French bulldogs are small dogs that are very popular at the moment. They are even the second most popular breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club. But, what many people aren’t talking about is how much do French Bulldogs cost. Now, we’ll talk about the true cost of having a French Bulldog, but we want you to know that these dogs aren’t cheap. Not at all!
And no, we’re not only talking about the price you have to pay just to get one. There are so many other expenses you need to take into account when thinking about getting a Frenchie.
It’s important to be aware of how much these dogs really cost before you decide to buy one. Before we start a little disclaimer, these prices might not be a hundred percent accurate to the area where you live.
These are only estimated to give you an idea of how much are French Bulldogs. There are many factors that determine the cost of owning a dog. So if any of these numbers we’re going to state don’t apply to your area, please be aware that it’s just an estimate.
While you’re here, read more about the beautiful colors of French Bulldogs:
- Cream French Bulldog: The golden-colored dog
- Fawn French Bulldog: The classic beauty
- White French Bulldog: What To Expect
- Blue Fawn French Bulldog and its health issues
- Lilac French Bulldog or the Isabella Frenchie
- Brindle French Bulldog: The dog with tiger stripes
- Merle French Bulldog: The unusual Frenchie
How much do French Bulldogs cost – The true cost
If you do a little bit of research you’ll see that the price of French Bulldogs can go up to $8,000. Now, that might be true in some areas and for some breeders, but it’s not always the case. If your breeder is asking for $8,000, then the parents might be Champion parents. This means that the puppy’s parents have earned championship titles in conformation shows.
But, the average cost of a French Bulldog in the U.S. is between $1,500 and $3,000. So, no you don’t have to pay $8,000, but they are still expensive. If you want a pure-bred dog with good papers you will have to pay the above-mentioned price.
Obviously, you might be able to find a breeder who is asking for less. But, please make sure they are reputable and you can trust them. You’d be surprised how many breeders are just out for the money and will sell you a sick puppy.
So, if someone is offering you a Frenchie for, let’s say $800, it’s possible they are selling you a puppy with a hidden disease. All that money you think you saved buying from a sketchy breeder, you’ll have to spend on the vet and meds for your puppy.
Please check how the breeder treats the dogs and if they really are healthy. To be on the safe side, you should Google the breeder or even visit them once or twice and get to know them better. Ask to see the parent animals, they should be healthy and their kennel clean. It is also important not to buy animals from puppy mills and puppy farms.
Additional costs of getting a Frenchie
After you get a puppy, no matter the breed, you have to be prepared to invest more money in them. Or better said, in their needs. So, it’s difficult to really answer how much do French Bulldogs cost. Every puppy needs certain things to be happy and healthy. Including toys, collars, a leash, treats, vet visits, and so on.
No, how much money you’ll have to pay, depends a bit on you too. Obviously, your dog has basic needs, as already mentioned a leash, a collar, a bed, a water and food bowl, and of course toys.
Other possible items you’ll have to buy for your dog:
- Chew toys
- Training treats
- Dog crate
- Brush
- Shampoo
- Poop scooper
Now, it’s up to you how much you’ll pay for all these things. You can get them a food and water bowl for $10, or $100. Let’s say that an average cost for all the dog supplies would be somewhere between $150 and $200 dollars.
There are also other potential expenses you have to count on before getting a puppy:
- Daycare
- Dog walker
- Kennel Club registration
- Grooming
- Professional training
Vet costs
Let’s talk a bit about vet costs and vet visits. When you get a puppy obviously the vet costs will initially be slightly higher than later on. The first vet exams will cost more money because your vet will have to do many tests to make sure your dog is healthy. Then, you’ll have to pay for vaccinates, spaying/neutering, you’ll have to get your dog microchipped, and licensed, and so on.
We can’t tell you how much exactly your vet will charge you. but it’s probably going to be anywhere between $350 and $500 dollars. Again, this depends on your vet and the area you live in.
Obviously, the vet costs don’t stop there. You’ll also have to pay for ongoing vaccinations, deworming, or protection against fleas and ticks. There are also unforeseen veterinary costs, which can arise in the event of an injury, illness, and so on.
Because of this, many owners decide to get pet health insurance. We don’t want to lie for you, but French Bulldogs are very likely to get ill, so health insurance for your pup might be a good idea. Now, the average for plans that cover accidents and illness is around $594, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.
Costs for food
When talking about how much do French Bulldogs cost we can’t forget about the cost of their food.
French Bulldogs are a bit sensitive when it comes to their diet. They need high-quality food which is tailored to their needs. Frenchies need meat, protein, fat, and carbohydrates to keep them going.
But, obviously, they are small dogs, so they don’t need a lot of food. Besides that, they are a fairly low-energy breed and at risk for obesity. The average French Bulldog needs around 25-30 calories per pound of body weight per day, split into two to three meals.
So, you won’t have to pay a fortune for their food, but you’ll still have to pay around $100 for their food. And that’s if you don’t buy the best quality food.
A part of a dog’s health is making sure they have a balanced diet that will provide them with all the needed nutrients. Because we love to give our dogs human food, you should also know which human food is safe and which is not.
You can learn more about human foods in our “Food category” or check out the following articles: