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French bulldogs are a popular breed for a reason. They’re friendly, have a gentle temperament and are (of course) super cute. We’re going to assume you’re considering getting one since you’re here, so we’ve shared all you need to prepare.
We list the French bulldog must-haves, how to prepare for one, and how to make your first few weeks successful.
Research French bulldogs
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Always research a breed before getting one. Sometimes, our beliefs about a breed are wrong, and a bit of reading can help us make the right choice.
Read our French bulldog insurance page for health information, and check out our Frenchie fact file for general pointers.
French bulldog characteristics
French bulldogs are companion dogs, meaning they’re a cheery, sociable bunch. They’re great with other animals and love being their owner’s best friend.
They’re usually pretty chilled out, so they don’t bark much. But they can be a little stubborn, and their strong bonds with owners mean separation anxiety can become an issue.
Overall, they’re unique dogs with a distinct personality that’ll suit most people but do note they aren’t the most active. But their sweet nature more than makes up for their low energy.
French bulldog must-haves
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Food and water bowls suitable for their flat face
We recommend getting flat-face-suitable bowls for your Frenchie. These help flat-faced dogs eat while making minimal mess. Generally, pick ones with good reviews, and those Frenchie owners recommend.
Observe how they eat and drink as they age; you may need to change things as their habits develop.
High-quality puppy food
Pet nutrition, like nutrition for us humans, can get a little complex. But you don’t need to guess what’s best for your Frenchie.
We recommend feeding French bulldogs with a high-protein, low-fat diet. But each dog is individual, and you should cater to their needs and tastes.
Remember that paying more for food doesn’t always mean you’re paying for better. For more details, read notes on the raw pet food diet.
French bulldogs are prone to obesity, so don’t overfeed them. You should always chat with your vet about your dog’s diet.
Soft and comfortable bedding for joint support
Generally, you want bedding that offers good joint support, like orthopedic dog beds.
A Frenchie's small, compact body and bone structure make them prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia, so having a comfortable place to sleep is essential.
Overall, you want bedding that considers:
Size and shape: so it fits your Frenchie
Material: so it doesn’t have any allergens or irritants
Comfort: so your Frenchie can relax and not exasperate any existing issues
Some Frenchies may prefer to sleep in your bed, but they need somewhere to nap or rest throughout the day, too.
Harness and lead designed for small breeds
Get a lead or harness suitable for small breeds. Otherwise, you can’t leash-train your Frenchie effectively. We don't recommend walking without one, either.
As your French bulldog grows, it’ll need bigger collars, but since the breed stays small, you shouldn’t need to change it too often. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two fingers under the collar.
Choose between a collar and a harness with our guide.
Identification (ID) tags
ID tags help dogs return to their owners and tell anyone your Frenchie already has an owner and a home. It’s also an effective way to stop your Frenchie from being misidentified as a stray if it wanders off.
Pick a tag that’s:
Made of weather-resistant materials, like stainless steel
Scratch-proof
Stating the dog’s name and your phone number
It's important to get your puppy microchipped anyway, but an ID tag is an essential extra layer of security.
French bulldog grooming tools
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Thanks to their short coats, Frenchies don’t shed much. But this doesn’t mean they don’t need grooming.
They need regular grooming, especially in summer. We recommend that you:
Regularly bathe your Frenchie with puppy-safe shampoo
Clean their eyes
Brush them weekly
To do this, you’ll need:
A gentle brush for their short coat
Tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner
Nail clippers or grinder
Ear cleaning solution and cotton balls
French bulldog toys and enrichment
Overall, toys come in four categories:
Plush: these help your Frenchie relax
Interactive: mentally stimulates them
Chews: can promote dental health and stops biting and chewing
Puzzles: provide enrichment
For general recommendations, read our safe toys for puppies guide.
Safe toys for French bulldogs
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Tug toys
These are a fantastic way to bond with your new pup and provide good physical and mental stimulation. Tug-of-war, if done gently, helps your Frenchie use up any energy.
We recommend getting one made of sturdy materials and making sure it doesn’t easily break apart or damage your pup’s delicate teeth.
Puzzle toys
As mentioned, puzzle toys provide enrichment for Frenchies. It can help solve any behavior problems related to boredom, and it allows your pup to keep themselves entertained.
Dental chews
Dental chews help promote good dental health. They also stop your Frenchie from biting everything in sight while teething.
Just make sure it’s made of sturdy enough materials and doesn’t break apart easily, as this can lead to choking hazards. Always check the ingredients, too, to make sure there are no allergens or irritants present.
KONG or similar durable toys for playtime
French Bulldogs love KONG toys and will grow to love any durable one you give them. They can take a lot of attention, which will help your Frenchie fulfil their chewing instincts.
They help promote good dental hygiene while proactively ending destructive chewing behaviour.
French bulldog safety and travel accessories
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It's especially true of puppies since they aren’t used to being in the car, on the plane, or out and about in the world yet.
Crate or carrier for safe transportation
It’s important to keep your dog in a safe, restrained place when driving--not just for their safety, but also for yours! When picking a carrier, focus on:
Size: Frenchies are small, so measure them nose to tail and check there’s plenty of room for them.
Well-ventilated: Flat-faced dogs, like French bulldogs, need good ventilation to keep them comfortable. It’s important to have this if you’re travelling in hot weather too.
Safety standards: Always pick one that passes third-party safety standards.
Comfort: Get a carrier with interiors that suit what your Frenchie likes.
Carriers come in a few styles:
Hard-sided: these are only really appropriate for medium- to large-size dogs.
Soft-sided: good for small or medium-sized dogs, with a focus on comfort. It's ideal if your Frenchie is anxious.
Wheeled: helps with traveling and moving around, so we'd recommend this if you're walking around a city or catching a flight.
Backpack: really good option for small dogs like Frenchies. They allow you to take your dog anywhere where they can take in the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors.
If you’re a new owner, catch up on these things to consider when going away with a pet. You may also like our guide on how to train your puppy for stress-free car rides.
Car seat
Since French Bulldogs are so small, a dog-friendly car seat can work for them. As always, only pick ones that have passed third-party safety tests, are of appropriate size and give your pup time to get used to it.
Seat belt or harness for car safety
Unfortunately, there aren’t any recognized, standardized safety regulations for dog seat belts. Make sure you pick one with stringent third-party tests if you opt to go this route.
French bulldog reflective gear for nighttime walks
Keep your French Bulldog and yourself safe at night. You’ll both need high-quality reflective gear, and you should read how to stay safe with our walking at night guide.
Unsure of what equipment you need? Our night-time accessories guide has you covered.
A first-aid kit for emergencies
You need to be well-prepared for emergencies, especially if you’re traveling. We recommend making a first-aid kit that has:
A spare collar
Towels
Surgical sticky tape
Bandages
Cotton wool
Sterile wipes
Blunt scissors
Sterile, absorbent gauze
Read our guide on first-aid tips for dogs whether you're a pro or a new dog owner.
French bulldog training aids
While French bulldogs are known for their gentle and laid-back attitude, they still need diligent training.
Most of this comes from you educating yourself on how to train them properly, but training aids can help, too.
Treats for positive reinforcement during training
Treats are essential for positive reinforcement training but don’t pick things that are too unhealthy or calorie-intensive. We recommend lean, protein-dense food like:
Beef (but allergies to this can be common, so check with your vet)
Chicken
Dried fish
Don’t rely on them too much, though, as the calories from treats add up and can lead to pet obesity. Always check these treats with your vet first.
Clicker for clicker training
Clicker training is a fantastic option for Frenchies, and all you need for it is some treats and a clicker.
Their intelligence makes them very receptive to this type of training. Whenever your French Bulldog does something that deserves a reward, you click a device and give them a treat.
Eventually, the dog will associate the noise with good feelings, and you won’t need a treat at all—just the click noise. We cover this in more detail in our basic dog training guide.
Training pads for housebreaking
Housetraining a puppy can get a little stressful, but there are things for French bulldogs that help make it smoother.
Training pads are a great option, providing space for your Frenchie to relieve themselves. Just pick a high-quality one with lots of layers, as that’ll ensure nothing seeps through and it’ll be easy to clean up.
Puppy gates for containment and safety
Frenchies are inquisitive and like to explore. But they can wander into places they shouldn’t!
That’s where a puppy gate can help. These can section off areas of the house, like your kitchen, without making your pup feel isolated and lonely.
Simply pick one that’s the right size, suits your home and is tall enough to stop your pup from attempting a leap of faith over it.
Prepare for the future with French bulldog insurance
Of course, puppy insurance helps protect your Frenchie from young until old.
Discover what our French bulldog insurance covers, how it helps owners like you, and why it keeps owners well-prepared.
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