Personality
Frenchies are playful, affectionate and sociable: the AKC rates them 5 of 5 for affection, with young children, with strangers and for adaptability. They are rarely barkers, and they like to be wherever their people are.
Exercise
A short walk or a play session each day is usually enough, according to the AKC, and Frenchies can enjoy obedience, agility and rally. Because they are flat-faced, the AKC warns they are prone to breathing difficulties and should never be pushed to exert themselves in hot or humid weather. Walk in the cool of the day and stop early.
Grooming
The short coat sheds lightly and needs only a weekly brush with a rubber mitt or hound glove. Keep the facial folds clean and dry, and trim the nails regularly, since overgrown nails can be painful.
Health: what to know
- Breathing problems and heat sensitivity. Like all flat-faced breeds, the AKC notes, Frenchies are prone to breathing problems and do poorly in heat and humidity. Noisy breathing, collapse or a blue tongue are emergencies.
- Water safety. Their front-heavy build means Frenchies can’t swim; the AKC says never leave one unattended near a pool, tub or other water.
- Anesthesia. Flat-faced breeds are more sensitive to anesthesia, per the AKC. Tell your vet before any procedure.
- Eyes and skin. Cherry eye, juvenile cataracts, entropion, skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders are known in the breed.
Training
Frenchies can be stubborn, but they are people-pleasers at heart and generally easy to train with the right motivation. The AKC recommends early socialization and puppy classes, food rewards and making training a game.
Is this breed right for you?
- Apartment dwellers wanting a quiet, sociable companion
- Families with children
- Owners who can keep the dog cool and manage exercise in hot weather
- Very hot climates without air conditioning
- Owners who want a running or hiking partner
- Homes with an unfenced pool