Like many people who love dogs, I have assumptions about French Bulldogs. I thought they were like American Bulldogs and Boxers, which are breeds considered aggressive and dangerous. But this isn’t true at all! Frenchies are sweet dogs that people worldwide love as family pets.
French Bulldogs cost around $1,500 to $5,000 because they are popular and cute pets and because they are rare since their body structure does not allow them to reproduce naturally. So more costly artificial insemination methods are required to breed them, hence driving up prices. Expect maintenance costs to be around $150 a month.
Despite being so expensive, Frenchies are still a hit. They are trendy among celebrities. What exactly is it that is so special about these dogs? Are they worth the hype and the high price tag? Let’s take a look.
Why Is The French Bulldog So Expensive?
Considering their size, French Bulldogs are very expensive.
A French Bulldog puppy will cost you $1,500 to $5,000 from most breeders.
In some places where the breed is not very common or where the dogs have been bred from prized bloodlines, it could cost you up to $10,000. There are several reasons for this.
French Bulldogs Are Expensive To Breed
It is neither easy nor cheap to breed purebred French Bulldogs. The stud fees can be costly, especially if you want a healthy dog. And their pregnancies and deliveries are usually very complicated, so the females need a lot of extra care and support. So it is no surprise that the dogs themselves are so pricey.
French Bulldogs Have Small Litter Sizes
On average, a French Bulldog will only have 3 puppies in a litter.
Considering all the efforts to get the dogs pregnant and ensure safe delivery, the litter size is unexpectedly small. It also means the supply does not always meet the demand, thus the high price tag.
French Bulldogs Are Great Companion Pets
Frenchies are also expensive because they are worth it. French Bulldogs are great for first-time owners and are also good family pets. Therefore, it is safe to say that they are worth the price you have to pay for them.
Special Coat Colors
Special coat colors in these dogs can drive up the prices. Colors, like Isabella or Lilac, are rare, are especially expensive, and can go for thousands of dollars per puppy.
How Long Does A French Bulldog Live?
French Bulldogs have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years which, though decent for dogs, is a bit short compared to other small dog breeds.
French Bulldogs typically have good health, but they can have some health problems. Some of these problems can affect how long they live and how well they live.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is a condition where the dog has significant problems breathing, especially when stressed or when exercising. It results from their short snouts and makes life harder for these little dogs.
Temperature Regulation Problems
Temperature Regulation Problems are another complication of their brachycephalic facial structure. It is particularly problematic during hot weather, so you have to find ways to help them cool down. Just make sure to avoid swimming, as the chest-heavy build of the French Bulldog makes them bad swimmers.
Delivery Complications
Most French Bulldogs cannot give birth on their own. Cesarean sections are often required to ensure the safety of both the mother and their little ones.
Patellar Luxation
There is a common stereotype among dog lovers that stairs are rotten for French Bulldogs. This stereotype may be an exaggeration, but it is based on some truth. French Bulldogs are prone to skeletal issues like patellar luxation, making climbing stairs difficult and painful for the doggy.
Food Intolerance
French Bulldogs fart a lot due to several food allergies. These include intolerance to dairy, gluten, eggs, and some meats, including beef.
How To Take Care Of French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs are a bit high-maintenance. It may only cost you about $190 for monthly maintenance, which is relatively cheap. However, the actual effort required to keep them happy and healthy is more than most owners are prepared for.
Here is all you need to know before buying a French Bulldog to avoid getting caught off guard by the cost.
Keep French Bulldogs Cool During The Summer
As already mentioned, these dogs are not very good at temperature control. Their brachycephalic nature makes it difficult for them to lose heat like other dogs by panting.
Therefore, you should invest in things like outdoor, shaded kennels or dog carriers to help them keep cool as they enjoy the outdoors during summer.
Keep French Bulldogs Cozy During The Winter
Their thin coats make them susceptible to cold weather and leave them at risk of developing issues such as colds or even hypothermia in very severe winters. To keep them warm and comfortable, provide them with a comfortable bed and a cozy dog blanket. You could also get your Frenchie dog clothes for an extra layer of protection.
Invest In A Healthy Diet
Frenchies need a lot of nutritional support to keep them strong and healthy. Pet Plate is the best option to get the best quality and quantity for your doggy’s particular needs. They use details like the dog’s age, gender, and underlying health issues to curate the best menu for optimum nutritional benefit.
You should also include multivitamin supplements as a part of your diet. The multivitamin supplement helps boost several functions, including immunity, healing, and energy levels.
For example, add glucosamine supplements to their meals to improve their joint health and combat joint-related problems like Patellar Luxation as they grow older.
Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? Temperament Of French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are very similar to other breeds of dogs, such as American Bulldogs, Pitbulls, and Boxers. These bully breeds are known for their aggression. However, this is not the case with French Bulldogs. They have different personality traits that you should consider before getting one.
Gentle
French Bulldogs are super gentle dogs that are not known to be aggressive. So no, you cannot get a French Bulldog for protection purposes. They are too mild-mannered and sweet for the job ❤️ However, this trait makes them great dogs for homes with children.
Affectionate
French Bulldogs are highly affectionate dogs that are big into cuddling. They tend to form powerful bonds and may display clingy behavior, especially towards human companions who feed or play with them.
Needy
French Bulldogs need a lot of attention. They are not the type of dogs you can leave alone for a long time. They will be happiest when someone is around to play with them, preferably their human best friends.
However, they will be ok with pet-sitters or even in the company of other pets. On the other hand, leaving them all alone is never a good idea as they very quickly develop separation anxiety.
Clever
French Bulldogs may not be the smartest of all dog breeds, but they are clever enough to be trained and live with peacefully. Unfortunately, they tend to be very stubborn, making training a bit difficult.
It will cost you about $500 for professional training of the puppy Frenchie. However, you could do it yourself with patience and the right tools. We recommend Brain Training for Dogs for tips and tricks to help you successfully train your pup.
Do French Bulldogs Shed? Grooming Tips For French Bulldogs
Maintenance of a French Bulldog in terms of grooming is relatively easy.
Getting it done professionally could cost you $30 to $40 per session. You could also do it yourself with nothing more than the initial investment in high-quality tools. If you choose to take this approach, some grooming tips will come in handy.
Brush Them Once A Week
French Bulldogs have short, smooth coats that do not shed too much. The length of the fur also means that tangling is not very likely. Therefore, you could get away with brushing the dog’s coat once or twice a week.
Wash Them Once Every 2 Months
French Bulldogs are typically not stinky dogs. Therefore, you can wash them once a month or even more, depending on their activity levels and skin health. This interval keeps them fresh and clean without stripping them of skin and fur oils.
Wipe Between The Skin Folds
One of the most adorable features of a Frenchie is the series of skin folds, especially on their faces. Unfortunately, these cute folds often harbor germs and fungi, which can cause irritation or even grave infections.
To avoid this, wipe between these folds at least once or twice every month. You can use a doggy wet wipe or a clean cloth with warm water. Just make sure to leave the folds dry when you are done.
Wipe Their Bums After Potty Breaks
Unfortunately for Frenchies, they cannot reach their behinds to clean themselves after emptying their bowels. Therefore, you may have to wipe your French Bulldog’s bum once every day or two to prevent the accumulation of dirt and feces that can block anal ducts.
Related Questions
What Is A Fluffy Frenchie? Fluffy Frenchie is a nickname given to long-haired French Bulldogs. They get this unique trait as a result of a recessive genetic mutation. This makes them super rare. If you want something different without having to search the ends of the earth for a fluffy Frenchie, you should consider going for rare colors like solid black or Isabella.
Why Are Merle Frenchies Bad? The Merle trait is a coat-marking trait as a result of the presence of the Merle gene. While these Frenchies are devastatingly cute and super unique, their beauty comes at a great price to their health. This is because the Merle gene also affects the development and functioning of the eye and ear. It can thus lead to blindness or even hearing loss, which makes life very hard for the Frenchie.
Are Blue French Bulldogs Rare? Blue French Bulldogs are pretty rare. Their coats are not blue in the conventional sky or sea blue sense. They have more of a rich greyish-bluish-black to them. Though incredibly hard to come by, their glossy coat is the most popular and intentionally sought after by Frenchie enthusiasts.
