10 Common French Bulldog Owner Mistakes to Avoid

Last updated on January 31st, 2026 at 07:25 am

Owning a French Bulldog is a joy—until it isn’t. These adorable, squishy-faced dogs come with their own unique set of needs, quirks, and challenges.

Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.

If you’re a Frenchie parent (or planning to be), avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll save yourself plenty of headaches—and your Frenchie will thank you!

1. Ignoring Their Breathing Problems

French Bulldogs are adorable, but they’re also brachycephalic, meaning they have short snouts and flat faces. While this gives them that signature “cute” look, it also makes it harder for them to breathe.

Why It Works

If you ignore your Frenchie’s breathing problems, you might end up with health issues like overheating or even a respiratory crisis. They can’t cool themselves down the same way other dogs can, so you need to pay extra attention to temperature, exercise, and stress.

How to Prevent It

• Avoid Overexertion: Don’t take them for long walks or runs in hot weather. Limit outdoor playtime during peak heat.
• Air Conditioning is Your Best Friend: Keep your home cool, especially in summer. A fan or air conditioning is a must.
• Watch for Signs of Distress: Excessive panting, coughing, or snoring are all signs that they might be struggling.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: If your Frenchie is snoring loudly, it might be time to schedule a vet visit. Their airway might be obstructed.

Optional Variation: Use a cooling vest for outdoor activities to help regulate their body temperature.

2. Not Socializing Enough

French Bulldogs can be a little standoffish with strangers and other dogs if they’re not properly socialized. Without early socialization, they can develop behavior issues, including fear or aggression.

Why It Works

Socialization helps French Bulldogs grow up to be well-adjusted and confident. It also means fewer problems when you have guests over or when you’re out in public.

How to Socialize Your Frenchie

• Start Early: Socialize your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Introduce them to different people, places, and other dogs.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward them for calm behavior around new people or animals.
• Exposure to Different Environments: Take them to the park, pet-friendly stores, and other places where they can see and interact with new sights and sounds.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: Keep socialization sessions short and positive to avoid overwhelming your Frenchie.

Optional Variation: If your Frenchie is particularly shy, consider enrolling them in a puppy socialization class to help them gain confidence.

3. Overfeeding Them

French Bulldogs are small, but they’re not immune to weight gain. Their big eyes and wrinkled faces can sometimes make them look hungry, but overfeeding can lead to obesity, which puts strain on their joints and heart.

Why It Works

French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and joint problems. Keeping them at a healthy weight helps prevent these conditions and extends their lifespan.

How to Manage Their Weight

• Measure Their Food: Don’t just free-feed. Use a measuring cup to ensure they get the right amount.
• Healthy Treats: Opt for low-calorie treats or break regular treats into smaller pieces.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps burn off those extra calories. A couple of short walks each day will do wonders.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: Keep track of their weight by weighing them regularly. If they start gaining, cut back on treats and food portions.

Optional Variation: If your Frenchie has a tendency to beg for food, try offering them a puzzle feeder to engage their mind without extra calories.

4. Not Cleaning Their Wrinkles Properly

French Bulldogs have adorable wrinkles, but those folds can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria if they’re not cleaned regularly. Ignoring this can lead to painful infections.

Why It Works

Keeping your Frenchie’s wrinkles clean is essential for their comfort and health. A dirty wrinkle can cause skin irritation and lead to more serious health problems.

How to Clean Their Wrinkles

• Use a Soft Cloth: Gently wipe their folds with a damp cloth after every walk or play session.
• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, use a dry cloth to make sure the folds are completely dry.
• Use Pet-Safe Wipes: For extra hygiene, you can use specialized pet wipes to clean the area.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: If you notice any redness or irritation, schedule a vet appointment to prevent infection.

Optional Variation: Apply a dog-safe antibacterial ointment to prevent infections if your Frenchie is prone to skin issues.

5. Overlooking Their Mental Stimulation

French Bulldogs may not be as energetic as some other breeds, but they’re still incredibly intelligent. Without enough mental stimulation, they can get bored and develop undesirable behaviors, like chewing or excessive barking.

Why It Works

Keeping their mind active is just as important as physical exercise. It prevents behavioral problems and keeps your Frenchie entertained.

How to Keep Them Stimulated

• Interactive Toys: Invest in toys that challenge them, like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys.
• Training Sessions: Regular training keeps their minds sharp. Short, positive sessions are perfect.
• Rotate Toys: Keep things interesting by rotating their toys to prevent boredom.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: Frenchies love to “work” for their food. Hide treats around the house and let them find them.

Optional Variation: If your Frenchie loves a good challenge, try some more advanced training or teach them a new trick every few weeks.

6. Not Providing Enough Exercise

It’s easy to think that French Bulldogs don’t need much exercise because of their small size, but that’s a mistake. They may not require as much activity as high-energy breeds, but they still need daily movement to stay healthy.

Why It Works

Regular exercise keeps French Bulldogs at a healthy weight, promotes good cardiovascular health, and helps burn off excess energy. Plus, it’s great for bonding!

How to Keep Them Active

• Short Walks: Aim for a couple of short walks every day, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler.
• Playtime: Engage them in fun indoor games like fetch or tug-of-war.
• Doggy Playdates: Socializing with other dogs at the park can also be a great form of exercise.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: Avoid intense exercise during hot weather. French Bulldogs are especially sensitive to heat, so shorter, cooler play sessions are best.

Optional Variation: If you can’t take them out for walks every day, consider hiring a dog walker for extra playtime.

7. Not Being Mindful of Their Health Needs

French Bulldogs have specific health considerations, from their breathing issues to their skin sensitivity. Skipping regular vet check-ups can lead to unnoticed problems that could have been prevented.

Why It Works

Regular vet visits are essential to catch any potential health problems early. Frenchies can suffer from issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions, so staying on top of their health is critical.

How to Care for Their Health

• Vet Visits: Take them for regular check-ups, especially if they show signs of discomfort or changes in behavior.
• Monitor Their Diet: Keep an eye on their food for any ingredients that might trigger allergies or sensitivities.
• Watch Their Weight: As mentioned earlier, obesity can cause a host of problems, so be proactive about their diet and exercise.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: If you notice any changes in their breathing or energy levels, get them checked by the vet right away.

Optional Variation: Look into pet insurance to help with the cost of unexpected vet visits, especially for common French Bulldog health issues.

8. Letting Them Get Too Hot

French Bulldogs are prone to overheating due to their short noses, and they can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently as other dogs. If they’re not kept cool, they can suffer from heatstroke or worse.

Why It Works

Keeping your Frenchie cool is essential to their well-being. Heatstroke is a serious concern, and you want to avoid putting them in situations that can lead to this.

How to Prevent Overheating

• Avoid Hot Weather: Don’t take them outside during peak heat hours, especially in the summer.
• Stay Indoors: If it’s too hot outside, stick to indoor activities.
• Cooling Gear: Consider a cooling mat or a dog-friendly cooling vest if they need to go outside.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: Make sure your Frenchie always has access to fresh water and a cool place to rest.

Optional Variation: Try using ice packs or frozen treats to help them stay cool during particularly hot days.

9. Not Addressing Separation Anxiety

French Bulldogs are notorious for getting attached to their owners. While their loyalty is heartwarming, it can also lead to separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long.

Why It Works

Frenchies are social dogs and thrive on companionship. When left alone too often, they can develop anxiety, which may lead to destructive behavior.

How to Address Separation Anxiety

• Gradual Separation: Practice leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increasing the duration.
• Comfort Items: Provide them with toys or a piece of your clothing to help them feel safe when you’re not around.
• Professional Help: If the anxiety is severe, consult with a dog behaviorist for additional strategies.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: Leave them with a puzzle toy or a treat-filled Kong to keep them occupied while you’re away.

Optional Variation: Consider adopting another dog for companionship if your Frenchie has trouble being alone.

10. Forgetting About Their Mental Health

French Bulldogs can struggle with stress and anxiety, just like any other breed. But their stubborn nature can make it harder to spot the signs.

Why It Works

Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. A stressed or anxious Frenchie won’t be as happy, and their behavior might start to deteriorate.

How to Improve Their Mental Health

• Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Keeping consistent meal times, walks, and bedtime can help alleviate anxiety.
• Massage and Relaxation: Spend time petting or gently massaging your Frenchie to help calm them down.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use rewards to encourage calm behavior during stressful situations.

Tips & Variations

Quick Tip: If you notice any signs of stress, such as excessive barking or destructive chewing, take a closer look at their routine and environment.

Optional Variation: Try calming music or pet-safe aromatherapy products designed to reduce anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Owning a French Bulldog comes with its fair share of challenges, but with a little care and attention, they make the most loving companions.

Keep these mistakes in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a happy, healthy relationship with your Frenchie! Just remember, it’s all about balance, patience, and a little extra TLC.