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Written bySarah Archambault
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Experienced personal finance writer
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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Edited byAshley Cox
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Updated August 12, 2024
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If you have your heart set on a French bulldog from a reputable breeder, you might pay around $5,000 for a Frenchie puppy, on average. Known for their playful, affectionate personalities, these beloved companions aren’t cheap — though French bulldog costs vary based on where you buy it, its age, gender, coat color, and more.
In 2022, the French bulldog unseated the Labrador retriever as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. and continued to rank No. 1 in 2023.[1] Bringing a French bulldog into your home isn’t a small financial commitment. But you may be able to save on some veterinary costs with pet insurance.
French Bulldog Facts
Country of origin: France
Adult weight: Less than 28 pounds
Adult height: 11–13 inches
Coat colors: White, cream, or fawn (may include combinations of these colors, or brindle or piebald patterns, black masks, black shading, or white markings)
Personality traits: Affectionate, playful, social, adaptable
Life expectancy: 10–12 years
Source: American Kennel Club and French Bulldog Club of America
How much does a French bulldog cost?
The average cost of adopting a French bulldog from a breeder is around $5,000, though certain Frenchies with rare colors or coats can fetch much higher prices.[2]
Adopting French bulldogs from a rescue is much cheaper, with French bulldog puppies going for $1,200 from the French Bulldog Rescue Network. The cost of a French bulldog not only varies on where you buy it but also what kind of Frenchie you buy.
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Costs of owning a French bulldog
The adoption fee is just one cost to consider when it comes to owning a French bulldog. Here are some other expenses you must consider.[2]
Frenchie Care Category ▲▼ | Annual Expense ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Vet care | $600–$1,200 |
| Food and treats | $300–$600 |
| Toys | $50–$100 |
| Grooming and maintenance | $0–$600 |
| Pet insurance | $672 |
| Total | $950–$3,172 |
Vaccinations and vet visits
As a flat-faced breed, French bulldogs can experience breathing problems. This facial structure also makes French bulldogs more sensitive to anesthesia, which should be kept in mind during vet care. French bulldogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia, a genetic skeletal condition, though it’s more common in larger dogs.
On average, dog owners pay $600–$1,200 per year on vet care, which may include vaccinations, preventative care, chronic conditions, and emergency treatment.
These costs could be lower if you purchase pet insurance. Given the breed’s health problems, pet insurance is a good idea for French bulldog owners.
Good to Know
In the U.S., 6.25 million pets were insured in 2023, up from 5.3 million in 2022, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.[3]
Food and supplies
Dog owners pay an average of $300–$600 per year on food and treats for their dogs.
How much money you spend on dog food varies based on the quality of food you buy and the price patterns at your local pet store. Smaller dogs also eat less than larger dogs, so French bulldog owners should expect to spend on the lower side of this average.
Before buying a French bulldog, you should also factor in the additional cost of bowls, leashes, and other supplies. And don’t forget the $50–$100 per year dog owners spend on toys.
Grooming and maintenance
Prospective French bulldog owners will be relieved to know these dogs don’t require routine grooming, given their short coat. Weekly brushing to remove shed hair and regular nail clipping should be enough to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling its best.
If you opt to take your Frenchie to a professional groomer for regular baths and nail trims, it could cost you around $300–$600 per year.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance covers the costs of emergency vet visits and accidents. Certain pet insurance plans include wellness coverage, which pays for routine preventative care and regular visits to the vet.
Dog owners pay an average of $56 per month for pet insurance. These rates may be higher for French bulldog owners given the breed’s hereditary health issues. If your Frenchie is already showing signs of medical issues before you buy coverage, your rates may be higher when you go to buy insurance, and the insurer won’t cover any pre-existing conditions.
Many factors affect your pet insurance rates, including your dog’s age, gender, and location, as well as the deductible you choose.
Factors influencing the price of a French bulldog
While French bulldogs tend to be more expensive than other dog breeds, you can find lower prices if you shop around for the right breeder or opt to adopt from a shelter. You can also lower the purchase price by opting for an older French bulldog or one with a more common coat color.
Where you purchase from
Purchasing your French bulldog from a reputable breeder is the most expensive option and can cost up to $10,000 in some cases. Prices vary based on the breeder’s reputation.
“Backyard breeders” are cheaper but may be a less reputable source. Adopting from a shelter is also often much less expensive. The Animal Humane Society lists a standard adoption fee of $414.[4]
Coat color
The French Bulldog Club states that solid black, black and tan, black and white, white and black, blue, blue fawn, liver, and merle are the standard coat colors for the French bulldog breed.[5]
A rarer color, such as blue or merle, can often cost more than common coat colors like black or black and white.
Age and gender
Adopting a senior French bulldog is typically cheaper than adopting a younger French bulldog.
For instance, the French Bulldog Rescue Network lists an adoption fee of $1,200 for Frenchies under 2 years old and $700 for Frenchies between 2 and 8 years old. Adopting a Frenchie over 8 years old will generally cost around $400.
A female French bulldog may cost more than a male due to her breeding potential, but this varies by breeder. This may not be relevant, as many pet parents plan on spaying or neutering their new pet.
Common health issues in French bulldogs
Thanks to their unique size and appearance, Frenchies often have certain health issues. These are some common issues French bulldog owners may face with their furry friend:[6]
Allergies: Many Frenchies experience food or environmental allergies thanks to their sensitivities to proteins like beef or chicken and their many skin folds.
Bone and joint problems: Your French bulldog may experience issues that affect its hips, spine, or bone structure, including hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and chondrodysplasia.
Breathing issues: Frenchies are a flat-faced breed and may suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), making it difficult to breathe and sometimes causing heatstroke. The condition may be treatable with surgery, but not all dogs are candidates.
Eye problems: Your French bulldog may have some issues with its eyes, including cataracts, corneal dystrophy, corneal ulcers, ocular dermoids, distichiasis, entropion, tear stains, retinal dysplasia, or cherry eye.
Gastrointestinal issues: Frenchies are predisposed to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hiatal hernias, and pyloric stenosis, a condition that affects the valve-like structure that connects the stomach to the intestines.
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Comparing costs: French bulldog price vs. other breeds
The average cost of pet adoption varies from breed to breed. High demand and specific breeding techniques can lead to high prices for certain breeds.
For instance, breeders typically need to deliver French bulldog pups via C-section, which is an expensive process that leads to higher adoption fees.
Here are typical price ranges when buying certain breeds from registered breeders.
Dog Breed ▲▼ | Average Cost ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| French bulldog | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Golden retriever | $500–$3,000 |
| Poodle | $500–$1,500 |
| English bulldog | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Dachshund | $1,000–$2,500 |
Keep in mind these price ranges reflect costs from breeders. Adopting from a shelter or rescue will typically be under $1,000 and may even be free in some cases.
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Learn More: How Much is Pet Insurance?
French bulldog FAQs
Frenchies are a playful, happy breed that loves their families. If you’re thinking about buying a French bulldog from a breeder or adopting, here’s some additional information that may help you decide if a Frenchie is right for you.
What is the average price of a French bulldog?
The cost of a French bulldog puppy varies based on where you buy it and its physical characteristics. French bulldog prices from a reputable breeder fall around $5,000, on average. This number can vary based on the dog’s coat color, age, gender, location, and more.
Why are French bulldogs so expensive?
In recent years, Frenchies have become the most popular dog breed in the United States and are highly desired for their playful personality, intelligence, and compact size. Prices range widely, depending on color and where you buy your Frenchie puppy. A French bulldog puppy with a high pedigree or champion bloodline from a responsible breeder could run you up to $8,000.
What color French bulldog is most expensive?
Coat color affects how much a French bulldog costs. The Platinum Frenchie, whose unique coat color has a blue-gray tint, typically tops lists as the most expensive French bulldog, at an average price of $7,700 to $8,000, according to breeder TomKings Kennel.
But the Urajiro and Big Rope French bulldogs are so exclusive that you have to contact the breeder for pricing information.
Are French bulldogs good pets?
French bulldogs have friendly, playful personalities and make great companions — so it’s no wonder their popularity is skyrocketing. While these popular dogs aren’t the easiest to train, their quiet demeanor and ease with children mean you shouldn’t have to worry about too many behavioral issues.
What’s included in the price when purchasing a French bulldog puppy from a breeder?
A reputable breeder will often conduct extensive health testing, which is included in the price. This may be a good investment, as screening for health issues before adoption can help you avoid costly health problems in the future. Your breeder will likely go ahead with vaccinations and may do some socialization training as well, which is included in the cost.
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- Cost of Owning a Bichon Frise : Purchase, Vet Bills, and More
- Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever : Purchase, Vet Bills, and More
- Cost of Owning a Siberian Husky : Purchase, Vet Bills, and More
- Cost of Owning a Belgian Malinois : Purchase, Vet Bills, and More
- Cost of Owning a Bernese Mountain Dog : Purchase, Vet Bills, and More
- Life Insurance for Your Pet
Sources
- American Kennel Club. "The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023."
- World Animal Foundation. "French Bulldog Cost: Budgeting for Your New Companion in 2023."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Pet Insurance in North America."
- Animal Humane Society. "Adoption fees."
- French Bulldog Club of America. "French Bulldog Breed Standard."
- PetMD. "23 French Bulldog Health Issues Pet Parents Should Know About."
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Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault enjoys helping people figure out how to manage their finances and credit. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans. Her work has been featured on Credit Karma, Experian, LendingClub, Sound Dollar and USA Today Blueprint. She also writes for national insurers, banks and financial institutions like Aetna, MassMutual, Stripe, and UnitedHealthcare.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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