
French Bulldog
- Small
- Non-Sporting Group
- Popularity rank 1
The French Bulldog is a small, easygoing companion with a flat face, bat-like ears, and a compact, muscled build. Playful, smart, and adaptable, the Frenchie has become one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
- Height
- 11 to 13
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 16 to 28
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12
- years, median 11
- Senior from
- 8.2
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Playful, smart, adaptable
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Origin
- France
- Recognized
- 1898
2015: rank 6, 2016: rank 6, 2017: rank 4, 2018: rank 4, 2019: rank 4, 2020: rank 2, 2021: rank 2, 2022: rank 1, 2023: rank 1, 2024: rank 1, 2025: rank 1
The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is an easygoing, happy little dog that makes a loving companion. Its good-natured temperament, bright personality, and compact size have helped make it one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
Frenchies are small and compact, with a short muzzle, a wide flat face, and large bat-like ears. They have a broad, heavily muscled chest and a petite body. Full-grown French Bulldogs weigh roughly 16 to 28 pounds and stand 11 to 13 inches tall, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
A member of the Non-Sporting Group, the breed traces to France and was recognized in 1898. Temperamentally, Frenchies are playful, smart, and adaptable. That distinctive flat-faced look comes with trade-offs: it leaves them less tolerant of heat and humidity, so take care to keep a Frenchie from overheating. Because of how their muscle mass is distributed, Frenchies do not swim well, so never leave one unattended near water.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children5 out of 5
- Good with other dogs4 out of 5
- Openness to strangers5 out of 5
- Playfulness5 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature3 out of 5
- Adaptability5 out of 5
- Trainability4 out of 5
- Energy level3 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs3 out of 5
- Barking level1 out of 5
- Shedding3 out of 5
- Grooming frequency1 out of 5
- Drooling3 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
Feed a high-quality dog food matched to life stage. Puppies should eat puppy food until age 1, adult food suits ages 1 to 7, and a senior diet suits older Frenchies. Feed an adult two meals a day and a puppy three to four times a day, on a consistent schedule.
Exact amounts vary by the brand and nutrient profile of the food, so check the back of the bag for daily cup guidance based on a healthy weight. Frenchies are prone to weight gain, so watch calorie intake closely and reduce portions or switch to a calorie-restricted diet if your dog gains weight.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet or if you have questions about food intake or weight.
Grooming
The Frenchie's short, smooth coat sheds minimally. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove removes shed hair, spreads skin oils through the coat, and keeps it clean.
The flat face holds many wrinkles, and those skin folds need to stay clean and dry. After eating, wipe away any food or drool caught in the folds with a damp cloth or a medicated wipe. Wipe the eyes as needed to clear any drainage, which also keeps moisture from collecting in the fold between the eyes and nose.
Frenchies can be prone to skin sensitivity, so a bath every one to two months helps keep the coat in good shape. Clean the ears every week or two with a canine ear cleanser, and again whenever your Frenchie has been in water, such as after a bath, so the canals stay dry.
Exercise
French Bulldogs have a moderate energy level and do not need much exercise. A short daily walk or a romp in the park keeps a Frenchie in shape. They are curious, love attention, and stay close to their families.
Frenchies can also enjoy canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally, which give them mental stimulation alongside physical activity. Keep sessions light and watch that they do not exhaust themselves.
As a brachycephalic, flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can have breathing difficulties and may struggle in heat. Never let a Frenchie exert itself in hot or humid weather.
Training
Early socialization and puppy training classes help a French Bulldog grow into a happy, confident, well-adjusted adult. Expose the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations, since this builds good behavior and helps you recognize and correct bad habits.
French Bulldogs can be stubborn and may lose interest during repetitive training. Keep sessions brief, varied, positive, and patient.
French Bulldogs are bright and play well with others. With proper socialization, they get along with most people and pets, and they enjoy social walks. They can be a little suspicious of new situations at first, but proper socialization usually settles this.
Health conditions
10 conditions are documented for the French Bulldog.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Back InjuriesSkeletal
- Brachycephalic Airway SyndromeOther
- Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, cmr1Eyes
- Congenital HypothyroidismHormones
- Ear InfectionsSkin & Connective Tissues
Show all 10 conditions Show fewer
- Intervertebral Disc DiseaseBrain and Spinal Cord
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd4/cord1Eyes
- Reproductive IssuesOther
- Skin IssuesSkin & Connective Tissues
- Urate Kidney & Bladder StonesKidney and Bladder
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