French Bulldogs are some of the most loving, kind-hearted, friendly, playful dogs in the world!
That’s why they’re so popular – and not just with people!
Yes, Frenchies are also good with other animals, particularly dogs!
Of course, your Frenchie’s training, background and personal experiences will impact how it interacts with other dogs.
If your Frenchie has had bad experiences with other dogs in the past, he may be fearful or shy of making future acquaintances.
By providing your pup with opportunities to meet other dogs at home, around your neighborhood or at the park, you can help your Frenchie overcome sensitivities and make canine friends galore.
Frenchies are, after all, companion dogs.
They enjoy companionship in all of its forms.
Having doggie companions and friends can be just as much fun for your Frenchie as having people friends – maybe even more!
What Breeds do French Bulldogs Get Along With?
Frenchies are, by nature, easy-going dogs.
They have an affable disposition that’s easy for people and animals to get along with.
Although Frenchies can make friends with most any dog, your pup may find it easier to establish a rapport with a dog that has personality traits similar to its own.
If your Frenchie is outgoing and active, chances are he’ll enjoy the company of other dogs that are the same, so they can play and have fun together.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be hard for your Frenchie to gravitate toward another French Bulldog.
But besides members of its own clan, there are other breeds that French Bulldogs are liable to get along well with, such as:
Beagle
Beagles make excellent companion dogs for French Bulldogs.
Beagles are affable, energetic dogs that love to run and play, making them a good playmate for your Frenchie, especially when you’re not around.
Beagles are also similar in size to French Bulldogs, so there’s little risk of your Beagle hurting your Frenchie if playtime gets a little rough.
Boston Terrier
A Boston Terrier can also make a good BFF for your Frenchie, as they’re about the same size and share a similar temperament.
They even look a lot alike! Boston Terriers are active dogs and will keep your Frenchie engaged in playful activities when you’re not there.
Like Frenchies, they’re also quite affectionate and like to spend time with their people family.
If you’re considering getting a Boston Terrier as a companion for your Frenchie, you’ll need to spend quality time with both so neither becomes jealous of the other.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are compatible with French Bulldogs due to the qualities they have in common, i.e., their small size, sweet disposition and love for their people family.
Dachshunds also enjoy similar activities as French Bulldogs, like daily strolls in the park and snuggling on their owner’s lap.
Pug
The Pug is yet another small dog that would make a good companion for your Frenchie.
Pugs are gentle, affectionate dogs that get along well with other non-aggressive dogs.
They can be quite animated and playful and will keep your Frenchie entertained for hours when you’re gone.
As French Bulldogs don’t like to be left on their own for long, your Frenchie is sure to appreciate having a friendly Pug to keep it company when you’re not home.
Golden Retriever
They say that opposites attract and such is the case with Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs.
Despite coming from completely different backgrounds, Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs make good companions, perhaps due to their friendly, outgoing personalities.
As Golden Retrievers are much larger than French Bulldogs, you’ll have to supervise playtimes between a Golden and your Frenchie to ensure your Frenchie doesn’t get hurt by accident.
Old English Sheepdog
Another “over-sized” pup your Frenchie is liable to make good friends with is the lovable Old English Sheepdog.
This large ball of fluff is known for its shaggy coat, gentle disposition and “childish” antics.
When socialized, English Sheepdogs are good with other dogs and make excellent playmates for French Bulldogs, as long as playtimes don’t get too rough!
How to Introduce Your Frenchie to Other Dogs
Whether you’re thinking of adding another dog to your household or just want to expand your Frenchie’s circle of friends, it’s important that you handle introductions properly to make it easier for your Frenchie to develop friendships with new dogs.
When making friends, introductions should be done on neutral ground outdoors with both dogs on a leash, in case things go awry.
Meeting on neutral ground will help your Frenchie feel more relaxed and less territorial.
Begin by walking your Frenchie toward the other dog, while keeping them apart until you see how they behave.
If your Frenchie shows no signs of aggression, praise him for his good behavior and give him a special treat.
Pay close attention to the body language of each dog to get an idea of how to proceed.
If both dogs seem comfortable with each other, you can bring them closer together to get them used to each other’s smell and presence.
Let your Frenchie set the pace for what he feels comfortable with and keep praising and rewarding him for any friendly behavior he displays towards the other dog.
If your initial meeting was a success, try to arrange future play dates in the same area, if possible.
Depending on how well the dogs are getting along, you can let them play together off-leash.
However, stay nearby to supervise their interactions until you’re comfortable that they will do each other no harm.
When bringing a new dog into your home, arrange for your Frenchie to meet his new companion behind a baby gate or other makeshift barrier.
Observe their interactions as they get to know each other.
Praise them both for any positive behavior and give them treats as a reward.
You may want to keep your two pets separate for a day or two until they become accustomed to each other.
Feed them in separate areas so there’s no fighting over food and don’t leave toys or treats around that they can fight over.
Once they’ve grown accustomed to each other, try putting them together and monitor their interaction closely.
Continue to supervise your pets until you’re positive they’ve accepted each other and will be safe on their own.
Should Your French Bulldog Have a Companion?
Like quite a few other breeds, French Bulldogs don’t like to be left on their own for long.
These pups are highly sociable and crave companionship, be it with their people family or other pets in the home.
If your Frenchie is quite attached to you and suffers separation trials when you’re gone, he may benefit from having a companion to keep him from getting lonely.
Another Frenchie or other type of dog can keep your pup company while you’re working or attending events where you can’t take your Frenchie along.
Most dogs don’t like being alone, and many express their displeasure with bad behavior while their owners are gone.
Some dogs bark or howl incessantly; others chew on furniture or get into the kitchen garbage.
Giving your Frenchie a playmate will take his mind off of destructive behavior and onto playtime with his new friend.
With a companion dog, your Frenchie is less likely to get lonely, anxious or bored.
Having a new pup in the household can also teach your Frenchie to share so that he doesn’t become spoiled.
Your Frenchie may go through jealousy trials in the beginning as you spend time with your new dog.
In time, however, he’ll grow to appreciate the companionship that a new pet provides when you’re not there and be willing to share your affection and love.
In Summary
A Frenchie’s affable, out-going nature is a plus when it comes to getting along with other dogs.
Socialization is key to helping your pup overcome traits like aggression, fear or shyness that can hold him back from making friends.
Through daily walks, playtimes in the park or visits to neighbors or friends with dogs, you can help your Frenchie develop the social skills he needs to enjoy the company of other dogs.
French Bulldogs are, by nature, a friendly breed that craves companionship, be it from people or other animals.
By socializing your Frenchie, you make it possible for him to live an active lifestyle with playmates he can enjoy to the full.