How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

Last Updated on December 13, 2022

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Frenchies can be Expensive!

Would you be surprised if I told you that the average cost of a purebred French Bulldog puppy is anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000+?

Yes, that’s right… and some Frenchies can cost as much as $100,000.

Now, you might be thinking…

“$100,000?! That’s crazy!”

And you’d be right… but don’t worry— we can explain everything.

The cost of a French Bulldog puppy is just half the story— their health problems can end up costing you even more in the long run!

Read on to learn about…

  • Price— why Frenchies cost so much
  • Colors— the most expensive French Bulldog colors
  • Breeding— why breeding Frenchies is so difficult & expensive.
  • Popularity— why Frenchies are so popular
  • Cost of ownership— how much it costs per year to own a Frenchie
  • The most expensive Frenchie in the world— learn about Micro Machine: a Frenchie worth $100,000

Table of Contents

  • Average Price of a French Bulldog
  • Frenchie Price Chart
  • 3 Reasons why Frenchies are expensive
  • Why everybody wants a Frenchie
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The average price of a French Bulldog

The average price of a French Bulldog is around $3,500— but there’s tons of variation depending on where you live, the breeder you buy from, and the color & pattern of the puppy.

Price can vary depending on many factors…

The price of a French Bulldog can vary depending on many factors such as…

  • Gender— typically female Frenchies will cost more than males due to their ability to breed
  • Breeder— a breeder that has a good reputation will usually charge more for their puppies compared to a smaller, less-known breeder; highly reputable breeders will usually have a longer waitlist for their puppies as well
  • Location— depending on where you live, the average price of a Frenchie might be more or less compared to the average of $3,500… in metropolitan areas (e.g. Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, etc.) the price will be a bit higher compared to the prices you’d find in smaller cities or rural towns.
  • Color & pattern— some colors & patterns have genetics that are quite rare and breeders will typically charge more for these

Why certain French Bulldog colors cost more

Some French Bulldog colors are more expensive than others… this is because the genes responsible for these colors can be quite rare & difficult to reproduce.

In addition to the rarity of some colors, colors such as Blue or Lilac are usually higher in demand than common colors.

Some “rare” colors aren’t “official” colors

With this being said, not all of these “rare” colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and some are associated with certain health problems or are mixed with other breeds to get these rare colors.

French Bulldog colors that are considered to be rare are…
  • Blue
  • Blue Fawn
  • Chocolate
  • Fawn Brindle
  • Grey & White
  • Isabella
  • Lilac
  • Merle

Fluffy Frenchies

Fluffy Frenchies are in a category of their own and obviously are available in a variety of colors… their prices will vary greatly depending on your location/breeder.

French Bulldog Price Chart

The average cost of a French Bulldog puppy is $3,500… but some colors are more expensive than others.

ColorPrice
Brindle $4,000
Fawn brindle $4,500
Black $4,500
Fawn $5,000
Cream $5,000
White $5,500
Lilac $6,500+
Chocolate $6,500+
Blue & Blue fawn $6,500+
Merle $6,500+
Isabella $8,000+
Platinum $8,000+
Fluffy Frenchie $12,000+

French Bulldog Puppy Expenses

With the cost of vet bills, toys, food, and other puppy supplies, you should budget at least a thousand dollars on top of the price of your puppy.

3 Reasons Why Frenchies are So Expensive

The main reason why French Bulldogs are so expensive is that the breeding costs are extremely high.

For Frenchies to reproduce, they require artificial insemination & c-sections, which will cost the breeder anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

And that’s on top of all the other breeding expenses!

Here’s why Frenchies are so expensive

The 3 main reasons why Frenchies have such a steep price tag are:

  1. Their health problems— the cost of the puppy is just one part of the picture— Frenchies are notorious for their health issues that can end up costing thousands in vet bills!
  2. They’re expensive to breed— C-section and artificial insemination are required to breed French Bulldogs
  3. They’re extremely high in demand— ranked at #2 on the AKC’s most popular dog breed list, Frenchies are by far one of the most popular dog breeds in the world right now!

Reason #1: Health Problems

Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are notorious for their health issues.

In fact, many people are turned off from the breed when they find out just how many possible health problems they could have.

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

While it’s true that these health problems can be extremely expensive, finding a healthy Frenchie puppy and investing in pet insurance can definitely ease your worries & save you money.

Keep your Frenchie Healthy!

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

Expensive French Bulldog Health Problems

  • Allergies— French Bulldogs are highly prone to skin allergies, food intolerances & allergies, and environmental allergies
  • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome— a set of conditions that cause issues with breathing such as stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, extended nasal turbinates, everted laryngeal saccules, and laryngeal collapse.
  • Cherry Eye— a bright red mass protruding from the eye
  • Cleft Palate— abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth
  • Deafness— hearing impairment or complete loss; deafness is more common in White French Bulldogs
  • Elongated Soft Palate— the soft palate is too big & partially blocks the throat
  • Heat Stress— due to their short snout & breathing issues, Frenchies have issues regulating their body temperature; Frenchies are much more susceptible to heatstroke than other breeds
  • Hip Dysplasia— a genetic disorder where the hip socket does not form correctly
  • Laryngeal Collapse— a condition where the larynx (voice box) obstructs the airway
  • Patellar Luxation— a condition where the kneecap shifts out of place from time to time
  • Stenotic Nares— pinched or narrow nostrils that obstruct breathing; easily curable with surgery
  • Thyroid issues— hypothyroidism; hyperthyroidism; autoimmune thyroiditis; and goiters
  • Tracheal Collapse— weakening of the trachea over time that eventually leads to collapse

Reason #2: French Bulldog Breeding Difficulties

Breeding a French Bulldog is no walk in the park… Did you know the average cost to breed a French Bulldog is roughly $7000?

Their slim hips make reproduction difficult

Their very slim hips make it very difficult, if not nearly impossible for them to reproduce naturally.

Not to mention, they have a few specific unique needs to be met, unlike other breeds.

Frenchies require the following to give birth…

  • C-sections— used to remove puppies from the uterus
  • Artificial insemination— used to impregnate a female dog

Even more expenses

Furthermore, vet bills, high-quality foods for the puppies, and housing just add to the cost of breeding Frenchies.

French Bulldog Breeding Expenses

Below are some of the expenses associated with breeding Frenchies— as always the price of these procedures can vary depending on your location.

ExpensePrice
C-section $1,500
Artificial insemination $150
Supplies & food $1,000
Puppy incubators $500
Vaccinations & deworming $500
Progesterone testing & shots $150
Health testing $1,000+
Kennel club registration $60

Breeding Frenchies is a lot of work!

It requires a lot of time, effort, and money to breed happy and healthy Frenchies— there’s no other way to put it: breeding French Bulldogs is a full-time job.

The Premium of a Well-Bred Frenchie

Frenchies are quickly becoming one of the most popular dog breeds (they’re ranked #2 right now!), and in many major cities across the world, it seems like you can’t go anywhere without spotting a Frenchie or two.

Not all breeders are the same— be wary of backyard breeders

Unfortunately, this sharp rise in popularity comes with it many greedy, irresponsible breeders and puppy mills.

Many inexperienced breeders are often careless, mixing breeds and inbreeding to maximize their profits at the expense of the puppies’ health.

It’s so sad that they have such little regard for the quality of life of these Frenchies and will commonly breed dogs that have genetic predispositions to many diseases.

These breeders are what give French Bulldogs a bad rep.

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

You get what you pay for

You know that saying, “you get what you pay for”?

That certainly holds true when looking for a French Bulldog puppy; a high-quality, reputable breeder will conduct many tests to ensure your puppy is free of any preventable genetic health problems.

A good breeder can minimize the risk of health issues

Getting your French Bulldog from a reputable breeder can minimize the risk of your Frenchie having health issues such as deafness, hip dysplasia, respiratory problems, and more.

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

With that being said, just because you are paying a lot for your Frenchie doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting your money’s worth.

Do your homework on the breeder, take a visit and see where they breed their dogs, and get a feeling for yourself on whether it’s the right decision or not for you.

Save yourself the heartache, not the money

A severe, chronic illness affecting your Frenchie will most likely cost you more money over their lifetime than it would to spend a little extra to get one from a reputable breeder, not to mention the heartache involved with dealing with a sick pup.

Tests can help ease your mind, but they’re no guarantee

Sure, no tests can absolutely guarantee that your French Bulldog will be free of any health issues throughout its lifetime though, but they can surely ease your mind when looking for a new puppy.

At-Home Allergy Test

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

Be wary of shady breeders

All I know is that my worst nightmare is falling in love with my new Frenchie puppy only to come to find out he has a serious illness that the breeder failed to disclose to me.

I wouldn’t wish that on anybody!

Consider Investing in Pet Insurance to save money

If you are worried about the possibility of serious health issues, pet insurance is a great investment!

Pet insurance is a great investment for anybody worried about unexpected health issues

Types of Pet Insurance

There are generally 4 different types of policies available to fit your unique needs.

Policy TypeDetails
Accident-Only Policies Covers emergency illnesses and accidents.
Time-Limited Policies Pays out a maximum amount per condition (usually resets every year).
Maximum Benefit Policies Covers you up to a maximum amount.
No time limit.
May not provide complete coverage.
Lifetime Policies Most comprehensive policy.
Covered for life with a fixed amount of annual coverage.

Still not sure whether or not pet insurance is right for you? Check out our guide on pet insurance!

Reason #3: The Rise of the Frenchie

The third reason why Frenchies are so expensive is simple– who doesn’t want a Frenchie?!

French Bulldogs have been quickly rising in popularity— they recently ranked #2 on the American Kennel Club rankings in 2020.

Why does everybody want a Frenchie?!

They have the sweetest, funniest, and most unique personalities I’ve ever seen.

I don’t know about you, but my Frenchie keeps me entertained all day.

3 Reasons to want a Frenchie

  1. Super friendly– Frenchies love everybody they meet… who doesn’t love Frenchies, too!?
  2. They’re so entertaining– more entertaining than most stuff you’ll find on TV/YouTube!
  3. They’re freakin’ hilarious– French Bulldogs are one of the goofiest dog breeds & their shenanigans will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Frenchies can lay on the couch all day with you or go out to explore the great outdoors!

They always want to be by your side and can’t stand being alone.

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?
Frenchies are huge couch potatoes!
Great apartment dogs

They’re also perfect if you live in an apartment as they don’t require that much exercise.

This is why they’re so popular in urban cities such as New York City!

The perfect companion dog

In my eyes, there’s no better companion than a Frenchie.

They’re loyal, entertaining, and relatively low maintenance.

If you’re looking for a dog that’ll always be by your side— whether you’re on the couch or traveling across the world, your Frenchie is the happiest as long as they’re with you!

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s so much to know about Frenchies— I hope you are able to find the answer to your questions somewhere on FrenchieWiki.

Feel free to send us a suggestion or question!

Can’t find an answer to your question? Send us a suggestion and we’ll get back to you!


What is the Most Expensive French Bulldog Color?

The most expensive French Bulldog colors are the “rarer” colors such as blue, lilac, merle, and chocolatetend to cost more than your typical colors such as black, fawn, and white.

These French Bulldog colors usually cost more than average…

  • Blue & blue fawn
  • Lilac
  • Merle
  • Chocolate
  • Platinum
  • Isabella
  • Fluffy Frenchies

Frenchies come in a variety of different colors and patterns, but they’re not all created equally…

It’s important to note that these rarer colors are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but this shouldn’t matter to you unless you plan on showing your dog in competitions.

Breeders often mark up the prices on their “rare” colored Frenchies as an excuse to charge you more money.

Don’t buy into their hype!


Can I get a cheap French Bulldog?

It’s impossible to say whether or not you’ll have luck with a cheap French Bulldog.

They might not be as well-bred as a Frenchie from a reputable breeder

If you are getting a good deal from a shady unreputable breeder, I think you’re possibly setting yourself up for lots of heartbreak in the future when your Frenchie develops some health problems that could’ve been prevented through proper breeding.

Adopting might be your best bet

If you really want a Frenchie without breaking the bank, your best bet is to adopt a Frenchie— check for French Bulldog Rescue Shelters in your area.

Not only is adopting a Frenchie much cheaper than buying one from a breeder, but you’re also giving a home to a Frenchie in need.


How much does it cost to own a French Bulldog?

On a yearly basis, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 (even higher if unexpected vet bills come up!).

If you’re worried about unexpected vet bills, I highly recommend pet insurance.

Frenchies can be high maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they have to have high expenses.

Frenchies aren’t necessarily more expensive than other breeds… but I treat my Frenchie like any other member of my family— she gets the best food, most fun toys, and flies first class.


What is The Most Expensive French Bulldog in the World

The average household income in America is $56,516.

Your average Frenchie is $3,000.

Micro Machine is $100,000.

No, it’s not a fancy sports car or anything; he’s a French Bulldog.

That’s how much Brad’s Bullies’ Micro Machine costs.

Is that kind of a price tag justified? You decide for yourself…

How much should I pay for a Frenchie?

The Most Expensive Frenchie in the World

For a hundred thousand you’ve gotta be driving me somewhere!

2 Chainz

While $100,000 is much more than the average French Bulldog, they are by no means a cheap breed!


So are Frenchies worth it?

You may be wondering how such a high price tag is justified for “just a dog”.

If you’re looking for a new companion that will have you laughing and entertained all day, look no further!

You don’t need to pay $100,000 for a Micro Machine either; there are many French Bulldogs that need to be rescued all over the world! Just look around your area and I’m sure you’ll be able to find the Frenchie for you!

It’s worth it for us Frenchie lovers

For us French Bulldog owners, it’s certainly worth it!

Do your research

Just make sure you do plenty of research on the breed to make sure it’s the right choice for you and your family!

Frenchies aren’t for everybody

Frenchies aren’t for everyone, but for some of us, there’s no better breed.

Frenchies aboard the Titanic

Only the wealthiest, most prominent members of society could afford the luxury of a first-class ticket aboard the Titanic.

A young banker & his Frenchie

One of these passengers, Robert Williams Daniel, a 27-year-old banker from Virginia brought his French Bulldog, Gamin de Pycombe, along for a taste of luxury.

Not your ordinary bulldog

While Gamin was no Micro Machine, he was far from your typical French Bulldog. Robert Daniel reportedly paid £150 for his Frenchie, which is worth around $17,000 today when inflation is taken into account.

An unfortunate tragedy

When the ship sank on April 15th, 1912, a survivor reportedly saw a French Bulldog swimming in the ocean after the ship sank.

While Robert Williams Daniel survived this accident, his Frenchie sadly did not.

What are the most expensive French Bulldog colors?

Can I get a cheap French Bulldog?

Yes, it is possible to rescue a Frenchie and save lots of money compared to one from a breeder.

Frenchies are expensive— if the cost of a Frenchie from a breeder is too good to be true, it probably is.

What is the average price of a French Bulldog?

A purebred French Bulldog puppy can set you back anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000+ dollars.

Be wary of puppies that have a price that is “too good to be true” or one that seems too high.

Some breeders may be either trying to get rid of a puppy with health issues that they haven’t mentioned or are marking up the price for “rare” colors.

How much is the most expensive French Bulldog?

The most expensive Frenchie in the world cost $100,000.

His name is Micro Machine from Brad’s Bullies.

Are Frenchies worth it?

Yes! Frenchies aren’t for everybody, but to us Frenchie lovers, there’s no better breed.

Breeding French Bulldogs is extremely expensive compared to other dogs which is the main reason for their steep price tag.

How much does a French Bulldog cost yearly?

On a yearly basis, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 (even higher if unexpected vet bills come up!).

What is a good price for a French Bulldog?

The average cost of a French Bulldog in the U.S. is between $1,500 and $3,000. This price can fluctuate based on the reputation and location of the breeder. To ensure the best care for your puppy, be sure to find a reputable breeder.

How much is the most expensive Frenchie dog?

The steep rise of their popularity also made French bulldog prices to increase in recent years. What is the most expensive Frenchie color? The most expensive Frenchies are the long-haired fluffies whose prices can go up to 30,000 USD.

What is the rarest color of French Bulldog?

WHAT IS THE RAREST COLOR OF A FRENCH BULLDOG? The blue merle is the rarest of colors that exist in the Frenchie breed. They are best described as gray with spots or how we like to call them cookies N' cream.

Are male or female French bulldogs more expensive?

Life span and cost The female French Bulldog is usually more expensive than the male especially with breeding rights and AKC papers.