Information about French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs, affectionately known as "Frenchies," are small, compact dogs with a playful and affectionate nature. They are recognised by their distinctive bat-like ears, flat face, and muscular build. Frenchies are known for their adaptable nature, making them well-suited to apartment living and families with children.

They are relatively low-maintenance dogs, requiring moderate exercise and grooming. However, it's important to be aware of potential health issues related to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed.

Read our breed guide to see if French Bulldogs are the pet for you.

French Bulldog breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the French Bulldog:

How long do French Bulldogs live?

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 10-12 years.

How big do French Bulldogs get?

French Bulldogs are small-sized dogs. They typically stand between 30-35cm at the shoulder. They usually weigh between 9-13kg.

Do French Bulldogs shed?

Yes, French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat and shed moderately year-round.

Should I get a French Bulldog?

French Bulldogs can be a good choice for various individuals and families, including apartment dwellers, families with children, first-time dog owners and those seeking a companion dog. Their small size, relatively low energy levels, and moderate exercise and grooming needs make them adaptable to apartment living and manageable for first-time owners.

 

French Bulldogs thrive on human companionship and are often eager to please, making them loyal and devoted companions.

 

French Bulldog personality

French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature, often described as clownish and entertaining companions. They are typically very social animals, enjoying the company of both people and other animals. This makes them well-suited for families and households with multiple pets.

Their relatively low energy levels, coupled with their small size, makes them adaptable to apartment living and less demanding in terms of exercise requirements. While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not as high-energy as some larger breeds.

It's important to note that French Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, which may require patience and consistency during training. However, their eagerness to please their owners and their intelligence can make training a rewarding experience.

Taking care of a French Bulldog

Grooming

French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that is generally easy to care for. They are moderate shedders and require only occasional brushing to remove loose hair.

Exercise

French Bulldogs are moderately active dogs that require a moderate amount of exercise. They are generally happy with a few short walks each day and some playtime.

Diet

When choosing food for your French Bulldog, select food appropriate to your dog's age (puppy, adult, senior) and life stage. To help avoid them becoming overweight, ensure that you follow the recommended feeding guides on the food appropriate to your pet's size.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a French Bulldog

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^ that a French Bulldog can experience.

Conditions
Symptoms can include~
Highest cost for a single treatment>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies)

Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin

Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping

Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell

$8,766

Ear conditions (including infections and allergies)

Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears

Head shaking

Odour or discharge from the ears

Ears may be red or warm to the touch

$7,384

Gastrointestinal tract condition

Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation

Blood or mucus in stool/vomit

Increased frequency/urgency passing stool

Weight loss

Loss of appetite and interest in food

May seem more tired than usual

$12,581

Eye conditions (including corneal ulcers, uveitis, keratitis)

Squinting, redness, and ocular discharge

Rubbing or pawing at the eyes/face

Colour changes to the eye or surrounding tissues

$7,979

Brachycephalic airway disease

Snoring or other noisy breathing

Coughing, gagging, retching and/or regurgitation/vomiting

Tiring easily with exercise

Overheating, collapse, death

Sleep apnoea (choking, gasping while sleeping, loud snores and pauses in breathing during sleep)

$25,019

 

The cost of insuring a French Bulldog

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your French Bulldog, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

Need Pet Insurance for your French Bulldog?

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

Claim up to $30,000 a year.

Comprehensive Plus annual limit#

Claim up to 80% back.*

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.

Claim up to 80% back*

Lifetime cover.‡

Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life.

Lifetime cover‡

Introducing GapOnly.®

Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims.=

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Important Information

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^ Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

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Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

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* Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

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Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

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= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).