Are Frenchies aggressive or stubborn?

At Napo we have over 3,000 French Bulldogs on the books! Unsurprising, given they’ve become one of the UK’s most popular dog breeds, even more so than the mighty Labrador.

Frenchie owners often get in touch with me for advice on perceived stubbornness or even aggression. And they can be surprised that their cute little dudes now have a ‘tude.

Working closely with Frenchies and their humans, I’ve come to appreciate their unique quirks and challenges. Here's my perspective on how to keep them happy and healthy.

One of the most common things I hear from Frenchie owners is that their dog is “stubborn”. I always gently challenge this idea. In reality, French Bulldogs aren’t any more stubborn than other dog breeds. They’re just particular about what motivates them.

Training a Frenchie isn’t about dominance or being the boss. It’s about figuring out what makes them tick. These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and quite food-driven, but not always in the ways people expect. They need positive reinforcement and a good reason to cooperate – something that matters to . Don’t we all?! I wouldn’t go to work if I was paid in stamps… I prefer the actual salary!

Introducing Coco, a lovely Frenchie who attended our recent Puppy Academy classes at WagWorks.

Initially, Coco wasn’t fussed about the usual treats, toys, or praise. But after a bit of creative thinking, we discovered her absolute weakness: freeze-dried chicken! Once we had that figured out, her training progress was incredible. What looked like stubbornness was actually just a case of mismatched motivation.

While plenty of Frenchies are sweet and sociable, I do often see them in my behaviour consults for issues around reactivity – especially towards other dogs. It’s a more complex picture than many people realise, and it’s not necessarily about being an “aggressive breed”.

A big part of the issue is down to their body type. With their squashed faces (AKA being a bracycephalic breed like Pugs), French Bulldogs don’t always communicate in the ways other dogs expect.

Canine body language is subtle: facial expressions, tail position (if they have a tail or nub at all!) and ear movement. Frenchies can struggle to use these cues clearly for the dogs and people around them.

Think of a sad-looking Jack Russel with its tail between its legs. A Frenchie can't exactly do that with their tail nub.

Due to their breathing difficulties (BOAS), Frenchies often pant heavily even when they're calm or only mildly active. To another dog, this can look like grimacing or baring teeth – signs that might be read as a threat.

If another dog reacts defensively, the Frenchie might then respond in kind and before you know it you have a barking match. This quickly becomes a learned behaviour, where the Frenchie expects trouble and acts preemptively with barking, lunging, or growling at the sight of dogs.

Then there’s the matter of pain. Frenchies are prone to spinal issues like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can make even normal movement uncomfortable. A dog in pain may develop what we call .

In other words, they learn to keep other dogs – and sometimes people – at bay. Barking, snarling, and lunging are not signs of a “bad dog”, but signs of a dog trying to protect themselves from further harm (although it can feel alarming and antisocial.)

Not at all. A well-bred French Bulldog from a responsible breeder is far less likely to suffer from severe health issues. With fewer breathing difficulties and a healthy spine, they’re more comfortable, more relaxed, and more able to interact positively with the world around them.

Frenchies with Napo policies benefit from full coverage from these issues they can be prone to, so you can address them early and keep your little buddy happy and healthy. Plus, you get a free FirstVet subscription and can consult with vets any time of day if you think your Frenchie might have a health or behavioural issue that you need advice for.

In short, French Bulldogs can make wonderful companions. With the right breeding, early training, socialisation, and understanding of their individual needs, they’re capable of forming deep, joyful bonds with their people – and yes, even with other dogs!

If you’re thinking of welcoming a Frenchie into your life, or already share your home with one, the key is empathy, patience, and a willingness to get to know the dog underneath the wrinkles.