Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? Biting, Growling and What to Do

Are French Bulldogs aggressive?

As a breed, no. The Royal Veterinary College compared 2,781 French Bulldogs with 21,850 other dogs in UK veterinary records. French Bulldogs had lower odds of aggression and much lower odds of "undesirable behaviour" overall.^[1] Keep in mind this study looked at vet records, so it captures dogs whose behavior was serious enough to discuss with a vet.

Any dog can bite, though. Frenchies are strong for their size, and a bite to a child's face can cause real harm.

Why a Frenchie might growl or bite

• Pain. A dog that suddenly snaps when picked up may have back pain, sore ears or itchy, inflamed skin. French Bulldogs have higher odds of spinal, ear and skin problems than other dogs.^[1]
• Fear. Unfamiliar people, children, other dogs, vet visits or handling.
• Resource guarding. Protecting food, toys, beds or a favorite person.
• Frustration. On a leash, behind a fence or when a game is stopped.
• Overtired or overheated. A Frenchie struggling to breathe or cool down may have little patience.
• Rough puppy play that was never redirected.

Warning signs before a bite

Dogs usually warn before they bite. Learn to spot:

• Lip licking, yawning or turning the head away
• Whale eye: the whites of the eyes showing
• Stiff body, freezing in place
• Ears pinned back, tail tucked
• Growling, lifting the lip, snapping at the air

Never punish a growl. A growl is a warning. If you punish it, the dog may learn to skip the warning and bite.

What to do, step by step

1. Keep everyone safe. Use baby gates, leashes and supervision, especially around children.
2. See your vet first, especially if the aggression is new. Rule out pain and illness.
3. Write down the triggers: what happened just before, who was involved, where, and what the dog did.
4. Avoid the triggers for now while you get help.
5. Work with a qualified professional: a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) or a certified trainer who uses reward-based methods.

Training methods that work

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) "recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems." Its board adds that aversive methods, "including but not limited to electronic collars, prong collars, choke chains, leash corrections, and other forms of physical or psychological punishment," should not be used "under any circumstances."^[2]

For Frenchies there is another reason: collars that tighten on the neck put pressure on an already narrow airway. Use a harness and food rewards.

Puppies: preventing problems early

AVSAB calls the first three months of life "the primary and most important time for puppy socialization." It says puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks of age, with at least one set of vaccines given at least 7 days before the first class.^[3]

• Introduce gentle handling of paws, ears, mouth and tail with treats.
• Let your puppy meet calm adults, children and vaccinated dogs in positive settings.
• Teach "trade" games so giving up a toy earns a treat.
• Give your puppy a quiet place to rest away from busy family activity.