French bulldogs have become one of the most popular dog breeds in recent years, affectionately called “Frenchies”. Their bat-like ears, squished faces, and spunky personalities have captured the hearts of many. Owning a Frenchie has its own unique charm. However, this French bulldog’s popularity comes at a price. So, how much does a French bulldog cost?
Average Cost of French Bulldog Puppies From Reputable Breeders
From a reputable, quality breeder, the average French bulldog price is $3,500 to $5,000. Top breeders who offer fluffy Frenchie or those meant for shows can raise the price up to $10,000 per pup.
The high price tag reflects the costs and challenges of responsibly breeding Frenchies. Reputable breeders invest significant money into the proper breeding, birthing, raising and vet care of their puppies. This ensures the puppies receive the healthiest start to life possible.
Understanding Why French Bulldogs Are So Expensive
French bulldogs range from $1,500 to $10,000+, but what drives their such a higher price? There are a few key reasons for what makes French bulldogs so expensive:
- Breeding Difficulties – Mating and delivering Frenchies requires artificial insemination, C-sections and intensive nurturing of liters, increasing costs. For example, lilac French Bulldogs and Blue Fawn Frenchies have specific breeding challenges.
- Popularity & Scarcity – Frenchies trendiness has spiked demand, exceeding reputable breeders limited supply and raising prices. Rare colors and traits also cost more.
- Veterinary Expenses – Reputable breeders invest heavily into initial vet care like exams, vaccines and screening to ensure health. These built-in costs are high.
- Intensive Health Needs – Frenchies are prone to many hereditary conditions requiring above average lifetime medical costs for owners. Their brachycephalic needs also add expenses.
When you consider the breeding challenges, surge in popularity, and high health investments needed for French bulldogs, their steep $3,000-$5,000 price tag becomes understandable for a well-bred dog. Factors like the gender of a French bulldog and French bulldog colors like blue fawn can also significantly impact the price.
Factors Affecting The Price of Frenchies
The average cost of a French Bulldog can vary depending on many factors. There are several key factors:
Breeder
A dog’s breeder is the #1 factor affecting price. Responsible, reputable standard French bulldog breeders charge more because they invest more into their breeding program and puppies. They health test their dogs, provide vet care, high quality nutrition and socialization for the puppies.
Backyard breeders typically charge less. But they often fail to health test breeding dogs, keeping pups in poor conditions. This leads to potential health and behavior issues. Always research a breeder thoroughly before buying.
Lineage
A puppy from champion bloodlines or rare coloring can increase the price. Breeders invest significantly into stud fees from award-winning dogs. This lineage adds to the value but also helps ensure good health and temperaments.
Coat Color And Pattern
Common colors like fawn, cream or black range from $3k-$5k. Rare colors like blue, lilac, chocolate, or unusual patterns like merle can cost $5k-$10k+. The rarer the color, the higher the price.
Color of Eyes
French bulldog puppies are typically born with blue eyes that change to brown as they mature. However, some retain their blue eyes, which is considered desirable and rare. Puppies with one or two permanent blue eyes can cost $500 to $1,000 more per eye since this trait is prized by breeders and owners. The blue eye gene often occurs in lighter color Frenchies.
Boys or Girls
On average, female French bulldog puppies cost $500 to $1,000 more than males. Females are in higher demand since they can produce litters, making them more valuable for breeding. Even if the owner doesn’t plan to breed, a female’s reproductive potential still raises her price. Female personalities are also thought to be sweeter. People intent on getting a girl Frenchie should expect to pay a premium.
Age and Training
Older French bulldogs with training cost more than 8 week old puppies. A 1-3 year old Frenchie with housebreaking, obedience and good manners will range from $7,000-$12,000 from a breeder. Their advanced training and adulthood is appealing, skipping puppyhood work. But their price reflects the extra investment into raising and preparing them.
Budgeting for Your French Bulldog’s Veterinary Bills
French bulldogs require frequent veterinary care to remain healthy, due to their unique physical structure and health issues common in the breed. Prospective owners must budget accordingly for both routine and emergency vet expenses.
Importance of Routine Vet Visits
Veterinarians recommend French bulldogs have wellness exams done at least annually, but biannual exams are better for closely monitoring their health. Wellness exams allow vets to catch potential issues early before they become severe. Annual vaccinations, heartworm tests and preventatives are also part of routine vet visits. On average, expect to spend $400-$600 per year just for routine vet care for a Frenchie. Their vet needs are higher than the average dog.
Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs and Expected Costs
Frenchies are prone to certain conditions, which can equal expensive vet bills:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome – These respriratory issues stemming from their squished faces require surgery costing $3k-$6k.
- Allergies – Skin and food allergies average $200-$500 per year for medications and special diets.
- Joint Problems – Their corkscrew tails and skeletal structure makes them prone to intervertebral disk disease and luxating patellas. Surgeries average $3,500-$5,000.
- Hernias – Surgery to correct costs $700-$1,500.
- Ear Infections – Their large ears and skin folds trap dirt and moisture. Medications and cleanings average $100-$300 yearly.
How Can Insurance Cover Vet Bills?
Due to the high likelihood of inherited health conditions and injuries, pet insurance is highly recommended for French bulldogs. Policies average between $30 to $60 per month. Make sure to choose a plan that specifically covers hereditary and congenital conditions common in the breed. Some policies also cover alternative therapies like acupuncture that can benefit brachycephalic dogs. Pet insurance can be a lifesaver in covering expensive surgeries, medications and specialist care.
Is Adopting a Frenchie a Cheaper Alternative?
For those unable to afford purchasing a French bulldog puppy, adopting an adult or senior Frenchie through a rescue group or shelter can save money upfront. However, adopted dogs often have medical or behavior issues needing addressed.
Rescues and shelters rarely have French bulldog puppies, since demand for the breed is so high. Most adoptable Frenchies range from ages 1 year to 7+ years old. It’s common for them to have existing health problems, as surrendering owners struggled to afford vet bills. Special needs and senior dogs over age 7 are overrepresented. Extensive medical care has already been invested in vetting and spaying/neutering dogs up for adoption.
What to Expect When Adopting a French Bulldog
Since demand outweighs supply for Frenchies, rescues rarely have puppies available. Most adoptable dogs are ages 1-7 years old. Older and special needs dogs are most common. Medical or behavior issues are likely.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a French Bulldog?
Adoption fees through a rescue or shelter range from $350-$850. This covers initial vetting and spay/neuter. While adopted Frenchies do cost less upfront, new owners should be prepared for the likelihood of paying for expensive medications, therapeutic diets and training to rehabilitate dogs.
Heartworm treatment alone averages $1,000. Adopted dogs with unknown histories also risk having lifelong hereditary conditions. Overall, the long term costs of caring for an adopted Frenchie may end up similar to that of a purchased puppy. But adopters have the satisfaction of providing a loving home to a dog in need.
Cost of Owning a French Bulldog: Monthly Expenses to Anticipate
When budgeting the cost of a French bulldog, prospective owners need to look beyond the initial purchase price and also plan for reoccurring monthly expenses that come with properly caring for the breed.
Regular Care and Maintenance Costs For a French Bulldog
- Quality Food – $80-$100 per month
- Treats/Chews – $20-$40 per month
- Toys – $10-$20 per month
- Poop Bags – $10-$20 per month
- Dental Treats – $10-$20 per month
- Grooming – $40-$80 every 6-8 weeks
Food and Nutrition Expenses
Quality dog food designed for a Frenchie’s flat face and sensitive stomach will cost $80 to $100 per month. Due to widespread allergies in the breed, some dogs require prescription veterinary diets costing $100 to $150+ monthly. It’s important not to skimp on food expenses, since nutrition impacts long term health. Cheaper dog foods can result in higher vet bills over a dog’s lifetime.
Grooming Expenses
While their coat is short, French bulldogs do require regular grooming. Baths, nail trims, wrinkle and face fold cleanings, and occasional gland expression cost approximately $40 to $80 every 6 to 8 weeks. Their facial wrinkles trap dirt, debris and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast overgrowth if not cleaned frequently.
At home, owners need to wipe face folds daily and clean inside skin folds weekly using a gentle, pH balanced cleaner. Then apply an antimicrobial powder. Teeth brushing using a finger brush and doggy toothpaste is imperative as well to prevent dental disease. Budget $650 to $1,000 annually for Frenchie grooming
Pet Insurance: Is it Worth It?
Due to their long list of hereditary health conditions, investing in pet insurance is highly recommended for French bulldogs. Policies average $40 to $60 monthly. But this can save thousands long term by covering expensive vet bills. Make sure to choose insurance that includes hereditary conditions and alternative therapies that can benefit brachycephalic dogs. Wellness plans that cover annual exams, vaccinations and preventatives may also be wise. For a breed prone to issues, the cost of pet insurance is well worth it for protecting their health.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying a French Bulldog
Before bringing a French bulldog home, it’s essential to do your homework. Whether you’re looking at a French bulldog price list or wondering how to best train a French bulldog, thorough research will ensure you’re prepared for this new addition.
Assessing Breeder Reputation
No question is too small when vetting a potential Frenchie breeder. Ask detailed questions about their breeding dogs, facility, practices, health testing, and support they provide. Some key questions may include:
- How long have you been breeding French Bulldogs? Can I see pedigrees of your breeding dogs?
- What health screens do you preform on parents before breeding? Can I see health certificates?
- How many liters do your females produce in a lifetime?
- Can I tour your kennel/facility and meet parent dogs?
- What is the average size of your liters?
- What veterinary procedures do you provide for puppies before they go home?
- Do you provide and training or socialization for the puppies?
- What is your policy if I can no longer care for the dog?
Take your time finding a breeder who readily provides evidence of their reputation and knowledge.
Are Vet Bills Included in the Purchase Cost?
Reputable breeders make significant veterinary investments in their puppies before they go to new homes. Be sure to ask what specific medical procedures and care are included with the purchase price. This typically covers:
- Multiple dewormings and parasite preventatives
- VAccination series
- Initial exams to ensure good health
- Microchipping Heartworm testing
Backyard breeders often skip these critical steps to cut costs. The purchase price with a responsible breeder reflects the veterinary care the puppy received.
Understanding the Training Your Frenchie Has
A head start on training provides a smoother transition to a new home. Ask the breeder details about any early life socialization and housetraining the puppies receive. Reputable breeders expose puppies to various sounds, surfaces, people and positive handling. Pups may even begin crate and potty training.
While each owner will need to continue training, knowing if a puppy was properly socialized indicates a conscientious breeder. Expect to pay more for further trained adolescent and adult dogs who have completed obedience classes and housebreaking. Their advanced training adds value for owners wanting an easy transition. Researching a breeder’s training methods reduces potential behavior issues.
Concluding Thoughts: Is a French Bulldog Worth its High Price?
Considering adding a French bulldog to your family? They’re undoubtedly charming, but ensure you’re financially prepared. After all, owning a French bulldog comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. For the right owner, a Frenchie’s cost is well worth their devoted companionship. But be realistic about if you can afford ongoing and emergency vet expenses. Thoroughly research breed health and training requirements. If prepared for their needs, a French bulldog will pay back your investment with their lively, affectionate spirit for years to come.
