French Bulldogs are chicken-hearted when left alone. They get anxious easily and will whine at you once you get home. If you’re busy and your family is often out of the house, it’s essential to give your Frenchie a companion. This will help combat the onset of separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive and noisy behavior. For this post, I discussed the best dog companion for French Bulldog that you can consider.
Are you prepared for another dog?
Before you go and adopt or buy another dog, ask yourself this question: am I ready for a second dog? While your Frenchie’s welfare matters, you should be ready to take on the added responsibility of raising another canine.
French Bulldogs are relatively low maintenance, so it’s easy to assume that a second dog would be easy. Unless you’re planning to get second a Frenchie, you might be entering uncharted territory when it comes to a second dog.
So how would you know if you’re ready for a second dog? First of all, everyone at home should be on board with the idea. You should also have the financial means to support not just your Frenchie but also the next canine you’re about to bring home.
Moreover, your home should have enough space for two dogs. Time and effort are also necessary if you are to get a companion for your French Bulldog. You simply can’t bring home a new dog then expect your Frenchie to perform the ‘onboarding process’.
Just like your French Bulldog, you have to train the newcomer. Think first if you can deal with this necessary process. This can be a lot of work, depending on the breed you’re going to choose.
If you think you’re ready for a second dog, the breed is the next most important considerations.
Canines are like food. Two different dogs don’t always mix with each other.
French Bulldogs are friendly, laidback, and easy to live with. It’s important to look for a second canine that will complement this personality.
To help you out, I listed 10 breed options to accompany your French Bulldog. Check which one you’ll find attractive. And above all, adopt, don’t shop!
Best Dog Companion for French Bulldog – Top 10 Breeds
1. Boston Terrier
If there’s one compatible breed for a French Bulldog, it would be the Boston Terrier. This dog will be the bosom buddy of your Frenchie since their personalities are not that different. Also, Frenchies and Boston Terriers have similar size and appearance. It’s the same reason why people unfamiliar with these breeds often mistake one over the other.
This tuxedo-coated doggo doesn’t tolerate being alone, too, so it will benefit from the companionship. Boston Terriers are also adaptable to apartment living and very friendly as well.
However, Boston Terrier dogs are more active than Frenchies. This will blend well with the latter’s more laidback personality. Such energy levels will also push your Frenchie to move and burn calories. Watch out, though, because Boston Terriers are notorious wanderers. You wouldn’t want to leave a window or door open.
Another benefit of getting a Boston Terrier as your second dog is its low-maintenance nature. This breed sheds and drools very little. But just like Frenchies, Boston Terriers can have stubborn streaks from time to time.
Boston Terrier Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
AKC Classification: Non-sporting
UKC Classification: Companion dog
2. Beagle
Do you want your French Bulldog to be occupied the whole day? The antics of a Beagle will surely work its charm. Beagles are active canines that will be an excellent companion for an anxious Frenchie.
Beagles are almost the same size as a French Bulldog. However, they are balls of energy that love to run, play, pounce, and be in the move. Still, Beagles are very affectionate and thrives in multi-canine households. Despite their energy level, it’s quite surprising that Beagles can actually adapt to apartment living.
However, you should never get a Beagle if your Frenchie is the first dog you ever had. This breed is a handful and requires the leadership of an experienced owner. If not, Beagles will try to run your house and test your limits.
While Beagles are smart, they are challenging to train. This is a scenthound breed, which means its nose is always pinned on the ground. Beagles are also notorious wanderers and will howl if left alone. With this, they will also benefit from the company of your French Bulldog.
Beagle Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 18 to 30 pounds
AKC Classification: Hound
UKC Classification: Scenthounds
3. Cocker Spaniel
If you’re looking for the best dog companion for French Bulldog, a Cocker Spaniel might fit the bill. This dog has a glamorous look and hairy ears. If you’re not familiar, this is actually the dog breed of Lady in the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp.
Personality-wise, Cocker Spaniels are friendly. However, they are not the best option if you have very young kids. Still, they do well with other dogs if introduced properly. Just note that Cocker Spaniels will not gush over guests and may prefer to watch and observe first.
The good thing about Cocker Spaniels is they share the same energy level as French Bulldogs. This breed appreciates a nice playtime but not too intense.
Moreover, Cocker Spaniel are smart dogs and fairly easy to train. Still, you should watch over its wanderlust potential as well as the affinity to chase squirrels.
Like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels require a fairly experienced owner. Nevertheless, they do well in apartment living, which is an added perk.
Cocker Spaniel Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 24 to 28 pounds
AKC Classification: Sporting dog
UKC Classification: Gun dog
4. Golden Retriever
If you want to contrast your French Bulldog’s small size with a larger dog, you should consider a Golden Retriever. This dog is as large as its heart. Goldies are sweethearts, which is the reason why it’s consistently one of the most popular breeds in America.
Golden Retrievers are docile and will get well along with your Frenchie. They are very tolerant and make great family pets, even for those with resident canines.
However, Golden Retrievers are not suitable for apartment living. They are very energetic and will require a large yard where they can run around and play.
Goldies are also very intelligent canines, and they are worthwhile to train. They are very affectionate to anyone, even the strangers they will meet for the first time.
But remember that this breed is high-maintenance. They shed and drools a lot, which can be challenging for busy homes. Also, Golden Retrievers are large and will require a lot of exercise per day. Still, they can be gentle if need be, just like when cuddling with your Frenchie.
If you’re willing to deal with the extra work, Golden Retrievers would be your Frenchie’s best friend.
Golden Retriever Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 12 years
Height: Up to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
AKC Classification: Sporting dog
UKC Classification: Gun dog
5. Labrador Retriever
Like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers are also stellar companions for French Bulldogs. Labs, as they are fondly called, are very friendly and affectionate. However, they are not as expressive as Goldies, and they have a sense of independence.
Labs are very athletic dogs, so they can’t be raised in an apartment. They also require intense exercise to prevent obesity and to burn their extra energy.
The good thing about this dog is its brilliance that makes it easy to train. The only thing you have to watch out for is Labs’ love of barking. This breed also likes chewing things.
When it comes to maintenance, Labradors are heavy shedders like Goldies. The consolation here is that they drool less. Overall, Labs are easy to groom and will only need daily brushes and periodic baths.
However, you should know that Labs love to eat, and they have an insatiable appetite. You should always practice portion control and give this dog enough exercise to prevent obesity. At least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise is what Labradors need each day.
Labrador Retriever Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 12 years
Height: Up to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
AKC Classification: Sporting dog
UKC Classification: Gun dog
6. Old English Sheepdog
For those who are looking for a shaggy dog, the Old English Sheepdog is a great choice. Aside from their unique look, the OES also makes a great companion. Despite their massive size, this breed can actually thrive in an apartment.
The Old English Sheepdog suits newbie owners. They are also affectionate and goes well along with other pets. Surprisingly, this large doggo is also a great family pet for those with children.
In terms of energy, Old English Sheepdogs love a nice romp outdoors. If you live in an apartment, a long walk will suffice for this breed.
The best thing about the OES is that their shaggy coat doesn’t shed a lot. Although they have a peek-a-boo hairdo, proper upkeep will make it look good and clean. However, they drool a lot, so you have to wipe it off before it causes matting on the surrounding fur.
Above all, you must be prepared to deal with the size of this dog. It can grow up to 100 lbs., which is more than what most pet owners can handle.
Old English Sheepdog Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 12 years
Height: Up to 21 inches
Weight: 600 to 100 pounds
AKC Classification: Herding dog
UKC Classification: Herding dog
7. Pug
If you want a smaller companion dog for your French Bulldog, a Pug is a wonderful option. This small dog is laidback, friendly, and very easy to live with. Pugs are very affectionate, and they won’t mind having another dog around. Also, they get heartsick when left alone, so being a companion with a Frenchie is a mutual benefit.
Pugs are small and can live inside an apartment. They don’t require a lot of exercise, but you sure would want to monitor their diet. Pugs are hefty eaters, and their small bodies can easily pack excess pounds that will lead to obesity.
Also, you should know that Pugs aren’t the smartest of canines. They are challenging to train, so patience is always needed. Despite that, this dog is very food-driven and not interested in running away. This also means being a couch potato all day long.
Take note that Pugs shed a lot, despite their short coats. They are also stubborn dogs that snore loudly. Still, Pugs love fun, and they always enjoy being around people.
Pug Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Height: Up to 14 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
AKC Classification: Toy breed
UKC Classification: Companion dog
8. Irish Setter
Irish Setters were originally bred as bird dogs for hunters in Ireland. Over the years, this sporting dog has become an excellent companion and family pet. They are also a worthy companion for your French Bulldog.
Moreover, Irish Setters are very affectionate. Like Golden Retrievers, they love being around their families. They also tolerate roughhousing of young kids and won’t mind having a Frenchie around.
Since Irish Setters are people-pleasers, they are very easy to train. This gun dog is intelligent, witty, and always ready to learn a new trick. However, since they are retrievers, expect that this breed has an intense prey drive. They also like barking and wandering around the neighborhood if not kept indoors or within a fence.
As a companion for your French Bulldog, Irish Setters will keep the former busy. These dogs are energetic and always ready for some playtime.
However, note that this dog is quite large. They are also heavy shedders and are not suitable for apartment living. Nevertheless, you can pick a field dog Irish Setter, which is smaller than its show counterparts.
Irish Setter Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Height: Up to 27 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
AKC Classification: Sporting dog
UKC Classification: Gun dog
9. Shih Tzu
If you can’t deal with intense shedding and a large dog, you should consider the Shih Tzu breed instead. This dog is small but very friendly and affectionate. While they love being around people, this pooch has a sense of independence and can be left alone for a few hours.
Shih Tzus are perfect apartment canines because of their small size, minimal exercise needs, and low shedding. They are not incessant barkers, and they prefer staying indoors than wandering around.
As a companion to your French Bulldog, Shih Tzu will offer playtimes. They also know how to tone down and just snuggle with their fellow doggo.
When it comes to training, you may need to exert a little more effort. Shih Tzus are intelligent, but they are pretty stubborn, so they may try to do things their way.
The good thing about Shih Tzus is that they are very easy to groom. They have hair instead of fur, which only requires daily brushing. If you keep them indoors, this doggo will only need baths once every two to three months.
Shih Tzu Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 16 years
Height: Up to 10 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
AKC Classification: Toy breed
UKC Classification: Companion dog
10. Another French Bulldog
If you’re not comfortable getting a new breed, your best bet is another French Bulldog. However, make sure that the new canine is the opposite gender of your resident doggo.
Why, you ask? Two male dogs will compete over being the alpha. Nevertheless, two female Frenchies get well along better than two males. In the end, it’s all about the personality of the two canines. But if you’re not sure how well the two will accept each other, just go for the opposite gender.
By getting another French Bulldog, you will have easier time training and raising the pooch. While each dog has unique personalities, it would be less overwhelming, especially for a novice owner.
If you live in an apartment, a second Frenchie is a good decision because of its size. Consider adopting a French Bulldog from a shelter instead of buying it from a breeder. The ‘French Bulldog craze’ in the past years have seen dozens of dogs dumped at shelters.
French Bulldog Breed Stats:
Lifespan: Up to 14 years
Height: Up to 12 inches
Weight: 16 to 28 pounds
AKC Classification: Non-sporting dog
UKC Classification: Companion dog
Conclusion
The best dog companion for French Bulldog is a canine with a matching personality. Make sure that the new doggo will get well along with your Frenchie, as well as your lifestyle. These 10 breeds I discussed here are just some of the top options you can consider. If in doubt, you can also ask your dog’s veterinarian for some suggestions. Remember, each dog is different.
