Thinking of welcoming a charming French Bulldog into your life? Prepare for cuteness overload, but also be prepared financially. Owning a Frenchie is a significant investment beyond the initial purchase price. This comprehensive guide breaks down the true cost of French Bulldog ownership, from puppy price and vet bills to food, grooming, and potential unforeseen expenses. Budgeting effectively is crucial for providing your Frenchie with a happy, healthy life, so let’s dive into the numbers and ensure you’re fully prepared for this adorable commitment.
Frenchies, Frenchies, everywhere! One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States is also one of the most expensive.
Regardless, it’s hard to argue with their adorable face, cute body, and beautiful perky ears. It’s no surprise that French bulldogs continue to win the hearts of dog lovers all over the country.
In this guide, we’re covering how much does a French bulldog cost and what you can expect to pay during your time owning a French bulldog.
Average Cost of a French Bulldog
As with most dogs, French bulldog breeders can charge a premium cost for a purebred French bulldog, whereas puppy mills, kennels, and backyard breeders might not get as much for their French bulldog puppies.
I’ve inquired with a number of French bulldog breeds and stores to help bring you an accurate French bulldog price. You’ll find that many of these numbers are around the same price as owning any breed. You can use our calculator to help you determine how much it would cost to own a dog too.
Breeder Cost
Purchasing from French bulldog breeders is going to run you the highest cost, and it’s generally between $2,000-8,000.
What increases the French bulldog puppy cost is champion bloodlines or high pedigrees. These two factors occur when the majority of the puppies’ bloodline is of the same breed, and they come from a certain ancestral heritage dating back to their original location.
French Bulldog prices below this can likely indicate falsehoods from the breeder or that the dog is mixed. Mixed-breed Frenchie puppies will go much cheaper at as low as $500.
Puppy Mill/Store Cost
The cost of standard French bulldogs from your local pet store or puppy mill will vary based on the quality of care and breeding at that specific location. The prices will likely vary from as low as $250 to as high as $5,000, depending on the credentials of the puppy.
It’s important to understand that many puppy mills cut corners to save costs on breeding, care, and sanitation, which can lead to genetic or behavioral issues, leading to higher costs on pet insurance and vet bills down the road.
Rescue Organization Cost
Getting a French bulldog puppy from a rescue can actually be a loophole. My uncle was able to avoid the high French bulldog price by finding one that was abandoned at a shelter.
The cost you’ll pay is generally considered a French bulldog adoption fee or donation, so it can vary. Most rescues will expect you to at least bear the cost of spaying or neutering, so expect to pay around $500.
Adopting pets from a rescue is always the preferred method in my eyes because you give a loving home to a dog, and you help to support the local shelter. If you can, find a Frenchie puppy at an animal shelter.
First Time Cost
There are some first-time costs associated with buying any dog, but it’s important to understand what these are and how much they cost. The price of a French bulldog doesn’t exactly end when you bring them home; let’s go through some of these first-time costs.
Spaying/Neutering
The cost of spaying or neutering doesn’t typically change based on dog breeds. It will vary based on the location, type of facility, age of the dog, and their size and weight.
Certain facilities like rescues will specialize in spaying and neutering dogs to try and prevent overcrowding in shelters.
To provide a rough estimate, spaying or neutering a French Bulldog might cost anywhere from $200 to $800 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s recommended to contact several veterinary clinics in your area and inquire about their pricing for the specific procedure.
Microchipping
If you want to implant a microchip in your French bulldog puppy, the cost will range between $50-150 depending on the service and where you get it done. Some microchips come as a subscription that you may also have to pay a monthly fee for to track your dog wherever they go.
Typically, if you buy from someone who specializes in breeding French bulldogs, they can provide you with information about where to get your pup microchipped for as cheap as possible.
Bed and Crate
Whether you plan to crate train your Frenchie or not, they need a comfortable place to rest and relax. Most French bulldogs love having a comfortable bed that they can lay in, and they enjoy being near you wherever you rest or hang out.
The cost of these items will depend on where you get them and how premium you intend on going. I recommend getting something that your pup can grow into so you can buy a good one upfront and not have to purchase one later as they get bigger.
Collar or Leash
Due to issues like intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and tracheal problems, you’ll want a proper collar or harness for your French bulldog. Collars put pressure on your dog’s neck, which can be harmful if they try to pull on the leash.
This is especially important when you’re leash training a French bulldog puppy. The puppy will try to pull away from you because they’re intrigued by something, and this will strain their neck and can even cause long-term issues.
I recommend shopping carefully for leashes. French bulldog care should be one of the most important considerations for you, and it starts with the type of harness you buy.
Health and Wellness Cost
As time goes on, you’ll run into additional vet bills and pet insurance claims for things like medications, checkups, and vaccinations. Here are some estimations and expectations for the French bulldog cost.
Vaccinations
There are four primary vaccinations that your French bulldog puppy will get, and many of them are required by either the breeder or the location you buy the puppy from.
These include:
Rabies – The rabies vaccination is the most common and necessary one because it is a potentially fatal disease. The vaccine is given around 12-16 weeks, with additional boosters to follow. Pet insurance will cover this.
Distemper – The distemper vaccine protects against a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Puppies usually receive a series of distemper shots in their first few months of life.
Parvovirus – This is another potentially deadly virus that targets your French intestines. French bulldog puppies will receive a series of shots during their first few months of life.
Adenovirus – This is essentially canine hepatitis that causes liver disease. This vaccination is almost always provided with the previous options as part of a package.
As mentioned, a reputable breeder will consult you on what vaccinations your dog needs, and many clinics offer all of these as a package to reduce the cost. It’s likely that these vaccines altogether will cost around $100-150.
Keep in mind that these are not a one-time thing, and your French bulldog puppy may need multiple rounds of these vaccines to build up immunity.
Bone and Joint Ailments
The French bulldog breed, like many others, is not exempt from bone and joint issues. Because of their unique appearance and size, they’re prone to many issues, such as the following:
Hip Dysplasia – This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to a loose or poorly fitting joint.
Intervertebral Disc Disease – Since the French bulldog breed is a brachycephalic breed, they have a short and stocky stature. As a result, it puts pressure on their spine, which can cause discs to bulge or rupture, causing pain and weakness.
Chondrodysplasia – This condition impacts cartilage growth, which is what contributes to French bulldog prices because of their unique appearance. That said, it also can cause abnormal bone structure, which leads to long-term issues.
It’s not possible to provide cost estimates for these issues because they’re so different from one example to the next. My recommendation is to get pet insurance if you get a Frenchie puppy because most French bulldogs will run into bone and joint at some point in their life.
Allergies
Standard French bulldogs are likely to deal with some type of allergy in their life. These can be environmental or food-related.
Food allergies are unique to each dog, and owning a French bulldog will likely result in a reaction to certain proteins like beef or chicken.
In my experience, turkey is a preferred protein for breeding Frenchies because it is easily digestible, which will reduce vomiting and diarrhea.
Environmental allergies or Atopy is another type of allergy your Frenchie can develop. This includes allergies triggered by pollen, mold, dust, and even grass.
Because most French bulldogs have a lot of wrinkles and folds through their body, these skin folds can trap these allergens, causing excess moisture and infection. It’s important to clean your French bulldog folds during regular bathing time.
Nail trimming is also important because dirt and dander get caught under their nails, and it causes further issues when they scratch.
Regular Medical Checkups
A French bulldog’s cost for regular checkups will likely be between $50-150, depending on what needs to be done. If the vet finds an issue, it will increase the cost. A regular checkup for your French bulldog puppy will include a physical examination of their body, coat, eyes, nose, and teeth.
This is also where they’ll receive their vaccinations, which we’ve talked about; this will increase the cost too.
It’s common for a French bulldog puppy to deal with parasites when they’re young, so they may have to be treated for worms, fleas, or ticks. Nail trimming and grooming may sometimes also be part of the routine checkup.
Dog Food Cost
From day one, your Frenchie is going to love to eat. The initial costs might be over, but you want to make sure you give them the right food and the right amount. Let’s discuss it.
Food and Treat Cost
The price of a French bulldog’s food will depend on what type, brand, and quality you feed them. I could not have a stronger opinion about this because there are multiple ingredients in low-quality dog food that are illegal to put in human food.
Do your homework and avoid poor-quality brands because they often lack essential nutrients. These foods contain food dyes, excess sugar, and a bunch of other ingredients that are harmful to your dog. You can expect to pay between $25-50 for a bag of high-quality dog food.
Bowls and Accessories
French bulldogs, like many dogs, have a habit of eating too quickly. The American Kennel Club recommends providing puzzle bowls and other accessories that force them to eat slowly so they don’t get sick.
You shouldn’t have to worry too much about the cost of bowls and accessories because they shouldn’t exceed $50 and will last a long time.
Training Cost
You may want to get your Frenchie proper training to help them with potty training, walking, and basic commands. You can either try and handle this yourself or hire a professional.
Training by Owner
Honestly, training French bulldogs isn’t as hard as you may think. These are one of the easiest breeds to train and another reason why they are one of the most popular dog breeds.
You’ll want to start small, keep each training session short, and start with the basics. Make sure to be consistent with your training and use verbal and non-verbal cues to train Frenchie puppies.
Professional Training
Growing up in the household of a professional dog training business, I’ve seen many dog breeds come through, and each one is different from the last. Frenchie parents often hire professional training to try and control their puppies’ high energy.
If you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, they will likely be able to counsel you on who specializes in training in your local area.
Ongoing Cost
French bulldogs deal with health issues throughout their life, so it’s likely that your puppy price tag will continue to lag on for a period of time. That said, you can offset these costs by handling some of the issues yourself.
Vet Visits
Each vet visit can cost between $50-100, depending on what needs to be done when you take them. You’ll want to make sure you get your Frenchie checked for regular health problems at least once per year.
Grooming
A big reason why the average price of a French bulldog is high is because of their appearance. You’ll want to do everything in your power to keep them looking sharp and fresh. Fluffy Frenchies require a little more attention, but you’ll want to make sure your beautiful dog breed looks tip-top.
Toys
Play is a hallmark of owning French bulldogs, so you’ll want to keep plenty of tug-of-war and puzzle toys around the house. With the rising cost of pretty much anything, you can expect to pay around $50-100 upfront to get your new puppy set up with enough toys. As they get bigger, you’ll want to purchase more challenging toys to keep them engaged.
Mini Frenchies and standard Frenchies aren’t too rough on toys because they’re not big chewers, so they should last a decent amount of time.
French Bulldog Insurance
Like regular insurance, the cost of pet insurance can vary widely based on several factors, including the insurance provider, the type of coverage you choose, your pet’s breed and age, your location, and any optional add-ons or deductibles you select.
Your monthly premium will range from $25-75 or more based on the age of your dog and breed. French bulldogs have a tendency to have a higher premium, and a purebred one will hike the premium even higher.
Deductibles usually run from as low as $100 to as high as $2,000, depending on the plan you choose. The lower the premium, the higher the deductible.
If you choose to have any add-ons like wellness, dental, or specific hereditary conditions, that will increase the cost of insurance as well.
Important Information About French Bulldogs
According to many dog statistics, French bulldogs are known for their unique appearance and loving attitude. They are a small muscular breed with round eyes and bat ears.
One thing I love most about Frenchies is their coat patterns. French bulldog colors can vary, and some unique and rare colors like white or gray will increase French bulldog prices.
French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They have a charming and playful personality that endears them to many. These family dogs thrive on companionship and enjoy being close to their owners. Despite their small size, they possess a sturdy and confident demeanor.
Over the years, I’ve always seen Frenchies as great companions compared to other dog breeds. They love their families, and they get along well with children. Female Frenchies are known to be a little easier to train than males.
French bulldogs can definitely be high-energy, but that energy will run out somewhat quickly, and they’ll be good to take a nap. It’s important to understand that French bulldogs will overheat easily because of the biology of their face, so you want to give them plenty of water breaks in the shade.
Factors Contributing to the High Cost of French Bulldogs
So, why are French bulldogs so expensive? Some dog lovers might not see the appeal of these dogs, but let’s briefly discuss it.
French Bulldog Breeder Expenses and Challenges
Breeding Frenchies is a long process because of the appearance and design of the breed. To get a healthy puppy, it typically requires artificial insemination and c-section surgery on the mother.
Reputable breeders also try to make sure that the French bulldogs they breed are as purebred as possible.
Demand for French Bulldogs
The demand is very high for this breed, and reputable breeders can’t crank them out fast enough. Economics tells us that high demand and low supply cause a higher price.
Factors Affecting the Price of French Bulldogs
The amount you pay for your Frenchie will vary based on these factors:
Breeder
I can’t stress this enough. Since you know the cost of breeding Frenchies and you understand the process involved, you need to expect to pay accordingly. If you have a breeder telling you that the price is much lower than you expect, move on. A reputable breeder will charge what they know their dog is worth.
Coat Color
The rarest coat colors are:
- Blue merle: A combination of blue and merle, which are both rare colors.
- Isabella: A combination of blue and chocolate but with a unique grayish liver coat color.
- Chocolate: A rare color that can be solid or have patterns like fawn brindle or tan.
- Lilac: Similar to blue, but more purple in color.
- Blue and tan: Blue with tan markings.
- Pure black: One of the rarest colors.
Is French Bulldog the Right Choice For You?
There’s only one way to know if the Frenchie is right for you. If the cost of a French bulldog doesn’t scare you, chances are this is the breed you want. They have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, deal with breathing difficulties, and run into a significant amount of ongoing expenses throughout their life.
If you can look past all of these things and fall in love with their unique facial structure and loving personality, then you’ve found your answer.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about America’s favorite breed.
What Is the Most Expensive French Bulldog Color?
Anything to do with the unique blue coat color will be the most expensive. Blue eyes are also in high demand, but keep in mind that irresponsible breeders have even tried to use colored contacts on their dogs.
Is the French Bulldog a High-maintenance Dog?
I wouldn’t say that they are high-maintenance dogs because they have a moderate energy level and are considered hypoallergenic. Where you run into issues is with veterinary care.
Conclusion
So now you know how much does it cost to own these companion dogs and what makes French bulldogs so expensive. Their breeding process and their high demand are what put them atop the leaderboard in terms of upfront and ongoing costs. That said, they are one of the most lovable and enjoyable breeds to own.
As mentioned, I truly can’t stress it enough. Purchase from reputable breeders that you can trust. Support shelters if you can. Read up on common health concerns and veterinary care for this breed. You’ll love them just as much as they love you, trust me!
Owning a French Bulldog is a financially significant commitment. From the initial purchase price, which can vary dramatically, to recurring costs like food, vet care, and insurance, budgeting is crucial. Unexpected expenses, such as emergency vet visits or training classes, should also be factored in. While the upfront costs can seem daunting, responsible budgeting and preparation allow prospective owners to realistically assess if they can provide a healthy and happy life for their Frenchie companion. The financial investment is worthwhile for those prepared to meet these needs.