Are French Bulldogs Good With Kids?

French Bulldogs have become a beloved breed among pet owners in recent years, with their distinctive looks, affectionate personalities, and playful nature. One common question among potential French Bulldog owners is whether these dogs are good with kids. While every dog is different, Frenchies are generally known for their friendly and patient nature, which can make them great companions for kids of all ages.

In this article, we will explore the various reasons why French Bulldogs can be great with kids and be the perfect family dog, as well as some tips for ensuring safe and happy relationships between Frenchies and children. To make things even sweeter, we’ll include some adorable pictures of kids with their TomKings Frenchies.

Are French Bulldogs Good With Kids?

French Bulldogs can be wonderful companions for children. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, making them perfect playmates for kids. Frenchies have a playful and energetic spirit that matches well with kids’ boundless energy, and they love to join in on family activities and games.

However, just like with any pet, it’s essential to supervise interactions between children and French Bulldogs, especially when young children are present. Frenchies can get a little too excited during playtime, and they may accidentally scratch or bump a child, so it’s important to teach both kids and pets how to interact appropriately.

To ensure that French Bulldogs and kids get along, training and socialization are vital. Early socialization and training can teach Frenchies how to interact properly with children and help reduce the risk of any negative incidents. It’s also important to teach children how to approach and interact with dogs safely and respectfully.

Overall, French Bulldogs can make great companions for kids, but it’s important to consider each pet’s individual temperament and take appropriate steps to ensure safe and happy interactions between them.

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Why is a French Bulldog good with kids, toddlers, and babies as well?

French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, making them great companions for kids of all ages, including toddlers and babies. They have a playful and energetic spirit that matches well with kids’ boundless energy, and they love to join in on family activities and games. Frenchies are also a generally calm and patient breed, which makes them tolerant of children’s antics and noise levels. In this section, we listed the top 6 reasons why we think Frenchies are great with kids!

1. Frenchies are amazing companions for people of all ages

French Bulldogs are one of the best companion dogs in the canine world, which is rooted in the breed’s history: they were bred to keep lonely lacemakers company and have all the personality traits of a proper lap dog. As a result, Frenchies are friendly, affectionate and extremely sociable who are at their best when they are around their people! 

They especially love small children whom they see as constant playmates, the fun members of the family. Thanks to their easy-going and gentle nature Frenchies are also very patient with kids and can tolerate them even when they’re a bit loud and rowdy. We know that’s not always easy even for parents! You’ll probably agree that having a stable temperament and loving nature make French Bulldogs truly ideal companions for kids.

2. Frenchies are good for children’s mental health 

Frenchies are very smart and have an extremely high level of emotional intelligence. That means that they can read their owners’ emotional state perfectly and even adjust their behavior to it. So, if you are happy and energized they become playful and entertaining, but if you’re sad or just tired, they’ll just sleep with you and comfort you by cuddling. 

Kids who often find it hard to express their feelings by words can really benefit from having a companion like that. Your Frenchie will always be there to cheer your child up, and having that feeling of unconditional love from an early age can hugely reduce stress and anxiety. Petting, cuddling and playing with a dog also increases the level of dopamine and serotonin, making your kid happier and more balanced. The bond your kid will have with a Frenchie is truly the greatest gift you can give to them. 

3. Frenchies have the perfect size for small children

Many parents are worried about having a big and strong dog around their young kids. However kind and gentle they may be, they can easily knock over a small child while playing. On the other hand, small dog breeds may be too fragile for kids who could sometimes be a bit rough and harm them by accident. 

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Even though they also belong to the group of small dogs, Frenchies actually have the perfect size for kids. Adult French Bulldogs grow up to 10-13 inches tall and usually weigh 24-28 pounds, and thanks to their strong and sturdy build they are quite durable. You will of course need to teach your kids to be gentle with them like with any pet.

4. Frenchies don’t bark a lot

If you don’t have a Frenchie yet this may have come as a surprise. French Bulldogs rarely ever bark and are actually one of the quietest dog breeds out there! Read our blog for more about the topic. That characteristic makes Frenchies quite approachable for young kids, who are often afraid of large and loud barking dogs, especially if they’ve had some unpleasant experiences in the past.

A quiet dog comes in handy especially in households with a newborn baby. If you’re a new parent, the last thing you’ll want is to have your baby woken up by your dog after hours of trying to make them sleep!

5. Frenchies are constant playmates for kids

Because of their small size, Frenchies don’t require much exercise but they’re up for some playtime any time! Instead of playing alone they prefer games that include their owners as well, but adults often don’t have enough time every day to satisfy that need. That’s why Frenchies and kids are the perfect combination! 

Playing together will not only wear your dog out, but will make sure that your child has plenty of physical exercise and even more fun. They’ll entertain each other constantly, giving you some precious time too as a parent! Playtime is one of the best ways to build a strong bond with a Frenchie, so your puppy will basically be your child’s furry sibling and best friend for life. Read our tips on how to play with a Frenchie and teach them to your kids!

6. Kids with a Frenchie learn responsibility

Having a Frenchie is an excellent way to teach kids about responsibility and considering the needs of another creature. That will not only make your child more empathetic but involving them in a dog’s daily care will also prepare them for responsibilities later in their life. Accomplishing smaller tasks like feeding, taking your Frenchie out for a potty break or helping you bathe them will even build your child’s self-esteem! 

How to introduce your Frenchie to kids

Even though most Frenchies accept kids immediately it is possible that your puppy gets scared of them at first. That may usually happen when you don’t have kids at home and your Frenchie only encounters them in parks or when you have guests at your house. The behavior and movement of children largely differs from adults, as they are often loud which may scare a pup. If your Frenchie gets confused around kids, that can easily lead to aggression, so it’s essential that you deal with the problem right away! 

To resolve this fear, you’ll need to ask a child to help your Frenchie. They should sit down on the floor in your home (where your puppy feels safe), take a treat in their hand and reach it out without paying any attention to your puppy at this point. If your Frenchie takes the treat from their hand, you can give them another one and so on until they get more encouraged. Slowly, they can start talking to them in a quiet and calm manner, and carefully pet them when your pup goes closer. 

If your Frenchie stays calm and acts friendly, praise them a lot! The point is that your puppy associates kids with positive feelings. This is a process that can take weeks, so you all need to be very patient and repeat the training at least once a week. Your Frenchie will soon learn that they don’t need to be afraid of kids or protect themselves from them, quite the contrary! 

How to introduce your Frenchie to a baby

First of all, you need to get your Frenchie used to the baby’s smell, preferably even before your newborn arrives home. The best way to do this is to give your puppy one of the baby’s cloth or blanket and put it near their place. Then you need to praise them a lot if they sniff it and act normal or friendly, to make sure they associate the smell with something positive! 

Once your baby is home, don’t keep them away from your puppy but let them smell your child. If your pup stays calm and curious, praise them a lot and give them treats! Although it rarely happens, if you see any sign of irritation like growling or showing teeth, step in immediately! Grab your dog and tell them off right away so that they understand that they did something really bad. 

You can show them the baby later again while asleep and if they repeat the bad behavior, it’s time for some more serious punishment after telling them off. You should ignore your Frenchie for some time, as the feeling of being excluded from their pack is the biggest punishment for them! On the other hand, make sure to use plenty of positive reinforcement if they act friendly. This way your Frenchie will soon learn to accept your baby.

How to make sure your Frenchie and your kids are safe to live together?

As with any breed of dog, it’s important to ensure the safety of both your furry friend and your family when living together. This is especially true when it comes to French Bulldogs and kids, as their small size and gentle nature can sometimes make them more vulnerable to accidental harm. However, with a few simple precautions and some careful training, there’s no reason why your Frenchie and your kids couldn’t live together in perfect harmony.

In this section, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for making sure that both your French Bulldog and your little ones are safe, happy, and comfortable in each other’s company.

1. Teach kids how to properly interact with the dog

Teach kids how to gently approach and pet the dog, and to avoid rough play or teasing.

2. Supervise playtime

Never leave your Frenchie and kids alone during playtime. Always supervise and intervene if necessary to ensure the safety of both the dog and the child.

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3. Teach your dog obedience commands

Teaching command words like NO, STOP, SIT is essential especially when you have small kids at home. That way you can step in more efficiently if your Frenchie starts playing a bit rough.

4. Establish boundaries

Establish clear boundaries for your dog, such as not allowing them on furniture or near certain areas of the house where kids play.

5. Create a safe space for your dog

Provide a safe space for your dog where they can retreat when they need a break from the kids.

6. Regular vet check-ups

Regular vet check-ups can help ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.

7. Proper training and socialization

Proper training and socialization from a young age can help ensure your Frenchie is well-behaved around kids and other animals.

8. Watch for warning signs

Watch for warning signs of stress or discomfort in your dog, such as growling or showing teeth, and intervene if necessary to prevent an incident.

9. Educate your kids about dog safety

Teach your kids about dog safety, such as not approaching unfamiliar dogs or trying to take away their toys or food.

Are there any negatives of kids and Frenchies living together?

While French Bulldogs are generally known to be great companions for children, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and has its own personality. While there are many benefits to having a Frenchie around kids, it’s also important to be aware of any potential risks or negatives that could come with this relationship. In this section, we’ll explore some of the potential downsides of having kids and Frenchies living together, as well as some tips for how to mitigate these risks and ensure that everyone stays safe and happy.

1. Risk of injury

Like all dogs, French Bulldogs can become excited and may accidentally scratch or bump a child during playtime, potentially causing injury.

2. Possibility of aggression

While Frenchies are not typically aggressive, any dog can become aggressive if they feel threatened or provoked, which can lead to serious injury.

3. Allergies

Some children may be allergic to dogs, including French Bulldogs, which can cause discomfort and respiratory problems.

4. Responsibilities of pet ownership

Having a pet in the home requires a significant amount of time, effort, and resources, and it’s important to make sure that the entire family is committed to taking on this responsibility.

5. Changes in family dynamics

The addition of a pet, especially one that requires significant attention and care, can change the dynamics of the household and require adjustments to routines and schedules.

It’s important to carefully consider these potential negatives before deciding to bring a French Bulldog into a home with children. However, with proper training, socialization, and supervision, the many benefits of having a Frenchie as a family pet can outweigh these concerns.

Are TomKings Frenchies good with kids?

We have shown you that French Bulldogs are not only good with kids, they even have an amazing effect on them! Even though all Frenchies tend to have a gentle and kind disposition, early socialization and proper training is still very important to make sure they are completely comfortable around kids. That’s why you should always get your puppy from a breeder who loves and treats them as family members!

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We at TomKings socialize our puppies from an early age with kids so that they become friendly, well-behaved, and wonderful furry companions. Once they are with their families, it’s up to the parents to continue their training, read our extensive tutorial about French Bulldog training. Some of our TomKings Parents who also have kids have shared their experiences, you can read these in our Facebook group. Let us include some of them here! 

“My Frenchie LOVES my kids! He protects them. He does whatever they want with him, like staying in a certain position lying on bed. When my girl takes baths, he patiently waits staring at the door for an hour just there… waiting for her. My kids are EVERYTHING to him. He waits on the door for them to come back from school. It is an amazing bond.” (Maria, Stitch’s mom)

“Finn loves every child he meets!! His whole body shakes lol. He even goes crazy when he hears them on tv. It’s so cute!!” (Melanie, Finn’s mom)

“Loves, loves small children. If the doorbell rings Lola assumes it is her “girl squad” and she gets massively excited! These pups come well socialized to children. I think it is their strong start on the farm from TKK children and adults.”  (Helen, Lola’s and Winnie Loo’s mom)

Are you thinking about adopting a Frenchie? Check out our articles about the average French Bulldog price and reputable French Bulldog breeders to help you get started.

If you’d like to learn more about Frenchies, join our Facebook group called TomKings Frenchie Family to read our Frenchie parents’ experiences!

The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.