Frenchies are affectionate and entertaining companions.
But they have other qualities.
So, how smart are French Bulldogs?
Here’s everything you need to know about French Bulldog intelligence.
Let’s dig in.
What are the traits of an intelligent dog?
Understanding dog intelligence is complicated. But here are the three traits to watch out for:
- Responding to body language and emotions
- Showing empathy
- Ability to remember things
Other factors that determine your dog’s intelligence levels include ease of training, love for work, and proper stress management.
Are French Bulldogs Smart?
Despite receiving a low ranking from Stanley Coren’s dog intelligence ranking techniques, pet parents and the American Kennel Club regard Frenchies as intelligent dogs.
Dog intelligence is difficult to quantify, but Coren’s techniques allow you to make an educated judgment on where they stand regarding intelligence and obedience.
Their reputation as a stubborn breed makes Frenchies difficult to train. However, some IQ rankings place them low because of their stubbornness.
To put it simply, French Bulldogs are intelligent. They are among the most common breeds in the US; that fact alone says a lot.
Exploring the Intelligence of French Bulldogs
Like humans, dogs have different forms of intelligence. The major one is dog IQ or working intelligence. This form of intelligence determines your dog’s learning speed. Below are other forms of dog intelligence:
Emotional intelligence
This is how a dog interacts with people and comprehends their emotions. Although it can be challenging to quantify, as a pet parent, you can typically sense it. We frequently categorize sensitive, compassionate dogs as being extremely emotionally sophisticated.
Instincts
Every dog has instincts. However, working dogs possess instincts that are specific to their duties. They have instincts for guarding, hinting, or herding.
Problem-solving or adaptive intelligence
This type of intelligence deals with your dog’s ability to learn, think adaptively, and figure out things for itself. You can measure this form of intelligence using puzzle toys.
Working Instincts and Emotional Intelligence
French Bulldogs are lap dogs. They do not have strong working instincts. Frenchies lack guarding or herding instincts but may have prey drive, which varies with genetics.
Frenchie owners love them for their affectionate nature, not their prey drive. Frenchies excel in emotional intelligence. They can easily detect emotions.
Problem-Solving Abilities and Working Intelligence
Generally speaking, Frenchies are not very intelligent working dogs. They typically take longer to pick up new cues and only listen about half the time.
Although French Bulldogs are food-motivated and can improve with effort, they don’t typically make the best problem solvers.
They do tend to excel in tasks they perceive as vital, like convincing others to give them more treats. French Bulldogs top the list when it comes to understanding human emotions.
Adaptive intelligence in French Bulldogs can vary substantially depending on your particular dog. But most pet parents agree that the French Bulldog typically has a highly adaptable IQ.
In addition, Frenchies were domesticated to be companions. They’ll typically carry out this directive by playing or sleeping beside or at your feet. They exhibit this behavior by recognizing your needs and responding appropriately.
However, since their outbursts can occasionally get annoying, they thrive when you are patient, determined, and constant.
Cognitive Capabilities of Frenchies: Problem-Solving Skill and Brain Size
French Bulldogs are less adept at solving problems and act more distantly. Even though they strive to please, they can be obstinate, which makes it difficult to determine how much they can and will accomplish.
Let’s imagine, for illustration, that you offer your French Bulldog a puzzle toy to solve. However, they rapidly become tired of the toy, so you give them the snacks. If they notice this, they might give up on the toy.
But isn’t this behavior itself a form of problem-solving?
Frenchies’ brain size is smaller compared to other dogs. Their brain structure is also different due to their brachycephalic nature.
Frenchies Learning Aptitudes: How Fast and Adaptive Are They?
French Bulldogs are slow learners compared to other dog breeds. This mainly stems from their upbringing. Most pet parents tend to focus more on training large dog breeds than small breeds like Frenchies. But also genetics plays a critical role in this.
Training them, therefore, requires patience. They can, however, learn faster than other bully breeds.
French Bulldog Intelligence Ranking: Where Does It Stand?
On the list of purebred dogs with the highest IQs, French Bulldogs come in at number 58. The Business Insider describes French Bulldogs as “fair working dogs.” They typically learn new tricks in 40 to 80 repetitions and only respond approximately 40% of the time.
Here’s a comparison table
| Dog breed | Is the French Bulldog smarter? |
| German Shepherd | No |
| Pug | Yes |
| Shih Tzu | Yes |
| Bulldog | Yes |
| American Bulldog | Yes |
| English Bulldog | Yes |
| Golden Retriever | No |
| Boston Terrier | Similar |
Evidence of French Bulldogs’s Intelligence and Smartness
French Bulldogs demonstrate their smartness in different ways.
- Barking only when necessary: Though not bred as watchdogs, Frenchies will bark to alert you of an impending danger or the presence of a stranger in your home. They are, however, quiet during other times.
- Advanced communication skills: Frenchies are calm dogs. This may stem from their use of a language to communicate with you. They will yawn or gargle to get your attention. Frenchies have several characteristics that will win you over. This is because they were developed to provide company. They include their charming, expressive eyes, composure, and fun enjoyment. Their distinctive language will also make you like them. Due to their recognition of the endearing quality of these alternate communication techniques, Frenchies might have honed their use with the help of adaptive intelligence.
- Good with children: Frenchies can differentiate inanimate things from animate ones. They will protect and play with your children peacefully.
- Trainability: Though training them can take time, Frenchies are highly trainable. Make training sessions enjoyable by using treats and rewards.
- Performing challenging activities: Popularly known for their circus, French Bulldogs are performing dogs. Their obedience and working intelligence enable them to carry out our challenging tasks.
Final Thoughts
Frenchies are smart dogs.
Their high adaptive intelligence makes them wonderful companion dogs.
They can read and understand your emotions well.
Their high trainability is attributed to their obedience and working intelligence.