French Bulldog Cost [Including Annual Expenses of Owning One]

It’s no surprise that French Bulldogs are a popular dog breed, and alongside their popularity comes the question of cost.

How much is a French Bulldog?

The average cost of a French Bulldog puppy is between $1,500 to $3,000, although non-breed standard colour Frenchies like Isabella can go as high as $8,000.

We’ll have a look at:

• The price differences due to their colours.
• Why they are so expensive.
• Adoption options.
• And also how much it would be to own a Frenchie (the annual costs).

French Bulldog Price

So, how much should I pay for a French Bulldog?

French Bulldog puppies are always more expensive than getting a young or adult Frenchie. However, there are at least four factors that will determine a French Bulldog’s price:

1. The seller (reputable breeder, shelter, pet shop, backyard breeder)
2. The bloodline (purebreed, cross)
3. The breeding purpose (companion vs show dog).
4. The coat colour (breed standard colours vs non breed standard ones, like blue or merle).

How Much Is a French Bulldog Puppy?

The average cost of a French Bulldog puppy is from $1,500 to $3,000 in the US. The most expensive coat colours are Isabella (lilac) and Blue Merle French Bulldog, which can cost between $8,000 to $10,000.

In the UK, the average price of a French Bulldog puppy is between £1,500 to £3,100.

However, the most expensive French Bulldog is valued at $100,000.

His name is Micro Machine and is owned by Brad’s Bullies. He’s got a blue coat and orange eyes. Micro has sired over $100,000 worth of puppies, and each one can be between $5,000 to $10,000.

How Much Is a Blue Merle French Bulldog?

A blue merle frenche bulldog’s coat colouring combined with their pedigree status can increase their price from $3,000 up to $10,000. Also, the seller’s reputation influences the price (if the seller is registered and provides recommended health tests).

Here’s an average comparison cost by colour of how much French Bulldog puppies are:

According to the AKC breed standards, brindle, fawn and pied are the only recognised French Bulldog colours.

Wanna know more about French Bulldog colours?

Read also: Lilac French Bulldog and 13 Other Colours Explained [With Pictures].

How Much Is a French Bulldog From a Breeder?

The average cost of a purebred French Bulldog is between $1,500 to $8,000, a superior lineage and non-breed standard colouring being closer to the latter.

Breeders who are dedicated to breeding healthy dogs that follow the AKC breed standards will sell their puppies for more due to the cost of breeding. Reputable breeders follow health screenings, vaccinate and microchip their pups, and also register the litter.

Backyard or hobby breeders can charge less when they spend less money in caring for their dogs.

French Bulldogs that are primarily bred to be companion dogs are more affordable than those that are bred for show.

If you are looking for a more affordable price and also value the dog’s health (which you do, right??), then you could consider adopting or rehoming a French Bulldog.

Continue reading to find out more.

Why Is The French Bulldog So Expensive?

There are 5 reasons why French Bulldogs are so expensive:

1. Small litter size.
2. Breeding costs.
3. Coat colour.
4. Bloodline.
5. Recent popularity increase.

#1 – Small Litter Size

On average, French Bulldogs have 3 puppy litter; higher litter size is unusual due to the size of the dog.

Because Frenchies have narrow hips and small bodies, they are just not capable of carrying many pups. The average litter size of a French Bulldog is just three puppies.

In comparsion, a Golden Retriever can deliver on average 8 puppies, so a breeder is able to produce and sell over double the number of puppies. This is one of the reasons Golden Retrievers are cheaper.

Also, most breeders do not have the luxury of being able to spread veterinary fees over many puppies, so this is reflected in the selling price of the puppy.

Reputable breeders also register their puppies with the American Kennel Club.

Breeders can also be registered as Breeders of Merit, which is a program that guarantees that they follow the best breeding practices, complete all the required health testing, and sell healthy puppies with good temperaments.

When buying French Bulldogs from reputable breeders, the price can increase by 50% due to all the expenses and considerations above.

#2 – Breeding Costs

There are many factors that contribute to breeding costs:

• Artificial insemination: French Bulldogs are often artificially inseminated because it is difficult for them to mate without assistance. This procedure can cost around $1,100. Semen from studs are used to impregnate the females, and stud fees on average range between $250 to $1,500.
• Pregnancy care: The mother will also have to undergo progesterone testing, which can be $300-$600. Progesterone is a reproductive hormone that helps maintain pregnancy. This hormone also helps the breeder predict when the puppies are ready to whelp.
• Whelping: Most French Bulldogs are born via cesarian (C-section) due to dystocia – a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to having a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. This procedure can cost between $350 and $1,5000.

• Raising puppies: C-section birthing has consequences for both the mother and the puppies. The mother will unlikely be capable of nurturing her puppies until she recovers from the surgery. This can also result in no milk production. Also, she might not be interested in her newborn puppies or may not recognize them as her own. As a result, breeders will end up spending countless hours feeding the pups.
• Veterinary fees: Deworming, vaccination, microchipping, etc.
• Health screening: Many French Bulldogs come with expensive health fees due to unhealthy breeding practices, which can lead to inherited genetic disorders. To avoid this, responsible breeders screen and genetically test their dogs to make sure that they are healthy before producing off-spring. Here are some common tests for Frenchies:
  • Respiratory Function Grading Scheme – this scheme advises breeders if their Frenchie is affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.
  • DNA test for Hereditary Cataracts.
  • DNA test for Degenerative Myelopathy (a common eye disorder).
  • Hip and patella evaluation.
  • Cardiac exam.

• AKC registration of litter.

As you can see, it requires a lot of time, effort, and money to breed happy and healthy Frenchies.

#3 – Coat Colour

French Bulldogs come in 14 different colours, but from those, only 3 are approved in the breed standards: brindle, fawn (from light to red) and pied (with brindle or fawn; white is registered under pied).

The non-breed standard coat colours (often referred to as rare) are black, white, blue, lilac (Isabelle), chocolate, merle, and any mix of these. Frenchies with these coats cannot compete in dog shows.

As mentioned before, the most expensive coat colours are Isabella (lilac) and Blue Merle French Bulldog, which can cost between $8,000 to $10,000.

Their eye colour can also increase their price.

French Bulldogs have dark eyes even if they were born with lighter or blue eyes. However, French Bulldogs with blue or light brown eyes that don’t darken when they grow up are more expensive. This is due to the gene that contributes to the hair colour, which also dilutes the colour of their eyes.

#4 – Bloodline

French Bulldog’s pedigree and lineage also add to their price.

The longer you can go back into a Frenchie’s lineage, the higher their price.

These purebred French Bulldogs hold titles from dog shows and sports competitions. Also, you can trace their lineage at least four generations back.

Additionally, the breeders offer all the necessary health certifications and genetic tests, guaranteeing their dog’s health and well-being.

They can also be selective when it comes to breeding, to ensure the continuation of a bloodline and that the healthy genes are passed along.

#5 – Recent Popularity Increase

The last reason why Frenchies are so expensive is simple due to their increase in popularity.

French Bulldogs ranked #2 on the American Kennel Club rankings in 2020. They ranked #4 for the previous 3 years (from 2017 to 2019) and ranked #6 in 2015 and 2016.

French Bulldog’s ranking according to the AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds: 

When Buying a French Bulldog

Although you should consider the cost of buying a French Bulldog pup, you should also take into account where the puppy comes from. This factor will determine the health and well-being of your new pooch, currently and in the future!

When buying a French Bulldog, there are two safe options that you can consider:

1. From a registered breeder.
2. From a rescue or shelter centre.

You don’t want to buy a puppy from a pet store or an online shop because most of those puppies come from mass breeding facilities (puppy mills or farms).

The conditions that the dams (puppy mothers) and their puppies are kept are usually very bad, which shows unsafe and unethical breeding practices.

Another reason to avoid them is also the financial risk of having to pay a huge veterinary bill because the puppy might be sick, has hereditary health issues, has no vaccinations, hasn’t been dewormed or microchipped.

Where Can I Buy a French Bulldog?

Here’s a comparison of where to buy a French Bulldog puppy:

#1 – French Bulldog Breeders

For buying a French Bulldog in the US, check the AKC marketplace. In the UK, go to The Kennel Club marketplace. Then, filter by registered breeders and health screened pups.

Finding a reputable breeder can take time and patience, but you can meet breeders at their facility or at dog events like conformations (dog shows) and sports competitions.

#2 – French Bulldog Rescue Centres

Why adopt a French Bulldog?

Wondering where to rescue a French Bulldog?

The best place is breed-specific rescue groups or charities like the French Bulldog Rescue Network and the French Bulldog Village in the US.

You can also check rehoming centres and animal shelters.

Keep in mind that all dogs found in these places may vary in temperament and behaviour.

Adopting a French Bulldog can cost between $350 to $550 depending on the age of the dog and the centre. In the UK, the adoption fee for a French Bulldog is between £175 to £275. Sometimes it can go up to $500 for a puppy.

#3 – Pet Stores

#4 – Craigslist and Other Online Sites 

The Cost of Owning a French Bulldog

The American Kennel Club (AKC) estimates that the annual cost of owning a small dog will be about $1,000 per year (since they calculated a lifetime cost of $15,051 for an average life expectancy of 15 years).

PDSA also supports that estimation. Their research shows that you should expect your small dog to cost you at least £6,500 – £12,000 ($8,400 – $15,500) over their lifetime.

According to the ASPCA, the first year as a dog owner can set you back to $1,314 for small dogs. That includes the cost of things like spaying or neutering, training, medical, feeds and supplies like a crate. 

After the first year, the ASPCA estimated that the expenses will go down to about $580 for small dogs. However, that number could be on the low side.

The pet-sitting website Rover.com reports that when you add up things like pet sitting, dog training, and emergency vet bills, the yearly cost could be as much as $2,858 a year.

The 2018 report by the PDSA, UK’s leading vet charity, found that 69% of dog owners underestimated the monthly costs, with 28% of dog owners putting it at £21 to £40, when the true cost is between £70 and £105, depending on size and breed.

Source: pdsa.org.uk (The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals is a veterinary charity in the United Kingdom).

So, I decided to calculate how much I will be spending on a Frenchie per month and then calculate the annual cost.

Here’s the result:

On average, the annual cost of owning a French Bulldog is between $1,953.15 to $4,181.99, or $162.76 to $348.5 per month. In the first year, the cost is higher since you will likely need to purchase Dog Essentials such as beds, crates, toys, bowls, etc., get ongoing vaccination boosters and consider neutering your pup.

Here’s the breakdown of how much it is own a French Bulldog:

Once you bring your Frenchie pup home, she is going to require certain things – some only being a one time purchase while others purchased on a weekly or monthly basis.

You will need to pay for things such as:

Check out my First-time Dog Owner Kit shopping list to get familiar with dog essential items prices.

The Cost Breakdown of Being a French Bulldog Owner

Instead of looking at initial, ongoing and other costs, what I found is that apart from emergency expenses (which you can still budget for), the expense categories are pretty regular.

That being said, I’m not suggesting you buy a bed for your pooch every year!

Let’s have a look at the dog care expense categories and what to take into account in each one of them:

Food and Treats Expenses

The cost to feed your French Bulldog is going to depend on the quantity and type, as well as the quality of food that you purchase.

Also, food expenses will vary based on the size, age and energy level of your pooch.

It is important to feed your Frenchie a high-quality dog food that is high in animal protein. Also, you can occasionally reward your pooch with healthy single ingredient dog treats.

An adult French Bulldog’s weight varies from 10.4 to 12.7 kg (18 to 28 pounds) depending on their size.

Generally, Frenchies will eat between 1-2 cups of food a day, also depending on their size and activity level. Consult with your vet to see what’s right for your Frenchie.

If 4 cups equal 1 pound of food (and let’s estimate that your dog eats 1 cup a day plus treats), then thats:

30 cups/month = 7.5 pounds of food/month = $14.5 to $32.5 /month (a 13-pound bag of limited-ingredient dry food can last 2 months).

And don’t forget about the treats. A bag of quality and single-ingredient treats usually costs between $10 to $20 and can last a few months.

On average, your French Bulldog’s nutrition will likely cost anywhere from $24.5 to $52.5 per month ($294 to $630 per year).

Leashes, Collars and Harnesses Expenses

As your French Bulldog grows, you will have to change her collar and harness. A leash can last you longer, depending on the use and quality of the materials.

I usually spend $13 on a good harness, $10 on a collar and $10 on a fixed-length leash. So, if you have to replace one or three of them yearly…

On average, you will expend between $10 to $33 per year.

Poop Bags Expenses

The amount of poop bags that you will need is very relative.

I use 1 to 2 per day during walks since I have a garden.

Using 2 bags per day, that’s 60 bags per month. I usually pay $7 for 120 bags (2 months supply).

If I estimate 2 bags per day, the monthly cost of poop bags is $3.5 and the annual cost is $42.

Check out my First-time Dog Owner Kit shopping list to see the products I buy and use as a reference to calculate my monthly and annual expenses.

Beds, Blankets and Clothing Expenses

Every dog deserves a cosy bed and if you are like me, you are likely to have two: one in the living room and another one on your dog’s safe zone, where she sleeps.

At first, I used to move the bed around the house but I found it impractical and less effective when I send my pooch to bed at night.

A durable high-quality and easy-to-clean bed will cost you $40 to $80 a year (although orthopaedic dog beds can cost up to $180).

Prices vary in relation to size and quality. Plus, if you add a blanket, that can be $8 – $20.

Finally, French Bulldogs get cold easily, so you might end up buying a dog sweater to use during those winter walks.

Sweaters, fleeces and raincoats can cost between $10 to $35.

On average, you can pay between $58 to $135 a year to replace one bed, a blanket and a sweater.

Read also: How to Choose a Dog Bed – An Illustrated Guide and How to Choose a Dog Sweater – Step by Step with Pictures.

Toys Expenses

Personally, I enjoy monthly subscriptions where I get toys and treats delivered.

It makes it easier to keep things exciting (monthly variety), can keep costs down (especially if you go nuts when buying stuff for your pooch) and it’s less time-consuming!

There’s a helpful guide I put together about this in my favourite toy subscription.

But regardless of how you purchase toys, these are very important to keep your French Bulldog mentally stimulated and away from trouble (boredom leads to destructive behaviour).

Though some of us may indulge, you can probably plan on spending $60 to $240 per year, if you buy one toy per month and if estimating that a toy can cost between $5 to $20. Make sure to go for resistant materials to prevent wasting lots of money!

Read also: How to Choose a Dog Toy – An Illustrated Guide. Find recommendations for big chewers, scent game lovers, diggers… you name it!

Veterinary Care Expenses

An inescapable and important factor to note is how much vet expenses will cost.

Check-ups

On the one hand, preventive routine check-ups are key for good health and early diagnosis of possible illnesses or chronic diseases.

I recommend twice a year check-ups when seasons change (spring and autumn).

For twice a year preventive check-ups, the cost is at least $100 to $160 yearly (a single check-up being around $50 to $80).

Vaccinations

On the other hand, the initial puppy vaccination costs during the first year are higher than during adulthood:

• Puppy core vaccines:* $75 to $100. These are administered in a series of three: at 6, 12, and 16 weeks old.
• A rabies vaccination: $15 to $20. Not always included in puppy’s core vaccinations.
• Adult dog vaccines: $20 to $30. You might opt for a titer test to check your dog’s immune system and then vaccination booster (if necessary).

* The core vaccines include the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza).

For vaccinations, the cost can fall between $30 and $120.

Other possible expenses include:

• Spaying or neutering: $75 to $200 (one-time procedure, and its optional).
• Annual lab work: About $100 to $200.
• Dental cleaning: Treatments start at $300. It can be recommended as often as once a year depending on your French Bulldog’s oral health and if you brush her teeth!

Overall, you should budget a minimum of $600 to $1,100 per year for veterinary costs. This doesn’t include emergencies, preventive medications and supplements. Of course, vet costs will be higher if your dog develops a health problem (tests, blood work, medicines, etc.)

Insider Tip: Some years you are going to spend more than others. Your pup’s first year will be more expensive. On the other end, as your pooch reaches her senior years, she’s likely to develop health problems and your vet bill will increase.

Emergencies

Here are some price references for possible emergencies.

• Vet or emergency room visit: $80 to $2000 (surgery can be that expensive).
• Stay in the ICU: You could be looking at $200 to $500 per day.

As with all dogs, French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues based on the type of breed they are.

Here are the most common serious issues and the cost to treat them:

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS): This can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. Parents should be screened before breeding – $250 – $3,000.

• Patellar Luxation: where the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place – $1,500 – $3,000.
• Cataracts: They can suffer from a range of eye problems, including cataracts (there is screening for this) – $1,500 – $5,000.
• Intervertebral disc disease: A back problem where the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae (back bones) bulge or burst, pressing on nerves in the spine – $250 – $4,000.
• Skin conditions: Especially skin fold dermatitis where the skin in their wrinkles gets inflamed and sore or even infected – $350 – $5,000.

Note: Don’t let this list scare you, it’s just a word of caution about potential health concerns. Parental genetic testing when purchasing your pup should rule out all hereditary conditions!

Read also: Dog Health: The Ultimate Guide to Wellbeing and Longevity and Identify, Treat and Prevent French Bulldog Eye Problems.

Preventive Medicine Expenses

Here I am mainly focusing on parasite treatments (heartworms, fleas, ticks, etc.) and supplements (highly dependent on your French Bulldog’s specific needs).

For instance, worm treatments are around $20. Flea and tick prevention treatments cost around $30. The amount and frequency will depend on your vet’s suggestion.

Supplements like krill oil for a healthy coat or probiotics for gut health cost around $16 for two months supply.

On average, you can expend between $100 to $300 on parasite preventive treatments and one type of supplement. It really depends on your product choices and your French Bulldog’s health.

Read also: Dog Parasite Prevention and Treatment – Worms, Fleas, Ticks and Natural Dog Supplements with Health Benefits You Must Know About blog posts.

Insurance Expenses

Dog insurance is optional but can definitely save the day when the need arises. Consider purchasing pet insurance that covers a percentage of vet expenses.

Typical coverage costs around $44 per month, the accident only policy starts at $38, and the accident and illness policy has a base rate of $46 and up.

Petplan pet insurance covers all hereditary and chronic conditions as standard. This means if your French Bulldog inherits her dad’s bad eyes or her mom’s patchy coat, you’re covered.

So, on average, you can spend between $456 to $552 a year for average insurance coverage.

Grooming Expenses

Fortunately, it is fairly easy to take care of French Bulldogs since they don’t need haircuts!

However, you still want to maintain their skin health to avoid any skin conditions such as dermatitis.

Here are the grooming tools that you are going to need:

• Rubber brush: $9.98
• Dog shampoo: $12.99 
• Nail clipper: $12.99
• Styptic powder: $7.99
• Dog wipes: $11.99
• Alcohol-free ear cleaner: $15.99
• Cotton balls or pads: $6.99
• Coconut oil: $14.98
• Toothbrush: $7.18
• Dog toothpaste: $9.12

For a better and more comprehensive guide, you can check what I use in my Dog Grooming Kit shopping list. 🙂

However, if you pay a visit to the groomer, you can plan on spending anywhere from $30 to $500 a year ($25 for a bath or $10 for nail clipping).

On average, you can spend between $146.16 to $258.32 on grooming tools a year. Some tools will last several years, others need ongoing shopping.

Read also: Dog Grooming At Home Tips: The Ultimate Guide and French Bulldog Shedding Problems – 7 Tips to Reduce It.

Dog Sitter, Walker or Boarding Expenses

There may be times that you will need to leave your Frenchie with a dog sitter due to vacations, emergencies or any other event that is not practical for your dog to be with you.

This might happen once or twice a year, unless you travel frequently.

Plus, you might decide to hire a dog walker to exercise your French Bulldog daily (especially if you work a 9-5 job, for example).

According to Rover.com, a dog walker and sitter site, the costs can range from $15 to $35 depending on the service and where you live.

Here are some estimates:

• Dog boarding: $35 per night.
• House sitting: $30 per night.
• Dog walking: $15 to $20 per walk.
• Doggy daycare: $20 to $30 per day.
• Drop-in visits: $15 to $20 per visit.

Note: Those are average prices that can vary depending on location.

The cost will highly depend on your needs (how often you use these services). As a guideline, you can estimate a cost of $100 to $300 a year.

Training Expenses

Attending obedience classes during the first year can cost $25 to $300 per year, depending on your French Bulldog’s training needs. On average, group lessons range from $50-$125 for 4-8 weeks of one-hour sessions.

However, online resources like The Online Dog Trainer can be a great alternative and prices start at $37 a month (although they offer discounts for 6 months subscriptions).

You can estimate a cost of $37 to $300 per year on dog training. Remember, investing some money in the first year especially pays off for the rest of your dog’s lifetime!

Travel Expenses

When travelling with your French Bulldog, there will be expenses involved.

Aside from the actual airline costs for bringing your pup, you would need a few essential items for car journeys too.

• A travel carrier (airline-approved): $39.99
• Car trunk or boot guards: $45.99
• Dog seatbelts or seatbelt with safety harness: $5.99 to 10.99
• A dog first-aid kit: $35

Check my Dog Travel Kit shopping list for references.

For car journeys, you will be looking at a cost of $40.99 a year. This will depend on what safety option you choose and how long it lasts.

Read also: How to Safely Travel With Your Dog by Car.