French Bulldog
Description
The French Bulldog, or "Frenchie," was developed in 19th-century England as a smaller companion to the English Bulldog. Lace workers migrating to France brought these dogs along, where they quickly gained popularity for their compact size and charming demeanor. Frenchies typically weigh around 28 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living or homes without large yards. Their signature bat ears and flat faces give them a distinctive look, but also require owners to watch for overheating and avoid water hazards. Known for being quiet, friendly, and protective, French Bulldogs make attentive companions without excessive barking. They adapt well to various living situations and enjoy close contact with their families. Their sociable nature means they thrive on interaction but can be wary of strangers, often alerting owners to unusual activity. Bottom line: French Bulldogs combine compact size with a calm, alert personality suited to indoor living.
Grooming
French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush helps remove loose hairs and keeps their coat shiny without irritating sensitive skin. Bathing every 4 to 8 weeks is sufficient; avoid over-bathing to maintain natural oils. Nail trimming every 2 to 4 weeks prevents discomfort and potential injury, while monthly ear cleaning reduces the risk of infections, especially given their folded ear shape. Pay attention to white or lighter-colored coats, which may show stains around the eyes or mouth; gentle wiping can help maintain cleanliness. Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to spot-clean between baths, especially around facial folds where dirt can accumulate. Regular grooming sessions also provide an opportunity to check for skin issues or irritations common in brachycephalic breeds. Key points: - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, no more - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Spot clean facial folds as needed
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
French Bulldogs require about 50 minutes of walking daily, ideally in a single session to match their moderate stamina and avoid overheating. Their brachycephalic build means they can struggle with extended or intense exercise, so keep walks at a steady, moderate pace without pushing too hard. Choose cooler parts of the day for outings, especially in warm weather, and watch for signs of fatigue or breathing difficulty. A typical routine might include a 10-minute warm-up stroll, 30 minutes of gentle exploration or leash walking, and a 10-minute cooldown back home. This approach balances physical activity with rest and helps prevent respiratory stress. Example routine: Morning walk starts at 7:30 a.m. with a calm neighborhood loop, finishing by 8:20 a.m. Bottom line: One well-paced 50-minute walk daily keeps your Frenchie fit without overexertion.
Boarding
When boarding a French Bulldog, provide a crate sized between 30 and 36 inches to ensure comfortable movement and resting space. Their calm, sociable nature means they benefit from gentle introductions to staff and a predictable daily routine to reduce stress. Enrichment should focus on low-impact activities and calm decompression exercises rather than vigorous play, given their brachycephalic limitations. Staff should monitor for signs of overheating or respiratory distress, especially during warmer months. Toys that encourage mental stimulation, like puzzle feeders or scent games, help keep them engaged without overexertion. Social interactions with other dogs should be supervised carefully, as Frenchies prefer calm play styles and can become overwhelmed by roughhousing. Bottom line: A quiet, structured environment with moderate enrichment suits French Bulldogs best during boarding.