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 somewhat unique in its shedding, as several factors can influence the amount and timing of shedding in these short-haired dogs. 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. 

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 shed and grow new 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 often accompanies excessive shedding, regardless of 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 lead to a healthy, shiny coat and reduced 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 grooming of French Bulldogs 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

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 several ways to help reduce shedding, while also promoting a happier, healthier life for your dog.

• Diet – As we mentioned earlier, it’s essential for this breed to have a well-balanced diet that features high-quality dog food to support 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 supplement ⁵ to help meet the dietary needs they might be missing in their day-to-day meals.
• Grooming – Since this breed is prone to skin issues, it’s essential to make thoughtful choices during 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 skin bumps, due to their folds and short snouts. Keeping wounds and red spots clean and protected is key to maintaining dog health and reducing unnecessary shedding. ⁶ 

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, resulting in their folds becoming irritated, red, and itchy, and can eventually lead to infection. ⁶
• Pyoderma – Another condition common in dog breeds with extra skin folds, this condition occurs when a scratch, cut, or wound becomes infected and can lead to itching, redness, and hair loss if not properly treated. ⁶
• Skin allergies – Skin allergies in French Bulldogs can resemble those in humans, with common symptoms including itchy skin, rashes, and dryness. Skin allergies can be the result of a number of things, such as: ⁷
  • Pollen
  • Dustmite
  • Food sensitivities
  • Shampoos
  • Parasites
  • Fleas

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.

Sources: 

1. French Bulldog Breed. French Bulldog Shedding. https://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/blog/french-bulldog-shedding-solution/
2. Wild Earth. Do French Bulldogs Shed? https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/do-french-bulldogs-shed
3. The Good Pet. Long-Haired Frenchies. https://www.thegoodypet.com/long-haired-frenchie-your-complete-breed-guide-to-fluffy-frenchies
4. Pets Radar. Do French Bulldogs Shed. https://www.petsradar.com/advice/do-french-bulldogs-shed
5. The Smart Canine. French Bulldog Shedding. https://thesmartcanine.com/french-bulldog-shedding/
6. Handicapped Pets. Common Health Problems in Frenchies. https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/common-health-problems-in-frenchies/
7. Purina. French Bulldog Health Problems. https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/health/symptoms/french-bulldog-health-problems
8. American Kennel Club. French Bulldog Breed Guide. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/