Male vs Female French Bulldogs: The Differences (With Pictures)

New or potential Frenchie owners commonly ask what the difference is between male and female French Bulldogs. Do they have different personalities? Is one sex easier to train than the other? Are there different health issues between the two?

There are plenty of anecdotes about the differences between male and female French Bulldogs, but let’s see if there’s any scientific evidence to back those up. One important thing to note is that any sex of dog is a product of their training, environment, and genetics. Not all differences apply to all dogs, as each is an individual with their own personality and temperament. Every dog will be different, no matter if they are male or female.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

French Bulldog 101

French Bulldogs are popular family pets. They are good with children and have a calm, affectionate demeanor. They get along well with other dogs and tend to love people. These playful, adorable small dogs are hard to resist.

This breed adapts easily to various living situations. They don’t require a ton of outdoor exercise, so they do well in apartments. While they can be stubborn, these dogs are easy to train and love to please their owners.

Male French Bulldog Overview

Personality / Character

Common words used to describe the personality of male Frenchies are assertive, playful, and mischievous. While it is true that male dogs in general are “busier” than females, this distinguishing characteristic typically disappears after the dog is neutered.

Male Frenchies are energetic, confident, and bold companions that like to keep their owners busy.

Training

As a general rule, French Bulldogs are hard to housetrain, and males are slightly harder to housetrain than females. If a male Frenchie is neutered, it can make this process slightly easier.

Health & Care

Male French Bulldogs tend to have more health problems overall than females. As purebred dogs, Frenchies are prone to a host of health problems, most of which are genetically inherited. Obtaining your French Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder can prevent most of these issues from occurring.

Breeding

Male dogs that are left intact are harder to handle than those that are neutered. Due to their incessant need to find a female in heat, they are more aggressive and more likely to wander in search of a mate. Male dogs may also use urine spraying to mark their territory, indoors or out, making house training a more difficult process.

Female French Bulldog Overview

Personality / Character

Female Frenchies are known to be moodier than their male counterparts, often being perceived as having more “attitude.” They tend to be calmer and shyer but can be quicker to nip or show aggression as young puppies.

Owners should not tease their female Frenchie. Their emotions are inconsistent and they are quick to aggression. However, they are generally regarded as affectionate dogs that like to snuggle.

The tendency to lash out is significantly reduced in female dogs after they are spayed, so it is highly recommended to do so, particularly if you are keeping your Frenchie as a companion pet.

Training

Frenchies are hard to housetrain, but female dogs are easier to housetrain than males because they are less distracted and more able to focus on the task at hand.

Health & Care

Female dogs are less likely to have health problems than males. The reason for this is unclear, but genetic and breed-specific health conditions tend to be less prevalent in females than males.

Breeding

Females that are not spayed will have heat cycles. They can be aggressive during these cycles, which can result in undesirable behaviors. If not addressed appropriately, dogs in heat will also have bloody discharge that can be left behind on couches and carpets.

It is more expensive to retain the breeding rights for a female French Bulldog than those for a male. Females that have breeding papers are also more expensive to obtain.

Which Gender Is Right for You?

Both male and female French bulldogs are suitable for city and apartment living. If you are looking for an energetic dog that will want plenty of attention, a male Frenchie is probably more suitable than a female. If you prefer a dog that’s easier to train and is calm, cuddly, and affectionate, a female may be better for you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these traits don’t necessarily apply to all French Bulldogs. Dogs are products of their environment and will adapt to their experiences and training, regardless of sex.

• See also: 15 Cute & Small Teddy Bear Dog Breeds – These Pups Look Like Cuddly Toys!

Featured Image Credit: (L) Sbolotova, Shutterstock | (R) yhelfman, Shutterstock