Have you heard of the Freelance Bulldog?
This hybrid dog is a mix of two of the most popular breeds worldwide.
Come with us as we explore more on the French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix to help determine if this is the dog for you.
French-English Bulldog Mix: Breed at a Glance
| Trait | French Bulldog, English Bulldog mix |
| Other names | Freelance Bulldog, Frenglish Bulldog |
| Purpose | Companion |
| Size | Medium-sized |
| Height | 13-15 inches |
| Weight | 28-55 pounds |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Temperament | Affectionate, intelligent, and loyal |
| Coat color | Brown, white, black |
| Trainability | Easy to train using positive reinforcement methods |
| Grooming needs | Low |
| Exercise needs | Moderate |
| Shedding level | moderate |
| Life span | 10-12 years |
What is a Hybrid French Bulldog?
This is a crossbreed of a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog. Hybrid dog mixes are produced by crossing two different purebred breeds. It’s believed that cross-breeding two purebred dogs will produce healthier offspring.
The Uncertain Origin
There is no information on precisely when the French Bulldog English Bulldog mix was first created. However, its origin is believed to date back to the early 1990s because that’s when most French Bulldog mixes appeared.
Despite the uncertain origin of the French Bulldog English Bulldog mix, its parents have rich individual histories as they have been around as distinct for hundreds of years.
The English And French Bulldog Mix History
While not much is known about the exact date period when the English and French Bulldog mix first appeared, the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog have rich histories.
French Bulldog
Although their name suggests otherwise, French Bulldogs originated from the UK, specifically England in the 19th century. This breed was particularly popular with the English lacemakers who were living in Nottingham, England as they were used as ratters. When the lacemakers moved to France following the Industrial Revolution, they took their small dogs with them. The dogs became an instant hit in France due to their small size and pleasant temperament.
Over time, these small dogs were crossed with Parisian ratters in France creating the bat-eared Frenchie that we know today. This dog became a favorite of the Parisian elite. The popularity of these bat-eared Frenchies continued to rise, especially among the affluent in Europe and the US.
English Bulldog
Originating from England in the 13th century, English Bulldogs were initially for Bullbaiting. This was a bloody sport that involved pitting against a bull for entertainment. The Bulldogs were trained to be brave, strong, and tenacious. This violent sport thus needed extremely powerful dogs and English Bulldogs were a perfect choice due to their muscular build and wide strong jaws.
However, bull baiting was illegalized in 1835 leaving the English Bulldogs without work and were faced with the possibility of extinction. To save the breed, English breeders began breeding them with more docile dogs transforming them from aggressive dogs to gentle companions. Eventually, the once violent and aggressive dog became an affectionate, gentle, and loving dog that became very popular among households.
Hybrid French Bulldog
While both the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog have been around for over a hundred years, there is no information on when the two breeds were mixed. However, this hybrid dog is believed to have been created in the 1900s since that’s when the popularity of French Bulldog mixes began.
Does AKC recognize the French-English Bulldog Mix?
No, the AKC does not recognize the French English Bulldog mix as a breed as it’s considered a designer dog breed. The club only recognizes purebred dogs. However, the English Bulldog and Frenchie mix can be registered in the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) which provides information on the best purebreds to breed together.
It’s also allowed to register with the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) which certifies and provides pedigree services to all designer mixes.
Appearance
Just like any other hybrid dog, Frenchie, and English Bulldog mixes can vary in appearance depending on the dominant genes they inherit from either parent.
What do they look like?
A French bulldog and English Bulldog mix is a medium-sized dog with a well-muscled physique, large square heads, wide shoulders, undershot jaws, short muzzles, and strong jowls. This dog also has a flat face with stubby nose. The dog can have either floppy or upright ears and a short coat that comes in a wide variety of colors
Temperament
Just like their parents, French Bulldog and English Bulldogs mixes are renowned for their calm and dignified demeanor. These dogs are loving, affectionate, friendly, and outgoing. This makes them excellent family pets.
Freelance bulldogs are highly social dogs that love spending time with their families. They also get along with other dogs and pets. However, you’ll need to socialize your dog early for the best results. While these dogs are intelligent and easy to train, they also have a stubborn streak, a trait inherited from their English Bulldog parents. They thus do best with positive reinforcement training techniques.
French Bulldog and English Bulldog mixes are highly adaptable and adjust themselves to suit their owners’ lifestyles. They can do well in both apartments and homes with large yards.
Does Frenchie English Bulldog Mix make great family pets?
Yes, Frenchie English Bulldog Mixes make excellent family pets due to their friendly and loving nature. These dogs are also playful and gentle making them great companions for kids. They also get along pretty well with other dogs and pets.
Is French English Bulldog Mix affectionate dogs?
Yes, French-English Bulldog mixes are highly affectionate and loving dogs that love spending time with their families. These canines are gentle and extremely devoted to their families which makes them great family pets. If well-trained and socialized, these designer dogs can get along well with children, other dogs, and pets.
Do French English Bulldogs mix bark a lot?
No, a French-English Bulldog mix is not known for barking a lot. This dog has low barking tendencies, a characteristic it inherits from both the French Bulldogs and the English Bulldogs. Although they don’t bark a lot, Frenchie English Bulldog mixes are wary of strangers and will bark to alert you of their presence or any other unusual happening. This makes them good watchdogs.
As Family Dogs
French-English Bulldog mixes make great family dogs. These dogs are loving, friendly, and affectionate and love spending time with their families. These dogs get along well with kids. Their gentle and unaggressive nature makes them great companions for kids as they are unlikely to hurt them. However, it’s important to teach children how to behave with dogs.
While they are gentle with kids, French English Bulldog mixes should never be left unsupervised with them just like with any other dog.
As Guard Dogs
French Bulldogs English Bulldogs are loyal and protective of their families which makes them good watchdogs. However, this hybrid dog does not make a good guard dog due to its extremely friendly and trusting nature. They quickly make friends out of strangers which makes them ineffective as guard dogs.
Training
The Free-lance Bulldogs are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence and people-pleasing nature. This dog can quickly learn basic commands and instructions. However, these dogs can also be a bit stubborn. It’s thus best to use positive reinforcement training techniques for the best results.
Use treats to reward your Free-lance Bulldog when it behaves well or when it responds properly to training. Use words of encouragement and praise to let it know that it’s doing a great job.
A French Bulldog English Bulldog mix needs to be socialized at an early age so that they can get along well with children as well as other dogs and pets.
Grooming
Free-lance bulldogs have low grooming needs which makes them low-maintenance dogs. They have short, smooth coats that don’t need too much brushing. You’ll only need to brush them once or twice a week to help remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. Regular brushing will also help redistribute natural oils across their coat leaving it looking glossy.
Free-lance Bulldogs don’t require frequent bathing. You’ll only need to bathe your dog once or twice every two months or if it gets extremely dirty. However, you should take special care of the skin folds around their face and tails as these are breeding spaces for bacteria if not properly cleaned. Regularly clean and dry these areas to avoid infection. You can use a damp cloth or mild baby wipes to wipe the folds clean.
You should also regularly clip their nails and brush their teeth. Ideally, you should brush your French Bulldog and English Bulldog mix once or twice a week.
Diet
Both French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are prone to obesity. As such, you can also expect Free-lance Bulldogs to have this issue as well. It’s thus important to monitor their food intake and feed them appropriate portions depending on their age, weight, and health.
Go for high-quality food that contains wholesome and natural ingredients and lists real meat as the first ingredient. It should have a balanced mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats such as omega 3 and 6.
The diet of Frenchie English Bulldog mixes should contain at least 18% protein from real animal meat and 5% healthy fats. As puppies, these dogs will need enough food to support their growing bodies.
Life span
French Bulldogs have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years while English French Bulldogs have a life expectancy of around 10 years. Consequently, you can expect a French Bulldog English Bulldog mix to live for 10-12 years.
French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix shedding
Because both Frenchies and English Bulldogs shed moderately throughout the year and a bit more heavily during the seasonal weather changes in fall and spring, you can expect a Free-lance bulldog to shed in a similar way.
French Bulldog English Bulldog mixes are moderate shedders and shed average throughout the year with more shedding during seasonal changes. However, they are easy to groom due to their short smooth coats. They only need to be brushed once or twice weekly to keep their coats in order.
French English Bulldog Mix Health Issues
French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are prone to some genetic health conditions. While mixing these two breeds produces a healthier dog, there are some health concerns that you should watch out for in Free-lance bulldogs.
These are some of the disorders that Freelance Bulldogs can be prone to:
- Patella luxation: This is the dislocation of the kneecap making the dog unable to extend its knee. This results in pain in the legs and eventually immobility.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a hip deformity that results from an ununiform growth of the ball and socket causing a mismatch between the two. This causes pain and mobility issues.
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome: This mixed breed is likely to have upper airway malformations that can lead to obstructed breathing, collapse, difficulty in eating, and choking.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is a type of blindness that affects both eyes and usually occurs between the ages of six months to four eyes.
- Heart disease: This is a leading cause of death in French Bulldog and English Bulldog mixes. The high blood pressure that’s common in this dog breed often leads to heart failure.
French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix Price
While the price varies depending on the breeder, location, and health status, you can expect a French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix to cost between $1000-$4000. This high price is mainly because of the difficulty in breeding them.
Where to buy
When looking to buy a Freelance Bulldog, it’s important to look for a reputable breeder who will give you a health guarantee for the dog. You can look for these breeders on Facebook, breeders’ websites, and classifieds. You can also check out local pet supplies stores or kennels.
How To Take Care Of French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix
For the optimal health of your French Bulldog English Bulldog mix, it’s important to take care of it. These are some of the ways you take care of your dog:
- Regular brushing: Although the Freelance Bulldog does not shed much, it’s important to regularly brush them to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Regular brushing will keep their fur from matting and help redistribute natural oils throughout the coat.
- Occasional baths: While Freelance dogs don’t need frequent bathing, you should bathe your dog once or twice monthly or when they become extremely dirty.
- Sufficient exercise: You’ll need to give your Freelance dog enough exercise to keep it trim and healthy. This can be in the form of short daily walks and mild outdoor activities.
- Playtime: Besides physical exercises, it’s important to keep your dog mentally stimulated. You can provide puzzle toys.
Similarities Between The French Bulldog And English Bulldog
The French Bulldog and English Bulldogs have a number of similarities including
- Both are moderately intelligent and people-pleasing dogs that are easy to train.
- Both breeds are loving and affectionate dogs that make excellent family pets.
- They are both predisposed to various health issues.
- They are both brachycephalic dog breeds with a flat-facial structure hence prone to breathing issues.
- They both shed moderately and have low grooming needs
Differences Between English Bulldogs And French Bulldogs Mix
While both Frenchies and English Bulldogs have some similarities, they also have several differences including
- French Bulldogs are more outgoing and docile, and English Bulldogs are more independent.
- Frenchies are more compact with larger, more erect ears than English Bulldogs.
- English Bulldogs are slightly more muscular and bigger than Frenchies.
- Frenchies are more outgoing and more playful than English Bulldogs.
The Pros And Cons Of French Bulldog English Bulldog Mix
Just like other dogs, English Bulldogs and French Bulldog mixes have their own pros and cons. These include
Pros
- They are loving, affectionate, and loyal dogs that make excellent family pets.
- Freelance Bulldogs have low grooming needs making them low-maintenance dogs.
- They have a pleasant and endearing temperament.
- They are compact in size and hence don’t require a lot of space
- They have fewer health issues than Frenchies and English Bulldogs.
Cons
- They are expensive
- They are difficult to find
- They are still prone to some health issues.
What does a French Bulldog and English Bulldog look like?
This hybrid dog has a short and compact build with a wide chest and strong hindquarters. It comes in a short smooth coat that can be fawn, brindle, black, or white. It also has a stubby nose and large round eyes. Its ears can either be floppy or erect.
Which is more expensive English Bulldog or French Bulldog?
The French Bulldog is more expensive than the English Bulldog. This is mainly due to its popularity and difficulty in breeding.
Do French bulldogs have fewer health problems than English bulldogs?
While both breeds are prone to various health problems, Frenchies have more health issues than English Bulldogs.
What happens if you mix a French Bulldog with an English Bulldog?
Mixing a French Bulldog with an English Bulldog produces a designer dog called a French Bulldog English Bulldog mix or Freelance Bulldog. This hybrid dog is considered to be healthier than Frenchies and English Bulldogs.
Can you breed a French Bulldog with an English Bulldog?
Yes, you can breed a French Bulldog with an English Bulldog to create a hybrid dog with fewer health issues called a Freelance Bulldog.
Are English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs the same?
No, while both breeds have ‘’bull’’ in their names, they are different breeds with unique features and traits.
What dog is mistaken for a French Bulldog?
The Boston Terrier is often mistaken for a French Bulldog due to the similarities in their appearances. However, these dogs are different breeds.
What dog looks like a French Bulldog but smaller?
Pugs are similar to French Bulldogs in appearance but are slightly smaller and have deep wrinkles on their faces and bodies.
What are the most unique French Bulldogs?
The fluffy French Bulldog is considered the most unique French Bulldog available.
Final Thoughts – French English Bulldog Mix
English Bulldog French Bulldog mixes, also referred to as Freelance bulldogs are affectionate, loving, and loyal dogs that make excellent family pets. They are highly social and friendly dogs that love spending time with people, other dogs, and pets.
In addition to their endearing and charming personalities, these dogs are compact in size which makes them a preferred choice for many individuals. However, just like like their parent breeds, these hybrid dogs are prone to breathing issues.
Despite these problems, with proper care, you can enjoy long companionship with a freelance bulldog.
