Do French Bulldogs Shed? Understanding Your Frenchie’s Coat

Last updated on June 13th, 2025 at 01:53 am

French Bulldogs, affectionately known as Frenchies, have become incredibly popular in recent years, thanks to their adorable personalities and compact size. However, if you’re considering adding one of these lovable pups to your family, you might be wondering, “Do French Bulldogs shed?”

The short answer is yes, they do—but the amount and frequency might surprise you. 

Let’s dive deeper into understanding your Frenchie’s shedding habits and how to manage them—and don’t miss the bonus French Bulldog Skin Care Guide you can download to help keep their coat and skin in top shape!

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Understanding the French Bulldog’s Coat

French Bulldogs have a short, fine, and smooth coat that comes in various colors, including fawn, brindle, white, and pied. Unlike dogs with long or double coats, Frenchies have a single layer of fur, which generally means less shedding compared to breeds with thicker coats.

However, their shedding can still be noticeable, especially during certain times of the year.

When Do French Bulldogs Shed the Most?

Frenchies are known as moderate shedders, but you might notice an uptick in fur loss during certain times of the year.

• Spring Shedding 🌸 – As the weather warms up, Frenchies shed their winter coat to prepare for the summer.
• Fall Shedding 🍂 – When temperatures drop, they lose their lighter summer coat to make room for a thicker winter coat.

Even though they don’t have a double coat, their body still reacts to seasonal changes, leading to slightly heavier shedding during these times.

What Causes Excessive Shedding in French Bulldogs?

If your Frenchie is shedding more than usual, it could be due to a few different reasons:

🐾 Poor Diet – A lack of nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to a dull coat and increased shedding.
🐾 Allergies – French Bulldogs are prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation and excessive hair loss.
🐾 Dry Skin – Dry indoor air, over-bathing, or harsh shampoos can strip natural oils from their skin.
🐾 Stress or Anxiety – Changes in routine, a new environment, or separation anxiety can sometimes lead to more shedding.
🐾 Medical Conditions – Skin infections, parasites, or thyroid issues could be the cause of excessive fur loss.

If your Frenchie is shedding excessively and also has bald spots, red or itchy skin, or changes in behavior, it’s best to check with a vet.

How to Manage Shedding in French Bulldogs

Although French Bulldogs don’t shed excessively, regular grooming is key to keeping their shedding under control and maintaining a healthy coat.

Brushing – Regular brushing is the most effective way to manage your French Bulldog’s shedding. Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove designed for short-haired breeds to remove loose hair. Brushing your Frenchie two to three times a week can significantly reduce the amount of hair left around your home.

Bathing – Giving your French Bulldog regular baths, about once a month, can help reduce shedding. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo that’s gentle on their skin to avoid irritation. After bathing, make sure to thoroughly dry their coat to prevent any moisture-related skin issues.

Diet and Nutrition – A healthy diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can improve your Frenchie’s skin and coat health, reducing excessive shedding. High-quality dog food and supplements can make a noticeable difference in the amount of fur your Frenchie sheds.

Vacuuming and Cleaning – Despite your best efforts, some shedding is inevitable. Regularly vacuuming your home, particularly areas where your Frenchie likes to hang out, will help keep your living space fur-free. Using a lint roller on furniture and clothes is also a quick and easy way to remove any stray hairs.

When to Be Concerned About Shedding

While shedding is normal for French Bulldogs, excessive shedding or bald patches could indicate a health problem. If you notice your Frenchie shedding more than usual, or if their coat appears dull, patchy, or they’re itching more than normal, it’s time to consult your veterinarian.

Skin allergies, parasites, or underlying health issues could be the cause and should be addressed promptly.

What Are the Most Common Skin Issues in French Bulldogs?

French Bulldogs are undeniably charming, but their adorable features—like short snouts, wrinkly faces, and compact builds—can make them more prone to certain skin problems. Their deep skin folds and sensitive skin can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to irritation if not cared for regularly.

Some of the most common skin issues in French Bulldogs include:

Pyoderma

This is a bacterial skin infection that can develop when a small cut, scratch, or irritation isn’t treated. It often shows up as red bumps, hair loss, or scabbing, especially in areas with heavy folds.

Skin Fold Dermatitis

The folds around their face, tail, or groin area can become red, irritated, and itchy if not cleaned regularly. Over time, trapped moisture and debris can lead to bacterial or yeast infections.

Vet Tip
I often see French Bulldogs with facial skin fold dermatitis in my practice. One product I frequently recommend is Douxo S3 Pyo Pads— they’re gentle, effective, and perfect for keeping those adorable wrinkles clean and irritation-free.

Skin Allergies

Frenchies are prone to allergies, which often show up as itchy, inflamed skin. Common triggers include:

• • Fleas
  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Certain ingredients in food (like beef, chicken, or grains)
  • Shampoos or grooming products

My Favorite Skin Care Products for French Bulldogs

Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of Frenchies—and I’ve seen how much of a difference the right products can make for their skin. Here are a few of my go-to recommendations for keeping your pup’s coat healthy and their skin calm and comfortable:

 Duoxo S3 CALM Shampoo
This is my top pick for dogs with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and formulated with ingredients that help restore the skin barrier while reducing itching and inflammation. I’ve recommended it to countless Frenchie owners with great results.

 Douxo S3 Mousse
Perfect for paws, folds, and hard-to-bathe areas. This mousse delivers the same soothing benefits as the shampoo but doesn’t require rinsing, making it ideal for between-bath touchups—especially in irritated or yeast-prone spots like armpits, paws, and facial folds.

 Zesty Paws Skin & Coat Bites
These tasty chews are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and other skin-supporting nutrients. I like these for dogs with dry or flaky coats, or those dealing with seasonal allergies. Plus, dogs actually enjoy eating them!

Want to keep your Frenchie’s skin healthy year-round?

Grab my free French Bulldog Skin Care Guide—available in my Resource Library! It’s packed with simple tips for managing wrinkles, preventing irritation, and choosing the right products.

Subscribe to get instant access!

Final Thoughts – Do French Bulldogs Shed

So, do French Bulldogs shed? Yes, but their shedding is manageable with regular grooming, a healthy diet, and proper care. By staying on top of your Frenchie’s coat care, you can keep your home cleaner and your pup happier.

And remember, if you ever notice anything unusual about your Frenchie’s shedding or skin, a quick trip to the vet can help ensure everything is okay.

FAQs About French Bulldog Shedding

❓ Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
No, French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. They do shed and produce dander, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. However, since they have short coats, their shedding is more manageable than many other breeds.

❓ Do French Bulldogs shed more as puppies?
French Bulldog puppies have a softer, finer coat that they eventually shed as they grow into their adult coat. So, you might notice a little more shedding during their transition phase, but it usually evens out.

❓ What’s the best brush for a French Bulldog?
A soft-bristle brush, grooming mitt, or rubber curry brush works best. These gently remove loose hair without irritating their sensitive skin.

Want to read more about this adorable breed? Check out one of my other posts – Exploring The Rise of Frenchie Fever!