So you’ve finally made the decision to adopt a French Bulldog, but where do you begin? How do you go about picking out the perfect puppy?
With so many breeders to choose from, you’ll first want to be sure that you are adopting your dog from a reputable breeder. Before choosing a puppy, make sure that you
are aware of any health problems that the parents of your new pup may have suffered from. You’ll want to obtain any health cards or papers if applicable.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of worthy breeders, it’s time to check out the pups themselves. At this stage, you might be surprised to find out just how much variety exists within the breed. For instance, French Bulldogs come in a wide range of coat colors including various types of brindle coats, fawn, cream, pied, and black. Additionally, when picking out a new puppy you may be unsure if you should adopt a female or male French Bulldog. This is a decision that any new dog owner may struggle with.
So how do you decide between a male and female puppy? Are there really any differences between male and female French Bulldogs in the first place?
The truth is that there are some differences between the two sexes. Female French Bulldogs can differ from their male counterparts in many ways. The two sexes differ not only in physical characteristics, but also in their temperaments.
To help you decide if a male or female French Bulldog puppy is right for you, we have highlighted some common differences between the sexes as well as some of the pros and cons of each.
Comparing Temperaments Between Male and Female French Bulldogs
First, male and female dogs do have some very basic differences and tendencies in temperaments. In general, male dogs tend to have more stable moods than females and are less prone to mood swings. Male dogs may also be bolder and more aggressive. On the other hand, in some breeds, female dogs may be seen as “brighter.” Despite their mood swings, many dog owners tend to believe that females are “sweeter.” While this may or may not be true, female dogs tend to be less “in your face” than males.
In addition, because female dogs tend to reach physical and mental maturity quicker than male dogs, they may also be easier to train. Males dogs also tend to be more independent, which may contribute to the difficulty in training young males.
Now, let’s look at specific gender differences between male and female Frenchies
Within every breed, each dog will still have its own unique personality. However, there are some differences between male and female personalities in French Bulldogs. Male frenchies tend to be “rambunctious playful, and assertive” while females tend to be “a bit more timid, but incredibly more affectionate.” Additionally, female French Bulldogs are often the more docile of the two and males take longer to house train (Canna-Pet).
Female French Bulldogs can also be a bit nippier. They are quick to aggression if pushed beyond their limits and can be “more temperamental in their early youth” though they tend to outgrow this. Much like female French Bulldogs, males may display the same behaviors, though they can be corrected with proper training. Males are usually not as aggressive as females (Canna-Pet).
When choosing between a male and a female Frenchie, be sure to take the personality traits of both sexes as well as the personality of the individual into consideration to find the best fit. If you’re looking for an affectionate lap dog, a female may be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a friendly buddy to run around the yard and play with, a male will probably suit you better.
At the end of the day, keep in mind, that each and every tendacy may not display itself in your dog regardless of breed or sex as temperament is largely determined by other factors such as how each dog is raised, how much training the dog goes through, how they were bred, and genetics.
Overall, both male and female Frenchies tend to be playful, affectionate, and docile dogs. They are easy to train and very loyal. French Bulldogs are also not very aggressive by nature, though they do like to nip.
Are male or female French Bulldogs easier to train? Or are both similar?
Overall, some trainers argue that female French Bulldogs tend to be easier to train than male French Bulldogs because they do not “usually wage a dominance power struggle over their new owners” (Arlee’s French Bulldogs). Dog trainers have also noted that the difficulty in training male French Bulldogs may be a result of their playfulness and dominance. Overall, female and male dogs have very different learning styles and abilities. Remember that because female dogs mature at an earlier age, you may find training them to be much easier.
Either way, it will be easier to train both the male and female French Bulldog if they are spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering your new pet will ensure that they are less prone to moodiness and aggression (Arlee’s French Bulldogs). For instance, non-neutered males are often more dominant and high-spirited. They may try to dominate other small dogs if you have any as well as their owners.
Are there any physical differences between male and female French Bulldogs?
Female and male French Bulldogs have some obvious physical differences that may affect your decision to adopt. One of the most obvious differences between the two is the presence of the genitals. Unneutered males have genitals that are very plainly visible and may leave some dog owners self conscious or embarrassed when they lick them or become visibly aroused. The presence of highly visible genitals in male dogs are one of the major disadvantages for many pet owners when owning a male dog. Some dog owners also do not like the fact that male dogs have a tendency to hump not only furniture, but their owners and house guests, though females are not immune to this behavior.
On the other hand, the female genitals in French Bulldogs are a lot less noticeable. However, if you choose to breed your female Frenchie or if she has previously had a litter of puppies, the nipples will become enlarged and quite noticeable.
Is there a major size difference between male and female Frenchies?
The French Bulldog is a fairly small dog, weighing under thirty pounds. While there is not a huge size difference between male and female French Bulldogs, males usually weigh 2-4 pounds more than females. Males usually weigh somewhere between 20 and 28 pounds while females usually weigh between 16 and 24 pounds. Overall, male French Bulldogs also “tend to have larger heads and are bigger and bullier looking” while females tend to be more “petite and slim” (Bay Area Bulldogs).
One major disadvantage of owning a female Frenchie:
If you chose to adopt a female Frenchie AND choose not to have her spayed, one obvious disadvantage is the fact that your French Bulldog female will be in seasonal heat twice a year. Seasonal heat lasts approximately two to three weeks.
When your dog is in heat, she may need to wear a dog diaper or you will find blood and discharge on your couches, beds, carpets, and other soft surfaces in your house. Being in heat can also lead to behavioral changes such as moodiness.
Females in heat can also attract males. To keep your female dog from breeding, you will have to keep her isolated from males or keep her locked up inside your home. Seasonal heats can also cause your female Frenchie to become more aggressive and can lead to undesirable behaviors such as humping.
If you do decide to spay your female Frenchie, keep in mind that this means that you will be unable to enter her in any
shows. If you won’t be showing your dog, spay her early. Experts say that the best time to have a female spayed is between the ages of six to nine months.
Spaying your dog “has been shown to lower the risk of ovarian or uterine diseases” and may have positive effects on your dog’s behavior. Many female dogs have better temperaments after they have been spayed and will show less aggression. Of course, the biggest benefit to having your dog spayed is that you can avoid any accidental or unwanted pregnancies.
Which is better for you?
Of course, neither sex is “better” than the other. They both have unique characteristics and their own set of pros and cons. Overall, the decision to adopt a female or male puppy is entirely up to the new owner and his or her own unique wants and needs.
