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- The insurance advice, products, and links below are intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is licensed as an insurance producer.Insurance advice, products, and links contained in this article are currently intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is currently licensed as an insurance producer. As we expand our licensing to other states we will update our websites and links. If you are located in a state in which we are not currently licensed, but would like to learn more about pet insurance products available in your state, you may contact a licensed insurance agent or broker in your state. The information provided below is offered for educational and informational purposes only. If you have questions regarding particular plans, you should reach out to your insurance company for more information.
French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds, often coming in close to the top—and even at #1—of many lists several years in a row. With their distinct look, adaptability, and friendly personality, it’s no wonder why so many dog parents choose Frenchies to add to their families. Unfortunately, Frenchies are also well-known for their predisposition to several different health issues, more than most other breeds—making them an expensive breed to own.
But how much will French bulldog ownership truly set you back financially? Let’s dive in.
At a Glance: French Bulldog Traits and Temperament
French bulldogs—otherwise known as “Frenchies”—are one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world. These small, muscular dogs look like small bulldogs with the exception of their large “bat ears” that they’ve become famous for. They come in a variety of colors. Standard colors for a French bulldog include:
- Brindle
- Cream
- Black
- Fawn
- Any mix of the above
It is also more standard for Frenchies to have smooth coats, though demand for rare fluffy French bulldogs has increased.
Non-standard colors for French bulldogs are far less common, but do appear. They include:
- Blue
- Isabella
- Blue Fawn
- Merle
- Lilac
- Chocolate
- Platinum
- A mix of the above + tan
Loyal companions, French bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate temperament, and do well in all kinds of families and adapt well to both cities and countrysides alike.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a French Bulldog
Due to their small hips and large heads, French bulldogs have a difficult time breeding naturally, with artificial insemination proving to be much more effective. But Frenchies remain in high demand, which means buying one from a responsible breeder can be very expensive for prospective pet parents. The cost of Frenchie puppies averages to about $2800, but you could potentially spend thousands more— Blue or fluffy-coated French bulldogs often go for between $8,000 to $10,000.
Pet parents interested in Frenchies who can’t shell out that kind of money are better off adopting one from a rescue. The cost of adopting a French bulldog ranges from $50 to $250. That price may even include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and sometimes even microchipping.
French Bulldog Costs: First Year to Adolescents
French bulldogs remain puppies until about 10 to 12 months of age. Below are expenses that are typical of Frenchie puppies, though prices will depend on your location and specific veterinary services.
Item | From | To |
Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1085 |
Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1500 |
Dog care basics | $120 | $1460 |
Food* | $840 | $1217 |
Treats | $60 | $120 |
Grooming** | $240 | $720 |
Training | $180 | $640 |
Annual Exams*** | $280 | $440 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1080 |
Annual Cost | $2831 | $8342 |
*$70 per 10.5-lb. bag, every three weeks to a month at 1 ¼ cup to 2 cups of kibble per day
** $40-$60 a session every 1-2 months
***$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult French Bulldogs
French bulldogs reach adulthood after about a year of age. Below are typical expenses pet parents can expect to spend on their adult Frenchie. Prices will fluctuate based on your location and specific veterinary services.
Item | From | To |
Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
Food* | $649 | $1168 |
Treats | $60 | $120 |
Grooming | $240 | $720 |
Dental care | $300 | $2500 |
Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1080 |
Annual Total | $2050 | $6723 |
*$80 per 17-lb. bag, every 25 to 45 days at 1 ½ cups to 2 ⅝ cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Frenchies
A French bulldog is considered a senior by around 8 years of age. Although regular expenses for senior Frenchies will be similar for that of adults, older dogs typically develop more health issues as they age—especially Frenchies, which are bred with health issues—so you’ll likely spend much more on veterinary care at this stage of life.
One ongoing expense for many senior dogs is blood work—many pups need to undergo regular testing to ensure their medications are working properly. Blood work typically costs between $100 and $200 per visit.
Because of additional costs like these, it may be worth it to pet parents to buy a pet insurance policy when their dog is young—before pre-existing conditions come into play—or potentially even a savings account, if that’s a better option.
French Bulldog Costs: Common Health Conditions
Because of the way they’re bred, French bulldogs come with their fair share of health problems. A Frenchie’s face, nose, and bones have been deformed due to selective breeding, regularly causing breathing and respiratory problems.
Frenchies are prone to several different medical conditions, but pet parents may want to especially be on the lookout for cherry eye disease, Brachycephalic syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, ear infections, and skinfold dermatitis.
Here’s an average range of costs that Frenchie parents may expect for treating these problems.
- Cherry eye surgery: As low as $300 in a low-cost clinic and as high as $1,900 with a specialist
- Brachycephalic syndrome: $500 to $1000
- Intervertebral disc disease: $1500 to $4000 for surgery (not including diagnostics)
- Ear infections: $500 to $1000
- Skinfold dermatitis: $500 to $2500
Vet prices differ depending on geographic location, so the amount pet parents will spend treating these medical conditions depends on where you’re located and the kind of clinic or practice you choose.
French Bulldog Costs: Dog Training
Training needs will be different for every French bulldog. French bulldogs may be stubborn at times, but they’re eager to please and intelligent, making them fairly easy to train. It’s important to tailor training to your dog—some may do better in group classes or one-on-one without distractions.
Although training costs will vary depending on the location and service, here are some numbers that may be typical:
Training facility: $200 to $600 per week
Group classes: $30 to $80 each
Online training: $60 per session
Professional service dog training: $150-250 an hour, total cost dependent on sought-after services
Saving for Unexpected Costs
Pet parents should understand that owning a dog often comes with surprise costs—like an unexpected accident or an illness—that are difficult to plan for financially. This includes items like:
- Emergency vet bills due to an accident or illness
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
How dog insurance can help
Surprise vet expenses can end up costing hundreds or even thousands. A pet insurance plan can potentially help pet parents seek essential care for their pets without the added financial burden that often comes with it.
French bulldogs are prone to developing expensive conditions, in addition to the existing problems that come from their breeding. Signing up for a pet insurance policy when your Frenchie is young may offer some coverage for these health issues later.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.
Further Reading
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect Pet Insurance Coverage?
- The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans: How Preventive Care Add-Ons Work
- How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Pet
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- What To Know About Waiting Periods and Pet Insurance
- What Are Pet Insurance Deductibles, and How Do You Pick One?
- When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
- Savings Account Versus Pet Insurance: Which Is Better?