French Bulldog
Also known as Bouledogue, Frenchie
- Height at the withers
- 24 to 35 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 40 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact, muscular little molosser, recognizable by its large upright “bat” ears, its very short muzzle and its short, smooth coat. The companion dog par excellence, it is playful, attentive and very attached to its owner.
History and origins
Developed in France in the 19th century, when English lacemakers brought Toy Bulldogs to France and crossed them with local ratters; it became very fashionable in Parisian society.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Herniated discs and hemivertebrae
- Allergies and skin fold dermatitis
- Heatstroke
- Frequent C-section births
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Fragile, 1 out of 5
In our lists
French Bulldog FAQ
How big does the French Bulldog get?
The French Bulldog stands 24 to 35 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 14 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the French Bulldog shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the French Bulldog live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the French Bulldog need each day?
Allow about 40 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the French Bulldog good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the French Bulldog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is fragile. The main health problems to watch for are brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, as well as herniated discs and hemivertebrae.
