Everything You Need to Know about Frenchies!

Ready to fall further in love with Frenchies? These squishy-faced, bat-eared bundles of joy are so much more than just adorable. They’re also full of sass, snuggles, and silly antics. It isn’t surprising that they are one of the most popular breeds in Canada. 

Whether a Frenchie has already found a way into your heart or you’re dreaming of adding one to your family, this guide will cover the top things you need to know about Frenchies. 

For the right family, Frenchies can be the ultimate four-legged sidekick. But they do have some unique needs and traits that are important to keep in mind!

Breed Profile: French Bulldog

Low ​​⭐ Medium ⭐⭐⭐ High ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Origin: France

Size: ⭐ 

Average Weight: <28 pounds

Energy level: ⭐

Trainability: ⭐

Grooming: ⭐⭐⭐

Shedding: ⭐

Sociability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Source: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Choosing-a-Dog/Choosing-a-Breed/Non-Sporting-Dogs/French-Bulldog 

Origin and History of Frenchies

French Bulldogs can trace their roots back to 19th-century England and are closely related to the Toy Bulldog and the English Bulldog. They were bred as miniature bulldogs for workers in the lace-making industry. When these workers relocated to France during the Industrial Revolution, they brought their furry family members along.

In France, the breed grew quickly, finding their way into nearly everyone’s homes, from working-class lace makers to Parisian aristocrats. Their signature bat ears and squishy faces made them stand out, and soon, they became a staple in French café culture. By the late 1800s, French Bulldogs had made their way to Canada and beyond, where they have been increasing in popularity ever since. 

Frenchies were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1898 and, a few short years later, by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1907. Since then, lots of Frenchie breed clubs have popped up uniting Frenchie enthusiasts in local areas.

Personality

Frenchies are pure companion animals. The typical French Bulldog temperament is affectionate, playful, and people-oriented, which means they prefer to be around their fur parents at all times. They thrive on plenty of attention and want to be involved with whatever their family is doing.

Don’t let their adorable facade fool you, though, Frenchies do have a mind of their own and can be quite stubborn. Some have even been described as dramatic! 

Frenchies are fantastic with kids, other pets, and even strangers, especially when properly socialized. Everyone they meet is their friend making them a very popular breed.

It’s important to properly train and socialize these dogs, even though they are predisposed to be very friendly. Socialization helps them learn that their world isn’t scary, which can prevent fearful and aggressive behaviour when they grow up. 

Ideal Home

Frenchies’ lifestyles are generally pretty low-maintenance. They don’t have many “must-haves” when it comes to their living situation. Just comfort, companionship, and as many cuddles as possible!

They’re a great breed for apartment living thanks to their small size and low exercise needs. They don’t need a backyard (though they would absolutely enjoy one). A cozy couch and a sunny spot by the window is perfect for a French Bulldog. 

That said, Frenchies aren’t fans of being left alone for too long. They’re very devoted to their humans, so much so that they can become anxious if left alone which is also known as separation anxiety.

Frenchies are best for those who work from home or plan to take their pup just about everywhere. Pup sitters and dog walkers can be helpful for those occasions when you need to be away from the home. 

Temperature control is also key! Frenchies are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which means they can’t handle extreme heat or cold. A home with climate control is a must to keep them safe and comfy. 

Photo by Graham Holtshausen on Unsplash

Health

French Bulldogs may look tough, but they need a little extra TLC when it comes to their health. 

Common health issues include:

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome: Due to their flat faces, Frenchies often have breathing difficulties. They can struggle with regulating their body temperature in the heat. In severe cases, Frenchies might need surgery to open up their airway.

• Heart, back, and eye problems: Frenchies are known for having health concerns due to their eyes, heart, and back which your veterinarian can test for.

• Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joint doesn’t form correctly, leading to excessive wear and tear at an early age. Around 33% of Frenchies will develop hip dysplasia. 

• Allergies and skin conditions: Skin allergies can cause symptoms like itchiness and inflammation. Frenchies are prone to both environmental allergies and food allergies. 

• Obesity: They love treats, but extra weight can worsen joint and respiratory issues. Frenchies tend to do a lot of laying around, especially if they aren’t taken on regular walks, which can lead to excessive weight gain.

• Ear infections: Those big bat ears are prone to irritation and infections. Ear problems are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet, and they’re typically easily treated with antibiotics or antifungals. 

• Wrinkle care: All those wrinkles can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria, causing skin infections. Luckily, a little cleaning can go a long way. A simple wipe-down once a day is plenty for most Frenchies. 

Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and proper grooming can help keep your Frenchie feeling great. They have a rough life expectancy of about 9-11 years.

Training

Frenchies aren’t going to win any obedience competitions, but they do need training, just like other breeds. These pups are eager to please, but their stubborn streak can make things a little challenging. Patience and positive reinforcement are your best friends when teaching your Frenchie. Thanks to their food-driven nature, treats can go a long way!

Every Frenchie should learn the basics, like sit, stay, and walking on a leash. Frenchies are social butterflies, so early socialization is a must to help them feel comfortable around people and other pets. 

Their attention spans tend to be short, so stick to a few short training sessions scattered throughout the day. 

Housebreaking can take time since Frenchies don’t have a very large bladder. Crate training can help establish routines, but many pet parents train their pets to go on a special spot inside until they’re fully grown and can hold it for a bit longer. 

Photo by May Gauthier on Unsplash

Exercise

French bulldogs do not need much exercise, but it is still important to get them moving every day to prevent obesity. These pups thrive on short bursts of activity rather than long, strenuous workouts. A brisk 15- to 20-minute walk each day is usually enough to keep their tails wagging.

Indoor playtime can work well, too, especially when the weather outside is bad. 

Because of their flat faces, Frenchies can struggle with overheating. So, always keep an eye on them while exercising to ensure they aren’t being pushed too hard. If you live in a hot area, early mornings or cooler evenings may be the best times to walk. 

Grooming

Frenchie dogs are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They don’t require regular baths. Instead, a rinse when they get dirty or start to smell is plenty. Too much bathing can dry out their skin and irritate any underlying dryness, so aim for a bath no more than every month. 

Their coat sheds lightly, so brushing can often be kept to a minimum, too. 

One thing to keep in mind, Frenchies have adorable folds on their face, which can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Cleaning these folds regularly with a pet-safe wipe or a damp cloth is essential to prevent infections. For these dogs, regular wipe-downs are more important than brushing sessions. 

Their ears also need cleaning and attention. Gently clean their ears with a cotton ball and pet-safe cleaner to keep them free from dirt and debris. 

Photo by Neil Cooper on Unsplash

How Much Does a French Bulldog Cost?

The cost of a French Bulldog will depend on whether you’re purchasing from a breeder or looking to adopt from a rescue. Your location and the exact Frenchie you’re looking for will play a big role. 

Adoption

Adopting a French Bulldog typically costs between $400 to $1,000 CAD. Often, these fees pay for the dog’s medical bills and care needs while at the rescue facility. Dogs that receive extra medical care (like puppies in need of a spay/neuter) may cost more.

If you’re looking to adopt, there are several breed-specific rescue centers dedicated to French Bulldogs. For instance, the French Bulldog Fanciers of Canada run a rescue. Finding these dogs at a local shelter may be challenging. 

Buying from a breeder

French Bulldogs from a breeder often cost between $1,500 to $8,000 CAD . Factors like your location, breeder reputation, and bloodline can all play a role in price. The more affordable end of the spectrum tends to feature puppies without show potential, while those on the higher end are typically bred for show quality or rare colours.

It’s essential to go through a reputable breeder to ensure you’re getting a healthy, well-socialized pup. Reputable breeders will provide health clearances for common Frenchie issues like hip dysplasia. Many also provide a puppy’s first vaccinations, and all should be able to provide documentation of the healthcare the puppy has had so far. 

Meeting the puppy’s mother is one of the easiest ways to determine if a breeder is high-quality or not. The mother should be well taken care of, and the whole family should be kept in a warm, clean environment. 

Final Thoughts

Frenchies are wonderful companion dogs known for their affectionate nature which comes with an adorable side of sass! Their signature squishy faces, bat ears, and big personalities make them a top choice for pet parents looking to expand their family. 

If you’re thinking of welcoming one into your home or are already a proud Frenchie parent, be prepared for the unique challenges that come with this breed. Respiratory problems and genetic issues arising from unethical breeding practices are common among French Bulldogs.

Furkin Pet Insurance will be there for you if you and your Frenchie ever encounter unexpected illnesses, accidents, or emergencies. Like most pet insurance providers, we cover hereditary conditions such as respiratory issues or corrective procedures common in brachycephalic breeds – as long as they were not pre-existing conditions prior to enrollment. But when the unexpected happens, we’re here to help! Though we hope you’ll never need us, it’s always best to be prepared for whatever life has in store!

Get a quote today!