French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds. Even though they are loved by so many people, it is important to understand the pros and cons of bringing one home so that you can make a well-informed decision.
So, what are the French Bulldog pros and cons before getting a new puppy?
French Bulldogs have a wonderful personality, do not bark and do not need much grooming. On the other hand, they snore, drool quite often and can be stubborn at times.
Our guide will help you go into details on more facts about French Bulldog to ensure you are fully aware of their personality before having a lifelong new friend!
Table of Contents
French Bulldog Pros
There are plenty of reasons to have a Frenchie join your family. Take a look at some of the reasons to bring one home.
1. They Are Great Family Dogs
French Bulldogs make great family pets. They are bred to be companions, and they love being around people. Their small size makes them ideal as companions in families with children, although children should always be supervised around a new puppy.
Many dog breeds were created as working dogs. There are dogs that were bred for hunting or herding, and others were bred for protection. Many of these dog breeds can make nice family pets, but they can’t compare to a breed that was created for the sole purpose of human companionship.
Frenchies have a docile temperament, they are engaging, and they love to have fun. If you are looking for a new member of the family, this is one of the best breeds you can welcome in.
2. They Get Along with Other Pets
If you have other pets, a Frenchie is a good addition because they generally get along well with them. They are loving and confident, and they are not usually aggressive with other dogs.
Frenchies are small dogs, and if you get a puppy, it will likely be smaller than any cats you already own. Your Frenchie will usually get along fine with your cats as well.
It is important to make sure that you socialize your Frenchie when you bring it home. Make sure that you supervise it with your other pets and give them a chance to get used to each other. Frenchies are playful, and they see other pets as potential playmates. Give your pets a chance to adjust to your Frenchie so that they understand that it is a friend.
3. They Have Wonderful Personalities
Frenchies are one of the most charming and playful breeds out there. If you want to bring home a dog that will put a smile on your face all the time, this is the breed for you.
These dogs are always ready to be your companion. If you want to watch a movie, they will curl up next to you on the couch. If you want to go for a walk, they will rise to the occasion.
Some of the best Frenchie personality traits include the following:
- Sociable
- Playful
- Loving
- Laidback
- Alert
- Athletic
If you want a companion to join you on your adventures, you will love having a Frenchie.
4. They Have Minimal Grooming Requirements
Many dogs need a lot of grooming, from clipping to brushing and bathing. However, Frenchies are low maintenance. If you bathe your dog once a week, it will be good to go.
If you want to cut down on shedding, you can brush your Frenchie every week after you bathe it. You should also make sure that you trim its nails as needed. That is all you need to do to keep your Frenchie looking great.
5. They Do Well in Different Housing Situations
Some dogs need a house with a yard because they have a lot of energy and need to spend a lot of time outdoors. Frenchies can live anywhere. They don’t need a lot of exercise, so going for walks on a leash is sufficient. This makes them great apartment dogs.
A small apartment has enough space for them because they will want to hang out with you. They don’t bark too much, so they won’t bother your neighbors.
6. They Don’t Bark a Lot
People love Frenchies because they do not bark a lot. They might bark once in a while, but they don’t bark all the time. If you live in an apartment, you won’t need to worry about your neighbors.
7. They Are Easy to Train
Another great characteristic of Frenchies is that they are easy to train. Of course, how well they are trained will depend on the effort you make, but once you get started, they catch on quickly.
Frenchies easily learn basic commands such as “sit” and “stay,” and they do well in doggie training classes. Part of the reason is that they are loving companions, and they take pride in making you happy.
8. They Are Great with Senior Citizens
If you are a senior or you have one living in your home, Frenchies are great pets. They are gentle and require less exercise than larger breeds. They are natural companions, and they can bring a lot of pleasure to a senior’s life.
Frenchies are a good size for seniors. They love to go for walks, but they are easy to train. They love to cuddle while you read a book, and they are easy to take care of.
9. They Are Laid Back
Some people want a dog that can go places with them. They want to be able to take a dog on trips, hiking, or out to dinner in the city. Frenchies are laid back, and as long as they are with you, they are happy and comfortable.
Some dogs get nervous outside of their surroundings. They might feel insecure, and they can get defensive and bark. Frenchies are happy and confident, and they are adaptable. You can take your Frenchie out anywhere with you.
10. They Help You Meet New People
Frenchies are such happy and adorable dogs that they always attract attention from other people when you are out in public. If you take your Frenchie to a park, you will be sure to meet people who want to say hi to your dog.
11. They Will Make You Smile
Frenchies have big personalities in their little bodies. They have wonderful ways of interacting with you on a daily basis. They will make adorable faces, bring you toys, and zip around the room when they are feeling energetic. If you want to smile every day, this is a great breed to bring home.
French Bulldog Cons
It is important to understand the cons of owning a Frenchie so that you know what you are getting into. No matter what type of dog you bring home, you need to have the time, energy, and financial resources to give them the best possible care.
1. They Can Chew Your Things
Most puppies are known for chewing anything they can get in their mouths when they are teething, and Frenchies are no exception. Frenchies teeth until they are around eight months old, and it can continue after that if you haven’t trained them.
You will want to provide safe chew toys that your Frenchie can chew and spend time training it not to chew. Make sure that your shoes and other belongings are not accessible, and have the toys available when your dog is teething.
2. They Snore a Lot
Frenchies have a short snout, and they are a brachycephalic breed. This is true of any dog breed with a smushed face. They have narrow nostrils, and it is difficult for air to flow freely when they breathe.
Nearly every French Bulldog will snort and snore. They do it both when they are asleep and when they are awake. Exercise can also make them snort loudly. You can reduce it a little bit by making sure that your Frenchie doesn’t become overweight, and make sure it exercises regularly. However, be prepared for a noisy dog that snores at night.
3. They Can’t Swim
It may come as a surprise to you, but Frenchies are not able to swim. They love to play, and they aren’t afraid of water, so you need to be very aware of this because they can fall into a body of water or a pool and drown.
If you live near water or have a pool, you should consider this. You will want to have a lifejacket.
4. They Need Attention
This isn’t really a negative characteristic, but if you are someone who spends a lot of time away from home, you will need to hire a dog walker or come up with a plan for your Frenchie. These loving dogs want and need a lot of attention, and you shouldn’t leave them home alone for long periods of time.
They can grow depressed when they are lonely, and they simply need social interaction. You should think twice about getting this kind of dog if you are away from home most of the day.
5. Potty Training Can Be Challenging
Although Frenchies are easy to train, potty training can take time. You should have a consistent schedule from the beginning. Make sure that you have regular times scheduled so that your Frenchie knows when to expect to go out.
Learn how to recognize signs that your Frenchie needs to go out. If you notice your dog pacing around the room, whining, barking, standing and staring at you, or standing near the door, this could be a sign that your dog needs to go outside.
Make sure that you have a reward system to reinforce that they did a great thing by going potty outside. Either way, be prepared to spend the first year of your Frenchie’s life teaching it to use pads or go potty outside.
6. They Can Drool
Some dogs drool more than others, and Frenchies fall into this category. They will drool after drinking their water, or they can drool after they exercise. Be prepared for drooling if you choose this breed.
7. They Shed
Frenchies are not hypoallergenic, and they can shed quite a bit. You can reduce this by bathing and brushing your dog every week, but they will still shed some hair. If you have allergies, you need to have a plan in place to minimize the shedding.
8. They Can Be Victims of Irresponsible Breeding
As is the case with many popular dog breeds, Frenchies can be the victims of irresponsible breeding. Good breeders have their dogs tested to make sure that they do not breed dogs with genetic problems. However, irresponsible breeders breed anything to make money.
You need to pay attention to potential health issues that come from irresponsible breeding. You should be aware of common health problems that they can develop. This way, you will be able to look for signs of these problems and get your dog the care it needs.
9. They Can Be Expensive
Frenchies are popular, and if you buy one from a reputable breeder, you can pay thousands of dollars. However, the expense doesn’t end here. You will need to consider the cost of buying a quality dog food, toys, and routine vet care. In addition, if your Frenchie gets sick, you will need to be prepared to pay for treatment.
10. They Can Be Stubborn
Although Frenchies are loving, loyal, and wonderful companions, they can be stubborn at times. You need to be patient with them and avoid having a battle of the wills. This is something to be aware of when you decide to bring a French Bulldog home.
11. They Can Suffer in the Heat
French Bulldogs are not meant to live outdoors as they were bred to be companions. If you live in a hot climate, you need to remember that they don’t do well in the heat. Try to take them out during the cooler hours of the day, and you need to keep them indoors when it’s too hot outside.
Final Thoughts
People love French Bulldogs, and for good reasons. These friendly dogs are made to be companions and easily become part of your family.
If you are considering a French Bulldog as an addition to your family, be sure to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of owning a French Bulldog.
You can make an informed decision and be sure that you can give your new dog everything it needs.
Resources
- Common Health Conditions in French Bulldogs by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
- French Bulldog by DogTime
