🧠 Temperament
French Bulldogs are playful, affectionate, and adaptable. They form strong bonds with their owners and are generally good-natured with strangers, children, and other pets. Unlike many small breeds, they are not typically yappy or highly strung. They can be stubborn during training, but respond well to positive reinforcement and short, consistent sessions. Frenchies crave human company and do not cope well with long periods alone.
🏥 Health considerations
French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, which means they are predisposed to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a spectrum of breathing difficulties ranging from noisy breathing to severe respiratory distress. This is the most important health consideration for the breed. They are also prone to spinal issues (hemivertebrae and IVDD), skin fold dermatitis, eye conditions, and heat intolerance. The vast majority cannot whelp naturally and require caesarean sections. Choose breeders who select for wider nostrils and longer soft palates.
🏃 Exercise needs
French Bulldogs need only 20–40 minutes of moderate exercise daily, short walks are ideal. They must never be over-exercised in hot or humid weather due to their compromised airways. Swimming is not safe without a life jacket due to their heavy front-loaded build.
✂️ Grooming
The short coat needs very little maintenance, a weekly brush and occasional bath suffice. However, skin folds around the nose and tail must be cleaned regularly to prevent moisture buildup and infection. Ears require weekly checks.
🍽️ Feeding your French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which worsens their breathing difficulties. A 10–12 kg Frenchie typically needs 180–220 kcal per day, use the calculator below for exact portions.