French Bulldogs originated from an area in England in the 1800s, and their popularity hasn’t stopped since. But why are French Bulldogs so expensive? For starters, they are extremely charming dogs. They also require a lot of time and money to be bred.
Breeding a French Bulldog is a full-time job and is accompanied by big expenses. If a breeder is good at what they do, potential Frenchie parents are going to pay the price. One aspect of determining a high-quality breeder is the cost of their pups. More on this later.
In 2021, Frenchies were voted the 2nd most popular dog out of 193 breeds, so their high price isn’t stopping lots of people from choosing a French Bulldog as a furry family member. This could be due to the many pros a Frenchie has to offer. Keep reading for that list.
How Much is a French Bulldog?
The cost of a French Bulldog varies, but you’re definitely looking at at least a couple thousand dollars. Typically, you will pay $1,500 – $8,000 to purchase a Frenchie from a breeder. If you are quoted a lower price, and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The price of a specific French Bulldog depends on several factors. For example, rare breeds come with a higher price tag than others since they aren’t as easy to come by. These rare Frenchie breeds include the blue French Bulldog and the long-haired French Bulldog.
What if I Find a Cheaper French Bulldog?
As mentioned before, a breeder should put a lot of money and time into breeding a healthy French Bulldog. If you find a ‘cheap’ French Bulldog, there is a high chance it wasn’t carefully bred and taken care of after being born.
Here are some of the timely and costly tasks good breeders are responsible for, which result in high-cost Frenchies.
- Prior to breeding, a proper breeder must make sure the potential parents are in excellent health and condition for breeding. To make sure of this, they must have several tests done, including temperament testing, health testing, and genetic testing.
- Many Frenchies require artificial insemination because they can’t usually mate without assistance, and this causes them frustration. That frustration can lead to the risk of injury, aggression, and overheating.
- Female French Bulldogs shouldn’t deliver naturally due to their very slim hips. A cesarean section (c-section) is required to ensure safe delivery, and this surgery is paid for by the breeder.
- Frenchie moms and puppies require 24/7 care after birth. This includes making sure they stay clean and healthy and that they are both safe at all times.
- Since French Bulldogs are prone to several health issues, good breeders will frequently visit the vet.
- Puppies need to be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in order to have a proper record of dogs in a litter. It also means that the puppies’ future owner will be provided with services, information, and events provided or sponsored by the AKC.
Knowing the work, it takes to be a top-notch breeder can help answer the common question: why are French Bulldogs so expensive?
With that said, if you find a Frenchie that seems much more affordable than others, you may have reason to worry that they were not bred and cared for properly. Many ‘backyard breeders’ will simply breed and sell as quickly as possible for whatever money they can get to make some cash. This method is one to be aware of and avoid.
Knowing appropriate questions to ask a breeder can help you weed out the bad ones, including if there are medical records and if there is a clear purchase contract.
What is the Most Expensive French Bulldog?
While it’s safe to say that all Frenchies are adorable, short-haired, easy-to-love dogs, they aren’t all exactly the same. There are actually 16 different colored French Bulldogs: 11 that are AKC-approved colors and 5 ‘rare colors.’
The rare colors are blue, lilac, blue and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue merle. Because a Frenchie this unique is less common but more popular, they come with a higher cost.
The most expensive French Bulldog is usually the lilac French Bulldog, with a price range of $5,000 – $20,000. The reason that the lilac is the most expensive French Bulldog is that, on top of the responsibilities of a good breeder that we just read about, it can also be very difficult for a breeder to find two dogs with such rare genetics and DNA to create the lilac Frenchie.
Keep in mind that when looking into rare-colored Frenchies, that it’s even more important to carefully select a breeder. This is because it’s extremely difficult to breed a rare French Bulldog, and it takes even more time and effort than breeding a common French Bulldog.
What Other Costs Come With Purchasing a Frenchie?
As with any dog, French Bulldogs come with extra expenses after their purchase. It’s important to keep in mind that you will spend money on the following for your new furry family member.
- Food: Read a complete guide to French Bulldog food here.
- Bed: Check out the three best Frenchie beds.
- Toys: Easily occupy your pooch with these natural and durable chew toys.
- Grooming supplies: Frenchies are quite simple to groom but do need shampoo and a good brush.
- Vet visits: Visit your veterinarian regularly to keep up with your dog’s health.
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Do I Need Pet Insurance, Too?
It’s always safe to have pet insurance, no matter what pet you choose to get. It’s especially helpful to have pet insurance if you have a Frenchie because they are prone to quite a few health problems, mostly due to their short and stocky body shape.
Possible health issues you may end up facing medical expenses for are:
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Syndrome (BOS): breathing issues due to the Frenchie’s small skull
- Intertrigo (Skinfold Dermatitis): rubbing skin folds result in skin inflammation
- Perineal Hernia: pelvic abdominal organs are displaced
- Cherry Eye: swelling in the eye caused by a tear gland
- Epilepsy: seizures that occur repeatedly
- Luxating Patella: a dislocated kneecap or ‘patella’
While all French Bulldogs don’t get diagnosed with health problems, many do. Having pet insurance can relieve the financial stress that frequent vet visits can bring.
Is a French Bulldog Worth Their High Price?
Knowing all there is to know about the French Bulldog, many still wonder why is a French Bulldog so expensive, and that’s fair. What it comes down to is what it takes to breed them. It’s up to you to decide if this adorable pup is worth it and if you can afford it.
To help make the decision, check out some pros and cons of owning a Frenchie.
Pros
- They make a great companion. Whether you are looking for a support animal or you desire a loyal confidant, a Frenchie has got you covered.
- They’ve got excellent personalities. French Bulldogs are social, cuddly, and easygoing. They’ll play at home, relax in your lap, or be pleasant during social interactions. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
- They are loyal. Frenchies adore their owner and show this by remaining by your side and being alert to strange situations when needed.
- They are smart. While French Bulldogs aren’t geniuses and can be stubborn, they are quite intelligent and can learn fast.
- They are easy to groom. With their short coats and inability to be outside a lot due to health issues, they don’t require too much grooming. About 4 washes a year and some brushing will keep them looking nice.
- They don’t bark very much. While they will bark when necessary, if they feel something strange or dangerous is happening, they don’t bark often.
- They don’t require much exercise. As mentioned, Frenchies have breathing issues and should only go on short walks occasionally. Otherwise, they’re happy to play inside.
- They are good apartment dogs. Since Frenchies don’t bark much, require little exercise, and are small in size, they are perfect for living in any home, including an apartment.
Cons
- They often have health complications, as you probably know by now, mostly due to their body shape and size.
- They can fart a lot. The rumor that French Bulldogs often fart more than desired isn’t just a rumor; it’s true! But, there are fixes, such as changing their diet and having them eat from a slow feed bowl.
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- They can be stubborn. Again, they can be stubborn, but they do want to please their owner, so this is often not too big of a problem, especially when treats are involved!
- And, of course, their price isn’t always so favorable. But are they worth it? Maybe so!
The good news is that the pros list is much longer than the cons list. But it’s up to you to decide what the best decision for you and your family is.
Final Thoughts
Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? Now that we’ve answered this, there are several factors that play into deciding if their price is something that works for you. While they are, without a doubt, on the higher end of dog prices, they weren’t voted 4th most popular dog in 2020 by the AKC for no reason.
Frenchies are excellent pets and deserve furever homes with families who adore them just as much as they will adore their owners.
While there are some cons to having a French Bulldog, it’s safe to say all dogs may come with some cons. With the right care and appropriate prevention measures, the pros of adding a Frenchie to your family can unquestionably outweigh the cons.
