Are French Bulldogs Good with Other Dogs?

The French bulldog dog breed have a natural predisposition to friendliness. They are wonderful companions and are very affectionate towards their owners. Frenchies will happily adapt to almost any situation in a bid to please their owners. 

As a result of this, when it comes to other dogs, French Bulldogs interact and relate well. But beyond just pleasing their owners, a properly trained and socialized French bulldog will have absolutely no problem living well with other dog breeds. 

It is important to understand that dogs, just like human beings are different from each other and would react differently to the same circumstances. The reactions of your Frenchie can also be as a result of their environment. 

This means that if you didin't socialize your French bulldog puppy from a very young age your Frenchie may not get along with other dogs. Personal behavioral issues of the Frenchie may also hinder good relationship with other dogs.  

It is essential for your Frenchie to be able to get along with other dogs. Even if you are not planning on getting your French Bulldog a companion. Most Frenchies are friendly, laid-back and social but sometimes they can show subtle signs of aggression. 

Signs of Aggression in French Bulldogs 

Aggression is a very broad term that includes a range of different things. These could include territoriality, proving dominance, shyness, anxiety, self-preservation, curiosity, fear etc. Aggression in French Bulldogs may take on different forms in behavior depending on the cause of the aggression. 

Biting, growling and snarling in very young puppies may not be considered aggressive as these are very normal in extremely young puppies. But, if it begins to carry on into your dog’s older years, you may have an aggressive French bulldog on your hands. 

If your Frenchie is showing aggression based on fear, they would first try to hide or run away before displaying any aggressive behavior. If your Frenchie is trying to avoid physical and eye contact, they are either experiencing fear or shyness or anxiety which is completely out of place for a French Bulldog. You should find the root and address it immediately.

If you don't know what is causing the aggressive behavior in your Frenchie it is recommended you ask your vet for a recommendation as far as a local dog trainer or behaviorist.

If your Frenchie constantly wants to be the center of attention, you may have an aggressive bulldog. If you can’t pet other dogs or play with other pets without your Frenchie growling, pacing and snarling, you definitely have an aggressive French Bulldog. Do not encourage this behavior, you’re the boss, not the other way around. If the aggression in your Frenchie got to this point it is a sign the two of you up for behavior training pronto. 

You shouldn’t share your Frenchie’s food bowl with another dog or pet, your Frenchie sees it as betrayal. But your Frenchie should be able to share their toys and play fetch with other dogs without claiming that the ball is only theirs.

Aggression doesn’t mean you have a bad Frenchie. It just means that your French Bulldog dog hasn’t been properly trained and socialized enough to react well to new situations. As a result, the major cause of aggression is improper socialization when your dog was a puppy. You start training your puppy as early as possible. You only have a small window to train your French bulldog and get to the ideal friendly, laid-back and social temperament. Genes play a role too which is why it is crucial to find a reputable French Bulldog dog breeder.

With the proper amount of training and socialization your Frenchie will grow into the well-behaved, well-rounded dog everybody wants. 

Socializing a French Bulldog puppy

Puppies should be handled with care especially before they are fully vaccinated. This does not mean you can’t take them to see new places and things, it just means you shouldn’t overwhelm their senses. 

Socialization is exposing your Frenchie to a variety of things. This helps to prepare your Frenchie for any experiences he may have in future. Seeing or getting used to these things as a puppy will eliminate or reduce any occurrence of fear when your French Bulldog experiences them as an adult. 

These things include meeting other dogs and animals like cats and so on. It also includes meeting a wide range of people, musicians, artists, children etc. Seeing and using different types of transportation systems and being in different environments can really help in socializing your Frenchie. 

What Dog Breeds Do French Bulldogs Get Along with?

French Bulldogs get along very well with a good number of dogs. Please do note that the following list of dogs is only meant to serve as a guideline. That is, French bulldogs can do very well with these breeds if you are thinking of getting a companion for your Frenchie. The following are name of dog breeds that seem to do really well with French bulldogs. 

• Boston Terrier 
• Dachshund 
• Dobermann Pinscher 
• German Shepherd 
• Golden Retriever 
• Great Dane
• Grey Hound 
• Labrador 
• Miniature Pinscher 
• Miniature Schnauzer 
• Pug 
• Yorkshire Terrier 
• And of course, a French Bulldog.

Introducing Your Frenchie To Another Dog

Whether you brought a new dog visitor home or are thinking of getting a new dog to join your furry family, this day eventually comes for most pet parents. Here’s how to ensure the process is as smooth as possible:

• Introduce your Frenchie and a new dog on a neutral territory and leashed: It is important to introduce your Frenchie to other dogs on a neutral territory. This is to ensure that both dogs are comfortable and don’t display territorial behaviors. When meeting for the first time, make sure both dogs are on a leash. Then you slowly walk your dogs towards one another. Give lots of praise if your French Bulldog behaves well. 
• Have the dogs meet again, this time, off-leash: After your initial successful meeting, its time to move to the next step. Make sure you and the dog’s owner are in agreement to meet off leash. Use the same meeting point since it was successful the first time and the dogs are familiar with the area. Keep the meeting short to curb over excitement and rough playing. 
• Repeat these short off-leash meetings: Practice makes perfect, this will help your Frenchie recognize and be comfortable around the new doggy friend he is making. Don’t be tempted to start introducing him to other dogs as it may get overwhelming. Give it a little time. 
• Allow dogs to meet at home: Meeting on neutral ground and sniffing each other is different from allowing the other dog in your Frenchie's territory. Which is why this step is very important. If you are thinking of getting another dog or arranging play dates for your Frenchie. He needs to be accommodating and not go territorial of other dogs. In your home, allow the other dog to come in off-leash, watch for any signs of aggression and immediately pull your Frenchie back. If the situation demands that one dog be removed from the room, remove your Frenchie. It will teach him/her to behave. 
• Make more doggy friends: If all goes well, congratulation. You have successfully introduced your French bulldog to another dog friend. This means that your Frenchie can have more friends and that she is open to new situations and reacting appropriately. That is one properly socialized Frenchie. 

More Helpful information on the French Bulldog dog breed

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