French Bulldog or Frenchie, is one of the most popular small dog breeds around the world. They fit the non-sporting group (AKC) or the utility group (KC). Either way, they found their way into people’s hearts no matter their age. They are lively, sturdy, and somewhat comical dogs that have recognizable flat faces and bat-like ears.  

1. Size

The Frenchie is a small dog. Both females and males have the same measures:

• Height: from 11 to 13 inches (27 to 33 cm)
• Weight: up to 28 pounds (up to 12 kg)

Although they look small, they do not look fragile. The French Bulldog has a compact and sturdy body. They have square heads, brachycephalic faces (flat-faced), bat-like round ears, and solid good bones. 

2. Color

According to the Royal Kennel Club, the only correct colors are:

• Fawn
• Brindle
• Pied 

However, solid white is also acceptable because it fits the Pied coat variation. On the other hand, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club), there are many more coat color variations:

• Cream
• Fawn and white
• Fawn brindle and white
• Brindle and white, etc.

You can see some coat color examples in the photos below.

3. Social Traits

One of the reasons French Bulldogs are so popular are their social traits. They are friendly, lively, and playful dogs that go well with children, dogs, and other animals. But they still need proper socialization. Even though they are naturally friendly, they still need to be properly introduced to other dogs and other animals, especially if you plan on having more pets. 

They don’t bark a lot but can be good watchdogs because they will alert you if they notice something suspicious. Of course, we don’t want our dogs to think everything is suspicious, so good and proper habituation is also needed. 

Good with children: yes

Good with other dogs: yes

Good with other animals: yes

4. Trainability

Frenchies are trainable dogs. They love the affection and praise they get from their owners and they love food – great motivation during training. Basic obedience shouldn’t be a problem with Frenchies. Of course, every dog is unique, and even though generally speaking Frenchies are highly trainable, there may be exceptions.

The key is to find a reward that is more appealing to your dog than anything else. And, the most important part is patience and consistency. This is especially important when it comes to the rules in the house. If you don’t want your dogs to eat off a table, don’t let other members of your family allow the dog to do it. 

5. Activity Needs

The French Bulldog is on our list of the Low Energy Dog Breeds. They don’t need a lot of exercise or long walks every day. Frenchies should actually play with breaks in between so they don’t overheat or get breathing problems. 

This is because of their brachycephalic faces, or flat faces. This shape makes it difficult to breathe during prolonged physical activities and can lead to a dog collapsing. They are also not able to swim. Their long heads and stocky bodies don’t allow them to swim. That’s why they should never be left alone around swimming pools, lakes, or any other bodies of water.

Although they don’t need (and shouldn’t) exercise a lot, they still need mental stimulation and quality playtime. There are indoor games they can play or you can give your Frenchie some dog toys to keep them stimulated.

6 Feeding

Generally speaking, an adult French Bulldog needs around 2 cups of kibble food. This should be divided into two meals, one cup in the morning and the other one in the evening. Apart from the cups, they can also have a healthy snack such as fruits safe for dogs.

This is a general rule, and your Frenchie might need more than 2 cups a day. The best option is to consult a vet. They can examine your dog and recommend the amount. You should also monitor your dog’s behavior and weight. If you notice they’ve gotten bigger – give them less food. Of course, before changing diet make sure you take your dog to the vet first. 

7. Grooming 

Frenchies have a smooth and short coat type. They don’t shed a lot but they shed throughout the year. Frenchies don’t need special grooming techniques to keep them looking their best. The best option is either a bristle brush or a hound glove, and you should brush them once a week. Apart from brushing, they need an occasional bath and regular nail trimming.

Frenchies need special grooming and that is to regularly clean their wrinkles and folds. These places need to be clean and dry. Be sure you dry them thoroughly.

8. Possible Problems

There has been a controversy surrounding Frenchies for quite some time. The reason behind this is the desire of some breeders and dog owners to make their Frenchies’ faces even more flat. This leads to numerous health problems, from breathing and eating to heart problems. 

However, a responsible breeder should never breed dogs that have issues breathing while not physically active. That is not a Frenchie, that is a deformed dog. So, the French Bulldog does have a brachycephalic face, they have problems breathing when they are too active, and they can’t swim. They also snore a lot, they are gassy, and they can’t give birth naturally but need a Caesarian.

These are problems that a lot of flat-faced dog breeds share, and it is a topic for a whole article and a debate. You can help by not buying French Bulldogs from breeders you know have unethical breeding programs. If you are wondering about unethical breeding, take a look at the photos below. 

Both are French Bulldogs, but the right photo shows a properly bred Frenchie. The first photo shows what unethical breeding leads to.

Final Thoughts

Frenchies are popular for a reason – they are fun, affectionate, and great family dogs. The French Bulldog goes great with children of all ages, although you need to supervise very young children. Not because Frenchies are aggressive, but because of accidental injuries. 

They are small dogs that adjust well to all accommodations, from apartments and city living to houses with big yards. And, they are naturally friendly which means they go well with other dogs and other animals.

They also don’t need a lot of daily activities and are easy to groom. But, they can have a huge problem with their health depending on how brachycephalic or flat-faced they are. That’s why you should buy a dog from a reputable and ethical breeder. 

And finally, no matter the face, they are gassy and snore a lot. This is something you have to have in mind when getting a dog. They will make grunts and noises and you will have to get used to it.

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