Pros and Cons of French Bulldogs:
French Bulldog owners are the first people to talk about the reasons to have a Frenchie, and all the reasons NOT to adopt one. This doesn’t just stem from a sense of honesty, but also out of a desire to make sure these truly special dogs only go to the best homes with people who genuinely appreciate them. Also, be warned. If you consider all of the factors, for and against having a Frenchie and still get one? You’ll probably have your own little pack in no time. These dogs are seriously addictive! People who live with French Bulldogs say there’s just no other dog that will do.
Reasons to Adopt a French Bulldog:
French Bulldogs are excellent family pets. They are extremely affectionate and love to spend as much time as possible with their humans. They do well in small spaces, like apartments, and do not need a great deal of exercise.
They get along well with children, as well as people who are elderly and disabled. Frenchies typically interact well with other pets but prefer other animals that will play with them. French Bulldogs are intelligent and learn quickly (although they can be stubborn). They are good watchdogs but tend to only bark when they have something to “report” to their owners.
Low maintenance in terms of grooming and compared to many other types of dog, the odor is close to non-existent. Unlike English Bulldogs, Frenchies do not drool nor slobber. A few have trouble picking up kibble when eating but this is only if a mouth is wry or extremely undershot.
Reasons NOT to Adopt a French Bulldog:
These dogs are flatulent, the odor can be considerable and frequent (although this can be reduced through a better diet). They also tend to belch loudly after they’ve eaten.
Although Frenchies are a shorthaired breed, they can shed a great deal. Note that fawns shed more than brindles as they have a softer more plush undercoat. Many French Bulldogs suffer from environmental and product-based allergies. They are susceptible to heat stress and do not react well to severe cold. Most French Bulldogs can’t swim. As breeds go, Frenchies can be incredibly stubborn.
They are difficult dogs to housebreak. Many suffer from severe separation anxiety, and although they are not known to bark excessively, they can emit a very distinctive and loud “yodel.” They may annoy other pets, especially those that are older, or cats that don’t want to play with them. The breed is associated with a number of health issues.
Male or Female?
The question of male versus female is raised with every breed, and even with every species. You can easily find adherents for either gender. I personally believe that the real shaping factors in any dog’s personality are its early socialization and existing environment.
You will see French Bulldog enthusiasts who insist that the males are more comical and “goofy,” while the females are more stubborn and determined to have their own way. To me, that characterization seems a trifle anthropomorphic, since I know many female French Bulldogs who cavort as happily and “goofily” as any of their male counterparts.
Puppy or Adult?
Adult dogs are typically adopted through a rescue group. I am a strong advocate for the work these people do, and I believe in rescue adoptions.
With some breeds, however, that may only be the best choice for an experienced dog owner, not someone “meeting” the breed for the first time. Adult dogs typically come with their own “baggage,” which won’t be a deal-breaker for someone who knows and understands dogs. If a Frenchie has, for instance, not proven to be good with other pets, and you have no other animals, that anti-social streak can be managed. There are, of course, advantages that go along with adopting an adult dog. You will know the animal’s exact size and how well it will fit into your home, and you’ll have a good idea of its exercise needs almost immediately. Older dogs also tend to be calmer and they will already be housebroken.
You do have to be careful with rescue adoptions, however. Try to determine how many homes the Frenchie has had. If the dog has just been with one other owner, you shouldn’t have a problem bonding, but dogs that have been with one family after another will have difficult issues.
It’s also possible to get a dog that has been extremely dependent on its former owner and is suffering from severe separation anxiety or, in the case of owner death, genuine grief. Often crate training can alleviate this type of issue by giving the dog a safe “den” when you are away.
Younger dogs, less than two years of age, adopted from shelters can have any of these problems, although they do tend to adapt fairly quickly. Always find out if a younger dog has been given up due to a housebreaking issue. As a breed, Frenchies are difficult to train in this regard and some younger dogs are surrendered to rescue groups as a result. Cases of severe separation anxiety that have led to various “bad” behaviors also cause many dogs to be given up. These may include barking, digging, chewing, or soiling the house. Crate training is also useful in these instances, but the help of a professional dog trainer may be necessary.
For first-time French Bulldog owners, the best option is, in my opinion, to adopt a puppy from a reputable breeder. You will not only be assured of getting a healthy pet, but you will have an expert to turn to in your first days of “parenthood,” when you may well need some advice. You and your dog will grow up together, in essence, and from an early age, the Frenchie will learn your habits and routines. You will be faced with the challenges of housebreaking and other necessities of ushering a puppy into adulthood, but the reward will be a dog that knows you and your household intimately.
One or Two?
French Bulldogs are often described as one of the addictive dog breeds. People who adopt one very often wind up having more. If you have the time, space, and money to adequately care for more than one dog, there’s no reason not to have two Frenchies. Since the breed can be prone to separation anxiety, a pair of dogs can be excellent companions for one another — or they can be nervous wrecks together! It’s difficult to predict, so be guided by the welfare of the dogs.
Do what’s best for them, not for you. Approximate Purchase Price Although prices can vary widely, French Bulldog puppies for sale from reputable kennels cost from $2500 to $5000 / £1500 to £3000. Even at this price, there is no guarantee of getting a quality, healthy puppy. Puppy buyers still need to do their breeder homework. Show quality puppies generally start at $4500 to $7000.
The price of puppies reflects the care, attention, and costs that a reputable breeder incurs. These breeders do many health checks which will save you money in the long run. The bitch (female) has to be artificially inseminated and birth is by Caesarean section. Constant monitoring at all hours is required for the first eight weeks, with a great deal of veterinarian bills.