” cherish their bonds with their humans – making them a fantastic option for your family’s faithful pet.
If you’re considering adopting a French Bulldog puppy, it is important to know about the care needs, training requirements, and diet information specific to this one-of-a-kind breed. Learn more about your French Bulldog puppy’s comprehensive care in our owner’s guide:
French Bulldog Cost and Where to Find One
Before you get started trying to find your French Bulldog puppy, it is a good idea to understand how much your new addition will cost you.
If you plan to adopt a purebred French Bulldog puppy that is registered to the American Kennel Club (AKC,) you should anticipate spending between $1,500 and $8,500 on the adoption alone.
Frenchie puppies are often more costly to adopt compared to other dog breeds for many reasons, including:
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French Bulldog breeding is challenging work that requires a breeder’s full attention, and reputable breeders have a variety of resources to keep the parents and new babies comfortable and healthy.
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In most cases, French Bulldog females cannot deliver puppies naturally, and they require Caesarean sections to give birth. This requires advanced veterinary care to minimize the risk for both moms and their puppies. After birth, puppies need initial veterinary care like vaccines and wellness check-ups.
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As one of the most popular breeds in the country, there are many people also searching for French Bulldog puppies. Due to the unique breeding requirements, this means Frenchie puppies are often in high demand on the purebred puppy market.
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Purebred French Bulldog puppies must be registered with the AKC, which is associated with paperwork and feeds.
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Some French Bulldogs with special colors or unusual physical features may cost more due to the rarity of their appearance.
Remember, while you should financially prepare for the cost of your new French Bulldog puppy, it is also important to consider the other expenses associated with raising a puppy, such as food, veterinary care, preventative medications, toys, and bedding, microchipping and more.
Once you understand the cost information, the first step in finding your French Bulldog puppy is research, which typically starts with an online search. During the research process, you should keep in mind any specific factors that may be important to you, such as gender, age, and coloring.
Unfortunately, there are non-reputable breeders and scams relating to finding French Bulldog puppies, so you want to ensure you can fully trust the breeder or organization where you intend to adopt your puppy from. The best options for finding a French Bulldog puppy include:
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That are officially registered with locations across the country. You can also research other reputable French Bulldog associations for adoption support.
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The most common way to find a French Bulldog puppy is through a reputable breeder. To determine if the breeder is trustworthy, ask for AKC registration paperwork, and pedigree information. This should be readily available and easily accessible. You should also pay close attention to the health of the parents and puppies, and where the dogs and puppies are housed. Talk with your breeder before adoption to test his or her knowledge of the breed. A reputable breeder may also ask you many questions to make sure the puppy is going to a good home.
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Unfortunately, many French Bulldog puppies can wind up in shelters and rescue facilities. While many Frenchies in rescue shelters don’t have their paperwork, you may be able to find one that is registered with documentation.
How to Care For Your French Bulldog Puppy
For the most part, you can expect your French Bulldog puppy to behave similarly to other puppies in the beginning. He will spend most of this time sleeping, playing, cuddling – and getting into a bit of mischief, as puppies tend to do.
Puppies require a lot of care and attention, so it is important to plan for lots of time with your French Bulldog Puppy.
Frenchies are social puppies that tend to form close relationships with with their owners, so you will want to devote a lot of time bonding with your puppy.
Play with your puppy often, and encourage others in your household so socialize with your baby Frenchie so he can grow comfortable with everyone under your roof.
If you plan to take your Frenchie to many places with you, start getting him used to car rides, walks and meeting new people.
French Bulldog puppy care involves the basics, such as grooming, feeding and training, but there are also several Frenchie-specific care needs you will need to accommodate.
When caring for your French Bulldog puppy, be mindful of the following special traits:
Your Puppy Can Overheat Easily
French Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat, so it is critical to ensure they are always cool and comfortable. Limit time outdoors, avoid direct sunlight and offer fresh, cool water as often as possible. When you’re in a warm environment with your puppy, watch for signs of heat stroke in dogs.
There are Special Grooming Requirements
To maintain your French Bulldog puppy’s adorable and unique appearance, you will need to give extra attention to his grooming needs.
This involves regular ear cleanings, frequent baths, and making sure his “tail pocket,” or the area underneath his stubby tail, stays clean and free of debris. You can groom your puppy yourself, or take him to the groomer for professional help.
Frenchies Aren’t Natural Swimmers
Your Frenchie puppy’s short and stocky body is perfect for playtime with you, however, it is not ideal for swimming.
French Bulldogs aren’t naturally great at swimming, making them at higher risk for drowning compared to other breeds.
Plan to keep your puppy away from water, or invest in a safe flotation device designed for dogs if you must take him in the water. Always supervise your Frenchie puppy around water.
Training Your French Bulldog Puppy
Training is an essential part of your French Bulldog’s puppyhood, as it can help strengthen his relationship with you, prevent destructive behaviors and create a channel of communication. Because French Bulldogs are naturally social animals who thrive from their bond with people, they tend to respond well to “positive enforcement” training, which involves lots of treats and praise as opposed to “no” and scolding.
While French Bulldogs are highly intelligent dogs who can learn a wide variety of tricks and behaviors, it is best to start with a few training essentials, including:
Potty Training
Start potty training as soon as possible with your French Bulldog puppy, and maintain persistence and patience during the process. Reward your Frenchie when he goes potty outdoors with big praises and tasty training treats.
Crate Training
Crate training involves creating a comfortable space for your puppy where he feels safe and happy. Start building positive associations with the crate by adding his favorite toy or giving treats in the crate. This is particularly valuable if you plan to travel with your French Bulldog.
Simple Commands
There is a lot of value in teaching the basic “sit,” “stay,” and “down” commands to help you communicate with your Frenchie during daily activities. Encourage your puppy to naturally perform these behaviors, and reward him when he does them on command.
Feeding Your Frenchie and What They Eat
Your French Bulldog puppy’s diet is highly important, as it can help set him on a path for positive lifelong health.
Purchase a quality food that is specifically designed for puppies, made from quality ingredients, and associated with a reputable brand.
It is a good idea to discuss food options at your Frenchie puppy’s first veterinary visit, so you can get an expert opinion on the best food for your puppy’s individual needs.
The most important thing to keep in mind when feeding your Frenchie puppy is his weight. Because of their distinct anatomy, it is particularly critical that your French Bulldog stays trim.
Overweight or obese French Bulldogs are at higher risks for serious health complications.
When it comes to treats, consider giving your French Bulldog puppy low-calorie training treats or veterinarian-approved fresh fruits and vegetables to help aid training without giving too many calories.
10 French Bulldog Puppy Facts and Tips
French Bulldogs are incredibly special and sometimes quirky, little dogs that have big personalities and loving hearts. Here are the top ten facts about Frenchies that will make you adore your sweet puppy even more:
#1. French Bulldogs aren’t French. The French Bulldog breed originated in 19th century England with pug and terrier roots. The English loved their adorable ears and warm cuddles.
#2. The AKC recognizes nine standard colors for French Bulldogs for judging purposes, which are: brindle, brindle and white, cream, fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, white, white and brindle, plus white and fawn.
#3. French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 pounds. The males tend to be larger than the females, and the average size range for all French Bulldogs is 16 to 28 pounds.
#4. French Bulldogs are considered brachycephalic, which describes to their short snouts. Because of this anatomy, flying on airplanes can be dangerous for Frenchies as their breathing can become restricted.
#5. Many celebrities own French Bulldogs, including Hugh Jackman, Lady Gaga, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Leonardo DiCaprio.
#6. Artificial insemination is common in French Bulldog breeding because the male Frenchie anatomy can make it difficult for them to breed naturally.
#7. Frenchies are great with kids. Your French Bulldog puppy may form a very close relationship with your children and help keep them safe.
#8. Your French Bulldog puppy may snore. Their short snouts can cause them to snore while they sleep, which can be very cute
#9. French Bulldogs are the fourth most popular dog breed in the United States and the number one choice in the United Kingdom.
#10. Frenchies can have two different shapes of ears – “rose-shaped,” that is more rounded, and “bat-shaped, which is more pointed.
The Bottom Line
French Bulldogs are family-friendly, affectionate dogs that were specifically bred for their easy-going personalities and love of warm cuddles.
If you’re considering adopting a French Bulldog puppy, you are preparing for a lifelong relationship with a special companion.
If you have the time and resources to devote to a special dog with unique care requirements, a Frenchie puppy may be a terrific addition to your home and you’ll likely enjoy a close-knit, lifelong bond with your newest family member.
