French Bulldog Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the most commonly asked French Bulldog questions. If you have any questions you would like to ask please ask in our Frenchie forum!

French bulldogs are widely known as friendly, lovable companions for single owners and families alike. As with many breeds, it’s important to socialize your dog with other pets and new people when you first bring them home to ensure they feel comfortable in various situations.

French bulldogs make great pets, as their lovable personalities can suit many different lifestyles. This is also a great breed choice for apartment living, as they don’t require much exercise. It’s best to adopt a French bulldog if you can provide it with plenty of quality time since this breed does not like to be left alone for extended periods.

Unlike many other small dog breeds, French bulldogs are typically very quiet at home. They tend to bark only in cases that they truly need to get their owner’s attention.

The American Kennel Club show standard is to be below 28lbs, however many Frenchies can be much less and much more. I would say that average weight of most French Bulldogs is 26lbs. Less than 22lbs I would consider petite and above 28lbs large.

In my experience, the best airline for traveling with your Frenchies within the USA is American Airlines as they have no weight limit. Other airlines have a 20lb weight limit. Frenchies cannot fly cargo like other breeds due to their short noses and difficulty breathing. They must be accompanied with a human in cabin. This means your French Bulldog must fit comfortably inside of a carrier under the seat in front of you. Furthermore, your beloved pet must have a health certificate from you vet within ten days of flying. One last important piece of information is that you need to purchase a flight ticket for your pet at the same time as purchasing your own (about $125 each way). Rules and regulations for traveling with short nosed breeds change frequently, so please call the airline to confirm their policies before paying for your flight.

No! Frenchies are built like tanks. They are extremely heavy and tend to sink right to the bottom immediately. Very few French Bulldogs can actually swim, however if you are planning a vacation by the pool with your furbaby, you can order them a life jacket made just for Frenchies just remember, if you are near a body of water, always have your pup under supervision.

Well bred French Bulldogs are intelligent but can be stubborn. Potty training can be one of the hardest hurdles to tackle as a new Frenchie owner.  Due to their stubborn nature they also tend to pull on the leash while walking, sometimes bark at other dogs, and have a hard time kennel training.

They live between 10 and 14 years.

Please stay away from human food. French bulldogs have sensitive stomachs and tend to have some food allergies. You should keep them on a strict diet to avoid health issues and farts.

Yes, Frenchies can snore and some are rather loud at it.  Snoring is  also aggravated by breathing deficiencies.

Crate training is very helpful in house breaking.  A dog perceives it as their “den” and will not soil it. Develop a routine after they eat, before bed and first thing in the morning, and be consistent.  A minimum of three potty breaks a day are necessary.

For Frenchie puppies, potty breaks should be every two hours.  Remember a puppy’s little bladders may not be under control as quickly as we’d like so be positive.

Use consideration to feed a French Bulldog properly.  Be aware of artificial preservatives and excessive protein and fillers.  Some dogs may have allergic reactions to certain commercial foods.  Read the label and know what suits your dog’s needs best.  Consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences food allergies.  Food allergies are not uncommon in Frenchies.

A healthy Frenchie is not overweight.  Too many pounds can damage their physical structure and shorten their lifespan.

Note: Wheat products are known to be flatulence producing in some French Bulldogs.  Corn products and fillers that are an additional source of protein may cause hives (skin rashes or irritations).

Yes, but these dogs are single coated and shed less most other breeds.

Because of their short coat and small size, shedding isn’t a massive problem for French Bulldogs. However, they do shed enough that they can’t be considered hypoallergenic.

It’s normal for excessive drooling to occur around mealtimes, but you’ll want to make sure that it isn’t a sign of something concerning like:

  • Anxiety
  • Heatstroke
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth infection
  • Eating something poisonous
  • Motion sickness

Frenchies can suffer from various health concerns that may be problematic. These conditions include:

  • Ear infections
  • Eye infections
  • Pyoderma
  • Dermatitis
  • Breathing issues
  • Heatstroke
  • Abnormal vertebrae
  • Hip dysplasia

A Rojo French Bulldog is a Frenchie that carries 2 copies of testable chocolate (b/b). A new shade Rojo carries 2 copies of cocoa and 2 copies of testable chocolate (co/co b/b).