French Bulldog Traits & Temperament

French Bulldogs Characteristics, Behaviour and Temperament

With their adorable ears and various colourings, many people understandably choose French Bulldogs based on their looks. However, understanding the temperament of your breed is important so you know whether they’re a good fit for your lifestyle and family. 

Of course, all dogs have their own unique personalities, but there are definitely some shared ‘French Bulldog traits’ that are common across the breed. In general, Frenchies are known for being lovable and playful. They were bred to be companion dogs, and they suit this perfectly – a French Bulldog is never happier than when in the company of its family. 

French Bulldogs are intelligent, but have a stubborn streak that can make anything more advanced than basic training a challenge. They’re not known for being particularly vocal, though they can become whiny or even destructive when left alone. 

Below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular questions about French Bulldog behaviour and characteristics. 

Are French Bulldogs good family dogs? 

Because of their status as companion dogs, French Bulldogs are naturally good around all humans, including children. As with any breed, children need to be taught the right way to behave around a French Bulldog; but if this is done well then the breed makes a great playmate. The fact that they don’t require excessive amounts of exercise also makes Frenchies a popular choice for busy families who may not have the time for long daily walks. 

Are French Bulldogs good with other dog breeds?

Generally speaking, French Bulldogs can live and socialise well with other dogs. The exception to this would be in cases where the dogs weren’t socialised properly as puppies, as their closeness to humans could lead to somewhat jealous or possessive behaviour. However, as long as your French Bulldog puppy is introduced to others from a young age, there shouldn’t be any problems.  

Can French Bulldogs live with cats? 

French Bulldogs were bred from crossing toy bulldogs with ‘ratter’ dogs, which means they can still have a fairly high prey drive. In some cases this could make them unsuitable for living with smaller animals, including cats – however, if they’re introduced to cats as a puppy then they can live alongside each other happily. 

Can French Bulldogs be left alone? 

As they love their humans so much, French Bulldogs are generally better suited to homes where they won’t be alone for prolonged periods of time. A common trait of French Bulldogs is  their tendency to follow their owners around the home, and so when left alone they can show signs of separation anxiety. However, if you gradually build up their tolerance for being alone when they’re young then you will likely find your adult dog is fine being left for 3-4 hours at a time. 

Many owners find that setting up ‘puppy cams’ to monitor their French Bulldog’s behaviour is helpful. It’s often the case that while dogs may whine or bark while you’re leaving the house, they actually settle down once you’ve gone. Leaving your dog with lots of toys can help to keep them occupied and happy while you’re away.