Do French Bulldogs Shed?
And how to minimize shedding

April 14, 2021

The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is one of the most popular dog breeds you will find. Their cute ears and short legs make them simply adorable, and their small size makes them an excellent choice for people living in small spaces.

Their coats are another "pro" of owning this lovely breed of dog. The coat comes in many colors that potential adoptees will have a hard time choosing, and said coat is also quite easy to care for.

In this article, we will take a close look at the shedding activity of the French Bulldog, how to keep shedding to a minimum with this breed, and factors that can affect shedding.

Keep reading to discover all there is to know about shedding and French bulldogs.

french bulldog sitting
Coming up
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    How Much Do French Bulldogs Shed?

    To answer the question, in short – they will lose their undercoats twice a year, specifically in spring and fall.

    As a matter of fact, seasons play a huge role in shedding for ALL dogs. Dogs with double coats will lose their undercoat in the spring to keep them cool. And in winter, they grow their thick, warm undercoat back in and shed out the summer coat.

    French bulldogs are actually one of the breeds that do not shed as much as others.

    Dogs of all breeds are like us humans- they naturally lose old and damaged hair by letting it fall off. It is the act of shedding, and it is totally normal. What varies is the amount and how often the animal sheds.

    It is determined by the dog's breed as well as the status of their health.

    What about the French Bulldog? These dogs have a coat that is easy to care for, and don't shed all that much.

    Factors That Can Affect Your French Bulldog's Shedding

    Seasons

    Sunlight, temperatures, and the overall season play a part in the shedding activity of your dog. It is common knowledge that in winter, we have less daylight to work with, and the temperatures get lower no matter where you live.

    It will cause your Frenchie to adapt by growing in a new coat and shedding the older one as a way of getting ready for these changes in season. The same thing happens in summer- the old coat is shed in favor of a lighter undercoat that helps the Frenchie feel more comfortable in the heat.

    However, many dogs spend their time indoors now. If your Frenchie is always surrounded by artificial light and constant regulated temperatures, they are more apt to shed constantly instead of two times per year.

    french bulldog shedding hair

    Type of Coat

    French bulldogs may have a single layer coat, or a double layer, depending on the specific breed. Most of the time, it will be a single- layer coat, but the brindled breeds can have a double layer coat.

    Thus, your Frenchie may be a dog with either a smooth coat type or a double coat.

    • Smooth-coated Frenchies shed moderately but still require regular grooming to keep their coat looking glossy.
    • Double coated French Bulldogs require more grooming than those with a smooth coat because the loose hair in the undercoat should be removed by regular brushing.

    Losing the Puppy Hair

    A French Bulldog puppy's fur is much different from an adult's. The fur of a Frenchie puppy is designed to keep the animal warm and keep him protected against the elements. This fur is usually very soft to the touch, but as the puppy grows into being an adult dog, we find that the fur begins to feel a bit more rough and thick.

    The way the fur looks changes as a result of the pup growing in his adult hair. Shedding of the puppy coat will happen around age 6 to 12 months, and your French Bulldog may look a bit unkempt at this stage, but it is not to worry. It's all a part of the puppy becoming an adult dog.

    Age

    Do you have a senior Frenchie? If so, you should understand that age can play a role in how much your pet sheds. Dogs that are considered senior citizens are more prone to developing ailments that can affect how they shed their hair.

    For example, Cushing's disease, which is a result of the failure of the adrenal glands or even tumors on said glands, is one reason dogs can lose hair without it actually growing back.

    Hypothyroidism is another reason senior dogs may lose their hair. Skin infections and abnormalities occur with this affliction, and so does anemia and, in some cases, obesity. Dogs tend to lose hair on their tail or necks.

    Nutrition

    All dogs need proper nutrition if they are to maintain healthy fur. Healthy skin leads to healthy hair follicles, which ensure your Frenchie has a beautiful coat. If the skin does not get the nutrients needs, it cannot produce oil and, in turn, produces hair that is brittle and dull in color.

    Your Frenchie needs the correct amount of calories and nutrients in order to have a glossy coat, so be sure to feed your pet with high-quality dog food. Look for foods that are packed with nutrients, especially Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and whole grains. It is a winning combination that will provide your dog all he needs and more to have a healthy body and coat.

    french bulldog shedding hair

    Health

    When we discussed senior citizen Frenchies, we discussed how their health plays a role in coat quality. As you may have guessed, this is true for pups and adult French bulldogs, too.

    Here are some ailments that can affect your dog's tendency to shed:

    Dermatitis- this is the development of moisture in the skin folds. Frenchies are more prone to it thanks to their sometimes "wrinkly" nature. It affects all dogs, however.

    Allergens and irritants can be found in food, so keep watch over what you feed your French Bulldog as it could be causing him to have an allergic reaction. Environmental irritants like pollen could also cause your Frenchie to itch, scratch, and shed.

    Dry skin is another factor; this comes about as a result of excessive bathing. Lastly, mites and dandruff can also affect the shedding of a French bulldog.

    If you suspect your Frenchie is suffering from any of these ailments, be sure to speak to a vet and get your dog on a treatment plan.

    Baths

    Bathing your Frenchie more than once per month is not required. Bathing him more often than necessary dries out his skin and may lead to dandruff and dry, flaky skin. When baths take place, the oils of your dog's skin are washed away, and he is left open to more shedding.

    Bathing should take place only when necessary- such as a muddy day outside- or once per month. Other than that, skip the bath!

    Hormonal Cycles

    Hormones play a significant role in how much your Frenchie sheds. For instance, consider thyroid hormones. These stimulate the hair follicles, so they spend more time growing, and less time resting. This is why Frenchies affected by hypothyroidism have less than stellar looking coats.

    Other hormones that will affect your dog's shedding activity are cortisol, growth hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.

    How to Reduce a French Bulldog's Shedding?

    1. Brushing

    For French Bulldogs, a good bristle brush will help you keep shedding at bay. The bristle brush works well as most Frenchies have that short coat. However, you may wish to have on hand a pin brush, which can help you remove dirt that gets embedded into your dog's hair.

    A grooming glove is another option- you get the great sensation of petting your dog while providing a gentle grooming experience to your pet. And yes, excess hair is removed, leaving your dog looking great.

    2. Deshedding

    A de-shedding tool works to remove hair that is getting ready to fall out anyway- the act of de-shedding gets it out of your way before it falls on the floor and creates those "tumbleweeds" we see floating around the house. Deshedding once per week will keep fur at bay for a French Bulldog.

    slicker brush

    3. Bathing

    Allowing your Frenchie a bath once a month is a great way to keep shedding to the minimum.

    A bath each month combined with de-shedding and grooming will keep loose dog hair to a minimum in your home.

    Deshedding shampoos are available, and they have nutrients, moisturizers, and vitamins that will keep skin hydrated and hair follicles healthful. A bath each month combined with de-shedding and grooming will keep loose dog hair to a minimum in your home.

    4. Grooming

    Regular grooming can take place at home or at a professional groomer's. For a Frenchie, not much is needed compared to other dogs.

    A brush regularly and a de-shedding once per week is really all the dog needs, plus that monthly bath. Some owners may wish to have their dog professionally groomed.

    5. Healthy Nutrition

    French bulldogs need a healthy, balanced diet that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients so they can have beautiful and healthy coats, great bodily functions, and good quality of life.

    Getting the right nutrients means your dog's fur will resist breakage. The key nutrient to look for is Omega-3 fatty acids. If your French Bulldog needs an Omega-3 supplement, ask your vet to help you choose a supplement that works for you.

    6. Clean Water

    Clean, fresh water should always be available for your dog. Water is the vehicle in which nutrients are moved into and out of the cells of the dog's body.

    Thanks to water, food is digested more easily, and the body takes in nutrients a lot easier. Water keeps your French bulldog cool during warm temperatures and helps them maintain normal body temperature.

    Water also helps keep joints lubricated. One rule of thumb is that one ounce of water should be provided to your dog per one pound of body weight.

    So, if you have a French bulldog weighing in at 14 lbs., then you should offer 14 oz of water each day at a minimum. Of course, this amount will increase and decrease based on various factors such as temperature- so offer an unlimited supply.

    7. Prevent and Treat Skin Diseases

    Make sure you take your dog to the vet regularly. Ailments like alopecia, infections, parasites, or allergies can lead to hair loss in your dog. Hair can be lost thanks to scratching excessively, or because hair follicles are not healthy any longer.

    If you notice your dog is losing hair at a rapid rate, or you notice missing patches of fur on your dog's body, make sure to get them to their vet as soon as you can.

    Causes of Excessive Shedding in French Bulldogs

    If you have a dog that is shedding excessively, it is likely they are under a great deal of stress, dealing with a medical problem, or not getting proper nutrition. On the other hand, it could be a seasonal change. Always check with a vet to see if your dog's shedding is normal or requires medication.

    Here is a list of the most common causes of excessive shedding in dogs of all breeds: 

    • Infections, bacterial and fungal
    • Cancer
    • Coming into contact with a skin irritant
    • Licking excessively in a specific area such as the foot
    • Allergies to food
    • Parasites like fleas, mites, lice
    • Pregnancy or lactation
    • Certain medications

    If you see any of the following in your French Bulldog, make sure to get to a vet immediately to begin treatment:

    • Hair that is dry and dull can be pulled out easily
    • Licking of the foot or face constantly
    • Open sores
    • Thin coat, bald patches

    FAQ

    Why Do French Bulldogs Shed So Much?

    French bulldogs are actually one of the breeds that do not shed as much as others, although you will need to be vigilant with your pooch to make sure shed fur doesn't take over your home.

    You can make sure to engage in regular grooming activities like brushing and combing and offer your Frenchie a healthy, high-quality food to keep shedding at bay. Minimizing your dog's stress is also a good way of keeping fur where it belongs- on your Frenchie, of course.

    How Do You Stop a French Bulldog from Shedding?

    There is no way to stop a French Bulldog from shedding- it is a natural occurrence that your dog cannot stop or control. It is a bodily function like breathing or eating- it has to be done. However, owners can take steps to reduce shedding.

    Regular brushings, de-shedding once per week, and keeping up with the vacuuming will keep loose pet hair to a minimum. Feeding your Frenchie, a healthy diet, and providing abundant water will also keep your pup healthy. You can also use a grooming glove to get rid of excess fur, pet your dog, and make them feel relaxed and happy at the same time.

    How Often Should I Bathe My French Bulldog?

    Baths for French bulldogs should take place once per month. You can also give a bath as necessary- some dogs play hard at the dog park and end up a bit muddy. However, baths should only be given sparingly.

    This is done as a means of protecting the oils in the skin that lead hair follicles to grow healthy and shiny fur. When you do bathe, use a mild dog shampoo. It will provide your dog with a moisturizing and nutrient-filled bath experience, and also help get rid of excess fur. Your dog will look and smell great once it is all done.

    Can I Shave My French Bulldog?

    The answer is no. Frenchies have such short hair already that shaving it would leave them exposed to the elements and quite cold. Their hair is fine and acts as a protectant to their skin. The only time a Frenchie should be shaved is at the order of a vet, who may do it for health reasons.

    If you are concerned about the folds of your Frenchie, experts suggest the use of cornstarch as a means of keeping the folds free of moisture. It also helps prevent irritation and infection.

    Bottom Line

    Yes, French bulldogs do shed, although they don't do it as much as some other breeds. This is all thanks to their short coats, which are quite low maintenance compared to other dogs.

    A few good pieces like a bristle brush, de-shedding tool, and a good shampoo once per month will keep their fur looking healthy and feeling good. Enjoy caring for your adorable Frenchie!

    Matt Clayton
    Matt Clayton
    Chief Editor & Founder of PetHairPatrol

    Matt is the founder of PetHairPatrol.com and has years of experience helping pet owners keep their homes clean. He's been featured in publications like Reader's Digest, Money, and BestLifeOnline. When this neat freak is not searching for better ways to get rid of pet hair, dander, and other messes pets leave behind, he's usually enjoying outdoors with his two (hairy) Goldens: Ben and Jerry. Read more.

    Scroll to Top