How Much Does It Cost to Own a French Bulldog?

French Bulldogs are a breed known for their winning personalities and adaptability to city life (and their smooshy, kissable faces)—making them a popular choice for pet parents in places like New York and San Francisco.

In fact, according to the American Kennel Club’s 2023 rankings, they’re now the most popular dog breed in the entire country.

Certain adjectives are often used to describe the Frenchie temperament: affectionate, adaptable, stubborn, sociable, loyal, clownish, and low–energy. 

They don’t require a ton of exercise, but they can be sensitive, so make sure to give them plenty of TLC. French Bulldogs are generally family–friendly and make excellent companions for families with children.

French Bulldog fast facts

Personality	Affectionate, adaptable, intelligent
Size	Small
Weight	16–28 pounds
Lifespan	10–12 years
Lifestyle fit	City living
Average lifetime cost	$15,000–$20,000

How much does a French Bulldog cost?

A purebred French Bulldog from a breeder can cost between $1,500 to $8,000. Rarer coat colors can command prices in the range of $6,000 or more.

The lifetime cost of owning a French Bulldog can vary significantly based on things like their health, grooming needs, and overall lifestyle. 

Here’s an estimate of the expenses you might expect to incur over a Frenchie’s lifetime, which typically ranges from 10–12 years:

• Initial costs (puppy price, vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchipping, supplies): $2,000–$5,000 (or more for rare colors/patterns)
• Food: $300–$600 per year
• Annual veterinary care (check–ups, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention): $500–$1,000 per year
• Grooming (nail trimming, baths, and occasional professional grooming): $100–$300 per year
• Pet insurance (optional): Varies, but generally cheaper if you sign up early in your Frenchie’s life
• Training classes (optional): $100–$300 per class or private sessions
• Boarding or pet–sitting (if needed): $50–$100 per day or negotiated rates for extended periods
• Miscellaneous expenses (toys, treats, fancy shoes, bedding, etc.): $100–$300 per year

Why are French Bulldogs expensive?

There are a handful of reasons why adding a Frenchie to your fur fam can get pricey. For instance: 

• Breeding challenges: French Bulldogs have a unique body structure and a large head, which makes natural breeding and birthing difficult. They often require artificial insemination and C–sections for delivering puppies, adding to the costs.
• Popularity: Frenchies are hot on social media. Higher demand = higher prices.
• Rarity: Certain coat patterns, like blue or merle, are more scarce and can cost more.
• Health issues: Breeders need to invest in genetic testing and vet care to ensure the health of their breeding dogs and puppies, adding to the costs.
• Responsible breeding: Ethical breeders invest time and resources to ensure the well–being of their dogs, provide proper care, and maintain sanitary living conditions. 
• Time and effort: Raising a litter of French Bulldog puppies requires a significant amount of time, effort, and expertise.

What’s French Bulldog insurance?

French Bulldog pet insurance, like coverage offered by Lemonade, can help cover the costs of your Frenchie’s vet bills. 

You pay a monthly premium and in exchange, you can protect your fur fam without stressing as much about the costs. A dog insurance policy can cover a range of costs related to accidents, illnesses, and preventative care. At Lemonade, there’s even a special plan for puppies to help with all of your early pet parent costs.

Vet bills can add up, especially for major procedures (but we’ll discuss that in more detail below). 

Also keep in mind that it pays to sign your Frenchie up for insurance when they’re a small puppy, before they may be diagnosed with any pre–existing conditions. (A pup with pre–existing conditions can still get insurance, though the policy would not pay to treat those specific conditions).

Some common health concerns French Bulldogs face—and what they cost

French Bulldogs, like any dog breed, can be prone to certain health issues. Due to their unique physical features and genetic predispositions, they’re more susceptible to the following problems. 

Brachycephalic Syndrome

What is it? A common issue in flat–faced breeds, including French Bulldogs. It can cause breathing difficulties due to the anatomy of their shortened snouts, which may result in narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, or a narrow trachea.

How much does treatment cost? Treatment for Brachycephalic Syndrome can range from conservative management to surgical intervention. In mild cases, weight management, avoiding excessive heat and exercise, and using a harness instead of a collar may be sufficient to manage the condition. However, in moderate to severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct one or more of the abnormalities.

The cost of surgical intervention for Brachycephalic Syndrome can vary widely. Some estimates for surgical treatment are:

• Stenotic nares correction: $300–$1,000
• Elongated soft palate resection: $300–$4,500
• Everted laryngeal saccules resection: $300–$3,000

Hip Dysplasia

What is it?: A genetic condition that affects the hip joint, leading to arthritis and discomfort in the hip area. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight for your Frenchie to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.

How much does treatment cost?: Treatment options for hip dysplasia can range from conservative management to surgical intervention.

• Conservative management: In mild cases or when surgery is not an option, conservative management may include weight management, physical therapy, joint supplements, pain management, and anti–inflammatory medications. The cost for conservative management can vary, but you might expect to spend between $500–$1,500 per year on medications, supplements, and physical therapy.
• Surgical intervention: In more severe cases or when conservative management is insufficient, surgery may be necessary. The cost of surgical treatment for hip dysplasia can vary widely depending on the specific procedure, ranging from $1,700 to upward of $7,000 for a total hip replacement.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) 

What is it?: This condition affects the spine and can cause pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. 

How much does treatment cost?: Surgery can run up to $9,000, and related tests an additional $1,000—$5,000.

Other common health issues Frenchies face:

•Allergies
•Cherry eye
•Ear infections
•Obesity
•Patellar luxation
•Heart conditions
•Skin fold dermatitis

Different coats for Frenchies

Any purebred dog can be pricey. And Frenchies can get more expensive if you’re looking for a particular type or look.

While the health of your pup should be your primary concern—more below on what questions you should ask a breeder!—you might also be interested in a Frenchie with a particular look or color. Here are some of the Frenchie varieties to consider.

Lilac

A specific coat color that is relatively rare and highly sought after. Lilac French Bulldogs have a unique coloration that appears as a diluted shade of chocolate brown with a hint of purple or silver sheen. 

In addition to their unique coat color, lilac French Bulldogs often have light–colored eyes, such as blue, light amber, or green, which adds to their striking appearance. 

Merle

The merle pattern is characterized by a mottled or irregular blend of colors, with patches of the base color interspersed with lighter, diluted patches.

In French Bulldogs, the merle pattern can appear on various base colors such as fawn, brindle, blue, chocolate, or black. Merle French Bulldogs are visually striking due to their distinctive coat patterns and can also have blue or partially blue eyes.

Blue fawn

This coat color is the result of a unique combination of genes that create a distinct and beautiful appearance. It features a fawn base with a bluish or silver hue, which gives the coat an overall blue–tinted fawn color. 

In addition to the fawn coat with a bluish tint, blue fawn French Bulldogs often have a blue or gray mask around their face and ears, as well as blue or gray markings on their body. Their eyes can be blue or amber, and their nose, paw pads, and nails may also have a blue or gray coloration.

“Fluffy” 

A fluffy Frenchie refers to a French Bulldog with a longer, softer coat than the standard short, smooth coat typically associated with the breed. This unique coat variation is the result of a rare recessive gene called the “long hair gene” or “fluffy gene,” 

What questions should I ask a reputable French Bulldog breeder?

When considering a French Bulldog breeder, it’s essential to ensure they are reputable and prioritize the health and well–being of their dogs. They’ll also be able to provide some info on your future pup’s bloodline.

This will help you avoid unsavory operations and so–called “puppy mills.” (And needless to say, never buy a dog from a pet store.) 

Here are some questions you should ask a French Bulldog breeder to determine their credibility:

• Can you provide references from previous clients or your veterinarian?
• Are the puppies registered with a reputable breed organization (such as AKC, CKC, or UKC)?
• Do you perform health tests and screenings on the parent dogs?
• Can I meet the puppy’s parents?
• How do you socialize your puppies?
• What kind of support do you offer after the puppy goes home?
• How long have you been breeding?
• Can I see the puppies’ living environment and the facility where they are raised?
• What vaccinations and veterinary care have the puppies received?
• Do you have a contract or health guarantee for the puppies?

Should I get pet health insurance for my Frenchie?

Like most purebred dogs, Frenchies are at higher risk of certain genetic health issues. Plus, it can be pretty expensive to pay for common first–year expenses like vaccinations for rabies and heartworm, regular checkups, and a spay or neuter procedure.

This is the part where we let you know that Lemonade strongly promotes adopting pets over purchasing them from breeders. There are plenty of needy dogs out there, and mixed–breed dogs can often be healthier than their purebred counterparts.

That said, we love all dogs, always. And insurance will give you peace of mind and keep your frisky Frenchie healthy. You can get a quote from your favorite insurance company (we’re talking about Lemonade) in just a few minutes—it’s quick, simple, and even a little fun…

Fun facts about Frenchies

This’ll come in handy the next time you’re on Jeopardy.

• If you bring a Frenchie into your life, you’ll certainly be in good company. Celebs who’ve owned the breed include Lady Gaga, “The Rock,” and Reese Witherspoon.
• Electronic music duo LMFAO had a French Bulldog named Foxy Lady as their mascot.
• A French Bulldog named Gamin de Pycombe was one of the canine survivors of the Titanic. He’s since had a cameo in several books and documentaries.
• The famous painting “Le Fumeur” by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, painted in 1890-91, depicts a man smoking a pipe with a French Bulldog at his feet.

Why is Lemonade great for French Bulldogs?

With Lemonade pet insurance, Frenchie parents can customize their policy to get the coverage their furry friend needs.

For starters, a basic Lemonade pet health insurance policy includes accident and illness coverage. This will help cover the costs of tests, treatments, and medication if your Frenchie has an unexpected accident or illness. You know, like if they decide to take up skateboarding.

A base policy is great for the unexpected things in your fur fam’s future, but Lemonade also offers affordable preventative care, designed to keep your pet healthy, and helps cover expenses you’re probably already paying for. By adding a preventive care package to a Lemonade policy you’ll also get access to live medical chat and be covered for all types of routine care—like your annual wellness exam, checkups, blood tests, several vaccinations, and other routine health care for your pet.

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.