Do French Bulldogs Really Understand You? What Science Says About Your Dog’s Bond with You!

by Jon Scaccia January 14, 2025

French Bulldogs are cute, loyal, and full of personality—but did you know they might also be masters at picking up your nonverbal cues? A recent study explored whether these dogs’ bonds with their owners could improve their ability to understand pointing gestures. The results were paws-itively fascinating.

Researchers tested 26 French Bulldogs to see if they could follow their owner’s pointing to find a hidden treat. They also looked at factors like the dog’s age, training history, and even oxytocin levels (the “love hormone”) to see what influenced success. Spoiler alert: Your relationship with your dog matters more than you think!

Why Does Your Bond with Your Dog Matter?

Think of your relationship with your dog as the foundation for all their social smarts. Dogs with stronger bonds—meaning more interaction and emotional closeness—performed better in the tests. Translation? Those cuddles, walks, and play sessions you prioritize aren’t just making your dog happy—they’re helping them learn to read you better.

Here’s the kicker: While a stronger bond often meant better communication, too much emotional closeness sometimes backfired. Dogs with helicopter pet parents (we see you!) were a bit less independent and slower to act on their own. It’s all about balance!

3 Surprising Science-Backed Tips for Bonding with Your Dog

Ready to strengthen your connection and boost your pup’s smarts? Here are three simple strategies you can start today:

1. Make Time for Interactive Play
   Forget passive activities. Toss a ball, play tug-of-war, or teach a new trick! Interactive play helps your dog focus on you and sharpens their ability to pick up cues.
2. Communicate with Clear Signals
   Dogs rely on consistency. If you’re using gestures to communicate, make them clear and intentional—just like the pointing in the study. Consistency = better results!
3. Let Your Dog Problem-Solve
   Encourage independence with games like hide-and-seek or puzzle feeders. These activities engage their brain and boost their confidence in making decisions.

Did You Know? French Bulldogs Are Different from Other Breeds

Frenchies aren’t just adorable—they’re unique in how they interact with humans. Studies show that brachycephalic breeds (dogs with flat faces) might have an advantage when it comes to reading human gestures. Why? Their big eyes and baby-like faces make us naturally more expressive around them, creating stronger emotional bonds.

But their morphology isn’t the whole story. French Bulldogs tend to spend more time with their owners than working breeds, which means they get more practice interpreting human behavior. So, if you’re a Frenchie owner, your dog might be more in tune with you than your friend’s independent Husky.

The Myth of Oxytocin: Does the Love Hormone Play a Role?

You’ve probably heard that oxytocin—the so-called “love hormone”—strengthens bonds. While this study measured oxytocin levels, it didn’t find a direct link between the hormone and how well dogs understood gestures. But don’t dismiss it entirely: Oxytocin is still crucial for building trust and connection. Think of it as the glue that holds your bond together!

Frenchies, Training, and the Surprising Role of Experience

Here’s where it gets interesting: Dogs with no formal training outperformed their trained counterparts in this study. Why? Researchers think untrained dogs might rely more on their owners’ cues instead of learned behaviors. It’s a reminder that sometimes, natural communication beats rigid training.

What Does This Mean for You and Your Pup?

The big takeaway? Your bond with your dog is more powerful than you think. Spending quality time, engaging in meaningful interactions, and creating clear communication pathways can do wonders for their social skills—and your relationship. Whether you’re raising a Frenchie or another breed, your love and effort make a difference.

Ready to Share the Love?

What’s your favorite way to bond with your dog? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below! And don’t forget to pass this article along to your fellow dog lovers—because every pet parent deserves to know how to build the best possible relationship with their furry best friend