You can’t go outside for long without seeing a Frenchie these days (especially in cities like LA, NYC, and Miami!).
They’re just so popular.
Love them or hate them, Frenchies are ranked the #1 most popular dog in America by the American Kennel Club.
Here are 11 reasons why Frenchies are the worst (actually).
1. They fart a lot
The #1 reason why Frenchies are the worst is that they fart a lot.
Not only do they fart a lot, but they have the stinkiest farts.
There’s nothing like relaxing on the couch with your dog on a Sunday afternoon— *FART*.
Day ruined.
Ways to reduce their farting
Fortunately, with proper
Slow feed bowls can reduce farting
2. They’re notorious for health issues
Okay, farting is one thing…
But Frenchies’ health problems are actually a serious issue with the breed.
Dealing with health issues not only breaks your heart, but also your wallet.
It’s possible to find a healthy well-bred Frenchie
With this all being said, not all Frenchies are riddled with health problems like some people may lead you to believe.
One that prioritizes health over profit
In fact, you can minimize the risk of your Frenchie having health issues by finding a reputable, experienced breeder.
One that prioritizes the health of their puppies over their profit.
They still have a long lifespan
Despite their health issues, Frenchies still have a lifespan of 10–12 years
Compare this to the average among all dogs of 10–13 years, and the Frenchie doesn’t seem too bad, does it?
All breeds have their own health issues, but you can’t argue against the fact that Frenchies experience health issues more than your average dog.
Some of the most common health issues are…
- Allergies— whether it be something in their
food or in the environment, allergies are extremely common among Frenchies - Cherry eye— this is pretty common in all flat-faced dogs; it causes a red swollen mass to protrude from the eye; it’s not serious but can be scary to see
- Joint issues— hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, and arthritis are among some of the common Frenchie joint issues
- Breathing issues— their flat faces make breathing difficult; issues such as elongated soft palate and stenotic nares can further worsen their airway
An in-depth guide on nearly every health problem affecting Frenchies.
Learn about the most common health problems & what you can do to manage them.
3. Frenchies cost a ton of money
One of the hottest talking points about Frenchies is how much they cost...
Just how much do they cost?
A French Bulldog puppy could set you back anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000.
Price will vary
While $8,000 is certainly on the higher end of the spectrum, it’s not uncommon to see Frenchies for $5,000 depending on the breeder.
There are also other factors that can influence the price of a Frenchie puppy
Factors such as…
- Gender— typically female Frenchies will cost more than males due to their ability to breed
- Breeder— a breeder that has a good reputation will usually charge more for their puppies compared to a smaller, less-known breeder; highly reputable breeders will usually have a longer waitlist for their puppies as well
- Location— depending on where you live, the average price of a Frenchie might be more or less compared to the average of $3,500… in metropolitan areas (e.g. Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, etc.) the price will be a bit higher compared to the prices you’d find in smaller cities or rural towns.
- Color & pattern— some colors & patterns have genetics that are quite rare and breeders will typically charge more for these
It’s not just the cost of the puppy
Not only is a Frenchie puppy expensive, but their health issues can quickly add up to astronomical amounts.
Pet insurance is always recommended
For this reason, pet insurance is always recommended for Frenchie owners to save your butt in case any unexpected vet bills come up.
Insure as soon as possible to save more
It’s best to get pet insurance while your Frenchie is young & healthy as it will cost less to insure a dog that has no pre-existing conditions versus one that is older with health problems.
Did you know the avg. price of a Frenchie is $3500?
Check out our Frenchie Price Chart, why they cost so much, & the most expensive Frenchie in the world!
4. Frenchies can be clingy & prone to separation anxiety
Going to the bathroom? Running to the kitchen for a glass of water?
Chances are, your Frenchie is too…
Separation anxiety (and clinginess) are among some of the most common behavioral problems in French Bulldogs.
What exactly is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is similar to clinginess, but much more severe. It can vary in severity, but it wouldn’t be fair to say that a clingy Frenchie has separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety in dogs is characterized by their extreme distress when you leave the house.
Separation anxiety can vary in severity
One Frenchie with separation anxiety might bark & whimper when you leave the house, while another Frenchie could destroy all your precious belongings around the house while also scoring a noise complaint from the neighbors.
It can range anywhere from mild barking and whimpering to severe breaking everything in the house while scoring a noise complaint from the neighbors.
It might even get them into danger
For some French Bulldogs with separation anxiety, they will do ANYTHING to try and find you, even if it means they get hurt in the process.
5. Frenchies can be needy & high maintenance
Not only can Frenchies be clingy, but they also have many other needs that must be met.
Frenchies need…
- Special care for their joints
- Help so they don’t get overheated
- Their wrinkles wiped on a regular basis
- A
diet that doesn’t upset their sensitive stomachs
For example, you have to be super careful in the summer that they don’t get overheated and be wary of them jumping off of tall furniture so they don’t hurt their backs or joints.
6. They’re super stubborn & hard to train
Part of Frenchies’ personalities is their free-minded, stubborn nature . It can be pretty frustrating when your Frenchie literally couldn’t care less about what you think.
I have done tons of obedience training with my Frenchie, however, it’s still hard to get her to listen when something else has her attention.
They’re food-motivated and quick learners but sometimes they just don’t want to listen when they know there’s no treat waiting for them.
They’re not stupid, though!
While Frenchies stubbornness may lead you to think they’re not that bright— that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Frenchies are actually the smartest of the “bully breeds“.
7. They’re intolerant to extreme hot & cold temperatures
Due to their flat faces, Frenchies often struggle to regulate their body temperature.
For example, it will take a Frenchie much longer to cool down after running around when compared to other non-brachycephalic (not flat-faced) breeds.
Remember this next time you’re at the dog park, and see the other dogs running laps around your Frenchie while they struggle to catch their breath.
Frenchies have special needs — don’t push them past their physical limitations.
Keeping your Frenchie cool
You can accommodate for them by having plenty of water, a not-too-hot area, and knowing when enough is enough.
Frenchies get overheated easily— especially in the summertime...
This easy-to-setup foldable pool is the perfect solution to keeping your Frenchie nice & cool on a hot day.
- Easy to set up
- No inflation necessary
- Perfect size for Frenchies
8. Frenchies shed a fair bit
While you might look at the Frenchie’s coat and think…
“There’s no way they could shed that much!”
You’d be wrong…
My Frenchie always surprises me with how much she sheds.
I have to constantly de-shed her coat using a tool like the FURminator unless I want to walk around covered in dog hair.
Allergy sufferers beware
If you suffer from dog allergies, a French Bulldog might not be for you. Frenchies are not a hypoallergenic breed.
Let me repeat, French Bulldogs are NOT hypoallergenic.
Cut down on your Frenchies shedding with this…
All dogs shed to some degree— you can't change that...
But the FURminator can significantly reduce loose hair and minimize shedding.
With a curved edge that conforms to your dog's body for comfort, there's no risk of cutting their skin or damaging their coat.
- Safe— won't cut skin or damage coat
- Effective— reduces loose shedded hair
- Easy to use— just gently brush their coat
9. Frenchies are noisy!
Frenchies are loved for their adorable squishy flat faces…
But their flat faces make it hard for them to breathe…
Curious what I mean…? Check out this video of a Frenchie that is “reverse-sneezing“.
This means…
- Frenchies snort all day
- Frenchies snore throughout the night
- And just make all sorts of weird noises
Personally, their funny noises don’t bother me at all, but it’s something you should be aware of before getting a Frenchie.
This is just one of many quirks of the breed that you’re going to have to learn to love if you decide to get a Frenchie.
10. They can’t swim— they sink!
Most dogs are pretty good at swimming.
Not the Frenchie!
Frenchies don’t float, they just sink.
If you want your Frenchie to be safe around any water, they’re going to need to wear a life jacket.
They’ll need a life jacket to swim
Extra-rugged high-quality construction
Keep your Frenchie safe in the water
Built for adventurous Frenchies in mind
- Convenient— has an easy-to-grab handle
- Effective— keeps your Frenchie afloat so you don't need to worry when they're near water
- Visible— high visibility & reflective design makes it easy to spot your Frenchie when they're out there swimming
- Doesn't have head/neck support
11. They’re not the most athletic
It shouldn’t surprise you…
Frenchies aren’t the most athletic dogs in the world.
In fact, they’re far from it.
Frenchies are…
- A bit lazy at times
- Big couch potatoes
- Not the greatest at handling the hot outdoors
You might prefer a Boston Terrier
If you’re looking for an athletic dog like the Frenchie, you might prefer a Boston Terrier.
This “Frenchies are the worst” talk is getting tiring…
Don’t be fooled— we still think Frenchies are the best!
Check out these 11 reasons why Frenchies are the best dogs in the whole wide world.
Are you trying to decide whether or not a French Bulldog is the right breed for you?
Here’s what to know before getting a French Bulldog.
Luke
Sunday 19th of February 2023
My French bulldog is an absolute athlete