7 Funny (and Adorable) Realities of Having a French Bulldog, Vets Say

There are so many dog breeds out there to love, but there's one in particular that's captured the hearts of Americans and held onto it tight for four years in a row: the French Bulldog. If you've always dreamed of having one, you're probably curious what it's like having one. To give you an insight on what it's like living with a Frenchie, we rounded up 7 funny and adorable realities of having a French Bulldog, according to vets.

After all, a French Bulldog's personality is unlike any other pup's. Combine that with this petite pooch's sweet, squashed-in face and big eyes and it's easy to see why this small dog breed is hard to resist. In fact, they are so popular that they even recently displaced the Labrador Retriever as America's favorite breed, despite three decades of being the top dog.

There's so much to love about these cute dogs, but they do have some silly and cute quirks that you may not be aware of. So, if you're considering getting a French Bulldog, it's worth being well informed about what being their pet parent can actually involve. Here's what vets want you to know before getting one.

7 Funny and Adorable French Bulldog Traits

French Bulldogs are full of personality, and it shows in the little things they do every day. From their silly habits to their affectionate nature, these French Bulldog traits are what make the breed so funny and lovable.

They Were Bred to Be Furry Besties

Of all the cute qualities French Bulldogs have, the fact that they fully commit to the role of your best friend whether you're ready for it or not, is the the sweetest. These devoted dogs don't just enjoy being around you, they genuinely want to be part of your everyday life.

"French Bulldogs see themselves as your best buddy," says Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.

That deep, easy companionship didn't happen by accident, though. "Frenchies were originally bred in the 1800s to be companion animals for lace workers in England and later became popular society pets in France," says Garrett Schuilenberg, DVM, managing veterinarian at Small Door Vet. "Because they were engineered purely to be lapdogs and household companions rather than working or hunting dogs, their entire focus is interacting with humans."

And that's exactly why life with a French Bulldog feels less like having a pet and more like having a tiny, opinionated best friend who always wants to be part of everything you do.

They Snore…Loudly

One of the most surprisingly hilarious things about French Bulldogs is just how loudly they can sleep, especially for such a small dog.

Their compact airways and flat faces give them that signature snorting, snuffling, and snoring soundtrack that many owners come to find oddly comforting, even if it sounds like a tiny freight train at night.

Because of their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, French Bulldogs are more prone to noisy breathing and snoring, according to veterinarians. While it's often normal for the breed, it can become more noticeable during sleep or after exercise.

Still, many pet parents say it's just part of the charm, which is proof they're getting a good, deep rest nearby.

They Think They're Bigger Than They Are

Another funny personality trait of Frenchies? Despite their small size, these pups often carry themselves with a surprisingly bold, confident attitude. So even though French Bulldogs are smart enough to understand what's being asked of them, they like to be stubborn and decide whether something is worth participating in. In other words, if your Frenchie decides now is not the time to sit, come, or move off the couch, it's not confusion-it's negotiation.

"Their intelligence makes them capable of learning and excelling at obedience and other training, but without proper motivation, they can be very independent and selective," Bonk explains.

You Have to Clean Their Wrinkles

Just like people have a skincare routine and wash their face, a Frenchie's skin also needs to be pampered, which most new French Bulldog pet parents don't know.

"While their adorable, soft folds and wrinkles may give them their unmistakable expression, they can also trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow," Bonk explains. "This can make their skin red, hot, and itchy."

So while it may seem silly, if you're a pet parent of a Frenchie it's your job to keep their wrinkles looking nice. "Frenchies frequently need their wrinkles cleaned," advises Noe Galvan, DVM, lead emergency veterinarian.

They Follow You Everywhere

Don't be surprised if you suddenly have a new pal in the bathroom. French Bulldogs are famous for being little shadow dogs, always finding a way to be wherever their favorite human happens to be. "They want to be with their people and enjoy short play sessions as well as lounging on the couch."

Schuilenberg calls French bulldogs the ultimate velcro dogs. "They have an innate biological drive to be close to their human pack," he says. "While this makes them incredibly affectionate, it also means they are highly prone to separation anxiety if they aren't taught how to be alone from an early age. To a Frenchie, your personal space is their personal space."

They Tend to Be Gassy

One of the more funny (and slightly embarrassing) French Bulldog traits is that they're not exactly subtle about passing gas. To be fair, bulldogs in general have a reputation for being little "gas factories," and Frenchies are no exception. "Empirically speaking, they are gassy little creatures," Galvan shares. "But they may just be less shy about letting off some gas than other breeds."

Part of this comes down to their easygoing, relaxed personalities, but anatomy plays a role too. Schuilenberg explains that their flat-faced structure means French Bulldogs tend to swallow extra air while eating, drinking, or even getting excited. "All that trapped air has to go somewhere, resulting in a notorious amount of flatulence," he says.

And while it might not be their most glamorous trait, most Frenchie owners will tell you it just comes with the territory of living with such a funny, lovable little companion.

They Are Goofballs

One of the most lovable French Bulldog traits is just how unapologetically silly they are. If you're looking for a fun-loving pet, a Frenchie's goofy personality won't disappoint.

"These dogs are incredibly expressive, dramatic, and goofy," says Schuilenberg. "As a result, French Bulldogs know exactly how to use their vocalizations and facial expressions to keep your attention."

A French Bulldog's personality often turns everyday moments into comedy, with many pet parents describing them as little clowns packed into a compact body. "They are the comedic relief of any household," adds Galvan.

And honestly, that sense of humor is a big part of what makes living with a French Bulldog so endlessly entertaining.

Sources:

• Chyrle Bonk, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance
• Noe Galvan, DVM, lead emergency veterinarian and Fetch vet advisory board member
• Garrett Schuilenberg, DVM, managing veterinarian at Small Door Vet
• Most Popular Dog Breeds, American Kennel Club

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 3:10 AM.