Are you thinking about getting another French Bulldog? Or maybe you want to get two French Bulldog puppies together? Here’s everything you need to know about living with two French Bulldogs.
Should I Get Two French Bulldogs? Yes, it can be a great idea to get two French Bulldogs! Being a companion breed, they enjoy spending time with other dogs, particularly other French Bulldogs. By getting two French Bulldogs, they not only keep each other company, but also play with each other too.
Read on to find out how much extra work is involved in looking after two French Bulldogs, whether they need companions, what age is best to get a second dog, and what the good and bad points of having two are.
Never use the advice in this article as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or treatment. I am NOT a Vet, qualified dog trainer or dog behaviourist. This article is based on research, personal opinion and experience of owning dogs over the last 12+ years.
Do French Bulldogs Do Better In Pairs?
Yes, French Bulldogs are a companion breed, so often do better in pairs. If you play with your French Bulldog and give them lots of attention, they’ll be happy as an only dog. However, if you work and aren’t always around, you may want to consider a second dog.
If you’re going to add a second dog to your family, it may be better to get another French Bulldog, instead of a different breed.
That way, not only do you already have experience of French Bulldog ownership, but they’ll also be a good match for each other in terms of size and activity levels.
Should I Get Two French Bulldogs Puppies From The Same Litter?
Getting two French Bulldog puppies from the same litter can sometimes lead to an issue known as ‘Littermate Syndrome’.
This is where sibling puppies develop a very strong bond with each other, making it much more difficult to train them.
Sibling French Bulldogs can bond so much with each other that they may not bond with you or the rest of their human family.
This obsession can stop them interacting with the rest of the family so they won’t pick up the basic training skills they need.
A lack of socialisation can sometimes lead to fear-based behaviours, especially of other people and dogs.
As they mature, littermates may even become aggressive towards each other, causing problems further down the line.
Because they’re relying on each other for emotional support and companionship, they could also find it more difficult to spend any time apart from each other.
This predisposes them to developing separation anxiety or other behavioural issues, so that’s something to be aware of before deciding to have two sibling French Bulldogs.
Interestingly, ‘Littermate Syndrome’ can also happen with two puppies of the same age that come from different litters, and it’s especially common with two females.
Of course, there are some things you can do to help prevent it happening, but it takes lots of careful and consistent training to do so.
For example, separating them at certain times during the day, training separately, feeding in different places, not allowing them to sleep in the same bed, walking them on their own, giving them equal attention – and so on.
Raising each of them as an individual puppy will make them more independent and not so reliant on each other.
This should hopefully stop any unhealthy behaviours from developing in the first place.
Do All French Bulldogs Puppies Get Littermate Syndrome?
No, not all French Bulldog siblings will get Littermate Syndrome. So many factors can influence how they are together, including early socialisation, training, experiences, sleeping arrangements, and the other pets that live within your home.
Some French Bulldogs will live happily with each other, so it’s just something to be mindful of and to speak with your breeder about, especially if you’re thinking of getting two female puppies from the same litter.
What Age Is Best To Get A Second French Bulldog?
The best age to get a second French Bulldog is when their first is fully matured, at around 18-24 months old. By then, your French Bulldog should be socialised with the outside world, making it easier for them to adjust to a new Frenchie joining the family.
Just bear in mind, if your existing French Bulldog is elderly, they may find a puppy too much to handle.
So it’s important that you always consider your current French Bulldog’s needs before bringing a second dog into your family.
Should I Get The Same Sex French Bulldog?
It’s usually best to add the opposite sex of French Bulldog to your family.
So, if you already own a female French Bulldog, it may be better for you to choose a male as your second dog. This eliminates the risk of ‘same-sex aggression’ becoming an issue in future.
Whilst there’s no guarantee that there won’t be any problems having two French Bulldogs of opposite genders, it’s generally much less likely to cause problems.
However, for obvious reasons, it’s more challenging having an un-neutered male in the same home as un-spayed female. The dogs need to be separated or stay with family or friends during her season to stop any unwanted pregnancies.
If you would prefer two females or two male French Bulldogs, it’s better to introduce them to each other when one is an adult and the other is a puppy.
That’s because the puppy is not yet mature and therefore less likely to be considered a threat by your adult French Bulldog.
Your adult French Bulldog will be likely to understand that their new friend is just a puppy and nothing to be afraid of. They may even take them under their wing and show them the ropes – which is an added bonus!
Just bear in mind, it can sometimes be more difficult to introduce an adult French Bulldog to another adult, particularly if they’ve been rescued and their history is not fully known.
Of course, it’s not impossible to introduce two adult French Bulldogs successfully, though it often takes more time and patience, regardless of whether they’re the same or opposite sex to each other.
Why Is It Good To Get Two French Bulldogs?
There are many good reasons to get two French Bulldogs:
Companionship
French Bulldogs are a naturally sociable and friendly breed that often struggle if they’re left alone too long.
By having the company of another French Bulldog, this can help them feel less anxious when you need to go out.
Playmates
French Bulldogs are happy and funny dogs that usually love to play, especially with other dogs, so getting a playmate can be a great decision.
Whilst they enjoy playing with their human family members, they play differently than they would with another dog.
Letting your French Bulldog play and interact with one of their own kind is really enjoyable and enriching for them.
Mimicking Behaviour
It can make it easier to train a new French Bulldog puppy if you already have a well-trained adult French Bulldog in your family home. Your new puppy will look up to their new role model for guidance and will often mimic their behaviours too.
Because your adult French Bulldog is already potty trained, it can make it quicker to potty train your new addition. They’ll see them going to the toilet outside and will be much more likely to copy what they do.
However, they can also pick up any undesirable behaviours too, so just bear that in mind!
If your existing French Bulldog isn’t well trained, it can make life with a new dog much more difficult.
What Are The Downsides Of Getting Two French Bulldogs?
These are the downsides of getting two French Bulldogs:
Twice The Costs
By adding another French Bulldog to your family you’re doubling the costs involved to keep them happy and healthy.
Bills for their insurance, food, bedding, grooming, veterinary costs, treats and toys will all double, so that’s something you need to budget for.
You should always plan for how you would finance the costs involved if either of your French Bulldogs became unwell or got injured too.
Jealousy
Some French Bulldogs may find it difficult to adjust to life living alongside another dog.
They may be so bonded with their human owners, that they could feel jealous or pushed out if a new French Bulldog joins the family.
Jealousy could start to creep in if some of their one-to-one attention is taken away – so just make sure you give equal attention to both!
Training 1-2-1
It can be more difficult to find the time to train your French Bulldogs individually when you have two of them.
Just because they’re the same breed, doesn’t mean they’ll automatically show the same behaviour as each other.
One may require different training to the other, particularly if they’re at different life stages, making it difficult to juggle.
Lack Of Socialisation
If your French Bulldogs bond with each other and regularly play and keep each other entertained, you may overlook the importance of getting them outside socialising with other dogs and people.
However, this is still a vital part of your French Bulldog’s day-to-day life, even if they already have each other.
Socialisation is much more than getting your French Bulldog used to being around other dogs. It also teaches them what to expect from the outside world.
This shouldn’t be overlooked as there may well come a time when they can’t be together. So they need to learn how to cope independently in the outside world with or without their friend beside them.
So there you have it! French Bulldogs are a companion breed they enjoy being with other dogs, particularly other French Bulldogs. By getting a pair of French Bulldogs, they’ll keep each other company and entertained too!
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