Are French Bulldogs Smart? Breed Intelligence Info & Care Tips

French Bulldogs, also known as “Frenchies,” are little love bugs, and if you own one, you don’t need us to tell you that. These little dogs will steal your heart with their charming little Bulldog faces, spunky little attitudes, and bat-like ears. They thrive on being the center of attention and know how to get it.

With that said, you may wonder if French Bulldogs are smart. In actuality, these dogs are ranked 109th smartest dog breed out of 138 in obedience and working intelligence, which is pretty low. Given that ranking, many argue that these dogs do not receive enough credit for their intelligence, and we agree. In short, French Bulldogs are smarter than they get credit for.

There’s much more to these little dogs than meets the eye, so let’s explore the breed and their intelligence.

Are French Bulldogs Smart?

Despite the low ranking from Stanley Coren's dog intelligence ranking methods, these dogs are considered smart by their owners and the American Kennel Club (AKC). Dog intelligence is a bit hard to measure, but Coren’s methods give you a guess as to where they stand intelligence and obedience-wise.

Frenchies are known to be a stubborn breed, which can make training a challenge. However, their stubborn streak is why they rank low on any intelligence chart. In a nutshell, French Bulldogs are smart. Think about this: they are one of the most popular breeds to own in the United States, and that speaks volumes.

Are French Bulldogs High Maintenance?

Unfortunately, these little guys can be high maintenance, as they are prone to certain health issues that may require extensive vet bills. Frenchies have a brachycephalic airway that causes respiratory issues due to their short snouts. This condition also can cause heat stroke, so be sure to not leave your Frenchie outside in the heat for extensive periods. It doesn’t take long for them to overheat, and if you notice your Frenchie painting, it’s wise to bring them back inside a cool area. Also, don’t forget to provide fresh, cool water.

Their bat-like ears may be cute, but the design of the small ear canals makes them prone to ear infections. Frenchies also have skin folds on the face and lip that can cause skin infections known as skin fold pyoderma. Medical treatment, such as steroids and antibiotics, can help clear up the condition. A telltale sign is redness of the affected area and a strong, musty odor. If you notice these signs, take your Frenchie to the vet for an examination.

Are French Bulldogs Aggressive?

As a rule, the French Bulldog is not aggressive, but they all have their own unique personalities. In other words, you may end up with one that’s aggressive, but it’s less likely. Most are lovable and friendly; however, your Frenchie may steal your favorite blanket or hog the pillow, so be prepared to battle it out for those items.

How to Care for Your French Bulldog

Don’t let the health conditions we’ve mentioned deter you from adopting a French Bulldog. These dogs make excellent pets for those looking to add a loveable and friendly pooch into the fold.

Some tips for keeping your French Bulldog healthy are:

Final Thoughts

These little dogs make excellent companions and are an awesome choice for apartment living. They have an even disposition and make excellent watchdogs because they are somewhat territorial and will bark at unwanted visitors. Frenchies adapt well to any environment and can be well-behaved with persistent training.

The French Bulldog is cuddly and an all-around pleasure to own, and now that you know they are indeed intelligent, go ahead and adopt one. You will not regret it!

• You might also like: French Bulldog Ear Infections: Frequency and Signs to Look For

Featured Image Credit: Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash