How Much are French Bulldogs?

Updated Nov 21, 2023

Loveable Lapdogs with a Pricey Pedigree: How Much Are French Bulldogs?

Owning a French bulldog isn't just about the sticker shock of the purchase price. It's a commitment that extends far beyond that initial investment, encompassing a lifetime of care and expenses. These adorable pups are prone to a range of health issues, which can translate into hefty veterinary bills. Add to that the ongoing costs of food, grooming, and everyday necessities, and you've got a financial responsibility that demands careful consideration. So, before you succumb to the irresistible charm of a French bulldog, take a moment to assess your financial preparedness. Ensure you're ready to shoulder the long-term expenses that come with owning this endearing yet demanding breed.

Average Cost of French Bulldogs

The price range for purchasing a French bulldog comes with a price tag ranging from $1,000 to $8,000. Several factors contribute to this variation, including the location, breeder's reputation, dog's lineage, coat color, and health testing. Larger cities typically have higher bulldog prices, and breeders known for producing healthy dogs may charge more.

Factors Affecting French Bulldog Price

So how much does a French bulldog cost? There are many factors that can influence the cost. If you adopt your dog from the shelter, you’ll likely only need to pay for vaccinations and neutering/spaying, but finding a Frenchie in a shelter isn’t common.

Most likely, you’ll need to purchase your dog from a breeder. Breeders often require fees which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. It can feel like an impossible job to find a reputable breeder within a reasonable distance, price, and timeframe.

French bulldogs come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. While the classic brindle and cream colors are popular choices, rarer coat colors and patterns can significantly increase the price of these adorable dogs. For example, fawn-colored French bulldogs, with their warm, sandy coats, are considered quite rare and are therefore in high demand, commanding premium prices. Similarly, pied-colored French bulldogs, characterized by a captivating mix of white and colored patches, are valued for their distinctive appearance and often fetch higher prices than their solid-colored counterparts.

When you consider the question, “How much is a French bulldog?”, you probably aren't considering some of the base costs. When calculating the overall cost of owning a French bulldog, consider ongoing veterinary expenses. Routine checkups can cost around $50, but additional costs for lab work, surgery, or medication can significantly increase annual veterinary expenses, especially for dogs with chronic illnesses.

Breeding Process and French Bulldog Cost

One of the main reasons the French bulldog cost is so high is due to breeding challenges. Because the breed has small hips, artificial insemination is often required. Additionally, many French bulldog puppies must be delivered by Caesarean section (C-section) because their heads are disproportionately large.

Because of these concerns and medical needs, reputable breeders put a lot of money into these dogs in order to minimize their health risks. A breeder that sells French bulldogs at low prices may not be taking all the precautions they should.

There are some people who advocate for breeding reform when it comes to future French bulldogs. Advocates for reform argue that breeders should focus on selecting dogs with healthier facial structures and a greater diversity of genetic traits to reduce the incidence of these problems. Due to the limited genetic pool available, these pups are prone to a host of health problems.

Physical Characteristics of French Bulldogs

The typical Frenchie is a 25-lb. dog, more or less. You won’t often find these dogs weighing more than 28 pounds. They’re compact and muscular dogs with a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. Their wrinkled skin around their face and neck gives them a charming, perpetually puzzled expression, while their short, pushed-in muzzle contributes to their overall endearing look. Despite their diminutive stature, French bulldogs possess a muscular build, making them surprisingly agile and playful companions.

Their short coats come in several colors: brindle, cream, fawn, and white. Many dogs exhibit a combination of two colors. Frenchies often have black, white, brindle, or piebald markings. Some have black markings around the eyes that resemble a mask.

Happy French Bulldog laying in bed with owner.

Temperament and Training

There’s a reason French bulldogs are so popular with dog lovers. Not only are these canines cute and low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they’re also affectionate. They have a playful nature that makes them good around kids or people with active lifestyles.

A Frenchie is just as likely to want to sit on your lap and snuggle while you’re watching TV as they are to romp around the backyard. As with any other dog, you’ll need to invest time in training them. French bulldogs are known for being stubborn, so starting training early can mitigate unwanted behaviors. You might want to begin with the seven essential commands: sit, stay, lay down, come, heel, off, and no.

Socialization is equally important. Introducing your dog to others from an early age can help them learn to trust other people and animals. Spend time at dog parks, meet up with friends who have dogs, and take your Frenchie on plenty of walks. They’ll get not only physical exercise but will have mental stimulation to keep them happy, healthy, and sociable.

Health Concerns and Costs

How much are Frenchies once you take into account their health issues? Unfortunately, the cost can be quite high. As we mentioned, French bulldogs can have a variety of health conditions. A number of these French bulldog health issues exist due to unscrupulous breeding practices and a limited gene pool.

The history of French bulldogs goes back to the early 19th century, but many modern celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and David Beckham have helped increase their popularity. With more and more people wanting Frenchie puppies, breeders have tried to keep up with the demand, but it’s a hard road and there are plenty of unscrupulous breeders out there cutting corners.

One of the most severe problems is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, known as BOAS. This syndrome can happen when a dog has especially narrow nostrils and windpipe. If your dog needs surgery to correct the issue, you can expect a vet bill that’s thousands of dollars. Untreated BOAS can lead to heatstroke because your dog won’t be able to pant effectively and cool themselves down. Avoiding this issue comes down to choosing your breeder wisely.

That cute, wrinkly face on your Frenchie needs to be cleaned regularly. If not, your dog could get a skin infection. They could also develop allergies that cause itching, redness, and hair loss. If that happens, your Frenchie’s vet may prescribe an antibiotic, steroids, or a topical medication.

Additional Costs of Owning a French Bulldog

There are other costs besides medical bills and breeding fees. Your new little Frenchie will need plenty of nutritional food. Puppies need food that’s small enough for them to chew and which has docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a substance that’s vital for your puppy’s developing brain and eyes.

Even adult French bulldogs will need food that’s formulated for small dogs. They may choke on bigger pieces or consume too many calories from a food that’s intended for a larger breed.

Don’t forget to budget for toys for your pup. Toys range drastically in price, with the cheapest costing a few dollars and the more expensive ones costing $30 or more. These toys can include tennis balls, chew toys, and tug-of-war ropes. You can also purchase puzzle games to keep your Frenchie mentally stimulated.

Besides toys, other costs include accessories like leashes, collars, harnesses, and clothing.

While Frenchies don’t need extensive grooming, you’ll still need to buy a brush for them. Pet owners who prefer to take their dogs to a groomer will need to account for grooming fees, which can range from about $25 to $75, depending on which services you request (brushing, shampooing, nailcare, etc.).

Importance of Pet Insurance

Given the prevalence of health issues in French bulldogs, securing pet insurance is a wise and proactive decision. Pet insurance can serve as a financial safety net, providing peace of mind and mitigating the burden of unexpected veterinary expenses, like a lifesaving surgery.

Cover your Frenchie with insurance as soon as possible so you don’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are any medical issues that your dog has or develops before the pet insurance policy becomes effective. These conditions are often excluded from coverage, meaning you would be responsible for the full cost of treatment. French bulldogs, due to their brachycephalic conformation and genetic predispositions, are more susceptible to developing various health problems, making pet insurance even more essential.

Waiting until your French bulldog develops a health issue to purchase pet insurance can be a costly mistake. Not only will you face the financial burden of treating the immediate condition, but you will also be denied coverage for any pre-existing conditions that manifest in the future.

Opting for pet insurance early in your French bulldog's life allows you to establish a comprehensive coverage plan before any health issues arise. This proactive approach ensures that you have financial protection in place should your dog develop pre-existing conditions later in their life.

While French bulldog insurance may involve upfront costs, the long-term savings can be substantial.

Cute french bulldog being held by owner.

Prepare for Your French Bulldog’s Price

Before you rush out and buy a dog, carefully consider all the associated costs. While adoption is the lowest-cost option, it’s not likely you’ll find a Frenchie in the shelter. Almost certainly, you’ll need to visit a breeder to find one.

Educate yourself on the fees that your chosen breeder tacks on to the Frenchie dog price, as these can add up. Breeder fees typically encompass a range of expenses incurred by the breeder to raise healthy and well-socialized French bulldog puppies. These fees may include health testing, vaccinations, microchipping, spaying or neutering, registration, and transportation costs.

Keep in mind, you will need to pay for extra vaccinations and medical procedures in the future. To help you budget for these regular expenses, consider adding a pet wellness plan to your existing pet insurance policy. While a wellness plan isn’t insurance, this comprehensive plan reimburses you for routine checkups, vaccinations, and even training to prevent your furry friend from developing bad habits—like chewing up your new shoes or crying every time you leave the room.

Research breeders in your area and only visit reputable sellers to make sure your new Frenchie pup is as healthy as possible. Even the healthiest Frenchies are susceptible to conditions like BOAS and skin infections, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the symptoms.

Beyond the Price Tag: The Value of a French Bulldog

While the upfront cost of a French bulldog might seem a bit steep, remember that the joy and companionship they bring into our lives are priceless. Their affectionate nature, playful spirit, and charming appearance make them treasured members of our families. By understanding the potential expenses involved and making smart financial decisions, we can ensure that our beloved French bulldogs receive the best possible care throughout their lives.

The bond we share with our French bulldogs is something special. The laughter they bring into our homes, the comfort they provide when we need them most, and the unwavering loyalty they offer are gifts beyond measure. As we embark on this adventure of pet parenthood, let's remember that the true value of a French bulldog lies not in the numbers on a price tag, but in the boundless love and joy they bring into our hearts.