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French Bulldogs are companion dogs who can enjoy short walks and play with their people. Build the routine around the individual dog, including breaks and a comfortable place to rest.
Think beyond the short coat
The smooth coat benefits from weekly brushing, while facial folds need to stay clean and dry. A simple coat is only one part of their care needs.
Their flat face can make breathing and hot weather difficult. Plan activities with this in mind, and speak with a veterinarian about suitable exercise and health considerations before making a decision.
Before you decide
- Can your home and routine accommodate heat-sensitive care?
- Have you discussed this dog’s health history with a veterinarian?
- Who will handle the everyday grooming and companionship?
French Bulldog questions
How big does a full-grown French Bulldog get?
Adults usually stand 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh under 28 pounds. Twenty-eight pounds is the upper limit, and anything heavier is a disqualification in the show ring.
How long do French Bulldogs live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Do French Bulldogs shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
They do shed, though the short, smooth coat is easy to look after. A weekly brush lifts loose hair. No dog or breed is 100 percent hypoallergenic, and a Frenchie is no exception, so spend time around one first if allergies are a concern.
Are French Bulldogs good apartment dogs?
They are one of the classic city breeds. Frenchies generally do well in small living quarters and are quiet, rarely barking. A short walk or play session each day is usually enough exercise, as long as it happens away from heat and humidity.
Why do French Bulldogs struggle in hot weather?
It comes down to the short face. Flat-faced dogs breathe less efficiently than long-nosed breeds, so they cope less well with heat, exertion and stress, and air conditioning is a must in warm or humid conditions above roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Noisy breathing or a dog that overheats easily is something to raise with your vet.
Can French Bulldogs swim?
No, not safely. Frenchies cannot swim well because of their front-heavy build, and they can drown easily. A Frenchie should never be left unattended around water, whether that is a pool, a tub or a pond.
Are blue or merle French Bulldogs a recognized color?
No. Accepted colors are white, cream and fawn, alone or combined, with markings and patterns such as brindle, piebald and a black mask. Blue, blue fawn, liver, merle, solid black and black and tan are disqualifying colors. A color sold as rare is not a sign of a better dog, so ask a breeder about health testing instead.
Are French Bulldogs actually from France?
Only partly. The story starts in England in the mid-1800s, where lace makers around Nottingham kept toy-size Bulldogs. When the trade moved to northern France the dogs went along, were crossed with other breeds, and picked up their bat ears and their French name.
