If you have never owned a French Bulldog before, you are in for quite the surprise when you start shopping for one. The price can give a lot of people sticker shock. How can such a small dog come with such a huge price tag. They certainly are not priced by the pound, but just how much are French Bulldogs? Let’s find out.
Cost Of A French Bulldog
The cost of a French Bulldog or Frenchie can vary a bit based on where you get it and what you intend to do with the dog. Show quality animals, for example, will fetch a larger price than your average pet.
Price Of A Rescue French Bulldog
If you really want a Frenchie but are put off by the high price for a puppy, a rescue animal could be a good choice. A rescue, depending on the organization, will have an adoption fee of between $300 to $750. The rescue fee goes towards supporting the organization and will often cover the cost of spaying or neutering.
The great thing about going with a rescue animal is that you will be giving an animal in need a home and a fresh start. In addition, you often get an animal that has already been trained and will not cause any of that puppy damage.
The negative of a rescue is that you will miss out on the puppy experience which is cute. In addition, the vetting process can be a bit much. Many rescues are very particular about who they give an animal to.
Price Of A Family Pet
If you want the full puppy experience, you will need to purchase your French Bulldog from a reputable breeder. Try to use a legitimate breeder and avoid the hobby or “backyard breeder”. A professional breeder will screen for defects and breed more responsibly.
If you research the AKC marketplace, the average French Bulldog puppy will cost between $2000 to $3500.
For this price, you will get a healthy animal who’s parents have been screened for genetic conditions. You should also get limited AKC registration. If you intend to breed, you will need to pay more for rights.
Show Quality Frenchies
Want to get into showing your dog? It is a hobby that can quickly get out of control, so be careful. The entry price will begin at about $4000 to $5000 for a show quality Frenchie although prices can climb up to the $10,000 range.
Why Are French Bulldogs So Expensive?
There are a lot of reasons for the French Bulldog to cost as much as they do, it is not merely a matter of breeder greed. Like their relative the English Bulldog, these puppies are a challenge to breed. Here are some of the things that can drive up the price.
Difficulty Conceiving
The shape of the Frenchie just does not bode well for breeding. They have a very difficult time, to be blunt, getting the act done. They tend to tire out in the process and most breeders go straight to artificial insemination as the preferred method of making puppies.
Artificial insemination is not cheap. The breeder has to pay for the services of the veterinarian plus any stud costs. These costs are added to a price of a puppy.
Difficulty Giving Birth
Another factor in the high cost is the method of birth.
Once again, due to their shape, natural is not a very good option. Cesarean section is the route that the majority of breeders will take for the health of the puppies and the mother. This once again adds to the cost.
Supply & Demand
The French Bulldog has become one of the top three most popular breeds in the United States. The more popular an animal is, the more that you can expect to pay because demand will outpace supply.
Besides the popularity surge, you also have the small liter size of the Frenchie. The average liter size is just 3 puppies.
Take that small liter size, combined with huge popularity and high breeding costs. What you get is a very expensive dog.
Is A Frenchie The Right Choice?
Now that we know just how much a Frenchie costs and why, let’s take a look at who this dog is right for. Before you spend $3000 for a dog, you should know if you are making the right choice.
Here are some of the most common traits of a French Bulldog.
Loyal
Frenchies love their people. When you are home, expect them to follow you around the home. They are not particularly vocal but they will let you know when they need you without being over the top demanding.
Calm
The French Bulldog is not known for being particularly active or vocal. If they bark, it is for a reason, they do not put forth the effort unless there is a good reason.
They also do not need, nor could they handle much exercise. 15 minutes or so a day would be sufficient. Accomplish this with a couple of short walks and they will be happy spending the rest of the time curled up at your feet or next to you on the couch.
Stubborn
Like many breeds, the Frenchie can be a bit stubborn. This can make them more difficult to house train although they will eventually get it.
Educate yourself on positive reinforcement training and be persistent and consistent. They will eventually come around and you will have a great pet.