French Bulldog insurance
Is the French Bulldog the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, our bat-eared-buddies, have become one of the most popular dogs in the UK in recent years. It’s easy to see why. They’re friendly, love people, and are a joy to own. And of course, they’re very cute!

French Bulldog quick facts
- Size: 30cm at withers
- Average lifespan: 10-14 years
- Weight: 11-12½kgs
- Colours: Brindle, fawn and pied
- Temperament : Affectionate, social, playful and loyal
- Common health issues: Breathing difficulties and skin infections
- Country of origin: France / England
Where does the French Bulldog come from?
You might think there’d be an easy answer to this one, but there’s some debate over the history of the French Bulldog. It’s thought they’re a cross between English Bulldogs and terriers, and were taken to France during the industrial revolution. The other theory is they’re from ancient Greece, making them a very old breed indeed.
French Bulldog personality
Affectionate
They like close physical contact, and thrive on companionship.
Sociable
They’re friendly, and get on well with other pets and people.
Playful
These fun-loving dogs really enjoy games and playtime.
Loyal
They form strong bonds with their owners, and are protective of loved ones.
Adaptable
They’re comfortable in any-sized home.
Stubborn
They can sometimes have a stubborn streak, which can make training challenging.
If you fancy a giggle, check out this Reddit thread of nicknames owners have given their Frenchies.
Do French Bulldogs bark a lot?
Frenchies don’t tend to be massive barkers. Most only bark occasionally, but this will also depend on numerous factors - including whether they’ve been properly socialised.
If you think your Frenchie is barking excessively, it may be worth taking them to an accredited behaviourist.
Are French Bulldogs good family dogs?
Most definitely. Provided they’re properly socialised, Frenchies love being with their family. They’re great with children and other pets, so should fit in with ease.
Like with all dogs – purely as a precaution – it’s best not to leave your French Bulldog unsupervised with very young children.
Can a French Bulldog be left alone?
Frenchies love company. Because of this, it’s best not to leave them for too long by themselves, and are prone to separation anxiety. With training, you can work your way up to leaving them for longer and longer periods - but you should never leave them for more than four hours. Depending on your individual dog, it may be less than this.
If you leave your Frenchie alone for any length of time, make sure that they have:
- Access to fresh water
- Toys for mental stimulation
- Comforts, including their favourite blanket or toy
- A comfortable area for sleeping
French Bulldog size & appearance
French Bulldogs are compact and sturdy dogs with a smushed face and bat-like ears. They have large, expressive eyes and a short, broad snout. Frenchies also have a pronounced square jaw and a wrinkled forehead. They’re short-haired and come in a variety of colours, although the Kennel Club only recognises brindle, fawn and pied. Their tails are naturally short, and can be straight or screwed.
Powerfully built and muscular, French Bulldogs are fairly small dogs. They grow to around 30cm at the wither, which is the point where the shoulders meet the spine. Males are slightly larger than females and will weigh between 11-12½kgs.
Thinking of getting a French Bulldog puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.

French Bulldog grooming
With short hair and a low shed, French Bulldogs don’t require lots of grooming. But they can develop skin conditions and become smelly. Special attention needs to be given to the skin folds and tails to avoid dermatitis.
It would help if you trimmed your dog's nails every 3 to 4 weeks to stop them from curling and causing discomfort. Ensure you ask a professional how to cut their nails, as they can be sensitive.

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French Bulldog training
- 1
Start training early
All dogs need to start their training and socialisation from an early age and the Frenchie is no exception. They love humans and are eager to please with good temperaments, which is helpful when you begin training.
- 2
Beware of treats
They are food-orientated, which is an extremely useful trait when training dogs. However, French Bulldogs do have a tendency towards obesity, so beware of giving them too many tasty treats.
- 3
Socialise them young
Taking your Frenchie puppy to socialisation classes is a good plan. By allowing them to meet lots of other dogs when they’re young, you’re setting up good habits for life. They aren’t naturally aggressive towards other dogs, but you could end up with problems if you don’t put the work in when they’re pups.
- 4
Focus on recall
They have a high prey drive, and will chase cats and small furries if you don’t get their recall sorted.
- 5
Use positive reinforcement
French Bulldogs do have a stubborn side to their nature. Use positive training methods and don’t pamper them too much. They have the potential to develop ‘small dog syndrome’ if allowed to do as they please.
- 6
Keep them mentally active
They also need to be mentally active, and you can do obedience training, search tasks or maybe try agility.
French Bulldog health issues
There’s every chance your French Bulldog will live a long, healthy life. Issues do arise for every breed though, and Frenchies are no different. Here are some of the common conditions.
Breathing difficulties
French Bulldogs have flat faces and narrow nostrils. As such, they often have breathing difficulty. Because of breathing trouble, they’ll usually exercise less, and make snorting noises due to the shape of their face. The problem is called brachycephalic syndrome. There are some treatments which can help your Frenchie with this.
Skin infections
Skin infections are common in French Bulldogs as they have an unusual amount of excess skin. This extra skin gives the Frenchie its unique look… But it can cause skin-fold rashes and a wide variety of infections. To help prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria on their skin, it's recommended to bathe your dog at least once a month.
Bone problems
French Bulldogs have short bodies and can be at high risk for hip dysplasia, which is when the joint ball and socket don’t fit correctly. This can easily result in the dog being unable to walk normally, leading to chronic pain. If they start to have trouble walking, visit your vet immediately. Acting quickly will give your dog the best chance of recovery.

Health tips for your French Bulldog
French Bulldog exercise
Despite their small size, French Bulldogs need around an hour of exercise every day. It's essential to give them a good workout to avoid too much weight gain. Walking is the best form of exercise - ideally split into two walks, especially when the weather gets warmer. You can include fun games, but be careful not to overdo it as they’re a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed - meaning they'll have trouble breathing if over-exercised.
French Bulldog training
French Bulldogs can be challenging to train as they’re known to be stubborn. Luckily, they’re also known to be highly driven by food treats, so you can use this to (occasionally) reward them. Train them over short periods to keep them engaged and interested in the activity. It's recommended to start with house training as there are fewer distractions at home. Some breeders will have started toilet training your French Bulldog as a puppy, which can make it easier as they get older.
French Bulldog feeding
It’s recommended to feed a French Bulldog puppy three or four times daily, while increasing the portion sizes as they age. Adults can be fed twice daily, and you'll want to weigh their food using the food packaging guidelines. When your French Bulldog is a puppy, you should avoid changing the food type or brand too often, as it may cause problems with digestion. If you need clarification on nutritional requirements, speak to your vet.
“Sadly, French Bulldogs are all too frequent visitors to my surgery. Very cute as puppies, but as they grow older, we often see breathing difficulties that can require major surgery and specialist referral. We also see chronic problems with eyes and skin that can need treatment for life and frequent visits to the vet. ”
Robin Hargreaves
Agria Vet Panel Lead, Veterinary Surgeon for 30 years and former British Veterinary Association President.

What we love most about French Bulldogs
Cuddle monsters
French Bulldogs are loving, cuddly and thrive on human attention. This makes them terrific lap dogs.
Totally charming
With their playful, quirky nature and expressive faces, they’re endlessly entertaining and full of character.
Super chill
They’re happy with short walks and relaxed playtime, suiting owners who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle.
Things to consider before getting a French Bulldog
As with any breed, there are some things you need to consider before embarking on a French Bulldog adventure. We've compiled the our top 3 here.
- 1
Prone to health problems
Unfortunately, the breed is prone to breathing problems and other diseases, and this means that you as a buyer must be extra careful when looking for your new friend. You must make sure that your French bulldog puppy comes from a litter where the mother and father are healthy, where they have been tested for the diseases that can be screened for, and where there is a good BOAS status.
- 2
Can be a bit rude
French bulldogs can be a bit of a loudmouth – especially in their body language. This can be overwhelming to other dogs, and can lead to arguments. It is ideal for the puppy to be socialized and trained from a young age so that it can learn to behave better.
- 3
They can be stubborn
French bulldogs can have their own opinions on things and be a little stubborn. This doesn't mean they are particularly difficult to train, but you do need to be a little extra patient and resourceful sometimes.
Should I rescue a French Bulldog or buy a French Bulldog puppy?
Wondering whether to buy a French Bulldog puppy or adopt a rescue French Bulldog? It’s not a decision to take lightly. There are various things which need careful consideration. Find out more about whether you should get a rescue dog or puppy here.
Decided to buy a French Bulldog?
If you’re looking for a jolly, family dog that loves humans, French Bulldogs make a great choice. Contact The Kennel Club to find registered breeders, ensuring your Frenchie puppy has come from good breeding stock, and has been well cared for in their first few weeks.
French Bulldog insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your French Bulldog's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.