French Bulldogs are almost always outgoing and ready to play at a moment’s notice. These small dogs are rarely shy, and are generally friendly towards everyone they meet. They can be lazy from time to time, and enjoy lounging around the house. They may sometimes need encouragement to actually go out and exercise. In general, they enjoy outdoor activities with both humans and other dogs.

Some French Bulldogs may be tenacious or strong-willed due to their Bulldog heritage. They are stronger than their size would indicate, and they may run headlong into objects or people when they get excited. Despite this, most French Bulldogs are not aggressive in the slightest, and are exceedingly gentle when they’re calm. As a companion dog, French Bulldogs bond very strongly with their owners and will not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. 

French Bulldogs are not usually considered a high-energy breed, but that’s mainly because they lack stamina for long play sessions. They have the strength and agility to run around at high speed and jump all over obstacles, but can only do so for a short while. These short bursts of energy are a common experience with French Bulldogs, even with older dogs. 

While all dogs benefit from regular exercise, special care needs to be taken with the French Bulldog. Their short faces mean that they do not breathe as well as other dogs, and they can overheat quickly in hotter temperatures. Walks lasting 10 to 15 minutes are enough for most French Bulldogs, and a couple of these sessions per day during cooler hours should suffice. Once the temperature goes above 80 degrees, a French Bulldog should be watched for any signs of heat exhaustion. 

French Bulldogs are generally low-maintenance dogs, and do not require frequent bathing. Their coat is short and fine, and only sheds minimally. Weekly brushing is recommended for most French Bulldogs to remove shed fur and dander, preferably using a brush with medium bristles. 

The area where French Bulldogs need some extra attention is around their face and ears. Due to the numerous folds on the facial skin, French Bulldogs are prone to infections in the area. Hypoallergenic wipes may be used to clean between the folds, and the face should be inspected regularly for any bumps, rashes, or other signs of skin infection. Once the face is wiped, a clean towel should be used to dry off the skin and prevent irritation.

Bathing a French Bulldog does not need to happen very often. Bathing too often can dry out the skin by stripping it of the natural oils that keep it moist. If you do bathe your French Bulldog, high-quality dog shampoo is advisable. The ears should be cleaned regularly with a warm damp cloth, wiping around the edge of the ear canal. 

The nails of the French Bulldog are not worn down very often due to their low activity level, so they will need to be trimmed more often than other dogs. Tooth brushing can be done two or three times a week, but daily tooth brushing is ideal. 

The key to successfully training a French Bulldog is to start early. French Bulldogs have a reputation for being stubborn and difficult to train, but that’s mostly down to them being distracted or having their own way of doing things. Most French Bulldogs are reasonably intelligent and have good problem-solving skills, the challenge simply lies in directing this intelligence to the task at hand. 

A French Bulldog owner will need to begin with obedience training early to get the best results. Being patient and consistent with training will result in a French Bulldog that is well-behaved and gentle towards other dogs and strangers. Positive reinforcement is usually the best method of rewarding a French Bulldog, as they are sensitive and do not enjoy harsh rebukes. Just be careful of giving them too many treats as a reward, as they may be prone to weight gain. 

French Bulldogs can normally live up to 11 to 14 years of age. French Bulldogs may be prone to:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD – a condition where a disc in the spine ruptures and presses onto the spinal cord, causing pain, lameness, or paralysis
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome – a condition where the dog may have difficulty breathing due to the construction of their airway, resulting in snuffling or snorting sounds
• Allergies – a reaction to allergens such as fleas or ticks, food, or other environmental factors
• Von Willebrand’s Disease – a blood disorder that affects the clotting properties of blood, resulting in nosebleeds and prolonged bleeding

French Bulldogs are a medium-to-small sized breed, standing at 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder. Most French Bulldogs will normally weigh between 20 to 28 pounds, though some may weigh more than that.  

The size of the French Bulldog means that they can adapt to most homes, whether in cities or rural areas. However, they are not suited to being outdoor dogs, and heat may be a concern for their health. They thrive on contact with people, and will want to be close to their owners most of the time. While they enjoy the outdoors for play, they will want to come back inside the house to relax and nap for most of the day.