French Bulldog Grooming 101: From Wrinkles to Nails

Grooming a French Bulldog is an essential part of French Bulldog care that keeps your pup looking sharp and feeling healthy. Even though Frenchies have short hair, they still need regular grooming. This helps keep their coat, skin, and hygiene in good shape. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through grooming a French Bulldog step by step. 

Since Frenchies have sensitive skin, we need to pay special attention to choosing the right care products. Whether it’s a shampoo, brush, or some other product, this blog will provide you with all essential info.

How Often Should a French Bulldog Be Groomed?

French Bulldogs are easy to groom, but they still need regular care to stay clean and healthy. Unlike other dog breeds, they have only one layer of coat. This means that they belong to moderate shedders. Besides, thanks to this feature and their brachycephalic skulls, Frenchies can’t regulate their body temperature. Luckily, dressing them in warm clothes can prevent them from suffering from hypothermia. The ideal grooming schedule will depend on the specific task:

Brushing a French bulldog 

Aim to brush your Frenchie about once a week. While French Bulldogs aren’t heavy shedders, they do lose some hair throughout the year​. (If you’re curious about shedding, we answer Do French Bulldogs Shed? Everything You Need To Know About It in detail on our blog.) 

Regular brushing removes loose hair and helps distribute natural oils in their coat, keeping it healthy and shiny. During heavy shedding seasons (spring and fall), you might brush a little more frequently to manage extra fur. Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt. (Tip: a rubber grooming glove can turn a grooming session into a mini-massage for your pup!)

Bathing a French Bulldog

 In general, bathe your French Bulldog once a month or every 4-6 weeks​. However, the frequency of baths also depends on the lifestyle of your dog. If it behaves as a messy piglet and loves to roll in the grass, then you’ll probably have to bathe them more often.

 Frenchies have sensitive skin, and over-bathing can dry them out. A monthly bath (or when they get notably dirty or smelly) is usually enough. In warmer months, or if your dog gets messy, you can bathe them more often. Some owners do this every two weeks in summer. Always use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo and warm (not hot) water.

Facial Wrinkle Cleaning

Those adorable face wrinkles can trap moisture and gunk, so clean them several times a week. Many Frenchie parents do a quick wipe of the folds daily or every other day. Use a damp cloth or dog wipe to gently clean inside each fold, then dry it thoroughly. This prevents skin irritation and that notorious “bulldog smell” from bacteria. Using a product like French Bulldog Tear Stain Remover a few times a week can help. It keeps the area under the eyes clean. It also helps prevent stains.

Ear Cleaning 

Check your Frenchie’s ears about once a week. If you see wax or dirt, use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution or ear wipes. You can try French Bulldog Ear Wipes to gently clean the visible parts of the ears. Keeping their ears clean and dry will help avoid ear infections.

Nail Trimming

Trim your French Bulldog’s nails approximately every 2-3 weeks. If you can hear nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Regular trims will keep your pup’s feet comfy and prevent scratchy paw interactions. Use a proper nail trimmer and just snip off the tip of each nail. Starting this routine early will get your dog used to it​. To keep your dog calm during nail trimming, we recommend you to put a licking mat in your bathtub and smear a little bit of peanut butter on it. This will keep your dog occupied and he’ll connect it with a pleasant experience.

In summary, here is a simple schedule of grooming a French bulldog:

• Brush once a week.
• Wipe wrinkles every day.
• Clean ears weekly.
• Bathe once a month.
• Trim nails every few weeks.

 French Bulldogs don’t need as much grooming as some long-haired breeds, but these routine tasks will keep your Frenchie looking and feeling their best.

Are You Supposed to Cut French Bulldogs’ Hair?

One common question is whether Frenchies need haircuts. The short answer is no – you’re not supposed to cut a French Bulldog’s hair. French Bulldogs have a short, fine coat that doesn’t grow long like a Poodle’s or a Shih Tzu’s. They essentially have a “built-in” hair length that stays fairly constant. Because of this, Frenchies do not require regular haircuts or trimming.

In fact, shaving or cutting a French Bulldog’s coat can be harmful. Their fur helps protect their skin and regulate body temperature. Removing that natural insulation exposes them to potential sunburn and skin irritation, and it can make them too cold or too hot since they can’t regulate temperature as well without their coat​. Frenchies already have so little hair that taking any away isn’t recommended.

The only time you might see a Frenchie with shaved fur is for a medical reason – for example, a vet might shave a small area for surgery or to treat a skin problem. Aside from that, you won’t be giving your Frenchie a haircut (unless you have a rare long-haired Frenchie, in which case grooming needs are a bit different).

So, no trips to the doggy salon needed for hair trims. Focus instead on keeping your Frenchie’s coat healthy through regular brushing and the occasional bath. Their low-maintenance coat is one of the perks of the breed!

How Do You Groom a French Bulldog at Home?

Grooming your French Bulldog at home is definitely manageable and can even be fun. First, gather all the supplies you need. You will need a good brush, dog shampoo, towels, and dog-safe wipes. Also, get ear cleaning solution, a nail trimmer, paw balm, and some treats for positive reinforcement. Having everything ready (maybe laid out in the bathroom) will make the process smoother. It is important to groom in a safe and comfortable place. For example, bathe your Frenchie in a tub or sink. Use a non-slip mat to prevent any slips.

A typical at-home Frenchie grooming routine will include a few key steps:

• Brushing:

  Start by brushing your Frenchie to remove loose fur and dirt. Use a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt (like our French Bulldog Grooming Brush). Most French Bulldogs enjoy this step, and it keeps their coat shiny while reducing shedding around the house.

   

• Bathing:

  If it’s bath day, use lukewarm water and a gentle dog shampoo. Make sure to choose a shampoo made for sensitive skin (for example, an oatmeal-based or Hypoallergenic French Bulldog Shampoo). Lather your pup gently, avoid the eyes and ears, and rinse thoroughly. Don’t forget to dry your Frenchie completely with a towel afterward, especially in those wrinkles.

• Wrinkle & Face Care:

  Clean your Frenchie’s facial folds with a damp cloth or pet wipe. This should be done regularly (even when it’s not a bath day). If you notice tear stains under the eyes, use a French Bulldog Tear Stain Remover wipe or solution to gently clean those areas. Always dry the folds after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup.

• Ear Cleaning:

Check and wipe your dog’s ears. You can use a cotton ball with a few drops of ear cleaner or use specialized French Bulldog Ear Wipes to remove any wax and dirt. Be gentle and only clean the outer parts of the ear (never stick anything deep into the ear canal).

• Nail Trimming:

  Keep your Frenchie’s nails short by trimming them every couple of weeks. At home, use a sturdy nail clipper or grinder and clip off just the tips of the nails. If you’re unsure, trim a tiny bit at a time or have someone help hold your pup. (If you prefer, a groomer or vet can handle the nails – the key is not to let them overgrow.)

• Paw and Coat Care:

  Lastly, check your Frenchie’s paw pads for any dryness or cracks. Rub a bit of Natural French Bulldog Paw Balm on their pads to moisturize and protect them (this is especially helpful in winter or after walking on hot pavement). Give the coat a final once-over with a towel or brush to make sure your pup is dry and looking dapper.

Throughout the process, talk to your Frenchie and offer praise or small treats. Making grooming a positive experience is important – it teaches your dog that bath time and nail trims aren’t scary. With patience and the right tools, you can handle all aspects of French Bulldog grooming at home.

What Are the Do’s and Don’ts of French Bulldogs?

When it comes to grooming and caring for your Frenchie, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure you’re doing things right:

Do’s:

• Do use dog-specific products: Use shampoos, ear cleaners, and wipes made for dogs, especially for sensitive-skinned breeds. (For instance, a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo is better than using human shampoo on your Frenchie’s skin)​.
• Do dry all the folds: Always thoroughly dry your French Bulldog’s wrinkles and any skin folds after bathing or cleaning. Keeping those areas dry prevents irritation and infections. After cleaning your Frenchie’s folds, make sure you put a cornstarch between each of it to pick up the excessive moisture.
• Do check for issues: While grooming, look for any signs of skin problems or ear infections so you can catch issues early. If your frenchie gets itchy or develops skin bumps, then you definitely need to find the root of the problem. Unfortunately, these little gremlins are prone to skin problems and you have to be very careful when choosing their cosmetics.
• Do make grooming positive: Use praise and treats to make your Frenchie comfortable with grooming. A happy dog will be much more cooperative during bath time and trims.
• Add supplements to your French bulldog’s diet: Believe it or not, supplements such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can improve your Frenchie’s coat. Besides, adding blueberries, coconut oil and olive oil can also make their coat look glossy and shiny.

Don’ts:

• Don’t over-bathe: Resist the urge to bathe your Frenchie too often. Excessive baths can strip natural oils and dry out their skin.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals: Avoid strong perfumed shampoos or any cleaning product that isn’t pet-safe on your Frenchie. Their skin can react badly to harsh chemicals. Stick to gentle cleaners and consult your vet if you’re unsure about a product.
• Don’t neglect the wrinkles or ears: Never ignore your Frenchie’s face folds or ears. These spots can develop infections quickly if not kept clean. A quick wipe of the face daily and a weekly ear check go a long way.
• Don’t shave their coat: As mentioned, do not shave or cut your Frenchie’s fur​. It won’t help with shedding and could hurt your dog. French Bulldogs need that coat for protection.
• Don’t ignore bad smells. If your Frenchie still smells bad after a bath, it could mean an infection. For example, a smelly ear might mean an ear infection. When in doubt, consult a vet. Also, check out our blog post Why Do French Bulldogs Smell Bad? How To Solve This Issue? for tips on common causes of odor and solutions.

Following these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and keep your French Bulldog looking great and feeling great.

Step-by-Step Guide on French Bulldog Grooming

Finally, here is a simple step-by-step grooming routine you can follow for your French Bulldog:

Gather Supplies

Collect all your grooming supplies in one place before you start. You’ll need a brush (for example, our Bristle French Bulldog Brush), dog shampoo, towels, ear cleaner or wipes, nail clippers, paw balm, and some treats.

Brush Your Frenchie

Give your pup a thorough brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. Use a soft bristle or rubber grooming brush over their whole body. This will reduce shedding and help them relax.

Bathe Your Frenchie

Place your dog in the tub or sink (use a non-slip mat for safety) and wet their coat with lukewarm water. Apply a gentle shampoo (like the Anti-Itch French Bulldog Shampoo if they have sensitive skin) and lather up, avoiding the face and ears. Rinse off all the soap completely.

Towel Dry

Lift your Frenchie out and wrap them in a towel. Pat them dry to soak up moisture. You can use a second towel or a hairdryer on a cool setting (if your dog isn’t afraid of it) to get them fully dry. Make sure to dry inside the wrinkles and under any folds.

Clean Wrinkles & Ears

Use a damp cloth or pet wipe to clean your Frenchie’s facial wrinkles and around the eyes. For stubborn tear stains, you can use a specialized French Bulldog Tear Stain Remover. Dry the folds after cleaning. Next, gently wipe out the inside of their ears with an ear wipe or a cotton ball with ear cleaner (only clean the parts you can see).

Trim Nails

Once your pup is clean and calm, trim the nails. Take one paw at a time and clip just the tip of each nail with a nail trimmer. If your Frenchie resists, you can trim one or two nails at a time with breaks in between. Always reward them with praise or a tiny treat after each paw.

Paw Balm & Final Touches 

Rub a little paw balm on your Frenchie’s paw pads to keep them soft and healthy. Give the coat a final brush or wipe to catch any loose hairs. Now your Frenchie should be looking and smelling great!

Praise & Reward

End the grooming session on a happy note. Give your Frenchie big praise, a favorite treat, or some playtime. This positive ending helps them associate grooming with good things. If you’re not sure what treats to use for rewarding, then read our blog on What Fruits Can Frenchies Eat?. They can be great options for rewarding your pooch.

Grooming a French Bulldog: Wrapping Up

Every owner wants only the best for their dog. Grooming a French Bulldog isn’t just about keeping them clean—it’s about bonding, boosting their comfort, and preventing potential health issues before they arise. From brushing those short coats to gently wiping between the wrinkles, each step in a Frenchie grooming routine plays a part in their overall well-being. While they may not need fancy haircuts, they do require your consistent attention when it comes to ear cleaning, nail trims, and maintaining wrinkle hygiene. Luckily, with the right products—like a gentle shampoo, tear stain remover, and paw balm—you can create a spa-like experience right at home. 

Frenchies are creatures of habit. Once they understand that grooming equals cuddles, praise, and maybe even a treat or two, they’ll begin to look forward to it. And let’s face it—there’s nothing better than a fresh-smelling, shiny-coated Frenchie strutting their stuff!