So, you’re looking at those squat, wrinkly, slightly chaotic bundles of joy known as English Bulldog French Bulldog mix puppies. People usually call them Freelance Bulldogs. It’s a funny name for a dog that basically looks like a slightly stretched-out Frenchie or a shrunk-down English Bulldog. But before you drop a few thousand dollars on a pup because you saw one looking cute on TikTok, we need to talk about the reality of owning one. These dogs aren't just "designer" accessories. They are complex, sturdy, and sometimes incredibly expensive little tanks that require a very specific kind of lifestyle.
Honestly, the "Freelance" moniker fits. They don't follow the rules of either parent breed perfectly. You might get the stubborn, immovable object energy of the English Bulldog or the high-octane, "zoomie" obsessed personality of the Frenchie. Most of the time? You get a weird, lovable mix of both.
What is a Freelance Bulldog anyway?
Let’s get the genetics out of the way. This isn't a Mutt in the traditional "found it under a porch" sense. It’s a deliberate cross. Breeders take a purebred French Bulldog and a purebred English Bulldog to create a first-generation (F1) hybrid. Why? Usually, it’s an attempt to mitigate some of the extreme health issues found in the English Bulldog while keeping that iconic "bull" look.
Does it work? Sometimes.
English Bulldogs are notoriously heavy, often weighing 40 to 50 pounds, while Frenchies are the "compact" version, usually under 28 pounds. The English Bulldog French Bulldog mix puppies usually land somewhere in the middle—around 30 to 45 pounds. They’re dense. If you try to pick one up, it feels like lifting a sack of wet flour that’s also trying to lick your face.
The appearance is a gamble. Some puppies inherit the upright "bat ears" of the Frenchie. Others get the rose-shaped, floppier ears of the English parent. Their faces are almost always flat—the technical term is brachycephalic—which means they snort, they grumble, and they will absolutely keep you awake with their snoring. If you want a quiet house, move on. This isn't the dog for you.
The temperament gamble
People think because they look like grumpy old men, they’ll just sleep all day. That’s a trap. While they aren't Border Collies, these guys have a surprising amount of energy in short bursts.
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I’ve seen Freelance Bulldogs that are basically couch potatoes who only move for cheese. I’ve also seen ones that think they are Olympic sprinters. Usually, they are incredibly social. They thrive on human contact. If you work 12-hour days and leave them alone, they won't just be sad; they’ll likely dismantle your baseboards. They get bored. And a bored Bulldog is a creative demolition expert.
They are also famously stubborn. If an English Bulldog French Bulldog mix decides it doesn't want to walk anymore, it will simply sit down. That’s it. Conversation over. You are now carrying a 40-pound dog back to the car. You have to use positive reinforcement—basically, lots of treats and praise—because they shut down if you’re too harsh. They’re sensitive souls in tough-guy bodies.
The "Health" elephant in the room
Let’s be real. Both parent breeds have a laundry list of health issues. Mixing them doesn't magically erase a century of selective breeding. While "hybrid vigor" is a real biological concept where crossbreeds are sometimes hardier, you still have to be careful.
- Breathing Problems: Because of their flat faces, they struggle in the heat. 15 minutes in 85-degree weather can be life-threatening for some of these dogs. They can't cool themselves down efficiently because their airways are compressed.
- Skin Folds: Those wrinkles are cute. They are also bacteria traps. You have to wipe their face folds daily. If you don't, they get "nose rope" infections that smell like old gym socks and require a trip to the vet.
- Joint Issues: Hip dysplasia and luxating patellas (kneecap popping) are common. Because they are heavy-fronted, their joints take a beating.
- Allergies: Frenchies and English Bulldogs are the kings of itchy skin. Many English Bulldog French Bulldog mix puppies end up needing specialized, grain-free, or limited-ingredient diets because they’ll break out in hives or scratch their ears raw otherwise.
Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, often points out that with any brachycephalic breed, the primary concern is the airway. When buying a mix, you need to ask the breeder if the parents have had BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery. If they did, there’s a high chance the puppies will need it too.
Finding a puppy without getting scammed
This is where it gets murky. Since this isn't a "recognized" breed by the AKC or the Kennel Club in the UK, there are no official breed standards. This is a playground for backyard breeders.
You’ll see ads for "Miniature English Bulldogs" or "Exotic Freelance Bulldogs." Be wary. Often, "miniature" means they’ve bred the runts of the litter or introduced other breeds like Pugs without telling you.
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A reputable breeder of English Bulldog French Bulldog mix puppies will still do health testing. They should show you OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) clearances for the parents' hips and hearts. If a breeder says, "Oh, they're hybrids, they don't have health problems," run away. That’s a lie.
Also, look at the price. These puppies often cost between $2,000 and $5,000. Why? Because English and French Bulldogs usually require artificial insemination and C-sections to give birth. It’s an expensive, medical-heavy process. If you find a "deal" for $500, you’re likely looking at a puppy mill situation.
Living with the mix: Daily reality
Owning one of these is a lifestyle choice. Your house will have a certain... aroma. Not "dog" exactly, but a mix of flatulence and corn chips (that’s the yeast on their paws). It’s part of the charm.
Training is hilarious. They understand what you want; they just choose to negotiate. You say "Sit," they look at your hand to see if there’s a piece of chicken. No chicken? No sit. They are highly motivated by food, which makes them easy to train but also prone to obesity. You have to watch their weight like a hawk. Even two extra pounds on a dog this size can ruin their spine.
They are surprisingly good with kids, though. They’re sturdy enough to handle a toddler’s accidental stumble and generally lack the "snap" of more nervous breeds. However, they are heavy. A 40-pound Freelance Bulldog zooming through the living room can easily knock a small child over like a bowling pin.
Diet and exercise: The fine balance
You can't take this dog for a five-mile run. Ever.
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Instead, focus on low-impact movement. Two 20-minute walks in the cool of the morning or evening are perfect. Mentally, they love food puzzles. Since they are so food-driven, putting their kibble in a wobbler toy keeps them occupied and prevents them from inhaling their food—which, by the way, leads to bloat, a life-threatening condition.
Avoid stairs if possible. Their long backs and short legs aren't built for a three-story walk-up. Many owners of English Bulldog French Bulldog mix puppies eventually invest in "doggy ramps" for the sofa or bed to prevent IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease).
Is it worth it?
If you want a dog that will be your shadow, make you laugh daily with its weird grunts, and provide the best snuggles on the planet, then yes. They are incredibly affectionate. They have a "big dog" personality in a manageable (albeit heavy) size.
But you have to be prepared for the vet bills. You need pet insurance the day you bring them home. No exceptions. Without it, a single airway surgery or an allergy flare-up can cost you $3,000 out of pocket.
Actionable steps for potential owners
If you’re serious about bringing an English Bulldog French Bulldog mix into your life, don't just click "buy" on a pretty website. Follow these steps to ensure you aren't supporting a cruel breeding cycle:
- Visit the Breeder: Never have a puppy shipped to you without seeing where it was raised. If they won't let you see the mother, leave.
- Check the "Nares": Look at the puppy's nostrils. They should be wide and open. If they look like tiny slits (stenotic nares), that puppy is going to struggle to breathe and will likely need surgery.
- Invest in a Harness: Never use a collar for walks. Any pressure on the neck can restrict their already compromised airway. A sturdy Y-shaped harness is the only way to go.
- Set Up a "Cooling Station": If you live in a warm climate, have a cooling mat and an AC unit ready. These dogs cannot live in a house without climate control.
- Budget for Maintenance: Factor in the cost of high-quality, limited-ingredient dog food and monthly budget for "grooming supplies" like chlorhexidine wipes for their folds.
Choosing an English Bulldog French Bulldog mix means committing to a quirky, slightly high-maintenance companion. They aren't the "easy" choice, but for the right person, they are the only choice. Just keep the wet wipes handy and your vet's number on speed dial.