Froodle (French Bulldog Poodle Mix): Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits

The French Bulldog and the Poodle are two of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and someone, somewhere decided to cross the two with some very interesting results. This unique-looking hybrid is seemingly growing in popularity, so much so that you can even buy t-shirts declaring that you’re a Froodle parent.

So, what is there to know about the Froodle (also known as a “Frenchie Doodle” or “Frenchie Poo”)? Plenty, and this guide tells all.

Breed Overview

Mixed-breed dogs are wonderful for a number of reasons, not least their diversity of appearance. There’s no such thing as “standard” when it comes to the Froodle, and though they often weigh up to 25 pounds and grow to be between 12 and 15 inches tall, there’s every chance this could vary, especially since Poodles come in different sizes (toy, miniature, standard).

What’s more, Frenchies and Poodles are both incredibly diverse color-wise, and your Froodle could also inherit markings including black, white, brindle, piebald, and ticked markings as well as black mask markings.

Froodle Breed Characteristics

Froodle Puppies

Froodles seem to be growing in popularity, and there are breeders out there who specialize in producing these dogs. However, potential Froodle parents should be aware that this hybrid may inherit breathing issues and heat sensitivity from the brachycephalic French Bulldog parent. It’s also possible that the Froodle’s facial anatomy will be more like a Poodle’s, but mixed breeds are very diverse.

Therefore, if you’re planning on purchasing a Froodle puppy, you’ll need to be prepared for this possibility. Owning brachycephalic dogs can be costly in terms of vet bills and their health issues can be distressing both for you and for them.

As always, we urge our readers to consider adopting a lovely mixed-breed dog rather than purchasing one, as there are countless dogs in the care of shelters and rescue organizations that need new homes. If you go with a breeder, always do your research first to find out which ones are the most reputable.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Froodle

French Bulldogs and Poodles are so popular not only for their looks but also their great personalities. Poodles are often very active, fun-loving, and loyal, while Frenchies are known for being gentle, sociable, and adaptable. Both are highly intelligent and typically very trainable. In the right environment, these wonderful traits are sure to shine through in the Froodle.

That said, much depends on how well-socialized the dog is. Bringing a new dog home is a commitment not only in terms of food, health care, and entertainment; it also means committing to socializing and training them to help them develop into a well-rounded, friendly, and confident individual.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Absolutely, if you work on socializing and training your Froodle and ensuring they build bonds with every member of the family. In addition, if you have children, it’s essential that they know how to treat the dog with respect and sensitivity. This will help the Froodle feel secure and allow them to trust their new family, which is crucial for building those all-important bonds.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

There’s a strong chance that your adaptable and friendly Froodle will live harmoniously with other pets, but you have to put a bit of work in to make sure of that. Gradual, gentle, and supervised introductions and the building of positive associations are key to successful cohabitation.

Things to Know When Owning a Froodle

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

How much your Froodle eats will depend on their age and weight, and you can check the label on the food packaging to find out the ideal amount. You can ensure your Froodle gets all their nutritional needs met by opting for a complete and balanced commercial recipe suitable for their age (puppy, adult, or senior).

We recommend going for as high-quality a brand as possible—ask your vet for recommendations if you’re unsure what type would be best. If your Froodle suffers from a health issue, your vet may prescribe or recommend a special kind of diet to help manage it. Examples include kidney care, joint support, and weight management formulas.

Exercise 🐕

Frenchies are moderately energetic and typically require between 30 minutes and an hour of exercise per day. Poodles are medium-to-high-energy dogs that often need 1–2 hours of exercise per day. On this basis, your Froodle’s exercise needs could vary somewhat, but they’ll likely need approximately one hour of exercise per day, including walks.

That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all policy when it comes to exercise, as each dog will have different needs and boundaries. Take care with Froodle puppies, though, as puppies can end up with damaged joints from too much exercise too soon. This happens because the joints are still developing and aren’t yet ready for the kind of exercise a fully grown adult dog is capable of.

In addition, be cautious during warm weather if your Froodle inherits the short snout from the Frenchie parent. Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to overheating than non-brachycephalic dogs.

Training 🎾

Fortunately, both Frenchies and Poodles—especially Poodles— are famously easy to train due to their eager-to-please personalities and high intelligence. The Frenchie exhibits a hint of stubbornness from time to time, but both respond well to gentle, short, and consistent training sessions in which their favorite items (treats, toys, etc.) are used to motivate and reward them.

If possible, it’s ideal to join an obedience class to see how the pros approach training and pick up some useful tips. These classes also provide an opportunity for your Froodle to socialize with other dogs and new people, which is important for helping them develop confidence.

Grooming ✂️

Neither the Frenchie nor the Poodle is a heavy shedder. However, the type of coat your Froodle inherits could be short like the Frenchie’s, long and wavy/curly like the Poodle’s, or somewhere in between.

If the coat is more like a Poodle’s, it will need to be brushed daily—and down to the skin—to keep it free of clumps and tangles. Some dog parents choose to keep this kind of coat trimmed short to make grooming easier.

In addition to coat care, your Froodle’s nails should be maintained with regular trims to prevent overgrowth, and the ears should be cleaned out occasionally with a dog-safe solution if they get dirty. Don’t clean the ears if you spot signs of infection—take your dog to a vet for diagnosis and treatment. It’s also recommended to brush the teeth daily to prevent dental issues from developing.

• Also see: Best Dog Wipes – Reviews &] Top Picks

Health and Conditions 🏥

As we touched on a little further up, one of the potential health conditions a Froodle could inherit is brachycephalic airway syndrome. This condition affects short-snouted breeds like the Frenchie, Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu, and more.

Signs include noisy breathing, snoring, sleeping in unusual positions, breathing difficulties during exercise, tiring quickly during exercise, and overheating. Another sign of brachycephalic airway syndrome is sleeping with a toy to prop the mouth open. Other conditions that affect the parent breeds and that the Froodle could inherit include:

Male vs Female

If you’re wondering whether there are any personality-linked reasons to choose one gender over another, there aren’t. The truth is, every dog is unique and comes with their own set of traits—traits that you won’t know until you actually get to know the dog.

Some dog owners say that male dogs are more affectionate in their experience, but other owners say the same thing about females, so it really depends. Behavior can be more unpredictable, however, if the dog is not spayed (females) or neutered (males) due to hormones.

For example, male dogs may become more territorial and aggressive toward other males when they smell a female in heat. Females may become more restless and agitated when in heat. Both males and females may mount other dogs (or even objects or people) and urinate more. Speak to your vet about neutering and spaying to reduce hormone-related behaviors.

4 Little-Known Facts About the Froodle

1. Poodles Originated in Germany

Though the Poodle is France’s national dog, and many people link the breed to France, these dogs actually originated in medieval Germany. They were developed as duck-hunting dogs and the term “Poodle” comes from “pudelin”, the German word meaning “to splash in the water”.

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2. French Bulldogs Descend from the Dogs of British Artisans

The breed had its beginnings in England, where their ancestors—toy Bulldogs—were popular with lace workers. The lace workers headed for France during the Industrial Revolution, and their canine companions quickly became popular with the locals. It was in France that the breed was developed into the Frenchie we know today.

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3. Poodles and French Bulldogs Are Extremely Popular in the U.S.

Both the Frenchie and the Poodle are in the top ten on the American Kennel Club’s breed popularity rankings. Frenchies are currently ranked at number one while Poodles (all sizes) are ranked at number seven. The AKC includes 200 dog breeds in its ranking.

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4. Froodles Are Recognized by a Hybrid Club

Though major Kennel Clubs don’t recognize hybrids or “designer breeds“, The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the Froodle along with a multitude of other crosses.

Summary

Froodles are seriously cute dogs and make great companions, but it’s essential that potential owners take into account the possible health issues this hybrid may face, especially the breathing issues they may encounter if they inherit the Frenchie’s short snout.

To reiterate, we would encourage those interested in Poodle or Frenchie mixes to check out shelter dogs in need of a home. The staff can help make sure you and your potential canine companion are the perfect match for one another and offer solid advice and support.

• See also: Mini Irish Doodle: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Alexandru Sofronie, Unsplash | (R) Hans Ole Benonisen, Unsplash