Bred for their adorable features, like their round faces, small build, and bat-like ears, French bulldogs are quick to learn, eager to please, and typically have even temperaments and friendly dispositions.
So if you find yourself considering adding a French bulldog to your family, you might be asking one question that has less to do with their friendliness and a lot more to do with their fuzziness—“Do French bulldogs shed?”
Yes, French bulldogs do shed, however, they’re categorized as “low-shedders.” 1
This dog breed is a bit unique in its shedding because there are quite a few different variables that can play into the amount and timing of when these short-haired dogs shed. Read on to take a closer look at the different factors that can affect shedding in French bulldogs, how you can better manage it, and other common skin issues found in this dog breed.
Shedding Factors for French Bulldogs
When it comes to shedding and Frenchies, there are a few different factors that come into play. A few things to consider are:2
- Breed – Overall, French bulldogs are considered low-shedding, short-haired dogs. However, there are a few different breeds of French bulldogs that shed worse than others. For example, the Fluffy Frenchie breed is actually considered to have medium-length coats. Thus, they tend to have excessive shedding.3
- Weather – Like most dogs, French bulldogs will grow and lose different coats throughout the year. In the spring and summer (warmer times of the year), Frenchies tend to lose their undercoat as a way to stay cooler, which results in more shedding.1
- Age – At around six months of age, French bulldogs will lose their fine, soft puppy coat and grow into their shiny, stronger adult coat. This transition tends to come with excessive shedding, no matter the time of year.4
- Sex – Typically, there isn’t much difference in shedding between males and females, however, when female French Bulldogs are in heat, they can be prone to extra shedding.2
- Diet – A nutritious diet can unlock a healthy, shiny coat that leads to minimal shedding. When French bulldogs don’t enjoy a balanced diet, excess shedding may occur. To help reduce shedding and promote better health, high-quality dog food is recommended as well as a health and wellness supplement.
- Grooming – Proper and consistent French bulldog grooming can help reduce excess shedding. From weekly brushes to carefully bathing this short-haired breed, keeping their coats clean and healthy will help reduce the amount of shedding.2
Managing French Bulldogs’ Shedding
Now that you have learned the different factors that can play into how much a French bulldog sheds, you must be wondering how to stop a dog from shedding. There are a few ways to help reduce the shedding, while also helping them to live a happier, healthier life.
- Diet – As we mentioned before, it’s important for this breed to have a well-balanced diet featuring high-quality dog food to help with French bulldog health issues. This is also one way to help French bulldog hair stay shiny and healthy and avoid excess shedding. You can also offer them a health and wellness supplement5 to help meet the dietary needs they might be missing in their day-to-day meals.
- Grooming – Because this breed is prone to skin issues, it’s important to make thoughtful choices at bathtime. To help clean and soothe a Frenchie’s sensitive skin, opt for a ph-balanced, hypoallergenic shampoo. This hypoallergenic dog shampoo can promote skin and fur health plus cut back on excess hair loss.
- Skincare – French bulldogs are prone to various skin conditions such as French bulldog skin bumps, because of their folds and short snouts. Keeping wounds and red spots clean and protected is key in helping to keep up with dog health and lessen unnecessary shedding.6
Common French Bulldog Skin Issues
The very things that make these dogs so adorable and desirable are the things that put them at higher risk for various skin conditions. Their short snouts and extra skin folds make them prone to moisture getting trapped and hot spots developing.
The most common skin conditions seen in French Bulldogs are:6
- Sink fold dermatitis – This can happen if this breed is not groomed properly or often enough and results in their folds becoming irritated, red, itchy, and can eventually lead to infection.6
- Pyoderma – Another condition that is common with dog breeds that have extra skin folds, this condition is the result of a scratch, cut, or wound becoming infected and can lead to itching, redness, and hair loss if not treated properly.6
- Skin allergies – Skin allergies in French bulldogs can look very similar to allergies in humans—itchy skin, rashes, and dryness are all common symptoms. Skin allergies can be the result of a number of things such as:7
- Pollen
- Dustmite
- Food sensitivities
- Shampoos
- Parasites
- Fleas
Healthy, Happy Frenchie Coats with Vetericyn
There are a few different factors that can affect the shedding seen in French Bulldogs, some outside of our control and some we can.
Here at Vetericyn, our general rule for this breed is that keeping your French Bulldog healthy will help reduce any unnecessary shedding, whether that’s giving them a once-a-day supplement or grooming them with high-quality shampoo. Vetericyn has everything you need to help promote health in your French Bulldog and reduce shedding. Available at Amazon, Chewy, and Petco, it’s simple and easy to keep your Frenchie happy, healthy, and shedding less.
Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian
Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm.
Sources:
- French Bulldog Breed. French Bulldog Shedding. https://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/blog/french-bulldog-shedding-solution/
- Wild Earth. Do French Bulldogs Shed? https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/do-french-bulldogs-shed
- The Good Pet. Long-Haired Frenchies. https://www.thegoodypet.com/long-haired-frenchie-your-complete-breed-guide-to-fluffy-frenchies
- Pets Radar. Do French Bulldogs Shed. https://www.petsradar.com/advice/do-french-bulldogs-shed
- The Smart Canine. French Bulldog Shedding. https://thesmartcanine.com/french-bulldog-shedding/
- Handicapped Pets. Common Health Problems in Frenchies. https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/common-health-problems-in-frenchies/
- Purina. French Bulldog Health Problems. https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/symptoms/french-bulldog-health-problems
- American Kennel Club. French Bulldog Breed Guide. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/
