One of the first questions any aspiring dog breed owner asks is how much does it cost to buy a new puppy. While money isn’t essential, it’s still an important factor in dog ownership.
So, how much are French Bulldogs? These cute toy dogs are one of the most adorable pets you could find nowadays!
However, this cuteness comes at a price. Frenchies are one of the most expensive breeds out there! Why is this so? And, how much are French Bulldogs?
Let’s explore!
Cost Of A French Bulldog
Photo from: @meandmazie
To fully understand how much French Bulldogs cost, it isn’t enough just to know how much the puppies cost. There are plenty of other things that need to be taken into account.
If we consider that, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 10 to 12 years, here is the brief summary of the expected costs:
| Price Range | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | $1,800–$4,500 | $2,800 |
| First-year supplies | $150–$650 | $345 |
| Yearly supplies | $55–$260 | $140 |
| First-year vet cost | $395–$795 | $595 |
| Adult-year vet cost | $330–$725 | $530 |
| Total | $6,195–$16,095 | $10,440 |
As you can see, these are fairly expensive dogs that aren’t cheap to take care of. We haven’t even calculated the optional expenses and sudden medical bills that may occur!
If you want to know how much French Bulldogs are in detail, here is all the necessary information:
How Much Do French Bulldogs Cost?
French Bulldogs can be quite a costly pet to buy. If you’re looking to buy your new family pet from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,800 and $4,500 for the puppy.
This places the average price at around $2,800.
However, depending on several factors, a French Bulldog can cost much more. Some of the most well-known breeders sell their dogs for incredible amounts that can be higher than $20,000!
Factors That Influence The Price Tag
As you can conclude, not all French Bulldogs cost the same. There are some factors that can make the price skyrocket – or, rather, make it drop significantly.
For example, purebred dogs usually cost more than mixed breeds. However, there are exceptions to this rule, like some intentional cross breeds such as a French Bulldog Pitbull mix, which can end up being more expensive than purebreds!
The dog’s bloodline and the breeder’s reputation also influence the price. People who breed show dogs usually invest a lot of money in their puppies, so naturally, they will sell them at a much higher price. Some breeders also train and socialize their pups before selling them. This will also make the price rise even more.
Registration papers and a pedigree also add to the price as well as a health guarantee. A puppy that is certified to have as little of a possibility of getting sick as possible will be worth more.
Finally, your location can affect the price. If a breed is very popular in your region, it will cost more. Small dogs are sought after in urban areas as they are suitable for small living areas such as apartments and condos.
How Much Are French Bulldog Puppies?
If you’re in the market for a French Bulldog puppy, you may have noticed that a few other things can also affect the puppy’s price.
The age of a puppy can change the price. Younger dogs tend to cost more than older ones. This fact is quite straightforward to understand.
However, one thing that not many people expect is that a dog’s coat color and fur type can also make a French Bulldog cost more.
So, if you want to ask, how much are French Bulldogs… to get a precise answer, you should ask for a specific coat shade. Black, white, tricolor, brindle… in this case, it matters.
Here are some of the most popular coat colors, and how much they cost!
How Much Do Blue French Bulldogs Cost?
Blue French Bulldogs aren’t a new breed. This might surprise everyone after looking at their price range. In fact, these pups have been extremely popular ever since the early 1900s, when they were first bred.
Blue is a very rare color for this dog breed, and it gives these dogs a unique appearance. While it is not registered under the AKC standard, it is still one of the most desirable coat colors out there, especially if it’s combined with the beautiful blue eye color.
This coat color will increase the price of a French Bulldog puppy by at least $1,000! It’s very rare to find a blue Frenchie costing less than $2,000.
How Much Are Grey French Bulldogs?
Most grey French Bulldogs are, in fact, blue Frenchies. If the blue coat color is very light, it might appear to be pure grey. However, it is still caused by the same dilution gene that is causing the equally gorgeous blue color.
If you’re uncertain as to whether a grey French Bulldog is actually blue, look at his nose color. If the nose is grey or blue, then he is a blue French Bulldog. However, if the nose is black or brown, then he is likely a funny cream color or even lilac!
Since they are usually the same type of dog, grey Frenchies will cost the same as blue ones, which is around $3000 or more.
How Much Are Lilac French Bulldogs?
While Frenchies come in all sorts of different colors, lilac is one of the most expensive ones you can find. It’s extremely rare, and not many lilac dogs exist. Some dog lovers are prepared to pay up to $50,000 for a purebred French Bulldog with a good bloodline!
Some people consider Isabella Frenchies to be the only true lilac Frenchies as they also have light, almost pink noses, and yellow, grey, or amber eyes.
How Much Are Merle French Bulldogs?
No matter the dog breed you have, merle is likely the most controversial color out there. It is caused by a unique merle gene, which usually expresses itself in solid or piebald coat colors.
These dogs have a unique, spotted-like appearance, which is usually enhanced by blue eyes or, more commonly, heterochromia.
However, the merle gene isn’t natural in French Bulldogs. This means that all merle French Bulldogs are cross breeds to an extent. Several generations ago, a breeder had to mix a French Bulldog with some dog that had a merle gene in his genetics.
Despite this, merle Frenchies can end up being quite expensive because they are so rare. Their prices usually range between $6,000 and $8,000, making them one of the more costly coat colors.
However, you cannot wonder how much French Bulldogs are in the merle pattern without talking about the huge medical bill that might accompany these dogs.
Yes, the merle gene is connected with a plethora of health problems. While we’ll talk about some concerns regarding a French Bulldog’s health later on, it’s important to note that a merle gene can increase the chances of eye infections as well as diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and bones of your pooch.
How Much Are Tan French Bulldogs?
A common color in some other breeds, tan is somewhat rare in Frenchies. In fact, pups with tan points can have a high price range. This is especially the case with black and tan ones as this is considered one of the more expensive color combinations.
Overall, any coat color combined with tan points is expected to sell at a higher price. For example, a black and tan Frenchie can cost up to $7,000.
However, pups in rare colors can sell for even more! It isn’t surprising to find merle and tan, or lilac and tan puppies costing up to $12,000!
How Much Are White French Bulldogs?
White is actually one of the more common coat colors in French Bulldogs. These dogs have a very porcelain white coat, but most of them still have dark or even black masks.
Sometimes, double merle dogs can be confused with white Frenchies. If you want to ensure that you don’t get a frowned-upon double merle, look at the dog’s nose. A white Frenchie will always have a black nose.
Since these pups aren’t that rare, they have a pretty average price for a French Bulldog. Most are sold for anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000.
How Much Are Fluffy French Bulldogs?
Most people know how a French Bulldog looks. These small teacup dogs have a short stature, a brachiocephalic face, and huge bat ears. Their coats are short and shiny, and although not hypoallergenic, the loose hairs won’t be all over your face and apartment.
However, French Bulldogs can also come in long coats. Yes, long-haired French Bulldogs exist, and they are as fluffy as can be!
While there is still some confusion as to whether these pups are purebred or not, the mere thought of them being a cross breed doesn’t make the price drop. On the contrary, most fluffy Frenchies cost between $12,000 and $16,000!
The price difference between the regular short-haired French Bulldog and the long-haired one is stunning. Although not recognized by the AKC, it’s easy to see how the popularity of this breed variety influenced the price and made it become much higher than normal.
How Much Are Teacup French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs are small dogs. However, this isn’t enough for some, so even smaller, mini French Bulldogs had to be created. This is where teacup Frenchies come into play.
Teacup French Bulldogs can be difficult to find. Not just that, but finding a responsible breeder can also be a challenge as many people try to sell dogs with dwarfism while advertising them as true teacup Frenchies.
If your dream is to own a miniature French Bulldog, make sure you find a reputable breeder you can trust. While this means you may have to pay $8,500 or more for a puppy, it’ll be worth it. If you go cheaper, you are risking running into a bad breeder who will attempt to sell you the runt of the litter or a sickly puppy.
Costs Of Being A French Bulldog Dog Owner
The costs don’t just end once you have bought yourself your new puppy. This pet needs to eat, sleep, play, and do all the other things that a pet needs to do.
Unfortunately, being a dog owner costs money. As this is a long-term commitment, you need to be prepared to handle all the finances.
Fortunately, French Bulldogs are small dogs. They don’t eat as much as larger dog breeds, and their toys and beds usually aren’t as expensive.
So, how much are French Bulldogs if we count all of the expenses associated with being a dog owner? Let’s make a rundown!
Supply Costs
You cannot own a dog without at least some of the supplies that he’ll need! This includes dog toys, dog beds, leashes, food bowls, crates, poop bags, collars, and so on.
Ideally, you’d want to buy some supplies before you welcome your new pet inside your home. He’ll need to use food and water bowls, along with toys, from the very first day. You should also buy several house training pads, especially since Frenchies are stubborn dogs that can be a bit difficult to potty train.
You’d also want to buy your dog at least two collars, a leash, a dog bed or a crate, shampoo and a brush, toenail clippers, a first-aid kit, and an ID tag.
You should also get plastic poop bags and a pooper scooper as well as some spray for removing odors and stains. There are several high-quality products on sites such as Amazon, so give them a look!
Fortunately, as your pup grows older, these prices go down. You don’t need a new dog bed and new dog toys every single year, and your Frenchie won’t need the same amount of toys once he is an adult or an elder.
Because of this, in the first year of owning a French Bulldog, you can expect to spend approximately $345 on supplies. As this price goes lower in the later years, it is estimated that you’ll spend around $140 on average per year.
Keep in mind that our price calculations don’t consider non-essential items such as pet clothes, fences, or anti-chew sprays. If we included them, the prices would be much higher.
The supply price can vary greatly depending on where you are buying the products from. While many people prefer pet stores or getting items directly from the manufacturer, you can also look online or even at second-hand stores!
Training Costs
Don’t let the size of a French Bulldog fool you – these dogs can be difficult to train! They are intelligent dogs, so they have the capability of learning things quickly, but they can be very stubborn.
In fact, many experts recommend that you leave the French Bulldog training to the experts. In other words – you should pay professional trainers to help you with this.
You’ll have the most use from private lessons. While this is the more expensive option, it will be the most helpful. These lessons help your dog with crate and potty training, house manners, and teaching tricks.
However, you could also pay for group training. While they aren’t as effective for the things mentioned above, they can be extremely helpful for socialization purposes.
You’ll probably need 7 to 9 private lessons, and/or up to 5 group sessions. The private ones will cost you anywhere between $900 and $1,200, and the group ones will likely cost up to $200, depending on the number of classes and the trainer you choose.
Of course, you could skip professional training and attempt to train your French Bulldog yourself. Reading some books on dog psychology and behavior could help – but keep in mind that these books can cost anywhere between $2 and $50!
Not to mention the price of the eaten furniture and pillows if your untrained pup happens to feel adventurous!
Medical Costs
It’s impossible to talk about how much French Bulldogs are without mentioning the medical costs that come with owning this dog breed.
The first year is usually the most expensive one when we’re talking about regular vet bills. This is because you have to pay for all the initial exams, vaccinations, fecal examinations, and the first three doses of flea and heartworm prevention.
Overall, a puppy should make at least three vet visits in the first year, and each one will cost you between $65 and $170, depending on the exam and the vet’s price.
Depending on you and your pup’s lifestyle, you should consider some additional vaccinations. These include vaccinations for Lyme, for pups that go outside a lot, Leptospirosis, for dogs you plan to take on camping or hiking trips, and Influenza if your dog is exposed to other, possibly sick dogs.
Unless you intend to breed your pups, it would be wise to consider spaying or neutering. These procedures usually cost anywhere between $50 and $300, depending on the location and the procedure itself.
Spaying is usually more expensive than neutering, and the recovery process lasts longer (and costs more)!
For the following years, you should count on at least one yearly vet check-up that will take up to $265 from your wallet. This price includes necessary vaccines, a general examination, a heartworm test, and some blood work if you have an older dog.
It is recommended that you give your French Bulldog flea and heartworm prevention yearly. If you opt for both, it will cost between $105 and $300 per year.
Dog Insurance
Just like you would insure yourself or your house and car, you might also want to think about buying pet insurance for your dog. While it may sound unnecessary at first, it can help you pay for health care in case anything happens to your dog.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s report, the average price of the accident and illness coverage plan is $565. If you want to insure your pup for accidents only, you can get it by paying no more than $190.
You may even get complete health coverage with some companies, but it can be a lot more expensive. Still, considering how expensive some conditions are to treat, it may be worth every penny of it.
Of course, before you decide on the type of pet insurance you want, make sure to check several factors and not just the price. This includes features such as the deductible type and amount, possible limits, services included, and the start of the coverage.
The price of the insurance will depend on your dog’s breed and age as well as the plan you’ve chosen.
Food Costs
To understand how much French Bulldogs are when it comes to paying for the food they eat, there are several things you need to take into consideration.
How Much Do French Bulldogs Weigh?
French Bulldogs – even regular-sized ones – are very small dogs. They rarely grow to be taller than 12 inches, and they usually weigh between 16 and 28 lbs. This means the average weight of a French Bulldog is around 22 lbs.
How Much Does A French Bulldog Eat Per Day?
Considering their size, we can conclude that an average French Bulldog will eat approximately 130 lbs of dry food per year. This is a small amount when compared to the amount of food needed for many other, larger breeds.
What Is Your Frenchie’s Age?
A French Bulldog puppy will need different food than an adult dog, just like a senior dog will need to have his own type of food.
At the same time, a puppy will eat less food than an adult, so even though puppy food can be a bit more expensive sometimes, this difference won’t be noticed in the way you expect. In fact, feeding adult dogs usually ends up being much more expensive than feeding puppies.
How Much Are French Bulldogs’ Food Costs?
The exact price of feeding a Frenchie will vary depending on the brand of food you’re giving it. There are some very expensive brands out there, just like there are some other, extremely affordable ones. Also, you might even consider a raw diet for your Frenchie.
The yearly food cost of your French Bulldog puppy will be inside the $75 to $130 price range. On the other hand, feeding an adult Frenchie can cost you anywhere from $70 to $225.
One thing that many French Bulldog owners forget to include when calculating the cost of their pet are treats. Dog treats can end up costing more than their food itself! In fact, if we consider that you’re giving your dog one big treat daily, you’ll pay up to $240 per year on treats alone.
You can learn more on this dog’s nutrition in our French Bulldog feeding chart.
Grooming Costs
French Bulldogs are short-coated dogs that are fairly easy to maintain. They don’t experience a lot of shedding, and the little amount they do can be regulated by taking your pooch to a professional groomer every two months.
Of course, having your Frenchie professionally groomed isn’t necessary. This is something you can do yourself. If you do so, however, you’ll need to buy a good bristle brush and dog shampoo, so you can take good care of your pup.
A professional groomer usually costs $30 to $40 per session. This could end up costing you $240.
License Costs
In the US, a license will most likely fall in the $10 to $20 price range. The exact price depends on your location and whether or not your pup has been fixed.
If you get yourself a new Frenchie puppy, check local regulations and laws. Some states require that all dogs have to have a license, not to mention that a licensed dog can be much easier to identify in the case of an emergency.
Microchipping Costs
Microchipping is yet another of these expenses that is mandatory in many states, so make sure you are in touch with the local laws.
Microchips are a form of registration for your pup. When you microchip a pet, he will be in various forms of medical and emergency databases. This can be quite handy in some situations.
The average price of a microchip is $38, but it can cost anywhere between $25 and $50.
Dog Walking
French Bulldogs don’t have high energy levels. They don’t require a lot of exercise, and you don’t have to tire them out too much when you take them outside. However, they still need daily walks.
If you don’t have enough time to play with your dog and allow him to be outdoors, you may want to consider hiring a professional dog walker. There are probably lots of great dog walkers, and they could make a huge difference in the everyday life of both you and your Frenchie.
Most dog walker companies charge $15 to $25 for a 30-minute group walk, or $20 to $50 for an hour-long one. If your pup isn’t socialized or if you think he deserves some more attention, you can always pay a few extra bucks to get private walks.
Traveling Costs
Most people love to travel. Still, traveling can become very stressful when you don’t know what to do with your pets.
If you plan on going out of the state for a while, you might want to consider hiring a dog boarding service that costs up to $85 per day. Keep in mind that you’ll have to hire them in advance, especially during the holiday season!
If this sounds like too much for you, you can always try to contact your family members or friends who might be willing to keep your dog with them for a while. Think about tipping them as this will increase the chances of them accepting.
Since Frenchies are small pups, you may even consider taking your pooch with you. Many airlines and train companies help you move your pets – for special provisions.
However, the price of this service varies drastically, so you should check with your commuting company before making the final decision.
Potential Health Issues In French Bulldogs
Health issues can greatly influence the answer to the question: “How much are French Bulldogs?” In other words, we cannot skip over them.
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to several health problems, and all of them will not only affect your pup’s lifespan, but also your wallet.
Here are some of the most common health concerns in French Bulldogs, and how much the treatment can cost you:
Brachycephalic Syndrome
French Bulldogs belong to the group of brachycephalic dogs. This means their snouts are shorter, giving them an almost human-like appearance. While this makes them cute, it also gives them plenty of breathing issues.
These issues include:
• An elongated palate, which costs around $1,000 and $2,000 to fix
• Stenotic nares, which cost $250 to $800 depending on the procedure done
• Laryngeal saccules, which can cost up to $3,000 to deal with
Allergies And Infections
French Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies and ear and eye infections. While this won’t make your dog’s lifespan shorter, it will negatively impact its quality of life.
The cost of treatment depends on whether your dog is having chronic allergies and issues, or is just experiencing flare-ups from time to time. Also, you may decide to have your vet conduct several allergy tests and injections. This can be costly.
If your dog has food allergies, he might also need prescription food. If anything, you’ll likely have to change the brand of dog food you’re giving him. These anti-allergen foods are usually much more expensive than regular food types, so prepare yourself for that.
Cherry Eye
A cherry eye, or a prolapsed third eyelid, is a common eye issue with brachycephalic dogs such as French Bulldogs. This condition can be quite painful, and if left untreated, the dog might end up visually impaired or even entirely blind.
If you decide to try the non-invasive treatments and have regular vet visits for medication management, expect to pay between $75 and $100 yearly for one eye. However, if you opt for an operation, you will probably pay $300 to $500 per eye for the surgery.
Collapsing Trachea
If your dog is experiencing a collapsing trachea, you can expect the medical expenses for diagnostic X-rays and medications to be around $250 to $500. You might also have to pay for pain medication.
If the condition is severe, surgery might be necessary. This will cost you up to $4,500! Still, this is usually not a recommended procedure as the chances of complications are very high.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
This is a common spine problem that could leave your dogs paralyzed.
If you opt for a non-invasive method, you should expect to pay up to $500 for pain medication and a dog wheelchair, as well as the diagnosis. However, if you decide to try to help your pup with surgery, you’ll likely pay up to $4000. Keep in mind that some dogs require more than one surgery!
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent health conditions in all dog breeds, not just French Bulldogs.
Most of the time, it can be treated with fairly inexpensive pain medications. If a dog ends up needing surgery, the costs can range anywhere between $1,200 and $2,500, depending on the type of procedure.
Why Are Frenchies So Expensive?
The first time you looked up how much French Bulldogs are, chances are you ended up shocked at such a high price.
If we look at other popular dog breeds with brachycephalic features, we can notice most of them are much cheaper than a French Bulldog. For example, the price range for a Boston Terrier is $800 to $1,200, a Pug is sold for the price of $500 to $1,200, and an English Bulldog is sold for $1,000 to $3,000.
So, why are French Bulldogs so expensive?
There are several reasons behind such a high price. Here’s what makes them cost so much.
Medical Tests
Brachycephalic dogs tend to have plenty of health issues, most of which are connected with their breathing. To make sure they have a healthy puppy, responsible French Bulldog breeders will conduct all sorts of medical tests on their dogs. These tests aren’t free – quite the opposite; they can be costly.
Still, you should always opt for a breeder who pays for these medical tests. If you pay a lower initial price, you may end up paying much more in vet bills, and this is never a good thing for either you or your four-legged family member.
They Are Difficult To Breed
French Bulldogs aren’t dogs that are easy to breed. Most females require artificial insemination and a c-section to give birth to healthy puppies. More than 80% of litters are delivered this way!
At the same time, these dogs have narrow and slim hips, making most males incapable of mounting females. This makes natural reproduction impossible.
Thyroid issues are prevalent in this bread, so females commonly have unnoticeable, ‘quiet’ heats. Males will ‘miss’ these females, and they won’t have any reproductive desires.
Since Frenchies cannot reproduce naturally, breeders have more work mating them, and the entire process is more expensive. This means the price will be higher as well.
How Many Puppies Do French Bulldogs Have?
Unlike most other popular dogs, such as Golden Retrievers or Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs don’t deliver a large number of puppies. In fact, most litters consist of up to three little ones. While this number can be higher – up to seven! – this seldom happens.
A small number of puppies means less profit per litter for the breeder, so the breeder has to raise the price in order to stay in business.
Lady Gaga’s French Bulldog
Finally, probably the main reason why Frenchies are so expensive is that they are popular.
Not only does the breed have cute looks that have made these dogs easily recognizable thanks to the Internet, but one superstar helped their popularity, and this is Lady Gaga.
Lady Gaga has not one, not two, but three French Bulldogs in her home. Her dogs, that she calls her “Three Piggies”, are among the most popular pets in the world. When you know that, it’s no wonder that their prices are so high!
Are Frenchies Worth It?
After hearing about such a high price tag, you may wonder if these adorable little pups are worth the money.
While we can argue about whether or not it’s justified to raise the price of a pup once the breed becomes popular, one thing remains: You should never try to save money on purchasing a new dog, especially when that dog is a French Bulldog.
As we’ve mentioned above, French Bulldogs are prone to several health conditions. Many can be deadly, and the others will ruin your dog’s everyday life. The best way to prevent a disease is to support responsible breeders who conduct health tests on their dogs.
While it may sound unreasonable to pay $3,000 to a breeder for a dog you could get at a pet store for $500, there’s actually a good reason why you should always stay away from cheap breeders and pet stores.
Back yard breeders and pet mills are prominent when you have a popular breed, and with French Bulldogs, it’s no different. These people don’t care about the well-being of their dogs; they only want to profit. As a result, their dogs are often unhealthy and unsocialized.
As expensive as it is, you should always save some extra money and buy your Frenchie from a reputable breeder who will let you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
And, if you really want a French Bulldog puppy but don’t have the money for it, you can always contact a French Bulldog rescue and ask them if they have a puppy in the shelter. While you won’t know the medical history of such a dog, at least you’ll know you did a humane thing.
