The Pros and Cons of Owning a French Bulldog
I get mixed reactions when I’m out with my French Bulldog pup, Pepper.
Some people don’t understand what she is, some think she’s ‘pretty weird-looking’, and others can’t keep their hands off her squishy little face! Most people from the latter party usually say something along the lines of, “I’m seriously thinking about getting a Frenchie!” or “I’m either going to get a Frenchie, a Boston Terrier or a Pug…there’s something about those squished faces!”
I love that people are enthusiastic about the breed, and obviously I personally love French Bulldogs to bits! But we did a whole lotta research before we decided to get a French Bulldog as our first ever doggy companion, and I wish I could spend the time outlining the pros and cons of the breed to each person I meet!
I think it’s incredibly important to understand all aspects of the breed you’re seriously thinking of getting, so that you can make an informed decision and be prepared:
Pros of French Bulldogs:
- Frenchies have the hugely popular & cute ‘squishy look’
Loved by many, but some people aren’t a fan of this…each to their own! - They are extremely loving
They’re known for being ultra soppy – if you want a cuddly dog, a French Bulldog is perfect! - You will never stop laughing
They are clown dogs and have the most hilarious facial expressions! - They ‘re ‘not too small’ & ‘not too big’
Obviously this is preference, but because of their small/medium size they make a great, manageable first dog! - They are very quiet dogs
For the most part, Frenchies will only bark when there are visitors at the house, and not at other dogs etc. However, we have been super lucky with Pepper – she doesn’t bark at all! Perfect for terraced houses or flats. - There is a great community of Frenchie owners out there!
When we were first doing research into the breed, we joined several Facebook groups where French Bulldog owners hang out and share photos, advice & stories. We learnt so much, and these communities have been such great help throughout Pepper’s puppyhood! - Did I mention their cute squishy faces?
It never gets old.
Cons of French Bulldogs
- They’re expensive!
I’m not even just talking about the initial cost of buying a French Bulldog (if you are planning to buy rather than adopt, although I’d always promote adopting vs. buying!) – the ongoing costs of having a Frenchie is rather high due to more expensive insurance premiums. - Frenchies tend to fart… a lot
Yikes – there’s something about their squished faces which means they tend to inhale a lot of air when they eat or drink, which leads to (you guessed it!) a rather fun amount of gas! - They require daily ‘cleaning’
Whilst they are shorthaired dogs so don’t need a whole lot of attention with regards to grooming, their smooshed faces require daily cleaning within the creases to stop bacteria from causing issues in those folds. Also their big bat ears are kind of like buckets, so things can get stuck in there and it’s important to keep them clean too. - French Bulldogs can have health issues
Sadly (as with any pedigree breed) Frenchies can be more affected by certain health problems. Breathing issues is a common one for them, due to their flat noses, but also things like dermatitis and skin conditions can cause problems too. Always be sure to check with the breeder about any potential inherited problems and ensure they’re responsible… which brings me onto my next point: - Irresponsible breeding is very common :(
Unfortunately because French Bulldogs are so popular, this leads to inexperienced breeders wanting to make a ‘quick buck’ out of breeding their dog and selling puppies, without really knowing what they’re doing. This can be really dangerous and lead to very unhealthy puppies, so please be careful if you’re planning to buy a Frenchie.
As I say, I think it’s so important to be aware of the negatives as well as the positives when you’re getting a dog. It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement of adding a new furry family member to your squad!
Oh I love that little face, it is so cute! I love all dogs so much. They are a massive responsibility though, I swear it is like having a child sometimes! xx
It genuinely is! She is so much work – but gotta love her! x
She’s such a cutie :P
The bit about the farts made me laugh. Springers are just as bad D: Milly sits on me (bum facing me) and lets them off (I swear it’s deliberate :P)
I’ve never been a fan of pugs, but Frenchies I’ve always found to be ridiculously sweet. They sort of remind me of disney’s stitch :P (minus the blue fur)
Sarah xxo | thesaltyseablog.blogspot.co.uk
Yes! She is definitely Stitch – she even makes similar noises xD She is also very similar to yoda and a Gremlin hahaha
Glad to hear Pepper’s not the only one who fires them off with a deadly accuracy! x
I was just given a French bull dog that someone had adopted because I lost my pug of fifteen years. I wish I knew how frenchies were, I would not have taken her. Not sure I will keep her. I would take my pug back in a second!
How could anyone think that they are aggressive? Just look at that face!
Liv | http://www.maidenincornwall.co.uk
It’s the sunglasses that does it xD x
My little sister as a French Bulldog and she is so lovely but whenever it gets too hot it’s a nightmare she hardly can get out!
My dog is a mongrel so everytime someone says “What’s his breed?” I feel a little bit ambarassed and I don’t know what to say but everyone agrees to say he exactly looks like Santa’s little helper in the Simpson!
Lovely pug you have here anyway, I love French Bulldogs!
x
Céline from Larry & Co.
Haha thank you! Yes, it is a shame that we can’t go out in the hot sun sometimes; but I’m not a huge fan of the heat anyway so it’s not too bad!
And awwww I love Santa’s little helper!! I am a huge fan of Greyhounds, Whippets, Lurchers & everything in between – mongrel or not! I actually originally wanted an Italian Greyhound, but I got persuaded by N to get a Frenchie haha.
x
Going to look at a pup this weekend and this was a great read.
Thank you Justin, have fun looking this weekend! I’m sure you’ll fall in love :) Glad you found this helpful though.
Better have a good savings acct cuz all the health issues
PLEASE, PLEASE stop getting your Frenchies from unscrupulous breeders. I rescued my Frenchie because all she was, was a puppy factory. She has all sorts of problems as a result of having multiple litters and being neglected.
She is now settled, happy and very affectionate. She always makes a bad day great.
Why not adopt? Have a look at bulldogrescue.org website. They have Frenchies there too.
We ♡ Frenchies!
I have had my sweet Karen since March and she will be one in January. She is developing allergies:( and has some hair loss behind her ears and around her eyes! So sad! We are working thru that and hopefully making her food will continue to help?
She had bad farts – really bad death farts!!! She ad a bout with Giardia! My vet suggested giving her probiotics and that honestly stopped her farts! Before I was making her food I was giving her clean holistic kibble in a slow eat bowl- they look like a puzzle and the probiotic honestly worked! If you have tips on the hair loss or allergies please let me know❤️
How do probiotics come like?
I recently brought home my sweet little
Boy, Croissant! He’s quite adorable abs gets so much attention that going out during COVID has been a challenge to keep people away. His markings and facial expressions have kept them coming in packs to get a piece of him! He often sleeps on my head, nose to nose or cuddled against me. My husband often wonders if we will ever have alone time again lol. For such a small package he is such an incredible joy. Despite the foul spoiled egg smell that comes in waves, we giggle and blame him for all things foul! How anyone doesn’t find their playfulness, humor and unconditional love a + is beyond me. But be prepared for your forever companion until their last breath. For meeting a Frenchie that fulfills you will steal your heart from the moment you say hello. I can’t imagine life without him abs it’s only been 4 weeks! We had boxers before him, Croissant will eventually be joined by Baguette and maybe some Beignet’s. Lol
Other than size what are the differences between Boxers and Frenchies. I have had Boxers all my life and they have minds of their own and need to be well trained. I am trying to find a new breed that has an attitude like boxers but are not as physically strong. I am older and my current boxer is stronger than I am. Would just like to know any similarities and differences between the two breeds with which you have had experience. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
I have two French bulldogs. Before that I had Boston terriers. Sassy was the smallest in the litter and the most vocal. Chubbs was the largest of the litter and he was born blind. When I take them outside they run all over the yard. You wouldn’t know he was blind until you saw his eyes. He doesn’t bark he mowns. If anyone is around when he moans they usually look at me and asks what is that noise. I tell them he is moaning at the moon. They run all over the house at a dead run. They are just the best. Follows me everywhere and think they have to right under foot.
Our Frenchie is now 14 and 1/2 years old! (He is the oldest Frenchie our vet practice knows of.) We got him before the breed became so popular and people would constantly ask what kind of dog he was when we were out!
We love him and have enjoyed him so much. He now has many of the conditions a very elderly dog has, has pancreatitis, cataracts and doesn’t see well, is deaf and has sore joints. We know his days are numbered and we pamper him and appreciate every day we have with him.
What I would like to tell those considering getting a Frenchie is that they are wonderful, loyal, funny, often have one favorite family member but often do have health issues so you must be prepared for the vet bills. Good luck!
I can’t understand why anyone would buy such a distorted dog.Saying vet bills will be high,is surely saying,that the dogs are known to be needing a lot of treatment.Choosing to get a dog that needs operations and frequent treatment seems to me a form of posh madness.” I’m so special I can afford a high maintenance dog and he or she will have hardly any tail and its face will be jammed into its skull so breathing and eating will be difficult”. That a few of these deliberately distorted dogs,don’t suffer as much is hardly an excuse.
One of the primary responsibilities we owners have,is care of our dogs who have no choice or autonomy at all over their lives.A dog should have a snout and a tail,the puffing and snorting these poor little dogs do,just to walk about normally makes me despise anyone who knowingly chooses one to make themselves look cute.Cruel and utterly unnecessary,how would you like to have your nose and palate jammed into your skull? Same for those poor bow legged wheezing bulldogs.How can you justify it?
Why the negative comment? If you don’t like them or want one, don’t get one. I will never understand why people feel the need to spew out negativity. The article is about the pros and cons of owning this breed. Why are you on this thread reading about this breed? Our frenchie that we “adopted”has zero problems, is loving, keeps us laughing, no allergies, no gi problems … I have spent more money on our other rescue mixed dogs than I have him. Mind your business.
I have a two years three months old 35lb(!)Frenchie,Teddy,he’s blue/fawn..he actually looks sort of blue..
Yeah The eye wrinkle folds & ears need daily inspection/treatment..Im currently testing with coconut oil..
Teddy’s had recurrent minor ear infection & sensitive paws,which he would like a lot..the vet just keeps prescribing steroids & anti biotics .
I’m wondering if he’s allergic to carpets or something..tried eliminating certain foods.
Nothing serious yet but it’s a worry for owners that they might end up with a Frenchie with bald spots/Alopecia..
Teddy has a tiny bald spot on his head that I noticed last night ..
I’m considering looking for a better vet..I read that St.Columb mjr vets was voted best UK vetinerian..
In spite of these worrying little genetic problems,owning a Frenchie was the best thing I ever did..life changing-they make great companions..
I should imagine they make great family dogs too..
I just wish I could find an expert vet
Hi! I have a new Frenchie her name is Lola and she barks at every single thing that makes a noise, she’s from a shelter that didn’t take good care of her do you think it’s a trauma respond to that or is she not getting enough mental stimulation?
I’m dog sitting my friend’s 6 month old Frenchie, Cali. I’ve never owned a dog a day in my life & she makes it so easy. I have become her new favorite person & I’m sad that I only have a week left with her. She never barks. She communicates to be by pushing her paws towards the gate entrance when she needs to tinkle. I wish I could keep her *inserts sad face.
We have a 1 year old frenchie called hulk and can 100% confirm his farts are lethal…it’s like concentrated evil leaving his body….but his the most laid back/cuddly dog we’ve ever had!
My wife and I are considering buying a Frenchie. We had a chihuahua for 14 years but was diabetic and had a beautiful personality. How can you tell good breeders from bad breeders ?
Great read! French Bulldogs are indeed adorable and loving, but it’s crucial to be prepared for their unique needs and potential health issues. Always research and consider adoption! 🐶❤️ #FrenchieLove
my friend has a French bull dog she is giving away as she is moving abroad because I only have my pension I would have to sign up with the pdsa could people give me advise if I should say yes to taking it on
Your post is very helpful. My two young kids really want a dog. My brother in law is currently offering us to take one of his frenchies. I really don’t know if the dog will be a good fit for the young boys. I’m nervous and anxious about the amount of work and money the responsibility of owning a dog can be. I’m doing my research and read your post. Thank you!
Our Beloved Willow passed away on 23-04-2025, she had IVDD we had no choice and on the advice of our Vet she was put to sleep. She was 7 years old. We miss and love her. She was the best dog we’ve ever owned. She was loyal, faithful and very loving. Bless you Willow.
But they’re really adorable, so anyone thinking of adopting a short-faced kitten should do some thorough research. Try letting them play space waves. These short-faced kittens are prone to respiratory problems, tolerate heat extremely poorly, need to be kept in air-conditioned rooms in the summer, and the wrinkles on their faces need to be cleaned regularly, otherwise they’re very susceptible to skin inflammation.
This is such a spot-on breakdown of the Frenchie lifestyle! You are so right about the farts and the snoring, it’s definitely part of their ‘charm,’ but you really have to be prepared for it! I love that you mentioned they are a great size for smaller spaces or terraced houses. They really are the perfect ‘not too big, not too small’ companions. That being said, even though they don’t need miles of running every day, having a secure little garden or a cozy patio layout for them to sunbathe in makes a world of difference for their daily routine. For anyone looking to relocate to a home with a bit more outdoor space for their pups to play safely, reaching out to a knowledgeable Residential Realtor Cincinnati can help you find a neighborhood that is completely dog-friendly. Thanks for sharing such an honest and helpful guide!
This is such a spot-on breakdown of the Frenchie lifestyle! You are so right about the farts and the snoring, it’s definitely part of their ‘charm,’ but you really have to be prepared for it! I love that you mentioned they are a great size for smaller spaces or terraced houses. They really are the perfect ‘not too big, not too small’ companions. That being said, even though they don’t need miles of running every day, having a secure little garden or a cozy patio layout for them to sunbathe in makes a world of difference for their daily routine. For anyone looking to relocate to a home with a bit more outdoor space for their pups to play safely, reaching out to a knowledgeable Residential Realtor Cincinnati can help you find a neighborhood that is completely dog-friendly. Thanks for sharing such an honest and helpful guide!
I really love dogs
This is such a well-written and inspiring post! I love the way you present your ideas, and the visuals you included make it even better. In today’s digital world, having high-quality, crisp images is so important to keep readers engaged. I often use PicUpscaler to enhance and upscale images for my own projects to make sure they look professional on any screen. Thank you for sharing this great content, looking forward to your next update!
What a fantastic and motivating blog post! It is true that the snoring and flatulence that comes with it may seem very peculiar, but this is exactly what gives these adorable creatures the uniqueness that makes them even more lovable, especially for people planning to own them in the future. I also like your remark that the Frenchie is the perfect size for any home – not too big, not too small!
Although Frenchies do not need extensive exercise, having a safe space where they can rest and enjoy the warmth of the sun does make a real difference.
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Thank you so much for your very informative guide for potential Frenchie owners!
I didn’t know anything about French bulldogs before I got Mush Sandbox Games. I have done tons of research, but all they really need is complete love and attention. She’s everything to me. We’ve got a clear understanding of each other❤
Really enjoyed this balanced guide! It’s refreshing to see both the joys and responsibilities of owning a French Bulldog explained so honestly. Research always matters before choosing any pet. I also enjoy following Los Numero de Hoy in my free time, but thoughtful articles like this are equally valuable. Thanks for sharing such helpful advice!