Frenchton

Frenchton grooming is generally low-maintenance. A simple, consistent routine keeps them healthy and comfortable.

• Bathing: Frenchtons are fine skipping bath night for a few weeks. In fact, they only really need a bath every one to three months—or when they get into something messy. Swift cautions that overbathing can dry out their skin, and she recommends following baths with a vet-approved conditioner to keep their coat soft.
• Brushing: Most Frenchtons are low-shedding, though some shed more during the spring and fall. A quick weekly brush with a grooming mitt or bristle brush helps remove loose hair and keep their coat smooth. If your Frenchton has facial folds, a daily wipe prevents irritation.
• Nail trimming: Trim their nails every two to four weeks, or whenever you hear clicking on the floor. Regular trims help maintain comfortable movement.
• Ear cleaning: Check your Frenchton’s ears weekly for wax, odor, or redness, and use a vet-approved ear cleaner to help prevent yeast buildup.
• Dental care: Train your Frenchton puppy to expect daily tooth brushings using a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Constant dental care paired with yearly professional cleanings help support long-term oral health.

Frenchtons tend to be bright, attentive, and willing to please, especially when training is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. Because they form strong bonds with their humans, they are often highly motivated by praise and social interaction.

“They are generally … easy to train for someone who can be moderately consistent,” Huskey says.

However, forming good early habits matters—a lot. Frenchtons learn routines quickly, Swift says, and behaviors that feel cute in puppyhood can become ingrained as they grow. Setting clear expectations from the beginning helps ensure good manners as they mature. Gentle guidance, a predictable schedule, and short training sessions work best.

Further, socialization during puppyhood is especially valuable to help a Frenchton stay confident and relaxed in new environments.

A balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their life stage helps Frenchtons maintain their muscle tone and steady energy levels. Because they’re a compact, muscular breed, “you want to make sure you have enough protein to keep their muscles in tone and not too much fat,” Swift says.

Some Frenchtons may also have food sensitivities, especially to common proteins like chicken or turkey. Talk to your vet if your dog develops telltale signs of a food allergy, such as itchy skin and ears, vomiting, or chronic diarrhea.

Your vet can help you choose the best food for your dog. Regular vet check-ins can help tailor the diet to your dog’s age, activity level, and sensitivities.

Aim for consistent mealtimes and balanced portions. Most full-grown Frenchton dogs thrive on two meals a day, which helps maintain stable energy and prevents overeating. Frenchton puppies might need to eat more frequently—three or four times daily.

Frenchtons enjoy daily walks, interactive toys, and playtime with their family, but they don’t require extensive, heart-pumping exercise. For the Frenchton dog, engaged exercise is more important than intense exercise. 

This means “they love interactive games and being near their people but don’t need long workouts,” Huskey says. A few short walks and playful sessions throughout the day are usually enough to keep them satisfied.

Because many Frenchtons have some degree of brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy, outdoor exercise should be limited in hot or humid conditions. Flat-faced pups like the Frenchton don’t do well in hot weather.

Many enjoy playing with other dogs, however, especially dogs of similar size and play styles, which can help them burn energy without overexertion.

Frenchtons are adaptable and can thrive in many living situations, from apartments to homes with large yards. 

“They don’t need a lot of space,” Huskey says, “just daily interaction and short play sessions.” 

They enjoy being near their people but can do well while the family is at work, as long as they get attention and activity when everyone is home. When they’re included in everyday family life, they’re happy.

Frenchtons are typically good with children and compatible with other pets when properly socialized. Some even prefer having a canine playmate at home.

Swift says they also do fine as the only dog in the house, but “they really crave the attention of other dogs—and especially other Frenchtons [who] just kind of match their vibe.”

Whether in a busy household or a relaxed one, what matters most for Frenchtons is that they feel connected and included.