Currently the second most popular dog breed in America, French Bulldogs are friendly, charming, clever little dogs who more than earn their popularity. Adaptable to almost any living situation or family dynamic, Frenchies live to entertain and be adored by everyone they meet. Male and female French Bulldogs both make wonderful pets, but there are a few differences between the two genders to consider.

Size, personality, and energy level are all areas where you will see differences between male and female Frenchies. In this article, we’ll discuss these variations and how they can help you decide which gender works best for you as you prepare to welcome a French Bulldog into your home!

Visual Differences

At a Glance

French Bulldogs 101

Developed in the French countryside in the mid-19th century, the adorable bat-eared French Bulldog eventually took the city by storm, charming the upper-class citizens of Paris as they soon would the world. Thanks to their compact size, low exercise needs, and friendly personalities, Frenchies made the perfect pet for city dwellers, allowing their popularity to spread quickly.

French Bulldogs are classified in the “Non-Sporting Group” of the AKC but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to play! However, they don’t need a lot of exercise and don’t tolerate hot weather well because of their flat noses.

Frenchies usually get along with everyone, including kids and other pets. They aren’t prone to barking, another trait that makes them ideal for apartment living. French Bulldogs are smart dogs but can be a bit stubborn.

Unfortunately, with their explosion in popularity has also come a swarm of irresponsible breeders looking to cash in on the Frenchie trend. A breed already prone to health issues has seen even more poor-quality dogs offered for sale, often to unsuspecting owners swayed by the adorable, wrinkly faces and rolling gait of the breed.

Whether you decide on a male or female Frenchie, make sure you choose a breeder dedicated to producing healthy dogs of either gender.

Male French Bulldog Overview

Personality / Character

Male French Bulldogs are generally more active, bold, and confident than females. They are often more stubborn and take longer to mature as well. Males are more likely to prefer playtime to snuggle time. More independent by nature, male Frenchies can also be more dominant and pushier than females. However, they are also less likely to have mood swings and their personalities stay pretty consistent no matter the situation.

Training

Because of their independent and dominant tendencies, male French Bulldogs are considered a bit tougher to train than females. Young male Frenchies especially require more patience, particularly when house training. Consistent, positive, fun training sessions are key. Even the most stubborn male Frenchie is also a born people-pleaser, making them willing to learn even if they take a little more time about it.

Health & Care

 As we already mentioned, French Bulldogs are unfortunately prone to health issues. The majority and most serious are related to them being brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs. Responsible breeders have their dogs’ eyes, hips, knees, and hearts checked and certified before breeding.

Unneutered male French Bulldogs can also suffer testicular cancer or prostate disease, like all male dogs.

Breeding

Before breeding a male French Bulldog, you should be sure he’s free of any of the health problems we just discussed. Male Frenchies usually reach sexual maturity around 15 months old. However, because of the way French Bulldogs are built, it’s often difficult for them to breed naturally without human assistance, like artificial insemination.

Breeding French Bulldogs, if done correctly, is not easy or cheap. If you don’t plan to breed your male Frenchie, consider having him neutered. Neutering reduces some health risks to your dog and can also mellow out the dominant personality traits of the male French Bulldog.

Female French Bulldog Overview

Personality / Character

Female French Bulldogs tend to be calmer and more affectionate than males. They are more likely to prefer cuddling to play. While both males and females are friendly dogs, female Frenchies are considered a little bit sweeter in nature.

That being said, females can also have mood swings, especially unspayed ones. They might be less patient and tolerant than males, and even more likely to get nippy if pushed too far.

Training

Most of the time, female French Bulldogs are thought to be easier to train than males. They mature more quickly and are less likely to be dominant or stubborn. Like males, female Frenchies respond well to positive, reward-based training. They’re eager to please and enjoy the attention they receive when they learn and show off new skills.

Health & Care

Female French Bulldogs are prone to the same major and minor health conditions as males. However, females may be less likely to develop some of these issues as compared to male French Bulldogs. You should still do your research and know what to watch out for before buying a female Frenchie, as well as what questions and certifications you should ask your breeder about.

All unspayed female dogs, including female French Bulldogs, can suffer from breast cancer or develop a dangerous infection in their uterus called a pyometra.

Breeding

Female French Bulldogs usually go into the heat for the first time around 6 months of age. However, it’s recommended to wait until they are at least 2 years old to breed them.

Not only are female French Bulldogs usually unable to breed naturally, but they are also at high risk of having difficulty giving birth. Many female Frenchies end up requiring a cesarean (C-section).

Carefully consider the risks before you breed your female Frenchie. If you don’t want to breed or deal with messy heat cycles twice a year, consider having your dog spayed.

Which Gender Is Right For You?

So which French Bulldog is right for you, male or female? Well, you know that all Frenchies will be friendly, smart, and charming but males and females are still just a little different.

If you’re looking for a dog with a strong personality and more energy, the male French Bulldog might be a better choice. Just remember they might be more stubborn as well.

Those who prefer a quieter, cuddlier pet may find a female French Bulldog more suitable. Again, females might also be a little more moody or aggressive than males.

Keep in mind that every dog is an individual and won’t conform exactly to the basic gender norms described here. The personality of a dog is strongly impacted by many factors including how they are raised, socialized, and trained. Spaying or neutering a Frenchie also impacts their behavior.

No matter which gender you choose, make sure you get your new pet from a responsible breeder. French Bulldogs can sometimes be adorable disasters and you should do your best to start with the healthiest dog possible. Male or female, French Bulldogs are sure to delight and entertain whoever is lucky enough to share their home with one!

• See Also: Do French Bulldogs Bark a Lot? How Much & How to Stop It

Featured Image Credit: Female French Bulldog, Piqsels | Male French Bulldog, Christel SAGNIEZ, Pixabay