French Bulldog owners would argue that owning a Frenchie could prove to be costly. But how much does a French Bulldog puppy really cost? Is it also true that it is expensive to own and maintain such a popular breed?
If you are keen to know the costs, prices, and expenses associated with owning a French Bulldog, you’ve come to the right place!
This guide contains valuable information that could help you prepare your finances before taking home your French Bulldog puppy.
The Average Cost of a French Bulldog Puppy
A French Bulldog puppy from ordinary lineages typically costs around $1,500 to $3,000. Meanwhile, French Bulldog puppies from champion bloodlines are priced between $2,000 and $6,000.
Aside from lineage, other factors such as the rarity of the color, the breeder’s reputation, age, and difficulty in breeding also contribute to the expensive prices tagged on French Bulldog puppies.
Micro French Bulldog, the most expensive French Bulldog, is valued at $100,000 because of its rarity and astonishing appearance. It has a rare blue coat color and orange eyes, which many find attractive.
Nevertheless, the rarest and most expensive among all of the French Bulldog coat colors is said to be isabella.
Maintaining and raising a French Bulldog is also considerably expensive. If you want to take home one of these cute dogs, you should know that they are vulnerable to many common health issues; hence, you might need to cash out more for medical expenses.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a French Bulldog Puppy
French Bulldogs are relatively more expensive than other dogs. Although they are costly in general, the prices of French Bulldog puppies may vary from breeder to breeder, depending on various factors.
If you are curious as to why the French Bulldogs are considerably expensive dogs, here are some of the factors that directly affect their cost:
Bloodline: French Bulldog puppies whose parents are show champions have higher prices than puppies from ordinary bloodlines. It is presumed the litters of champion parent dogs inherit refined qualities and temperament.
Color: The coat color of a French Bulldog also greatly influences its price. Typical colors like fawn would be cheaper than a merle Frenchie because the latter is quite rare. Meanwhile, isabella is said to be the rarest color; hence, it is also the most expensive French Bulldog color.
Age: Generally, French Bulldog puppies are more expensive than adults and seniors. This could be due to the high demand for puppies. Most people want to own young dogs because they want to raise them themselves.
Breeder’s Reputation: Breeders with decades of breeding experience often offer high-priced puppies. Reputable breeders do not only sell puppies but also their expertise in handling their breeding stock. Buying from them assures you that your puppy is raised ethically and healthily.
Puppy Registration: Additional fees are usually added to the overall puppy price of Frenchies with complete registration papers from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC). Newborn puppies with complete registration and breeding rights cost more compared to puppies with limited papers.
Difficulty in Breeding: Breeding French Bulldogs is quite challenging. French Bulldogs cannot reproduce naturally because of their physical structure and narrow hips. Thus, extra effort is needed not only in conceiving through artificial insemination but also in laboring. This also holds true for teacup French Bulldogs.
Health Documents: Breeders usually consider the medical expenses they provide in caring for a specific puppy. The fees for preventive medications, neutering/spaying, deworming, and vaccinations are often included in the final prices of French Bulldog puppies.
Aside from these factors, some other considerations such as gender, social trends, breeder’s location, and shipping fees could also affect the final prices of French Bulldog puppies.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a French Bulldog From a Rescue?
If you are looking for a more economical way of owning an average Frenchie, you should opt for adoption.
The adoption fee for rescued French Bulldogs costs around $100 to $800, depending on several factors such as health condition and age.
No one can argue that rehabilitated Frenchies can still make perfect family companions. These dogs receive ample medical care and undergo behavioral modification before being cleared for adoption.
Adopting a French Bulldog is not only a financially-wise decision but also a noble act. You save money and, at the same time, a lovely soul from being homeless.
If ever you decide to adopt a French Bulldog instead of buying from a reputable breeder, you should read our ultimate guide on dog adoption to ace the application.
You can also check out our French Bulldog rescue directory to find the nearest animal shelter in your area.
Initial Cost of French Bulldog Ownership
If you’re set on taking home a French Bulldog puppy, you will need to prepare for its starter supplies and maintenance expenses.
These items are essential in making your puppy’s life comfortable while adapting to its new home.
Here are the items you need to purchase before taking your French Bulldog puppy home:
Food and Treats: In choosing dog food and treats for your French Bulldog, you should pick brands that are complete with the nutrients vital for growth. Quality food and treats will cost you around $50 to $80 per bag, which can last for a month.
Food and Water Bowls: Having decent food and water bowls will lessen the mess you need to clean when feeding your dog. There are arrays of food dishes you can choose from in online stores. Some even have food and water bowls in one set. You’ll need to spend $10 to $25 on these items.
Bed: For complete relaxation and a good night’s sleep, you should also purchase a comfy dog bed for your French Bulldog puppy. This will set you back for $30 to $150, depending on the size, material, and design.
Crate: A dog crate provides a safe and comfy space for your puppy when it wants to sleep or relax. A dog crate for small dog breeds like Frenchie puppies costs around $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: Leashes and collars are helpful for training and walking your dog in the park. You can buy these two items at your local pet store, and they typically cost between $15 and $50 depending on the material and style.
Toys: Toys generally help dogs release their energy or stress. But there are some types, such as chew toys, which are both stimulating and useful for your dog’s hygiene. Most toys for your Frenchie puppy will cost around $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: A pet-safe shampoo and a pet brush are enough to keep your Frenchie puppy clean and fresh. Note that you should only use pet-safe shampoo for French Bulldogs to avoid skin allergies and irritation. These items cost $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: French Bulldogs are also susceptible to parasitism both internally and externally. To prevent this, flea and tick preemptive medication should be administered as well as deworming. Normally, this will set you back around $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visits: Since some Frenchies suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, you will surely need to visit the vet more frequently during the first few months. Set aside $100 to $300 for vet fees if you want to provide your pup with premium care.
Initial Vaccine Shots: French Bulldogs should receive complete sets of core vaccine shots to protect them against common canine diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP), and rabies. Typically, the initial set of these vaccine shots costs around $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: Some owners opt to have their French Bulldogs neutered/spayed, especially if they don’t plan to breed. Dogs that are neutered or spayed have lower risks of acquiring reproductive-related illnesses. These procedures usually cost around $50 to $500.
Dog License: Getting a license for your dog will help you find them in case they get lost since they are also given an ID tag. You can also let them run leash-free without worrying that they cannot be identified by whoever will find them. Expect to pay $10 to $20 for this.
Microchip: Microchip works similar to a dog license but better. Instead of having a tag, a microchip is embedded in your dog so it can be scanned and identified easily. Microchipping is not invasive nor expensive. They only cost $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: If your French Bulldog puppy doesn’t know yet how to use the potty, you should definitely buy a good poop scooper and urine cleaner. You might also see yourself spending on pet rentals, potty pads, and a lot more as your puppy grows. These miscellaneous items can incur $15 to $30.
The table below shows a quick summary of the initial expenses and their price range:
This means that aside from the French Bulldog price, you should also anticipate cashing out $525 to $1,995 for the starter supplies.
If the expenses seem too hefty, you can try following the money-saving tips that I discussed in the latter part of this guide.
Annual Cost of Owning a French Bulldog
Aside from the recurring expenses for food supply, there are also some other items and services that you’ll need to spend yearly for your French Bulldog.
Be wise and set aside around $1,405 to $3,010 so you’ll be able to provide the best care for your pup.
Here are some of the things included in the annual expenses of owning a French Bulldog puppy:
Some of the core necessities that your Frenchie should receive are grooming, routine veterinary care, and pet insurance.
Both regular grooming and routine vet care can prevent health issues such as skin diseases, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy from targeting your dog.
Grooming sessions can cost you $100 to $250 per year, while vet bills may incur $200 to $400.
If you want to save on expensive medical fees in case your dog suffers from life-threatening illnesses, invest in pet insurance for $500 to $600.
Other Potential Expenses
Throughout your dog’s life, there will be situations where you will need to cash out for things beyond their basic needs.
Hence, you should anticipate and set aside a few bucks for these potential expenses that you might encounter in the future.
Here is a list of some potential expenses you might encounter as a French Bulldog owner:
Pet Boarding Service: There might be times when you will need to travel out of the country, and no one will be left to take care of your dog. In cases like this, it would be best to leave your French Bulldog in a pet boarding area to ensure its safety while you are away. On average, pet boarding services cost $40 a day.
Pet Grooming Service: The reality is not everyone knows how to cut the hair and trim their dogs’ nails. A professional grooming service can cost anywhere between $60 and $80.
Dog Walking Service: This service is very helpful for busy fur-parents who can’t take their dogs for a walk. Depending on the length of the session, a pet walking service can cost you around $20 to $40.
Emergency Treatment: Accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. It’s always a good idea to save a few hundred bucks for medical emergencies. Surgeries, consultations, and treatments can cost you $100 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the ailment.
Pet Accessories: If you have money to spare for your pet’s accessories, you might want to consider buying dog clothes, a pet bag, and a fancy collar. Nothing is cuter than a well-groomed and well-dressed dog! Pet accessories will set you back around $20 to $100.
You don’t really need to spend on most of the listed items and services, especially if your current budget is tight.
Nevertheless, it would be better to consider saving up for these potential expenses so you’ll be prepared once the needs arise.
Places to Find French Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Now that you already know how much French Bulldog puppies cost and their maintenance expenses, it’s time for you to find the places where you can purchase a healthy French Bulldog puppy.
It’s not really hard to find a French Bulldog breeder. However, the risk of encountering puppy mills and backyard breeders is also undoubtedly high. Hence, you should be careful in choosing where you will buy your pooch.
Below are some breeders and services where you can find French Bulldog puppies for sale:
French Bulldog LA – This AKC-certified French Bulldog breeder is based in California. They focus on improving the temperament and health of their dogs; hence, they provide them with ample medical care from birth until they move to their new loving homes. Their French Bulldog puppies cost $4,500 on average.
Northwest Frenchies – Northwest Frenchies prides itself on producing purebred French Bulldogs that perfectly conform to the dog breed standard. All of their puppies undergo genetic testing for hip dysplasia. Their French Bulldog’s price is dictated by pedigree, health condition, coat color, availability, and demand.
Sullybee French Bulldogs – Sullybee French Bulldogs has been breeding purebred French Bulldogs for more than a decade now. They assure that their Frenchies are free from common canine health issues. This kennel is family-run, and they only breed occasionally. The price of their French Bulldog puppies may vary depending on the quality of the puppy.
You can also check out our French Bulldog breeder directory to find the nearest rescue center in your location.
If you are not after the lineage of this popular breed, adoption would also be an excellent option for you. Although not all rescued Frenchies can participate in dog shows, they can still make perfect pets at home.
Here are some of the rescue centers where you can find a French Bulldog available for adoption:
French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) – Founded in 2001, FBRN has already rehabilitated and rehomed many French Bulldogs across the United States. They have a strict adoption process and guidelines. The average price of a young Frenchie in FBRN is $900. On the other hand, an adult Frenchie has a $550 price tag.
French Bulldog Valley (FBV) – FBV aims to rehabilitate French Bulldog puppies and French Bulldog mixes across the country. All of their rescued dogs are complete with health checks, neutered/spayed, vaccinated, and dewormed. Their adoption fee is considerably inexpensive compared to the high price tag of breeders.
Short Nose and Friends United Rescue (SNAFU) – This non-profit organization rescues French Bulldogs and other breeds with short noses. The little dogs they rescue receive medical care and behavioral modification as part of SNAFU’S rescue standards. Typically, the adoption costs for these lapdogs range between $300 and $600, depending on their health condition and age.
You can also check our French Bulldog rescue directory to find the nearest animal shelter in your location. Moreover, read our ultimate dog adoption guide for helpful tips in acing your adoption application
Money-Saving Tips for French Bulldog Owners
Indeed, French Bulldog prices and expenses can cost you an arm and a leg. Nevertheless, you can cut down your expenses if you follow these money-saving tips that I will share.
To help you keep the pet costs to a minimum, here are some money-saving tips:
Adopt, don’t shop. If you are not looking for a pedigree puppy or a purebred Frenchie, adopting would be the more practical and wise choice. Rescued Frenchies are only cleared for adoption once they have undergone behavioral modification and health examinations.
Buy dog items in bulk. Buying dog food and other dog supplies in bulk can save you a few bucks. Some pet stores also offer discounts when you buy supplies from them in bulk.
Create DIY toys and home treats. You can find a lot of DIY videos on YouTube about DIY toys for dogs and homemade healthy treats. You just need to be resourceful and creative.
Apply for pet health insurance. You should avail yourself of a pet insurance policy for your dog even though you feel like you are paying for nothing at first. Pet insurance can save you from stress and hassle should emergency medical needs arise.
Groom your dog at home. You should try learning how to bathe, clip the nails, and trim the hair of your dog so you won’t need to avail yourself of the service of a professional groomer. You can then use the extra money you have saved from grooming your dog on other essential items.
If you follow these tips, you’re sure to make your pet comfortable and prevent your bank from going bankrupt.
Watch this cute little Frenchie bathing for the first time:
Frenchie Gets A Bath For The First Time<a href="https://youtu.be/x1p_sKocDrM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fx1p_sKocDrM%2F0.jpg" alt="Frenchie Gets A Bath For The First Time" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
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Final Thoughts
The French Bulldog is indeed one of the most expensive breeds in the canine community. However, French Bulldog owners and breeders would contest that raising these little dogs is worth every penny and hassle.
You should be very cautious in purchasing your puppy to avoid getting scammed. These dogs are really expensive.
If you found a suspicious seller advertising cheap Frenchies, you should run away from it. Only transact with good breeders that are members of major kennel clubs.
Nonetheless, if money is no issue to you and you don’t care much about the French Bulldog price and the expenses associated with maintaining it, then there’s no stopping you from getting one.
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