12 Reasons Why French Bulldogs are the Worst

French Bulldogs are just so popular.

Love them or hate them, Frenchies are ranked the #2 most popular dog in America by the American Kennel Club.

Here are 11 Reasons Why Frenchies are the Worst 

French Bulldogs are popular pets, but they are prone to several health issues due to their unique physical characteristics. In fact, you can minimize the risk of your Frenchie having health issues by finding a reputable, experienced breeder.

Some common health problems in French Bulldogs include:

1. They’re notorious for health issues

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

• Hip Dysplasia

• Allergies

• Von Willebrand Disease

• Intervertebral Disc Disease

• Eye Problems

• Skin Fold Dermatitis

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

French Bulldogs have a short snout, which can cause breathing difficulties. This condition can lead to respiratory distress, snoring, and difficulty exercising.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. French Bulldogs are prone to this condition due to their short legs and stocky build. 

Read more: 2023 The Best Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs

Allergies

French Bulldogs are prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritations and itching.

Read more: Dermatitis in Dogs | Symptoms and Treatment

Von Willebrand Disease

This is a bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot. French Bulldogs are more susceptible to this condition than other breeds.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

This is a condition that affects the spinal discs, leading to pain and mobility issues. French Bulldogs are prone to this condition due to their short legs and long back.

Eye Problems

French Bulldogs are prone to eye problems such as cherry eye, corneal ulcers, and cataracts

Read more: 2023 The Best Allergy Eye Drops for Dogs

Skin Fold Dermatitis

French Bulldogs have many skin folds, which can lead to skin infections and irritations.

If you adopt a small puppy, there are many health problems if you don't vaccinate.
This is the recommended vaccination schedule for dogs.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), puppies should be vaccinated every three to four weeks from 6 to 16 weeks. The last vaccination is given at approximately 14-16 weeks and includes the first rabies vaccination.

Rabies: first dose at 16 weeks; as an adult, every 1 year or 3 years depending on the type of vaccine

DHPP combination vaccine: first dose 6 to 8 weeks; second dose 9 to 11 weeks; third dose 12 to 14 weeks; fourth dose 16 to 17 weeks, followed by yearly refills

2. They Fart A Lot

French bulldogs not only fart, but they also fart badly.

There are several potential reasons why French bulldogs may fart frequently. One could be that their diet contains high levels of indigestible carbohydrates or low-quality protein, which could lead to digestive problems and excessive gas. Another possibility is that they are swallowing air when eating or drinking, which can also lead to excessive farting.

Ways to reduce farting

Improve your dog's diet by developing a slow-eating diet using easily digestible dog food or adding a gastrointestinal peristaltic supplement such as probiotics to the dog's food.

3. Difficult Births

French bulldogs have a much higher rate of difficult births than other dogs. On the one hand, French bulldogs are lazy and lack exercise, which makes them difficult to deliver, and on the other hand, French bulldogs have large heads and small bodies, while their mothers have narrow pelvises. If you want to have a smooth delivery, it is best to keep your pooch exercising properly, and to take calcium tablets during the childbirth period to prevent difficult deliveries due to lack of calcium and muscle convulsions.

4. Frenchies Shed A Fair Bit

My Frenchie always amazes me with how much she sheds.

I have to constantly use a tool to remove her coat unless I want to walk around covered in dog hair.

The best way to reduce the amount of hair your French Bulldog leaves behind is to groom regularly and then give your dog hair care supplements.

Puainta® Lecithin Supplements for Dogs, 300g

5. French Bulldogs Can Easily Catch a Cold

French Bulldogs have a higher susceptibility to catching colds for several reasons. Firstly, their single-layer coat, which was mentioned earlier, contributes to their vulnerability to the cold. Similar to wearing a windbreaker instead of a warm winter coat, the lack of a thick double coat makes them more susceptible to cold weather.

Secondly, French Bulldogs face challenges in regulating their body temperature effectively. While warm-blooded species like humans and dogs possess the ability to self-regulate their internal thermostat, not all warm-blooded species have the same level of control. Dogs, unlike humans, cannot expel excess heat through sweating. Instead, they release heat through panting and paw sweating.

Due to their flat-faced or "short skull" structure, which is characteristic of French Bulldogs, they face additional difficulties in cooling themselves. This short muzzle can lead to respiratory problems, making it harder for them to breathe properly. As a result, they need to pant more rapidly to regulate their body temperature in hot conditions.

In summary, French Bulldogs are prone to colds due to their single-layer coat that offers less protection against cold weather and their limited ability to self-regulate body temperature. Furthermore, their flat-faced structure can exacerbate these issues, making it challenging for them to cool down effectively in hot climates.

6. Frenchies Cost A Ton of Money

$1,500 to $3,000
The average cost of a French bulldog puppy is normally $1,500 to $3,000. The location and quality of a breeder can increase this price dramatically, however. High-quality breeding practices, Frenchie color, gender and other factors can turn that average price into five figures quickly.

7. They’re Super Stubborn & Hard to Train

Frenchie has a somewhat stubborn personality and therefore requires a little more patience and repetition during training. Even with a lot of obedience training with my Frenchie, it is still difficult to get her to listen when something else gets her attention.

They are motivated by food and learn quickly, but sometimes they just don't want to listen when they know there is no food waiting for them! Foods that are often lured are recommended as freeze-dried snacks with little fat, as the farrier must maintain weight.

8. Unpleasant Smell

The source of French Bulldog odor is the mouth and skin, and infrequent teeth grinding tends to cause bad breath. Short-haired dogs that are not bathed regularly can be prone to skin diseases that can cause body odor.
Give your dog some teething tools and a half-monthly bath.

9. Can't Stand Too Much Heat or Cold

Partly because they are short-headed, French Bulldogs are particularly sensitive to cold and heat, both of which can cause breathing to become a bit difficult.

While dogs that aren't short-headed can handle these changes, French Bulldogs can't tolerate them either. 

They also have short coats that allow heat to escape from their bodies easily in cold weather.

It is important not to over-exercise Frenchies during the hottest part of the day to prevent heatstroke. Also, be sure to bundle them up properly in case of cold weather. 

10. Bulldogs Have a Big Appetite

Bulldogs eat a lot at a meal, on par with pine lions. It is also because Bulldogs are very good eaters and love to sleep that they are chubby and less able to maintain a fit body.

11. Smooth Face

The wrinkles, the judgmental furrowed brows, the absolute smoothness of it all! The French Bulldog has so many wrinkles on his face that he almost doesn't want to put his hands on his cheeks and talk like a baby.

12. Drooling

French Bulldogs, like other brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds, are prone to drooling due to their unique facial structure. The characteristic short snout and a compressed upper jaw that is often seen in French Bulldogs can lead to various anatomical issues, including an elongated soft palate and narrowed nostrils. The limited space in their nasal passages can result in mouth breathing and excessive drooling. 
Additionally, French Bulldogs often have loose and wrinkled skin around their mouths, which can contribute to drooling. The loose skin can collect saliva, which then drips or is released when they shake their heads or eat.

Read more: Home Remedies for Dog Drooling

FAQ

How Smart Are French Bulldogs?

French Bulldogs are the 109th smartest dog breed for “obedience & working intelligence.” In terms of training, French Bulldogs can be stubborn at times and may require patience and persistence from their owners. However, with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn a variety of commands and tricks.

When Do French Bulldogs Calm Down?

The Frenchie takes longer to calm down after running around than other non-short-headed (non-flat) breeds. Owners can signal their dog to lie down and slowly stroke his back, giving him a teething stick along the way, and he will calm down faster while eating.

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