According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog took the no.2 spot for the most popular breed in the US in 2020. Only just below the Labrador Retriever which has taken the top spot for 30 years in a row! There are lots of reasons why the adorable Frenchie would make a great pet. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some French Bulldog pros and cons to help you decide if this is the dog for you. No breed is perfect, and while I think the pros far outweigh the cons, you should definitely apply these to your own circumstances before you decide. First, let’s take a look at the pros:
French Bulldog Pros
Their personalities
Frenchies are loyal, affectionate, sociable and generally fun to be around. Many owners describe them as mischievous goof balls because of their playful nature. They are smart and loving and enjoy being around their people. Frenchies make great companions and the perfect family pet – even for first-time pet owners.
They don’t need a lot of space
The average French bulldog weighs about 30 pounds which makes them a good pet for apartment dwellers who can’t have larger dogs like Labs or German Shepherds. They are also known as a quiet breed and don’t usually bark without reason. Frenchies are very adaptable and are happy just about anywhere.
They are very social animals
French bulldogs love to be around people. They make great companions because they love to cuddle and be around humans. Whether you want to go for a walk, or lie in bed all day watching TV, a Frenchie will be happy to be by your side.
Good with children
French Bulldogs have a gentle, playful and calm nature, and so they generally get along well with children. They often form strong bonds with children in a family. However, it is important that they are well socialized and introduced to children from a young age to achieve this. It is also important to ensure that their experiences with children are positive ones. Kids should be taught to properly and safely interact with a dog so that they don’t hurt it or cause it anxiety.
Easy to groom
They have short, smooth hair so grooming is easy – just brush once or twice a week. They don’t need trims to maintain their hair length. Frenchies do shed and this helps to remove any loose hair and promotes the growth of a healthy, shiny coat. They don’t need to have a weekly bath as they’re generally a clean breed. You do need to be careful when bathing though as French Bulldogs can be prone to skin issues. Use a vet-recommended shampoo to avoid allergic reactions. It is also important to keep a Frenchie’s face dry. If moisture gets between the folds in their face and isn’t dried properly this can lead to infection.
Don’t need a lot of exercise
French bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise as they are generally low energy. However, they do need SOME exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight. Short, low intensity walks are best. A few 10-15 minute walks in the day are better than one long walk. This is because they can experience breathing problems if they over exert themselves. Frenchies are also prone to overheating so shouldn’t exercise when the temperature is too hot.
Intelligent and easy to train
While they’re not the absolute smartest dog breed (they’re probably about average) they are the smartest of the bully breeds. They can pick up new tricks easily, although they are known for being a bit stubborn. Don’t mistake that for lack of intelligence though! Because of their ritualistic nature they can be easy to train if you stick to a consistent schedule. Frenchie’s are creatures of habit and love to learn which should make your job as a trainer more enjoyable.
As you can see, there are LOTS of French bulldog pros, but what about the cons? No dog is perfect, so here are a few of the issues you need to take into consideration if you’re thinking of buying a Frenchie.
French Bulldog Cons
Health issues
One of the great appeals of the French Bulldog is their cute little smushed up wrinkly faces and short snouts. Unfortunately, their short noses are the very thing which makes them more prone to respiratory problems and overheating. Due to their compromised air passages, strenuous exercise is out of the question, as it exercising in the heat.
Allergies
Allergies are a common problem in French Bulldogs. These can be food based allergies, contact allergies or inhalant allergies. Food based allergies can be treated by eliminating different foods from your dogs diet until you find which is causing the problem. Contact allergies can be caused by dog shampoos, flea powders or even bedding. Inhalent allergies may be caused by mildew, pollen, dust or other airborne allergens.
Frenchies overheat easily
French bulldogs don’t do well in hot weather and are susceptible to heat exhaustion. If you live in a warm climate, this might not be the best dog breed for you unless you have air conditioning. They should be kept indoors on hot or humid days to protect them from the heat.
Other health issues that can affect a French Bulldog are hip dysplasia, Brachycephalic Syndrome (due to their breathing problems), Hemivertebrae, and Patellar Luxation. Of course not all Frenchies will get these diseases (they might not get any), but it is important to be aware of the possibility. Health insurance is a good idea though if you want to make sure that these expenses will be covered in the event of a chronic illness.
Expensive
The average cost of a purebred French Bulldog in the US is about $3000 (some colors cost more than others), so they’re definitely not the cheapest. Add to that the cost of veterinary care, food, toys and other supplies, and you’ll see that ownership of a Frenchie is a sizable investment. Why are they so expensive? There are a few different reasons. Breeding costs are high, their health problems add to their expense, and of course they’re also in high demand.
Conclusion
While there are lots of French bulldog pros and cons listed here, we think the pros outweigh the cons. We love these lovable little rascals and they make great family pets. No matter how you want to spend your day, your Frenchie will be by your side, ready to give you cuddles and companionship. Just make sure you’re fully aware of the health issues that can affect a French Bulldog. If buying a Frenchie it is important to buy from a reputable breeder. Proper breeding can help to reduce the incidence of preventable genetic health issues in dogs. Do your research before you commit to making a purchase so that you get a healthy, ethically raised animal.
