French Bulldog Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

A French bulldog’s large bat-like ears are always alert. Between a high level of awareness and selective use of barking, Frenchies make surprisingly excellent watchdogs. They’re small, sturdy and relatively low-maintenance dogs that make adorable companions for a wide variety of people. As puppies, they have a bright, playful nature that compliments the charm.

The French Bulldog actually started life across the channel in England. During the Industrial Revolution, English lacemakers took their small toy bulldogs with them to work in Normandy. Their furry companions were originally very popular ratters. In France, the dogs were then bred with French terriers and the result was the French bulldog we know and love today. The breed became popular with Parisian women who championed their bat-like ears. They were an integral part of the fashionable “cafe society” throughout the early-to-mid 20th century. French bulldogs were featured in paintings by celebrated French artists, such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas. With brains and beauty, French bulldogs have become a popular breed with dog owners around the world.

Young french bulldogs white sleeping on the floor.

French bulldog puppy facts

Without a doubt, your French bulldog puppy will grow into an affectionate and well-behaved adult. Here are some facts to consider when adopting your young Frenchie:

Size	Small. French bulldogs typically stand between 28-33cm (11-13 inches) tall. Both males and females weigh on average under 13kg (28 pounds).
Breed Characteristics	Aside from the oversized, upward-pointing “bat ears” that are their signature feature, Frenchies resemble their larger namesake a great deal. Their compact bodies are stocky, and the coat is short and smooth. A wrinkly face featuring a very short nose is framed by a large and square head. They come in a wide array of hues, but brindle, white, and fawn are the most common colourings for this particular breed.
Temperament	Frenchies are considered an intelligent, well-tempered breed. Their high level of alertness of their surroundings means you can’t get away with much under a Frenchies watchful eye. They are relatively sociable dogs, and typically get along with people and as well as other pets. Their big personalities and even temper make them entertaining and lovable companions.
Grooming and Health Needs	Like most breeds, Frenchies require regular grooming, but their short coats and minimal shedding means it can be done less frequently. You will want to keep your Frenchie looking its best by brushing them once a week with a medium-bristle brush, hound glove, or rubber grooming mitt. This will also help distribute oils on your Frenchie’s skin and promote a healthy and shiny coat. It’s also important for your dog to avoid painful, overly long nails, so be sure to trim them regularly. As a flat-faced breed, they are also susceptible to breathing problems and need to avoid hot and humid weather. Also be aware of potential eye and skin problems, which are not uncommon for Frenchies.
Training	Frenchies are big-hearted people pleasers but may be stubborn, so early puppy training is recommended. Socialising your French Bulldog from an early age will help it learn good behaviour and correct bad habits, and ensure it grows into a well-adjusted adult. Frenchies aren’t considered a difficult-to-train breed. Making a game out of their training, and using treat motivation is key. Please note that French bulldogs should never be left unattended near a bath, pool, or other bodies of water, due to their top-heavy bodies making it nearly impossible for them to swim.
Energy Level	Frenchies are very alert dogs, remaining fairly quiet and forever watchful. They are relatively calm dogs, and only require modest exercise, such as a daily outdoor play session or short daily walk. Canine sports such as rally, agility, and obedience also make good activities for this breed, as it keeps their brains and hearts activated. However, potential respiratory problems mean flat-faced breeds like the French Bulldog should never be allowed to exert themselves for very long.
Life Span	French bulldogs live between 10-12 years, on average.

Who is the best human for a French bulldog?

The French bulldog makes especially great dogs for city-dwellers that live in temperate and dry climates. Their compact size and relatively modest outdoor exercise requirements mean they fit well into the smaller environments typically found in city life.

They also adapt well to different home environments and make great companions for singles as well as families of all sizes. If you can’t be around as much as you like, don’t worry, plenty of dog sitters on Rover.com offer dog boarding, so you know you’re sociable little angel will be in good hands while you’re gone.

Getting a French bulldog puppy

Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new French bulldog is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically sourced French bulldog puppies.

Knowing what you’re in for when you get a French bulldog puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.

Adopting French bulldog puppies

It may be surprising to know, but adopting a French bulldog puppy is possible. Most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out that that are looking for a new forever home.

The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a French bulldog mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.

Finding a French bulldog rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The Kennel Club also has an excellent list of French bulldog rescues on their site.

Finding a French bulldog breeder

The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.

Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the French bulldog puppy seems to good to be true, there’s likely something going on. The Kennel Club also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.