Do French bulldogs bark a lot?
This was precisely my worry when I first considered getting my Frenchie. I live in an apartment and I certainly did not want neighbors complaining.
I need not have worried! My Frenchie is very quiet and never barks unnecessarily or without reason. He is also quick to quiet down! As far as my research goes, most Frenchies are not excessive barkers!
So if you are thinking of getting a French Bulldog to join your household but are worried that it might bark and disturb the neighbors, then this post is for you.
We will discuss:
- Do French Bulldogs bark a lot?
- Reasons why some French bulldogs bark a lot
- At what age do French bulldogs start barking?
- Under what circumstances do French bulldogs typically bark the most?
- How can you stop your French bulldog’s unnecessary and excessive barking?
- FAQs
Do French Bulldogs Bark a Lot?
Of course all dogs bark at some point. That is how they communicate!
However, French bulldogs are not excessive or unnecessary barkers. They will usually not bark without reason and when they do, they are also quick to quiet down.
Compared to several small dog breeds (think Chihuahuas!) Frenchies are a lot quieter breed.
I like to think of French Bulldogs as practical barkers – meaning that they bark for a reason and to convey a certain message. And once they have done so, they quiet down.
Additionally, most Frenchies are not loud barkers. Their small sizes also mean that their barks are not shrill unlike those deep and loud barks of dogs like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, etc.
(Did you know that the Guinness Book of World records claims Golden Retrievers to be the loudest barkers? Their barks are almost 113 decibels!)
Aren’t you glad you opted for a Frenchie?!
Let us now take a look at some reasons why French bulldogs might bark.
8 Reasons Why Your French Bulldog Might Bark a Lot
While you should not expect your Frenchie to never bark, here are common reasons why your pet might bark:
1. Attention-seeking
Your Frenchie might bark when it wants to go out or wants food or treats. Barking is a way of seeking attention. It might even be asking you to pick it up, comfort it, or cuddle with it.
2. For protection
Being territorial by nature, your Frenchie might bark loudly when it wants to protect you. It might have sensed a threat or danger such as an approaching stranger or loud noises etc.
3. Fear
Being small dog breed often means that French bulldogs bark out of fear. In most cases, this may not be the reason for barking when your pet is indoors. However, fear can arise when you have left your pet home alone. Some noise or object might have startled your pet leading to barking.
4. Boredom and loneliness
If you leave your Frenchie home alone and neighbors complain that it barks after you leave, then this type of barking can stem from loneliness, separation anxiety, and boredom.
Don’t forget that Frenchies are a companion dog breed. They do not take being left alone too well.
5. Happiness
Some French bulldogs get excited and bark happily when playing with other dogs or greeting their favorite humans after meeting them after a long time.
This kind of barking is also accompanied by tail wagging, butt wiggling, and jumping! Some Frenchies might bark from the window when they see some kids playing in the yard or another neighbor’s dog walk by. This is as if to say ‘Hey, I want to join in too!’
6. Depression
Depressed Frenchies might bark loudly for no reason. They might be missing someone or may simply feel anxious or sad. In such a case, your pet might also display other behaviors like pacing, destructive chewing, inappropriate elimination, etc.
7. Disciplinary Issues
If you have always tolerated your Frenchie’s barking from puppyhood and not trained it to curtail the barking, tone it down, or have even encouraged it, then chances are that the barking comes from inadequate training and disciplining.
8. Curiosity
Dogs often bark out of curiosity at an object or when they are in unfamiliar surroundings. This kind of barking means – ‘What is this? What does it mean?’
At What Age do French Bulldogs Find Their Bark?
Some Frenchie puppies have tiny barks and they will use them to get your attention for food.
Most Frenchies pups whine – typically you will see this in puppies 1 month old. Often, a pet parent will wonder whether their pet will only whine all its life!
Don’t worry, this usually isn’t the case!
Canine vocalization starts around 2-3 weeks of age but your pet will start using its vocal cords loudly around 6-7 weeks of age. These whines will soon turn to yips and barks by the time your puppy is 16 weeks old.
Remember: some French bulldogs might start vocalizing right from the first moment while others might become more communicative as they mature.
A few Frenchies might even remain quiet all their lives!
Under What Circumstances do French Bulldogs Bark a Lot?
Frenchies are not guard dogs. They will definitely alert you to stranger approaching but you must not expect them to guard the house.
Most Frenchies bark for a variety of reasons that may be different than other dog breeds. Some of the most common circumstances under which French bulldogs bark include:
1. Loud noises
My Frenchie sometimes barks at the vacuum cleaner. He even barks during the 4th of July Fireworks and at thunderstorms. This type of barking stems from fear or anxiety.
2. When hungry
Many French bulldogs will bark loudly when they want food or treats. These are dogs that love their food and will bark to get your attention to feed them.
3. At nothing in particular!
I have seen some dogs bark loudly at nothing in particular! They will simply stand staring into space and bark away!
4. At strangers
Many dogs, Frenchies included bark at strangers. This is the territorial form of barking that stems out of their need to protect their property and humans.
5. At the TV
This one is quite comical! Some French bulldogs simply bark at the TV. It might be a response to a dog barking on TV or some high-pitched sirens from a fire truck or ambulance.
6. Doorbell or knocks
Most French bulldogs kick into protection mode when the doorbell rings.
This stems out of territorial protection and loyalty. It is their way of telling the stranger on the other side – ‘Hey, these are my premises. You have no right to be here. State your purpose!’
7. At other dogs
Female French bulldog might bark at other female dogs in the neighborhood. This is competitive barking or it could be a form of canine communication.
Some male Frenchies might bark at both male and female dogs. Sometimes, this barking stems from sexual excitement and is typically seen in un-fixed dogs.
Female Frenchies will typically bark when they are in the ‘standing heat’ phase to call out to intact males around them.
8. During playtime
This is the excitable and happy kind of barking – your pet might indulge in loud cheerful barks when it is playing with other dogs or kids.
9. When they are alone
This type of barking comes from your Frenchie is anxious, afraid, lonely, or bored. Prolonged periods of being left alone can trigger this kind of barking.
How to Stop Your French Bulldog from Barking Unnecessarily and Excessively?
You should never completely stop your pet from barking. After all, it is a powerful form of communication they use to get our attention to something.
No one wants a dog that barks loudly and excessively. And certainly no one wants irate neighbors. You especially don’t want a barking Frenchie when you work the third shift or when you have a new baby in the house.
Here are some methods to stop your French bulldog from barking excessively and unnecessarily:
1. Train it early on
Many forms of unwanted barking can be easily stopped by training your pet from an early age.
When your puppy barks loudly at other dogs or while playing with the children, ask it to stop. You can stop the play and ignore your pet. When it gets quiet, you must immediately treat your buddy.
Use healthy training treats like these.It is low in calories and won’t fill up your pet unnecessarily.
Remember: it is important to treat as soon as it stops barking. You can also teach the commands ‘Stop or Hush or Quiet’. Your pet will soon learn that it gets a reward when it is silent.
Repeat this exercise often until your puppy learns that it has to be quiet in order to get praised and rewarded. Be consistent with your vocal commands. This is applicable to all forms of training as well.
Also Read: How to Potty Train a French Bulldog.
2. Crate your pet
Crating your Frenchie provides it with a secure and safe place.
Naturally, you must crate train from an early age. This way, your pet won’t view the crate as a punishment rather as a welcome and safe haven.
The moment your French bulldog barks loudly or unnecessarily, crate it. Ignore your pet by turning your back on it. The moment it stops, turn around, praise and reward it.
Use a secure and safe crate like this one . It is the ideal size for small dogs, safe, and comfortable.
3. Reduce the triggers
If your French bulldog barks at other dogs or people from the window, reduce its motivation to bark by closing the curtains. During firework and thunderstorms, close the windows to tone down the noise.
Never leave your buddy alone all day or night if its barking is triggered due to being left alone.
If separation anxiety is triggering the barking, use calming supplements contain CBD oil or hemp oil. These relieve stress in dogs and curb excess barking triggered by fireworks, car rides, separation anxiety, etc.
4. Desensitize your pet
You can de-sensitize your Frenchie to certain loud sounds using special desensitization CDs . These CDs play fireworks, loud noises, etc.
Play the CDs on low volume and then on high volume from different parts of the house. Soon your pet will sleep right through it!
You can also desensitize your pet to doorbells, vacuum cleaner noises, loud TV or radio, and frequent guest visits.
5. Tire your pet out
A tired Frenchie is a quiet Frenchie.
Make sure your buddy gets adequate exercise every day. This way, it is less likely to bark out of boredom or frustration.
Depending on your pet’s age and health, it will need at least 2 short walks of 15-20 minutes each. (Don’t forget that this is a brachycephalic breed which means that it has a short snout so you mustn’t let it get exhausted or overheated.)
Also provide mental stimulation to your pet in the form of puzzles, obstacle courses, and interactive dog toys .
6. Speak to a certified canine behaviorist
If none of these techniques work, see a certified dog behavior expert or a reputable breeder to determine the cause of excess barking.
FAQs on Do French Bulldogs Bark a Lot
1. Why is my French bulldog so quiet?
If your Frenchie is unnaturally quiet, it could be depression. Give your pet some time to bounce back. If it is home alone all day, consider bringing another dog to give it company. Seek help from a vet if nothing works.
2. Are Frenchies yappy?
The French bulldog is not too yappy. It is definitely not as yappy as other smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas and has a happier temperament.
3. Do French bulldogs bark a lot when left alone?
Yes, most Frenchies are prone to separation anxiety and could resort to whining, howling, or barking when alone.
Consider bringing another dog for company or hire a pet sitter to watch your pet.
Conclusion
Do French bulldogs bark a lot?
Most Frenchies are quiet dogs and they don’t bark unnecessarily.
At the same time, like all dogs, your Frenchie will bark at some point – when it wants something or wants to alert you to something. I hope this guide helps you curb French bulldog barking!
