How Much Does It Cost to Own a French Bulldog?

Looking to add a French bulldog to the family? Prices range from $2,000 to $8,000 and care costs average $1,491 to $3,286.

A.M. Steinbach
Written byA.M. Steinbach
A.M. Steinbach
A.M. SteinbachInsurance Writer
  • Full-time writer for 5+ years

  • Two-time Emmy Award nominee

A Harvard graduate, Mark has worked as a freelance personal finance and tech writer. He’s also written for Saturday Night Live.

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Updated November 13, 2023

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In 2022, the French bulldog unseated the Labrador Retriever as the most popular dog breed in the U.S.[1] Known for their playful, affectionate personalities, these beloved companions aren’t cheap — though French bulldog costs vary based on where you buy it, its age, gender, coat color, and more.

Bringing a French bulldog into your home isn’t a small financial commitment. You can explore all the costs involved in French bulldog ownership here.

How much does a French bulldog cost?

The average cost of adopting a French bulldog from a breeder is around $4,600, though certain Frenchies with rare colors or coats can fetch much higher prices.[2] Adopting French bulldogs from a rescue is much cheaper, with French bulldog puppies going for $1,200 from the French Bulldog Rescue Network. The cost of a French bulldog not only varies on where you buy it but also what kind of Frenchie you buy.

French bulldogs are typically 11 to 13 inches in height, under 28 pounds, and have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The American Kennel Club breed standard describes French bulldogs as “active, intelligent, and muscular” — and their calm demeanor makes them good with kids.

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Comparing costs: French bulldog price vs. other breeds

The average cost of pet adoption varies from breed to breed. High demand and specific breeding techniques can lead to high prices for certain breeds.

For instance, breeders typically need to deliver French bulldog pups via C-section, which is an expensive process that leads to higher adoption fees.

Here are typical price ranges when buying certain breeds from registered breeders.

Dog BreedAverage Cost
French bulldog$2,000–$8,000
Golden retriever$500–$3,000 1
Poodle$500–$1,500 2
English bulldog$1,500–$4,000
Dachshund$1,000–$2,500 3

Keep in mind these price ranges reflect costs from breeders. Adopting from a shelter or rescue will typically be under $1,000 and may even be free in some cases.

Factors influencing the price of a French bulldog

While French bulldogs tend to be more expensive, you can find lower prices if you shop around for the right breeder or opt to adopt from a shelter. You can also lower the purchase price by opting for an older French bulldog or one with a more common coat color.

Where you purchase from

Purchasing your French bulldog from a reputable breeder is the most expensive option and can cost up to $10,000 in some cases. Prices vary based on the breeder’s reputation.

“Backyard breeders” are cheaper but may be a less reputable source. Adopting from a shelter is also often much less expensive. The Animal Humane Society lists a standard adoption fee of $129 to $767.[3]

Coat color

The French Bulldog Club states that solid black, black and tan, black and white, white and black, blue, blue fawn, liver, and merle are the standard coat colors for the French bulldog breed.[4]

A rarer color, such as blue or merle, can often cost more than common coat colors like black or black and white.

Age and gender

Adopting a senior French bulldog is typically cheaper than adopting a younger French bulldog.

For instance, the French Bulldog Rescue Network lists an adoption fee of $1,200 for Frenchies under 2 years old and $700 for Frenchies between 2 and 8 years old. Adopting a Frenchie over 8 years old will generally cost around $400.

A female French bulldog may cost more than a male due to her breeding potential, but this varies by breeder. This may not be relevant, as many pet parents plan on spaying or neutering their new pet.

Learn More: How Much is Pet Insurance?

Learn More: How Much is Pet Insurance?

Costs of owning a French bulldog

The adoption fee is just one cost to consider when it comes to owning a French bulldog. Here are some other expenses you must consider.

Frenchie Care CategoryAnnual Expense
Vet care$700–$1,500
Food $120–$900
Toys and treats$35–$250
Grooming and maintenance$0
Pet insurance$636
Total $1,491–$3,286

Vaccination and vet visits

As a flat-faced breed, French bulldogs can experience breathing problems. This facial structure also makes French bulldogs more sensitive to anesthesia, which should be kept in mind during vet care. French bulldogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia, a genetic skeletal condition, though it’s more common in larger dogs.

On average, dog owners pay $700$1,500 per year on vet care, which may include vaccinations, preventative care, chronic conditions, emergency treatment.

Though, this could be lower if you purchase pet insurance. Given the breed’s health problems, pet insurance is a good idea for French bulldog owners.

Good to Know

In the U.S., 22% of dogs and cats were insured in 2022 — down from 28% in 2021, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.

Food and supplies

Dog owners pay an average of $120 to $900 per year on food for their dogs.

How much money you spend on dog food varies based on the quality of food you buy and the price patterns at your local pet store. Smaller dogs also eat less than larger dogs, so French bulldog owners should expect to spend on the lower side of this average. 

Before buying a French bulldog, you should also factor in the additional cost of bowls, leashes, and other supplies. And don’t forget the $35 to $250 per year dog owners spend on toys and treats.

Grooming and maintenance

Prospective French bulldog owners will be relieved to know these dogs don’t require routine grooming, given their short coat. Weekly brushing to remove shedded hair and regular nail clipping should be enough to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling its best.

Pet insurance

Pet insurance covers the costs of emergency vet visits and accidents. Certain pet insurance plans include wellness coverage, which pays for routine preventative care and regular visits to the vet.

Dog owners pay an average of $53 per month for pet insurance. These rates may be higher for French bulldog owners given the breed’s hereditary health issues. If your Frenchie is already showing signs of medical issues before you buy coverage, your rates may be higher when you go to buy insurance and this pre-existing condition won’t be covered.

Your pet insurance rates will also be affected by your dog’s age, gender, location, and the deductible you choose.

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French bulldog FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about French bulldogs.

  • What is the average price of a French bulldog?

    The cost of a French bulldog puppy varies based on where you buy it and its physical characteristics. French bulldog prices from a reputable breeder fall around $4,600, on average. This number can vary based on the dog’s coat color, age, gender, location, and more.

  • What color French bulldog is most expensive?

    Coat color affects how much a French bulldog costs. The Isabella Frenchie, whose unique coat color has a blue-gray tint, typically tops lists as the most expensive French bulldog at an average price of $6,490 to $7,490, according to breeder TomKings Kennel.

  • Are French bulldogs good pets?

    French bulldogs have friendly, playful personalities and make great companions — so it’s no wonder their popularity is skyrocketing. While these popular dogs are not the easiest to train, their quiet demeanor and ease with children means you won’t have to worry about too many behavioral issues.

    Given their potential for serious health issues, it's a good idea to purchase pet insurance for your Frenchie.

  • What’s included in the price when purchasing a French bulldog puppy from a breeder?

    A reputable breeder will often conduct extensive health testing, which is included in the price. This may be a good investment, as screening for health issues before adoption can help you avoid costly health problems in the future. Your breeder will likely go ahead with vaccinations and may do some socialization training as well, which is included in the cost.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club. "The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2022." Accessed October 27, 2023
  2. World Animal Foundation. "French Bulldog Cost: Budgeting for Your New Companion in 2023." Accessed October 27, 2023
  3. Animal Humane Society. "Adoption fees." Accessed October 27, 2023
  4. French Bulldog Club. "French Bulldog Breed Standard." Accessed October 27, 2023
A.M. Steinbach
A.M. SteinbachInsurance Writer

A.M. is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content marketing strategist who's worked with major brands in insurance, tech, finance, and healthcare. He also contributes to The Average Joe, a personal finance newsletter that reaches over 250,000 daily readers. Since 2019, he's written for Insurify, breaking down a diverse range of insurance topics into crisp, readable prose.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferSenior Editor
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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