French bulldog at a glance
| Adult weight | 9 to 13kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | About 10 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Well-known breed health problems |
One of the most expensive breeds to insure because of breathing and spine problems.
What a French bulldog costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,322 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,492 |
| A month, after year one | £124 |
| Over about 10 years | £16,750 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £27 a month of mid-range dry food for a 11kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
French bulldogs are known to be prone to:
- Breathing problems from the flat face
- Skin fold infections
- Spine problems
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every French bulldog will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a French bulldog?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £7,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about breathing problems from the flat face.
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Next steps
- Check which insurance a French bulldog needs
- See how big your French bulldog puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a French bulldog puppy
- Check a French bulldog breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a French bulldog cost a month?
About £124 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a French bulldog cost in the first year?
About £3,322, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a French bulldog?
Our starting figure is £50 a month for lifetime cover for a young French bulldog, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £7,000 a year.
How long do French bulldogs live?
About 10 years on average.
Cocker spaniel £1,790 a year
English springer spaniel £1,576 a year
Border collie £1,504 a year
Staffordshire bull terrier £1,444 a year
Bulldog £1,744 a year
Beagle £1,360 a year