French Bulldog Price: How Much Do Frenchies Cost?

French Bulldogs, also called Frenchies, are one of those canine breeds that just make everyone smile. These little bundles of love and laughter are one of the most perfect breeds for a family pet. This adorable little canine can live in small spaces and large homes and make themselves at home wherever they are.

This guide will present some of the average costs potential French Bulldog owners can expect. There is more to this breed than an adorable face and loving personality. Frenchies will need care from puppyhood to their senior years. Regular care needs and costs can change as a dog grows.

This breakdown examines the estimated costs of adopting a purebred French Bulldog puppy. Care, health, and other factors are all discussed. Learn what to expect regarding French Bulldog prices and what kind of financial commitment this breed is.

How Much Is A French Bulldog Puppy

Puppies can range in price from $1,500 to over $4,000. The average cost for a high-quality puppy will be about $3,500. Extremely rare variations like the Fluffy Frenchie can cost over $12,000. (Yes! They do exist!) Keep in mind that breeder, location, age, health, and bloodline all impact price. A mixed breed may be less expensive.

French Bulldog

Bred to be a miniature Bulldog, the Frenchie is always at the top of the most popular breed lists. This is due to their adorable looks and wonderful, loving personalities. Along with being well-loved for their playful nature, these pups are known for a stubborn streak but love people and will get a bit anxious if they are left alone for too long. This breed sometimes needs a little extra training when it comes to obedience.

Frenchies are a breed with upturned noses and smooshed-in snouts, round stocky bodies, and pointed bat ears. They love people and do very well with other animals. Additionally, Frenchies are a relatively low-energy breed that does not need as much exercise as some others. Because of their smaller size, they do well in apartments and small homes. Along with finding the perfect name, owners need to learn a bit about the costs.

How To Calculate French Bulldog Costs

When calculating costs for any dog, it is essential to remember that every dog will have unique needs. Every home and situation is different, so prospective owners should keep that in mind when reading this guide. We have calculated an estimated average minimum cost. There are always unexpected things that will come up. We have done our best to provide you with a realistic idea of the costs of adopting a Frenchie.

Costs over the first year will be higher, as they will include the adoption fee and initial setup costs. More veterinary care is also needed during the first year to eighteen months. Supplies like crates, beds, toys, dog gates, food, treats, daycare, walking, and vet care will all add up. Spaying or neutering can cost anywhere from $200 to over $600.

Expect the initial investment into a purebred Frenchie puppy to cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $8,000. This estimate is only for the cost of the puppy and initial supplies to get started. This does not include grooming, walking, training, daycare, or other unexpected expenses.

Frenchies live 8 to 13 years. They reach between 20 and 28 pounds fully grown, meaning they do not eat as much as some other breeds and do not require extra-large dog supplies, which can cost more. However, French Bulldogs may require more veterinary care due to their training needs and high-risk health concerns. On average, owners can expect to spend about $150 to $200 a month on their French Bulldog. Of course, this will vary depending on a dog’s individual needs. Expect to spend about $2,500 a year at least on care and feeding.

With a $5,000 initial investment and an estimated $32,500 lifelong care, the estimated lifetime cost of a Frenchie is about $37,500. Mixed breed costs can vary.

Factors That Affect The Price

Keep in mind that a variety of factors will impact the price of your French Bulldog puppy. Bloodline, age, pedigree, and color can raise the price. We should point out that the Frenchie is one of the most expensive puppies to be looking for because breeding costs for this lovable breed are higher than most.

Bloodline

Puppies bred from championship bloodlines and extremely high-quality breeders will cost more. These puppies are more often adopted to be raised as show dogs or competitive dogs. Puppies born from a specific bloodline or of a particular color will have a much higher price tag than puppies intended for companionship.

Breeder & Breeding Process

French Bulldogs require a lot of work to reproduce. They have very skinny hips, making it almost impossible for them to reproduce naturally. The same skinny hip issue also makes natural birth impossible. This means that Frenchies must be bred through a process of artificial insemination. Puppies are always born through C-sections. It is estimated to cost about $7,000 to breed Frenchie puppies. This very expensive, complicated birth process adds to the hefty price tag of this lovable breed.

A high-quality breeder matters for this breed. Because they are an extremely popular breed, it is common to find puppy mills from inexperienced and irresponsible breeders. Because breeding healthy Frenchies is complicated, it is vital to seek a reputable breeder. Ask a lot of questions, ask to see the facilities and the parent dogs, ask how many litters are produced a year, and look for reviews on the breeder. Reputable breeders will test for hereditary health conditions and diseases. They will always be ready and willing to share this information with potential pet owners.

Coat Color

French Bulldogs come in a wide range of colors. Some colors will cost far more than others. Not every color is recognized by the American Kennel Club, but that does not impact the price. Blue, chocolate, Isabella, lilac, sable, pure black, chocolate, black and tan, and blue and fawn are some of the rarest and most expensive colors to find. It can be challenging for breeders to find the right genetic mix to produce these rare colors, which increases the price tag.

Location & Season

The price of a French Bulldog puppy will also depend upon the breeder’s location. Location of the breeder and of the potential owner impact how much a puppy will cost. Travel expenses or costs to safely ship a puppy to the new owner must be considered. Travel expenses can add anywhere from a few $100 to over $1,000 to the price. The time of year may also play a role. People tend to adopt new pets in the warmer months, so puppies may be less pricey in winter. However, this will all depend on the specific area and purpose of a pet.

Age

The age of a puppy will also impact the price. Traditionally, younger puppies will cost more. Older puppies around six months to a year old may be less expensive. Another less pricey option is to adopt adult dogs. There are rescue groups and shelters that take in older Frenchies. Often breeding dogs and retired show dogs may find their way to these organizations. Prospective pet owners looking to adopt an older dog should first check with their local veterinarians and shelters to see if there are any dogs in the local area that need good homes.

Health

There is no question that the Frenchie is a lovable, in-demand puppy. They are also a breed that is known for having a variety of health issues. As with many other breeds that have turned up noses and smashed in faces, the French Bulldog is at risk for many issues concerning their breathing. They can suffer from allergies, brachycephalic airway syndrome, cleft palates, deafness, hip dysplasia, obstruction in the throat and larynx, patellar luxation, thyroid issues, and tracheal collapse.

It is essential to discuss with any breeder the health tests that they have done to rule out hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, congenital cardiac issues, and more. A healthy puppy that has had congenital and hereditary health issues ruled out will cost more than a puppy from a low-quality breeder. It is especially important to pay attention to these issues before purchasing a puppy, as this can result in a dog that needs a lifetime of expensive medical care.

Popularity

Because the Frenchie is such a popular breed, they can be hard to find. Availability can impact the price. Owners looking for a purebred Frenchie puppy may have to look in different areas around the country than their local area. They should also be ready to pay a large deposit and can expect a high price tag. Because these dogs are always in such high demand, the price remains extremely competitive.

Costs For A French Bulldog

The cost to care for a Frenchie will fluctuate depending on a dog’s individual needs. Owners can expect to spend at least $1,500 a year for any dog, but French Bulldog care will likely be higher. We took some time to discover the estimated costs an owner can expect when adopting and raising a Frenchie. Some supplies, such as food, treats, and toys, will need to be replenished on an ongoing basis.

Other supplies, such as crates, beds, leashes, harnesses, and more, will need to be replaced occasionally. There will also be licensing and microchipping fees depending on where a person lives. Every dog will need basic care and feed it. We have broken down some of these general care costs for a Frenchie.

Food

High-quality nutrition is essential to the lifelong health of a French Bulldog. This is a canine that loves to eat and has a tendency to overeat and develop obesity. It is particularly important that owners always feed them high-quality food. A mixed diet of high-quality kibble and fresh or wet foods will provide them with variety and the nutritional balance they need.

One can expect to spend about $50 for a 30-pound bag of dog food. Keep in mind that this is an average price. More premium brands will cost more, just like freeze-dried and fresh. Expect to buy at least one large bag of dog food all month. Owners who choose to feed their dog fresh or wet food can expect to add anywhere from $20 to $100 to that cost.

Basic Medical Care

Physical, medical, and dental care is part of being a responsible pet owner. They will need more medical attention during the first year of life than as an adult. The first year will require more in-person vet visits, checkups, vaccinations, and routine care. Owners should expect to visit the veterinarian at least four times for physical exams and vaccinations in the first year.

Vaccination schedules will depend on the individual puppy and specific vet recommendations. Adult dogs should visit the vet at least once a year and then increase that to twice a year when they reach about seven years old. These visits will cover checkups and routine veterinary and preventative care. This is particularly important for French Bulldogs as they are prone to many different health conditions. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $250 per vet visit. Dental care and cleaning can cost about $100 about once a year. Some dogs may need this more.

Emergency Medical Care

Emergency medical treatment is something that pet owners can never fully prepare for, but everyone knows that emergencies are going to happen. No matter how much attention one pays to their pump, there is always the possibility of illness or injury. We can always hope that our pups will never have an emergency, but it is helpful to be prepared for that day.

Saving money every month, even just $25, can really help when an emergency happens. Because Frenchies are prone to several different breathing issues, it is likely that they may experience a trip to the emergency vet at least once in their life. While we all hope emergencies will never happen, it is better to be prepared than naive. This is an area where pet insurance can be extremely helpful as it can help offset some of the remarkably expensive costs of emergency care.

Pet Insurance

Because French Bulldogs have a high chance of developing some sort of medical issue as they age, pet insurance can be something worthwhile to look into. There are a variety of different plans available. Most cover emergency illness and accident treatment, and some providers also offer add-on coverage for preventative care, including annual vet visits, vaccines, and preventative treatments for heartworm, flea, and tick.

Do some research and talk to your veterinarian to see what kinds of pet insurance they accept. While the policy you choose will determine how much of your Frenchie’s medical care will be covered, pet insurance can make a dramatic difference in covering emergency medical care and helping cover treatment for dogs with lifelong medical issues.

Grooming

French Bulldogs have short soft coats and do not like to spend a ton of time outside, so they do not get as dirty as some other breeds. They do need weekly brushing to keep their coats soft and lush. Regular brushing helps remove dead fur and spreads out natural oils to keep the coat looking glossy and beautiful. An owner should expect to invest at least $50 in grooming tools. These will need to be replaced periodically, about once a year. Bathing accessories like shampoo and conditioner will probably need to be replenished more often, once every few months.

Frenchie owners will likely want to consider getting their dogs professionally bathed and groomed once every few months. This is particularly important as this breed is known for hanging on to stink, especially in the posterior area. So, owners may choose to do monthly grooming or every couple of months. Professional grooming will usually cost about $50 or so a session. Nail trimming should be done regularly and can cost around $10 or more at the local pet store or vet.

Other Supplies

Other supplies that will require an initial investment and periodic replenishment include puppy training pads, pooper scoopers, trash bags, treats, and more. Owners can expect to spend at least $20 monthly on these supplies.

Additional Costs

Along with regular veterinary attention, feeding, and a safe, comfortable home, there are additional costs to consider. These include professional training, walking, doggy daycare, and boarding. Depending on an owner’s lifestyle and pet’s needs, these expenses will differ. The owner’s budget will also play a significant role. Teeth cleaning, pet cleaning, and outdoor play area maintenance are also areas where expenses can come up. As most experienced pet owners know, there is always an extra way to spend a little money. Whether that is professional training or a monthly subscription treat box, there are some expenses outside of regular care and feeding that owners need to consider.

Professional Training

Frenchies are incredibly stubborn dogs. Though they are pint-sized, they pack a powerful punch of attitude into that tiny frame. French Bulldogs need the training to start at a very early age, and owners need to be consistent and firm with setting boundaries.

Obedience training is essential to socialize Frenchies from a young age. Owners should expect to invest in at least a few obedience training sessions or even a private trainer one-on-one. Professional trainers will charge by the hour. A reasonable expectation is about $50 per hour.

Pet stores and veterinarians often offer obedience puppy training packages, which generally cost around $100. Online training can be more affordable and is a more flexible option for owners who are unable to attend regular puppy training sessions.  

You could also try an online dog trainer like Doggy Dan for an affordable solution that fits your schedule. 

Walking

French Bulldogs are not as high-energy as some other breeds but still benefit from regular walking. This is often something that owners want to do themselves, but sometimes they will need to bring in professional assistance. This can be a good option for owners who must be away from home all day and want to ensure their French Bulldog gets a little exercise and human attention. Dog walking usually starts at about $20 an hour, but the price will vary on availability and location. Owners should expect to pay more for dog walking services in the colder months.

Boarding & Daycare

Doggy daycare may not be the right choice for everyone, but it will be for some Frenchie owners. This may be necessary for dogs suffering from separation anxiety or owners who need to be away for a long time. Doggy daycare is usually charged by the hour, date, or half-day. Most boarding facilities will charge about $50 a day for boarding. Doggy daycare can sometimes cost less than boarding, but this will depend upon the individual place and pet needs. Owners can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to over $100 daily.

Things To Consider

Anyone considering bringing a Frenchie into their life is in for a real treat. These lovable, cuddly, adorable little pups make wonderful companions. However, they are not the kind of dogs that can just be left outside all day or kept in a crate. They require a lot of attention and care and will start to have behavioral problems if left home alone all day. Additionally, French Bulldogs are known for having a lot of medical problems. Even owners who do their best to keep their dogs healthy may be unable to prevent some of these issues, like hip dysplasia. So, it is important for owners to know that bringing a Frenchie home will mean extra medical costs. Puppies will require more medical treatment, and aging dogs need to see the vet more often. As they age, dogs may need special food and more comfortable crates and beds.

Owners should always consider the lifetime cost when bringing home a new puppy. It is hard to think of that sweet, bubbly pup being an old aging dog, but inevitably one day, owners will need to deal with taking care of a senior dog. Senior dogs have unique needs, and breeds like the Frenchie may start to cost more to support in their later years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are French Bulldogs so expensive?

French Bulldogs are expensive for a few reasons. They are very expensive to breed as they must undergo artificial insemination, and then all births must be done through C-section. This is due to the very narrow hips of this breed. They are unable to procreate or give birth the natural way. This makes them one of the most expensive breeds to buy. Frenchies also are prone to many different health conditions. This makes them very expensive to care for.

How much is the cheapest French Bulldog?

On the low end, a French Bulldog puppy can cost around $1,500. However, the lowest price tag is not always the best option when it comes to the Frenchie. Because they require such high levels of breeding, finding one with a lower price tag can be a warning sign. This is an incredibly popular breed and has often shown up in puppy mills. Because of this, paying attention to the breeder and a dog-specific history is a higher priority than a lower price tag. Prospective owners who do not want to pay several thousand dollars for a purebred puppy should look to rescue groups and shelters.

What is the most expensive French Bulldog?

The most expensive color to find is called an Isabella Frenchie. Both parents carry a blue and chocolate color gene. These dogs are also called lilacs. They can cost at least $8,000, as can platinum. The rare Fluffy Frenchie is the most expensive and can cost over $12,000.

Final Thoughts

Adopting and raising a French Bulldog will be a pricier endeavor than raising the average dog. This is due to the purebred bloodline, the breeding process, availability, and the level of care these dogs need. Not every Frenchie will cost thousands of dollars to adopt. Some find their way to shelters and rescue groups. Older dogs will be less expensive than purebred puppies. Our guide was focused on those owners who want to adopt and raise a purebred Frenchie puppy as a pet. By our estimation, the minimum lifetime cost of owning a French Bulldog will be about $37,500.

Remember that our estimate does not include any kind of special training, long-term illness, long-term medical conditions, emergencies, or other unique expenses that will come up. Frenchies raised as show dogs will cost much more and require specialized training, care, and grooming. It is crucial for owners to do their research about the initial costs of a Frenchie, as well as what lifetime care will be. Dog ownership should never be taken lightly, and some breeds, like the Frenchie, can get very pricey quickly. This breed will be more expensive to adopt and care for than others. The love and joy a sweet Frenchie brings to your life are priceless. Regardless of that, these can be very pricey dogs to raise. Owners who can provide everything one of these lovable, smooshed-in-face little pups needs will not regret a single penny spent.