Why Are French Bulldogs So Expensive?
With their probingly puckered face, compact body, and cuddly ways, French Bulldogs are overwhelmingly cute. Unbeknown to many, French Bulldogs can cost an arm and a leg.
Their small size has nothing to do with their price. If you want to own one, be prepared to chuck about $1,500 to $3,000. There are recorded cases of these dogs selling for a whopping $100,000.
But why the higher than usual price tag? Why are French Bulldogs so expensive?
French Bulldogs are expensive because of their high breeding costs, their lack of temperature adaptability, which can be expensive to maintain, high-quality dog food, and expensive health demands.
Here are detailed reasons why French Bulldogs are so expensive.
Ideal for Different Lifestyles
Whatever you do that identifies with your lifestyle; a French Bulldog will fit right in. This dog has incredible adaptability and adjusts fast to its new surroundings.
The Frenchie doesn’t need as much space as a larger dog would. It’s a low-energy dog that will not act out if you don’t take it out for rigorous morning/evening runs. It doesn’t eat much and can accommodate frequent changes.
Say you bring home a new pet, or there’s a new addition to the family. Instead of turning aggressive, a French Bulldog will adapt easily to the new additions.
People have no problem paying a high amount for a dog that doesn’t ask for too much.
Unique Appearance
A French Bulldog is a dog in its lane. Some of its features may resemble other dogs but look around much as you want; you’ll find nothing quite like the French Bulldog.
The first instant you set eyes on a French Bulldog, you know what it is even from a distance. You’re less likely to mistake a Frenchie for a Poodle or a Chihuahua.
Their large distinctive ears, a shorter snout, and smaller masculine body have become the French Bulldog trademark.
Not to mention, French Bulldogs come in the most attractive natural shades. They include cream, white, brindle, tan, and fawn.
Temperature Adaptability
French Bulldogs don’t take too well to extreme temperature differences. They prefer moderate temperatures – not too hot nor too cold.
French Bulldogs have difficulty breathing when the weather is too hot due to their flat-shaped faces. In this case, turning on the air conditioning or bathing them helps keep them cool.
On the other hand, French Bulldogs get cold fast during the winter due to their short-haired coats. If you don’t keep them warm, they’ll start to shiver and likely fall ill. It’s best to dress them in sweaters or turn your heat up to accommodate your dog’s needs.
French Bulldogs cost more because you’ll need to spend more on energy costs and other considerations to ensure they are comfortable.
History
A good hint about where French Bulldogs originate is their name. The French Bulldog is a crossbreed between Toy Bulldogs and Parisian Ratters. The first French Bulldog was born in the 1800s and was initially a hunting dog.
Initially, the dogs were slightly larger. When England criminalized hunting sports, French Bulldog owners started breeding the dogs with smaller-sized terriers. As their size decreased, people found them excellent dogs for company.
In fact, women working in Paris brothels loved French Bulldogs.
Their high-status fate was sealed when a renowned painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, made French Bulldogs a significant subject in many of his paintings.
Wealthy people who bought the paintings also wanted to own French Bulldogs. They paid the best price to own these type of dogs.
One thing has not changed; the French Bulldog is as much a status symbol now as it was in the 1800s.
Breeding Costs
Do you want tiny baby Frenchies walking around your home? If yes, it will cost you.
French Bulldogs cannot reproduce naturally due to their physical inhibitions. The French Bulldog has short narrow legs and hips that make natural procreation very difficult.
Breeding your French Bulldog means facilitating the costs and demands of artificial insemination.
Once the pregnancy comes to term, the same physical limitations hinder the dog from having a natural birth. Therefore, you will be needed to cover the costs for a C-section.
You may spend upwards of $1,000 to $3,000 to breed your French Bulldog safely.
Other costs not factored in the breeding costs include:
- Ensuring a healthy, high protein diet for the dog mom during pregnancy and after pregnancy. Note that puppies require plenty of nutrients inside and outside the womb to guarantee health and longevity.
- You may also want to guarantee that your dog heals well and gets special care after birth. You will need to contact an experienced breeder whose job will be to keep a constant check on the dog and the puppies during the initial few days.
Food Demands
Ordinary dog food may make your beloved French Bulldog become overweight. Frenchies don’t eat much but make no mistake, they require a special diet high in nutrients to keep them in tip-top shape.
High-quality dog food that can last for a month costs between $70 and $225, depending on the brand you prefer.
If your dog quickly gains weight or is pregnant or sick, you must consider giving them a special diet. You’ll need to purchase specially packaged food that will likely cost slightly more than standard dog food.
Excellent Personality
Their social nature and approachable demeanor make French Bulldogs the best dogs. Even as a new dog, the Frenchie takes quickly to its owner, other pets, people, and kids.
It comes as no surprise because the dog is bred to give company. They are super easy to train and don’t have an aggressive temperament. Should I hear my French Bulldog barking, I know right away, something is off!
French Bulldogs are ‘talkative,’ but they never bark without a trigger.
French Bulldogs, therefore, cost more because they are easy, convenient dogs. Going by the laws of demand and supply, French Bulldogs cost more because, compared to their high demand, there are fewer Frenchie dogs.
Health Demands
Regular vet visits are crucial for your dog’s health and overall well-being. A full check-up can cost a French Bulldog owner anywhere from $330 to $725 annually. The cost will go up if the test results show that the dog is ailing.
Owing to their physical shortcomings, French Bulldogs suffer medical issues such as:
- Respiratory issues
- Skin problems
- Ear infections
- Mobility compilations
- Conjunctivitis
- Heart problems
- Vision issues
As your dog grows older, its health deteriorates. Therefore, it leads to frequent vet visits that come with a higher cost.
Wealth and Social Status
Have you ever noticed that many wealthy people and celebrities own French Bulldogs? Out of 193 breeds, the French Bulldog emerged 4th. This is according to a poll conducted two years ago by the American Kennel Club-AKC.
Their high price tag seems to attract people more than it repels them. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Madonna, Eli Roth, David Beckham, Reese Witherspoon, Yves Saint Laurent, and more own Frenchies. These celebrities are often eager to pose with their French Bulldogs either on the red carpet or on a casual walk down the street.
When people see their favorite idols with something, they want one like it. Many people don’t mind paying even though it may cost too much to own a French Bulldog.
From as far back as the 1800s, French Bulldogs have effortlessly maintained their place as a dog for the wealthy and the famous.
What’s in It for You?
Owning a Frenchie does more for your health than you realize. Generally, owning a dog can improve your mental, emotional, and physical status. However, owning a French Bulldog comes with even more perks.
When you are sad, angry, depressed, or anxious, it’s a Frenchie that will be first to accommodate you. It will distract you with its funny little antics, cuddle against you, make funny sounds to soothe and sympathize with you, etc.
Therefore, a French Bulldog costs more because it’s a caring and accommodating dog. A French Bulldog can fit in your small apartment, keep you company, learn your habits, and warn you against possible dangers. Many will not think twice about paying the top price to own it.
Why Should You Get a French Bulldog?
Owning a Frenchie comes with a ton of responsibility, but it also has its unique set of benefits. The Frenchie is a loyal, joyful, intelligent, friendly, clever companion that can get along with whomever in any family dynamic.
They are typically quiet dogs that love your attention. They only bark if they are hurt, want to take a bathroom break, or are hungry or bored.
One of the main reasons I love French Bulldogs is that they are super easy to groom and don’t need much exercise.
There’s no reason you should forego a chance to own a Frenchie. Out of all dog breeds, this dog easily tops the list of best dogs to live with.
Conclusion
Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? Above are some of the valid answers to this question. Undoubtedly, French Bulldogs are the furballs every dog lover wants to give a home.
A lot goes into deciding whether or not a pet is a right match for you.
If the pointers above are anything to go by, it’s crystal clear that the French Bulldog price tag is not a hindrance. If anything, it makes people want the dog more!
