Dr. Amanda Charles, a 2002 graduate from Liverpool University, has built a prolific career in small animal medicine. She is passionate about providing pet owners with reliable and current information, enjoying the varied aspects of veterinary work. Outside the clinic, Amanda's life is filled with the energy of her two young sons, her spirited Cocker Spaniel, along with a spunky Ragdoll cat.
Dr. Charles is an accomplished veterinarian with a focus on small animals, particularly in the area of skin conditions, backed by over 20 years of experience and a Postgraduate Certificate in Dermatology. She practices part-time, offering extensive consultations on dermatology, and finds fulfillment in telemedicine and editorial roles.
French Bulldogs certainly are an interesting breed. They are one of the most popular dogs for a reason, touting the squishiest, cutest faces, and the best personalities! You might’ve noticed if you’ve been browsing that these dogs cost a pretty penny! In fact, they’re one of the most expensive popular dog breeds to buy. There is a reason for this, other than just their popularity. A lot of it has to do with the complications of breeding these dogs and the size of their litters.
French Bulldogs typically only have 2 to 4 puppies per litter, and they are rarely able to give birth naturally so most puppies are born via C-section. So, whether you’re on a breeder’s waiting list for a puppy or your French Bulldog is currently pregnant, in this article, we’re going to go over important things to know about a French Bulldog pregnancy and birth. Then, you can understand a little bit more about the difficulties with breeding Frenchies, and the financial and ethical considerations.
How Many Puppies Do French Bulldogs Have?
According to the American Kennel Club, French Bulldogs will typically only have 2 to 4 puppies in a litter.1 Although the largest known litter is 7 puppies, litters larger than 5 puppies are very rare.
Like many Bulldog breeds, French Bulldog pups have large heads and the mothers have narrow hips. This can cause major complications, such as puppies being lodged in the birth canal, when they try to give birth naturally. This leads to the majority of French Bulldog puppies being born via C-section, which of course should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
This can be a costly procedure, which is one reason why French Bulldog puppies often cost so much. The inability to give birth naturally also raises some ethical concerns about the breeding of French Bulldogs.
Image Credit: Kotova Miroslava, Shutterstock
Signs of a French Bulldog Pregnancy
If you think your Frenchie might be pregnant but aren’t sure, it can take several weeks for them to start showing signs that they are carrying.
Signs can include:
Changes in behavior
Swollen abdomen
Enlarged nipples
Appetite increase
Consult with your veterinarian to confirm the pregnancy. An ultrasound scan is usually the preferred method and is usually performed between days 25 and 28 of pregnancy.
How Long Is a French Bulldog Pregnancy?
Unlike humans that are pregnant for around 9 months, a French Bulldog is pregnant for around 9 weeks. On average, a French Bulldog pregnancy lasts around 63 days in total.
Stages of Pregnancy
A French Bulldogs pregnancy can be roughly divided into three stages.
Early Pregnancy (weeks 1-3): Fertilization occurs after mating and the embryos begin to develop. The embryos implant in the uterine wall at around 18 days of pregnancy. Your Frenchie may experience changes to their behavior such as being more affectionate.
Mid Pregnancy (weeks 4-6): You’ll start to notice more obvious signs of pregnancy in the second month as the fetuses develop. You will likely notice weight gain and an appetite increase.
Late Pregnancy (weeks 7-9): The puppies continue to grow and your Frenchie’s abdomen will be noticeably larger. Your dog may start to display nesting behavior in the last few weeks.
Image Credit: Nadya Chetah, Shutterstock
Most Frenchies Get Pregnant via Artificial Insemination
A Frenchie’s physical structure also leads to challenges with mating. The breed’s broad chests and narrow hips makes it challenging for the male to mount the female and makes natural mating difficult. Because of this breeding often involves artificial insemination. Of course, this particular way of breeding is more expensive as it requires veterinary supervision and intervention, again raising ethical concerns.
Can French Bulldogs Have a Normal Delivery?
Because of the size of French Bulldog puppies’ heads, they have a lot of trouble making it through the birth canal naturally. In fact data has shown that more than 80% of French Bulldogs require a cesarean to give birth. To reduce the high risk of complications associated with birthing, vets will usually advise elective C-sections for French Bulldogs.
While the mother will still have to undergo anesthesia and be closely monitored, it prevents the risks of lodged puppies, hemorrhaging, and other serious and even fatal complications.
If you know that your French Bulldog is pregnant, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible so that they can monitor the pregnancy and get your dog scheduled for a C-section when it is close to time for her to give birth. Your vet may also need to perform blood tests, ultrasounds, and many other forms of prenatal care.
Once the puppies have been born, the vetting does not end. Your vet will closely monitor the newborn puppies in their development to ensure they are of sound health, and monitor the mother as she recovers from surgery.
Image Credit: jubatusdj, Shutterstock
Preparing for the Birth
Mothers will naturally start their nesting instincts to prepare for birth. At this time, you might notice personality changes and interesting behaviors that signal it’s getting near her due date. At this stage, usually by the 6-week mark, you can start to make your female more comfortable for the approaching birth.
Give Her Privacy
Your French Bulldog might become antsy or restless when she is prepared to give birth. In the week or two prior to delivery, she might start exhibiting many signs to let you know she is almost at the finish line.
Even if she is having a C-section and is not giving birth at home, it is important to let her do her thing and relax before she expends her energy with the process of entering motherhood.
Make the Area Distraction-Free
You should make sure to give your French Bulldog female time apart from other animals or small children in the home. She should be in a distraction-free environment, where she is not stressed or nervous in her surroundings.
Find a quiet space away from the chaos of the home to allow her to have her space at this time. Again, even if she is having a C-section, you don’t want to add additional stress to her at this time, which can negatively affect her health and the puppies.
Image Credit: Innaponomareva21, Shutterstock
Use the Right Bedding
When you are creating a whelping box for your female, it is crucial to buy the right materials to create a mess-free, clean environment for the litter. This is partly up to you, as it depends on your preference.
However, puppies need a clean surface that lies flat and provides traction. Many breeders will choose puppy pads with washable blankets. Avoid deep or loose bedding that puppies could get caught and that could affect their breathing.
Keep in Contact with Your Vet
Make sure that your vet is on standby and ready. Remember that it is likely that your vet will schedule the elective C-section prior to when natural labor would occur to avoid complications.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your dog — all at an affordable price!
When the mother gives birth to the litter, care is essential from square one. Not only is carrying her through the pregnancy without complications important, but it’s also important that you understand how to care for both the mother and her puppies during this taxing time.
Nutrition
Nutrition is going to be on the list of important categories when you think about a mother and her litter of puppies. The puppies will, of course, be fed by their mother, so that is why her nutrition is so crucial at this time. Speak to your vet for specific recommendations but it is usually recommended to start feeding a pregnant dog puppy chow from around week 6 of pregnancy and when lactating. This is because it’s richer in key nutrients and more energy dense than adult foods.
Plus, when it comes time for the puppies to start solids, you already have a bag ready to go!
Image Credit: Nadya Chetah, Shutterstock
Comfort
Keeping the mother and her puppies comfortable is a crucial part of care. If the mother had any complications, she might be recovering. Since these dogs often have to have a C-section, she will have wounds that will need to be cared for and monitored. Check the incision site multiple times daily for redness, swelling or discharge and contact your vet with any concerns.
You’ll also want to monitor the mother for any signs of discomfort, which can lead to a disinterest in nursing, and make sure all the puppies are feeding well.
Vetting
Ensure that you are taking your female to all vet appointments that are necessary. During this time, it is imperative that her health, healing, and rearing are taken seriously.
Not only is each puppy completely important on its own, but the health of the mother is also paramount to keep all the puppies safe and protected. Your vet will be able to monitor her behavior and healing progress to see if she is on track.
Conclusion
Now you know a brief overview of what to expect with a French Bulldog pregnancy, they typically have small litters of only 2 to 4 puppies. Unfortunately Frenchies are more likely to have issues with pregnancy and giving birth than most other breeds of dogs, and it’s important to understand that this is not something you should do on your own. Seek vet advice if you want to breed your French Bulldog, prenatal care is essential and your dog will likely need close supervision from your vet through all stages of pregnancy and the birth.
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature in need. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to
prevent homelessness. Her specialties are dogs and cats.
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