Are you considering adding a French Bulldog to your family? It’s easy to love their snub noses, perky ears, and charming personalities.
These lovable canines make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles! But before taking the plunge, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of owning a French Bulldog so that you’re well-prepared for such an exciting yet demanding responsibility.
Here, we will discuss deciding if a French Bulldog is right for you by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of this particular breed.
We’ll go over some interesting French bulldog facts that will make you think twice before getting one.
Pros of Owning a French Bulldog
Owning a French Bulldog can be incredibly rewarding, and these spunky pups have quite a few advantages over other breeds.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros of owning a French Bulldog:
They Have Minimal Grooming Requirements
French Bulldogs have short coats and don’t require much grooming or special attention.
This makes them an ideal pet for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy the companionship of a furry friend.
They’re Smart and Trainable
French Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them very easy to train. You can easily teach your pup basic obedience commands and some fun tricks with the right approach!
They’re Sociable
French Bulldogs are known for being friendly and outgoing, making great companions for humans and other animals.
They also love being around people, so they’re perfect pets for families with young children or those with a more social lifestyle.
They Don’t Bark a Lot
French Bulldogs are not considered big barkers. This makes them an ideal pet for those living in apartments or in close proximity to neighbors, where a loud barking dog could be a problem.
Unlike other breeds that can be very vocal, Frenchies tend to be quiet and rarely bark unnecessarily.
For instance, my Frenchie hardly barks, even when confronted by other dogs. The only time he barks is when the doorbell rings or when he sees his reflection in a mirror.
They’re Small Dogs
French Bulldogs are classified as small-sized dogs, meaning they don’t require much space. This makes them ideal for living in apartments or other small living spaces.
Good with Other Pets
If you’re a pet owner considering adding a French Bulldog to your household, one of the benefits of this breed is their compatibility with other pets.
Frenchies are known to be affectionate and confident, and they generally don’t exhibit aggression toward other dogs. This makes them a good choice if you already have a furry friend at home.
As mentioned above, French Bulldogs are small in size. This means that if you have cats, your Frenchie puppy will likely be smaller than them. As a result, your French Bulldog is likely to get along well with your cats.
However, it’s important to remember that socialization is key. When you bring your Frenchie home, it’s essential to supervise interactions between them and your other pets.
This will give them a chance to become familiar with each other. French Bulldogs are playful and view other animals as potential playmates, so give your pets time to adjust to your Frenchie’s presence and establish a friendly bond.
They’re Loyal, Affectionate, and Love to Cuddle
Frenchies are devoted to their owners and form strong bonds, often snuggling up right on top of them.
These pups love nothing more than cuddling up on the couch and receiving plenty of belly rubs!
When considering whether a French Bulldog is the right pet for you, weigh the pros of owning one and decide if they fit your lifestyle.
If this breed sounds like a good fit, then start researching reputable breeders and get ready to welcome an adorable French Bulldog into your home!
Good Apartment Dogs
Another advantage of owning a French Bulldog is that they are great apartment dogs.
They don’t need a lot of space to run around, and they are not known for barking excessively. This makes them a good fit for people who live in smaller spaces.
Are Not Aggressive Dogs
Not being an aggressive dog is a significant pro of owning a French Bulldog, especially if you have young children in your house.
Frenchies are calm and gentle in nature, which means they are less likely to show aggression toward children or other pets in the household.
This can provide a sense of security and peace of mind for parents who are concerned about the safety of their children around dogs.
Great with Older People and Seniors
French Bulldogs are an ideal choice for older people and seniors because they require less physical activity than larger breeds.
They are also highly affectionate and love to cuddle, providing comfort and companionship to their owners.
Their smaller size makes them a suitable pet for those who may be less mobile or have limited mobility.
Cons of Owning a French Bulldog
When considering whether or not to bring a French Bulldog into your home, it’s important to take into account the potential cons as well.
Let’s look at a few of the cons of owning a French Bulldog:
They’re Expensive
French Bulldogs don’t come cheap. Because they’re so in demand, French Bulldogs tend to cost more than other breeds.
You can expect to pay up to several thousand dollars for a pup from a reputable breeder, and additional costs like vaccinations and vet visits will add up over time.
They’re Prone to Health Issues
French Bulldogs are vulnerable to certain health issues specific to their breed. These include respiratory problems, eye issues, skin allergies, and joint issues.
Some of the most common health issues include:
- Allergies
- Cherry eye
- Hip dysplasia
- Elongated soft palate
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Stenotic nares (pinched nostrils)
Because of this, getting your pup checked out by a vet regularly is important to ensure they stay healthy.
Stubborn
While French Bulldogs are generally pleasant in nature, their stubbornness can be a significant drawback for owners.
Due to their strong-willed personality, training them in basic commands, potty training, or leash training can be challenging.
Frenchie owners will need to exercise a great deal of patience and persistence to train their French Bulldog effectively or consider seeking the help of a professional trainer.
They’re Not Ideal for Active Lifestyles
French Bulldogs aren’t the best breed if you’re looking for a pup to go running or hiking with daily.
They need plenty of love and affection but tire easily and don’t require as much physical activity as other breeds.
Frenchies Can Be Noisy
French Bulldogs are known for loud snoring, snorting, and wheezing, so be prepared to have some extra noise around the house.
However, this is just part of the charm of owning a Frenchie. You can learn a few tips to help you reduce the snoring problem so you can sleep peacefully at night.
When weighing up the pros and cons of owning a French Bulldog, consider all aspects before deciding.
A French Bulldog could be your ideal pet if you’re prepared to give your pup the attention and care they need.
Not Great Swimmers
French Bulldogs are not great swimmers and should always be supervised around water.
Their short legs and heavy bodies make it difficult for them to swim for long periods of time, and they are at risk of drowning if they are not closely watched.
Prone to Separation Anxiety
Another downside of owning a French Bulldog is their tendency towards separation anxiety.
While it’s true that this condition can affect any breed of dog, Frenchies are often considered more prone to it due to their strong attachment to their owners.
Separation anxiety can manifest when the owner is preparing to leave or has already left the home, leading to behaviors such as barking, howling, chewing, digging, and even indoor accidents.
This can be a source of stress and frustration for both the dog and their owner and may require training and behavioral interventions to manage.
They Fart a Lot
If you are sensitive to unpleasant odors, then owning a French Bulldog may not be the best choice for you.
Frenchies fart a lot, and the smell can be overwhelming. Their flatulence can be so pungent that it may linger in the air for hours, making it difficult to tolerate.
While their diet can have an impact on the potency of their gas, even a well-balanced diet cannot eliminate the problem entirely.
However, feeding your Frenchie certain fruits can help. Although, it’s important to note that there’s no guarantee that the foul odor will go away completely.
Choosing a quality food, such as Royal Canin’s French Bulldog formula, can help to reduce the intensity of their gas.
Nevertheless, farting frequently is an unpleasant aspect of owning a French Bulldog that prospective owners should consider.
Very Needy & High Maintenance
One of the cons of owning a Frenchie is that they can be needy and high maintenance, requiring a lot of attention and care.
Here are some reasons why Frenchies are considered high-maintenance:
- They shed quite a bit, which means you need to be prepared for frequent grooming and cleaning.
- They crave attention and can be very clingy, which may require a lot of time and effort to satisfy them.
- They need special care to protect their joints, such as using puppy stairs to avoid jumping on and off furniture, which can be costly.
- They are prone to overheating, which means you need to be careful in the summer to prevent heatstroke, and they may also have breathing issues on intense exertion.
Overall, owning a French Bulldog requires a lot of care and attention to meet their needs, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Heat and Cold Intolerance
One con of owning a French Bulldog is their tendency towards heat and cold intolerance. As a brachycephalic breed, Frenchies are highly susceptible to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
Their breathing difficulties can make it dangerous for them to engage in strenuous exercise during hot and humid weather, which can put them at risk of heatstroke or respiratory distress.
Owners must take extra precautions to ensure their French Bulldogs are kept in a comfortable environment and not exposed to temperature extremes that can be harmful to their health.
Wrap-Up: French Bulldog Pros and Cons
Having a French Bulldog can potentially be a very rewarding experience, but it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of owning such a breed.
That’s why research is so important. If you decide a French Bulldog is right for you, properly prepare your home and yourself for the experience.
To ensure you’re making the best decision possible for you and your dog, you must know all that ownership entails before starting this journey together.
With just these few tips, you will be ready to give an amazing home lifestyle to your new companion with love and affection!
French Bulldogs can be a high-maintenance dog for their size. They do suffer from a number of health problems, and vet bills can stack up fairly quickly.
FAQs About French Bulldog Pros and Cons
French Bulldogs are high-maintenance dogs, but at least they don’t require much brushing. They suffer from a number of health problems, and vet bills can stack up fairly quickly.
Absolutely! French Bulldogs are great pets, making them a wonderful choice for first-time pet owners. Plus, their characteristic wrinkles and bat ears make them ridiculously cute! The only caveat is that they can be prone to certain health conditions that a vet must monitor closely.
French Bulldogs, like all dogs, can have an odor that some people find unpleasant. Regularly bathing and grooming your dog is the best way to reduce pet odors. Additionally, cleaning their bedding and environment is important to help reduce odors regularly. If you are still worried about the smell, consider using pet odor neutralizers or scented candles.
