Introduction
French Bulldogs have become one of the most popular dog breeds in recent years. Their popularity has skyrocketed in the United States, with Frenchies climbing to become the number one most registered breed according to the American Kennel Club in both 2020 and 2021 (Source). But when considering adding one of these charismatic companion dogs to your family, an important question arises – should you get a boy or a girl?
This is an important decision, as there can be some differences in personality and needs between male and female French Bulldogs. This article will dive into the key considerations around temperament, health, cost, and more to help you decide whether a male or female Frenchie is the better fit for you.
We’ll explore factors like activity levels, training, vet bills, and suitability around children. By weighing up the pros and cons of each sex, you’ll have the information you need to determine if a boy or girl French Bulldog is ultimately better for your lifestyle and family situation.
History and Origins
The French Bulldog originated in England in the 1800s as a smaller version of the Bulldog. These “toy” Bulldogs were especially popular among lace workers in the city of Nottingham. When many lace workers emigrated to France for work, they brought their little Bulldogs with them. The dogs became popular in France, especially in Paris, which is why they became known as “French” Bulldogs.
The French Bulldog Club of America states that the French Bulldog is “a descendant of the original English Bulldogge,” but “bred smaller to suit the fancy of Parisian society.” According to the AKC, the French began actively breeding and exporting French Bulldogs back to England and America in the late 1800s.
The French Bulldog was first registered with the AKC in 1898 and quickly became popular across Europe and in the United States. Over time, breeders worked to develop key characteristics like their bat ears, compact size and friendly temperament.
Appearance
There are some subtle physical differences between male and female French Bulldogs in terms of size and anatomy. Male Frenchies tend to be slightly larger, weighing 20-28 pounds and standing 11-13 inches tall, while females weigh 16-24 pounds and stand 9-11 inches tall (https://frenchbulldogowner.com/male-vs-female-french-bulldog-differences/). Males also have more defined, broader heads and larger bone structure.
When it comes to coat coloring, there are no gender differences. Both male and female French Bulldogs can have a variety of coat colors and patterns like fawn, brindle, pied, cream, and black. The coat is short, smooth, and glossy. While females tend to have slightly longer and softer coats than males, the differences are minor (https://a-z-animals.com/blog/male-vs-female-french-bulldog-key-differences/).
Overall, the physical differences between male and female French Bulldogs are quite subtle. While males tend to be slightly stockier and larger, there is significant overlap in terms of size, weight and coat between the two sexes. The average person would be hard pressed to tell a male and female Frenchie apart just by physical appearance alone.
Temperament
There are some notable differences between male and female French Bulldogs when it comes to temperament and personality.
Female French Bulldogs tend to be more docile, reserved, and less demanding of attention than males. They are often described as more mellow and well-behaved. Females are usually content with moderate daily exercise and interaction. They can be independent at times but overall are sweet-natured and affectionate dogs (source).
Male French Bulldogs are often more playful, active, and mischievous. They demand more attention and interaction. Males tend to be more stubborn, territorial, and prone to marking. However, early training and neutering can help curb unwanted behaviors. Males are very attached to their owners and aim to please. They thrive on being the center of attention (source).
While sex differences do exist in temperament, early socialization and training are key to raising a well-adjusted Frenchie of either gender. Individual personality plays a large role as well. Reputable breeders can provide insight into a puppy’s unique personality.
Training
When it comes to trainability, there are some differences between male and female French Bulldogs. According to Frenchie Store, female Frenchies tend to be slightly more obedient and eager to please than males. Male Frenchies can be a bit more stubborn and independent. However, both genders are intelligent dogs that are fairly easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques.
One of the biggest training challenges for Frenchies of both genders is housebreaking. French Bulldogs can be slower to pick up on this skill due to their small bladder size. Females may housebreak a bit more quickly than males, but persistence and consistency are key for both genders. Creating a routine, using crate training, and rewarding successes can help with the housebreaking process.
Overall, French Bulldogs are playful, smart dogs that respond best to positive training methods focused on motivation and reward. While females may be slightly more biddable, males can succeed just as well with proper techniques and socialization. Patience is required during housebreaking for Frenchies of both genders.
Exercise Needs
Male and female French Bulldogs have slightly different exercise needs due to variations in their activity levels. According to the French Bulldog Store, male Frenchies tend to be a bit more energetic and outgoing than females on average.
Male French Bulldogs require daily exercise to expel their energy and prevent boredom-related behavior problems. A 30-60 minute walk or active play session per day is ideal. Males also enjoy activities like playing fetch, chasing toys, or going for a swim.
Female French Bulldogs are often calmer and more low key. They are satisfied with slightly less exercise than males, around 20-40 minutes of walking or playtime daily. Still, regular exercise remains important for female health and preventing weight gain.
Regardless of gender, French Bulldogs should not be over-exercised in hot and humid weather due to their brachycephalic nature. Both male and female Frenchies do well with several 10-15 minute play or walk sessions spaced throughout the day rather than one long, intense workout.
Health Considerations
Both male and female French Bulldogs are predisposed to certain health issues, but some are more common in one sex versus the other.
Male Frenchies are more prone to cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. This can lead to testicular cancer if not surgically corrected early on. Females can suffer from phantom pregnancy after heat cycles, where their bodies exhibit signs of pregnancy despite not being bred. This can cause lethargy, appetite changes, mammary gland enlargement, and other disruptive symptoms.
In terms of lifespan, there is some evidence that female French Bulldogs live slightly longer than males on average. One study found median longevity was 9.4 years for females compared to 8.6 years for males. The reasons are not fully understood, but may relate to sex hormones influencing lifespan. Spaying and neutering can help minimize these differences.
Overall, responsible health screening and preventative care is important for both sexes. Working with a veterinarian to monitor for breed-specific conditions can help mitigate risks. With proper care, French Bulldogs of either gender can live happy and predominantly healthy lives.
Care Requirements
Both male and female French Bulldogs require a significant amount of grooming and care. Their short, fine coats shed moderately and need to be brushed two to three times a week to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Weekly bathing is recommended to keep their skin clean and prevent odor. Frenchies have prominent facial folds that need to be cleaned daily to prevent infection. Their wrinkles, ears, and tail pockets should also be cleaned regularly.
There are some minor differences in care requirements between the sexes. Males may need additional attention paid to anal gland expression, while unspayed females require cleaning during heat cycles to prevent soiling. Overall, both male and female French Bulldogs require a high level of routine grooming and care due to their physical characteristics.
Puppy Costs
There is often a price difference between male and female French Bulldog puppies. On average, female French Bulldog puppies tend to cost more than males. According to The Ultimate French Bulldog Price List (https://tomkingskennel.com/french-bulldog-price/), female French Bulldog puppies can cost $3,500 to $10,000+, while males tend to range between $3,500 to $6,500. The price difference is largely attributed to breeding potential, as female dogs can produce more litters over their lifetime.
Beyond just the upfront puppy price, there are other costs to factor in for a new Frenchie puppy. Initial veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spay/neuter, supplies like food bowls, crates, beds, toys, grooming tools, and more can add up quickly. Regular veterinary visits for checkups and preventative care are also an ongoing expense. Pet insurance is recommended to cover any unexpected medical costs. Initial puppy training and socialization classes provide important early development. Calculate an estimated first year cost of $4,000-$6,000+ for a French Bulldog puppy.
Conclusion
In summary, both male and female French Bulldogs have their benefits and drawbacks. While males may be more energetic and playful, females tend to be calmer and more affectionate. Males can be easier to train due to their eagerness to please, but females are often more eager to bond with their owner. In terms of health, males are prone to marking behaviors while females tend to have fewer health issues overall. Though reputable breeders aim to breed healthy dogs of both sexes.
When it comes to choosing between a male or female French Bulldog puppy, there are good reasons to pick either sex. Consider your lifestyle, activity level, and desires in a companion. Seek a well-bred dog from health tested parents to maximize your chances of getting a healthy puppy. And remember, each dog is an individual with their own personality and needs. Work closely with a breeder to find the right French Bulldog for your home.
In conclusion, the “best” sex of a French Bulldog depends on the owner’s personal preferences and lifestyle. There are wonderful dogs of both sexes needing loving homes. Take the time to research reputable breeders and meet the parents. Then let the breeder help match you with a puppy whose temperament and activity level complement your own.