How to Take Care of Your French Bulldog Guide

A practical, No-Bullsh*t Guide from a Proud Dog Parent with best tips, life lessons, and real experiences to give your friend the best life without losing your head or mind.

9/1/202412 min read

A small brown dog laying on top of a wooden floor
A small brown dog laying on top of a wooden floor

How to Take Care of Your French Bulldog Without Losing Your Mind

A Guide from a Proud Dog Parent for the No-Bullsh*t Dog Parent.

Hello, fellow dog lovers! 🐾

As a proud parent of two adorable French Bulldogs, Hugo and Heidi, I've learned a lot about what it takes to keep these little bundles of joy happy and healthy. I still remember my first days with Hugo, confused about what to feed him, not knowing which brands were best, what dog-lead to buy, what bed was comfy, and most of all scared that something could happen to him. After years of experience, lessons, and our own research, we can proudly say that our Frenchies are living their best lives. And yours can too, despite the challenges, that come with the breed.

So, if you're considering bringing a Frenchie into your life, or if you're already the lucky owner of one, I'm here to share some essential tips and tricks for caring for your French Bulldog without all the fluff and nonsense. Let’s cut through the crap and get to the point.

1. Feeding Your Frenchie Right, because a Fat Dog is NOT a Happy Dog

Let’s talk about food—one of the greatest joys in any dog's life, but, let’s be real—French Bulldogs love food like I love skipping unnecessary meetings. But if we’re not careful, our Frenchie will pack on the pounds faster than we can say “treat”, and turn into an oversized potato. They are also the biggest “pickers” out there, so I’m always, on the lookout for fresh food and new recipes. I feed Hugo and Heidi high-quality dog food specifically designed for sensitive stomachs. It’s important to choose a food that supports their muscle tone, joint health, and skin condition. Also, to support their healthy diet, I prepare homemade meals for them, at least, twice a week. Remember that portion control is key, and for the love of all things holy, do NOT overfeed them because French Bulldogs can easily gain weight, which can lead to health issues. A quick tip here: figure out the right portion size, create an eating routine, and stick to it - also consult your vet if you’re unsure. And, if you fancy some cooking time with your Frenchie, check out our homemade recipes.

Few high-quality brands that we tested and we would recommend from the bottom of our stomachs:

Butternut Box - fresh, tailored meals delivered straight to your door, nutritious, human-grade food designed specifically for your French Bulldog’s needs. Say goodbye to processed kibble and hello to wholesome, delicious meals that keep tails wagging!🐶💛

Different Dog - natural, high-quality ingredients, freshly prepared meals that cater to your Frenchie’s dietary needs. Their recipes are crafted to promote health and happiness, making mealtime both tasty and beneficial for your furry friend.

Bella and Duke - raw, balanced meals that are ideal for the unique dietary requirements of French Bulldogs. Their meals are made from premium, ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring your dog gets the very best nutrition to support their health and vitality.

Natures Menu - natural, complete dog recipes, that are perfect for French Bulldogs. From raw food to dry kibble and treats, their products are made with high-quality ingredients to keep your pup healthy and happy. And they have THE BEST TREATS in our opinion.

Years - premium, grain-free dog food that’s tailored to the specific needs of smaller breeds like French Bulldogs. Their formulations focus on natural ingredients to support your dog’s overall well-being and provide them with essential nutrients.

Marleybones - natural dog foods and treats made from high-quality, ethical ingredients. Their products are designed to support the health and happiness of your French Bulldog, offering tasty options that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Note: All the brands above are the ones we tested, and still using and we highly recommend them based on our experience and research. If you fancy trying out, using the links above will get you extra discounts as a furry friend of us.

2. Exercise: Keep It Fun and Active so they Don’t Go Bonkers

French Bulldogs are low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, which is a blessing if you’d rather chill on the couch than go on a five-mile run. But remember, they may be small, but they have big personalities — and that involves loving their playtime. Daily exercise is crucial, but you don’t need to take them on marathon runs. A couple of short walks each day is perfect. We recommend 3 short walks a day, combined with some playtime indoors or in the garden. Be mindful of the weather, though! Frenchies are brachycephalic (meaning they have short muzzles), so they can struggle with extreme temperatures. Plus, they don’t wear shoes like us, so the asphalt, on the hot days can really hurt their paws. Test the pavement or road by putting your hand on it and hold for 7 seconds, if it hurts you, it will definitely burn your little friend's paws. A few months back we learned a lesson, when we took our Frenchie’s to Cornwall, and my little girl Heidi couldn’t walk after 2nd day of sightseeing. We didn’t know what was wrong with her until we took her to the vet, and did our research. My heart was broken after what I discovered. So, on hot days, I would suggest to do more morning and evening walks in the meadows or forests, keep them on the grass, and during the day spend more time playing indoors. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog means you can finally put your feet up without them whining for attention.

Note: All the brands above are the ones we tested, and still using and we highly recommend them based on our experience and research. If you fancy trying out, using the links above will get you extra discounts as a furry friend of us.

2. Grooming: Simple and Easy, but Don’t Slack Off

Grooming your Frenchie is pretty straightforward, not as crazy as it would be with Chow Chow or Pekingese, but it does require consistency. Their short coat sheds moderately, however, during spring and autumn, they shed quite excessively, so a good brushing once a week will help keep their fur in check and their skin healthy. I send Hugo and Heidi to the groomer for a de-shedding treatment once a quarter to get rid of old hair and support the growth of new ones. Not only, it give them comfort and a fresh look, but it also keeps our house clean. One thing, that’s super important—don’t forget to clean their adorable facial folds! They’re like a bacterial buffet if you don’t clean them regularly. These folds can trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to infections. I use a gentle, damp cloth to wipe Hugo’s and Heidi's faces every morning. The same applies to their “bat ears”, that are also prone to dirt and infections. One of the biggest tips we would love to share with all our dog friends is to create a routine where you clean your Frenchie eye folds, paws, ears, and bums, yes I said bums, so they don’t store residue dirt. Grooming a Frenchie isn’t rocket science, but it’s not something you can ignore, either. My family or any new person who meets my Frenchies always says – I swear they are the cleanest dogs I know of, what do you do to keep them so fresh? And the story begins…

  • Animology Dogs Body Shampoo - A gentle shampoo that keeps their coat fresh, available at Pets at Home.

  • Vet’s Best Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste Set - Because dental care is a must, available at Amazon UK.

  • FURminator Short Hair Deshedding Tool - Gets rid of loose hair and reduces shedding, available at PetPlanet.

  • Dog Wipes by Pogi’s - Biodegradable and perfect for cleaning those wrinkles, available at Amazon UK.

  • Pet Teezer De-Shedding Brush - Designed by Tangle Teezer, this brush is great for keeping their coat sleek, available at PetPlanet.

4. Create a Cozy Living Environment – Welcome to My Castle

Oh, they love a snuggly bed or sofa, a warm blanket or duvet, not to mention a comfortable pillow. French Bulldogs are indoor dogs, and they’re not shy about it. Make sure your Frenchie has a cosy bed to call their own. Hugo and Heidi are particularly fond of their soft beds, and I keep them in a quiet corner of the house where they can escape the chaos of life (aka you) and rest without disruptions. I’ve got a few soft beds for Hugo and Heidi (they actually own 10 of them), and I change or clean them regularly to ensure their space is safe, fresh, and comfy. Think of it as their own little sanctuary away from the chaos of your everyday life.

Few beds we recommend that Hugo and Heidi absolutely love:

  • BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed - Comfy and supportive for your Frenchie’s joints, available at Amazon UK.

  • Joules Box Dog Bed - Stylish and super comfy, available at Joules.

  • Scruffs Chester Box Bed - Luxuriously soft with extra cushioning, available at Pets at Home.

  • PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed - With memory foam for maximum comfort, available at Amazon UK.

  • Rosewood Luxury Quilted Pet Sofa - Because your Frenchie deserves the best, available at Fetch.co.uk.

5. Training and Socialization: Start Early, so They Don’t Become Brats

Frenchies are smart and full of character, which can sometimes translate to a stubborn streak. Training a French Bulldog is like trying to negotiate with a toddler—they’ve got a mind of their own. Start early, be consistent, and don’t let them walk all over you. We’ve made that mistake with Heidi, our 2nd Frenchie, and as she grows older, it takes us an enormous amount of effort to get into her head with the same methods we trained Hugo. We recommend using positive reinforcement—like treats and praise—to train Hugo and Heidi, and it works wonders, so keep a stash handy for when you’ve got their attention and they listen to you. And don’t forget to socialize them from the get-go. Take them out, meet other dogs, expose them to different people, let them experience the world, and sniff new environments to help them grow into well-rounded dogs. I won’t sugarcoat it; this was one of the best parts of having a Frenchie for us. As a small breed, French Bulldogs are welcome in many pubs and even some restaurants, so you don’t have to sacrifice your social life just because you’ve got a furry friend at home. Get them out there and make those outings a win-win for both you and your pup!

  • Pet Munchies Natural Dog Treats - Tasty treats that make training a breeze, available at Pets at Home.

  • Clicker Training Kit by Clix - Ideal for positive reinforcement training, available at Amazon UK.

  • HALTI No-Pull Harness - Great for teaching them not to drag you down the street, available at PetPlanet.

  • Whimzees Dental Chews - Keep their teeth clean and their mouths busy, available at Fetch.co.uk.

  • Ancol Training Lead - A long lead for training recall in open spaces, available at Pets at Home.

6. Regular Vet Visits: A Must – Don’t be That Guy!

One thing I learned about French Bulldogs is, that they need regular vet check-ups to stay healthy. Look, I get it—going to the vet isn’t exactly a party. But it’s got to be done. French Bulldogs are prone to a few health issues, like breathing problems and allergies, so staying on top of their health is crucial, and the sooner you accept that, the better. I take Hugo and Heidi to the vet for regular check-ups and make sure they’re up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. It’s always better to catch potential issues early. We strongly recommend taking on health insurance for your little furry friends. Having that support plan allowed us to help them and not be financially strained when they needed medical attention. My partner still laughs that we pay more for our dogs' insurance than ours, but hey, the truth is it saved me a lot of stress and money in the long run, and there are some great deals out there, that won’t cost you a fortune. I can share a personal experience when Heidi was in pain, scratching her ears, being stressed, clumsy for no reason, and just sad. We took her to the vet, where they suspected an allergy. To identify what she was allergic to, they needed to send her blood samples to a lab – cost: a whooping £500 plus a vet visit, and some temporary medication. After leaving the vet, with £780 less, I told my partner our holidays were cancelled, not for long though, as we got everything back from the insurance company. Not a big deal at the end, but a great lesson to remember and share.

Below we recommend some insurance companies that we have tested. We also suggest you check your deal every year and negotiate your prices, to get the best deals.

  • Bought By Many Pet Insurance - Tailored policies for French Bulldogs, available across the UK.

  • Petplan Pet Insurance - Comprehensive coverage with a great reputation, available across the UK.

  • Vetsure Pet Insurance - Flexible plans with zero excess options, available across the UK.

  • Animal Friends Pet Insurance - Affordable and great for covering the essentials, available across the UK.

  • PDSA Pet Care - Affordable pet care options for those on a budget, available at PDSA.

7. Mental Stimulation: Keep Their Minds Sharp and Zoomies On the Ground

French Bulldogs are smart little buggers, and if you don’t keep their minds busy, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves—and you won’t like what they come up with. They are curious, they love discovering and they love to play silly. I love using puzzle toys and engaging them in short training sessions or games to keep their minds active. Even something as simple as teaching them new tricks can be a fun way to keep them mentally stimulated. Not only will it keep them happy, but, it’s fun for you too. Just think of it as a way to keep them from chewing on your shoes out of boredom.

  • Trixie Flip Board Strategy Game - A challenging puzzle toy that keeps them engaged for a long time.

  • Nina Ottosson Dog Twister - Another brain-busting puzzle game.

  • KONG Wobbler Treat Dispensing Dog Toy - Perfect for making them work for their treats.

  • Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel - A fun and interactive toy that keeps them busy.

  • PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat Toy - Adjustable difficulty for endless entertainment.

  • Vibrant Life Halloween dog toy - Pink Ghost squishy toys and balls.

8. Give them All Your Love and Attention – but Draw a Line in the Sand

French Bulldogs are basically “LOVE SPONGES”. They want our attention, our affection, our lap—all of it, all the time. They are affectionate and thrive on human companionship. They love being part of the family and crave attention from their favourite humans. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes. Hugo and Heidi are happiest when they’re snuggled up next to me or playing games together. They even have their favourite blankets and teddy bears to sleep with. Make sure to spend quality time with your Frenchie every day, but remember to set boundaries, be consistent, and don’t let them rule the house. A well-loved but well-behaved Frenchie is the ultimate goal. Give them love, give them snuggles, but make sure they know you’re the one in charge.

  • Silent Night Dog Blanket - keep them cosy with soft, snuggly blanket - perfect for quiet nights in

  • Dog pillow - give them a comfy place to rest their head with this supportive, plush pillow.

  • Highland Cow Plush Toy - treat them to a cute, cuddly companion with this adorable Highland Cow plush toy.

  • Snuggles Dog Pyjama - keep them warm and stylish with these comfy, cosy pyjamas for bedtime.

  • Dog Socks - protect your Frenchie’s paws and add a touch of warmth with these soft, comfy socks.

9. Be Aware of Their Brachycephalic Nature – Take Steps to Support them Right

Lastly, be mindful of their brachycephalic (short-muzzled) structure. This adorable trait makes them more susceptible to breathing issues, especially in hot or humid weather. Always ensure they have access to a cool environment, and avoid excessive exercise during warm days. If you're planning to travel, make sure to accommodate their need for a comfortable and well-ventilated space, water, fresh wet food, a cool jacket, and a cool mat. Let’s keep our cute, squishy bundles of joy healthy.

Final Words of Wisdom

Owning a French Bulldog is awesome, but it’s not all snuggles and Instagram photos. Caring for a French Bulldog is a labour of love, and in return, you’ll get endless affection, loyalty, and fun from these charming little dogs. Whether you’re already a Frenchie parent or thinking about becoming one, I hope these tips help you provide the best care for your furry friend.

If you have any questions, Frenchie stories, or tips of your own, drop them in the comments below—I’m all ears (and so are Hugo and Heidi)!

Until next time, give your Frenchie an extra belly rub from me, Hugo, and Heidi! Now, go give your Frenchie some love (and maybe a treat or two) for me! 🐶💕

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