I’m not sure about you, but anytime I come across a French Bulldog I want to just scoop them up off the ground and hold them. Frenchies are one of THE cutest dogs on the planet. Full of personality and a face that could melt even the coldest of hearts. Despite my impulses to pick up every French Bulldog I come across, the question is do French Bulldogs like to be picked up, held, and smothered in cuddles?

Do French Bulldogs like to be picked up. The French Bulldog is a highly affectionate dog and being picked up, held and cuddled is what they were bred specifically for. You need to be careful however when you pick up a Frenchie. They have to be willing and expecting to be picked up. Gentleness and timing are key.

Now before you hurry off and begin picking up every French Bulldog you find in the street, it is important to understand this cuddle monster of a breed more in depth, and how to safely pick up Frenchies without causing fear or injuries. 

Do French Bulldogs Like To Be Picked Up?

The French Bulldog is one of the most affectionate and loving breeds known to man today. As we’ll learn a bit later in “A Short History Of Frenchie Cuddles” this dog was specifically bred to be a companion lap dog. The Frenchie is almost always looking for the attention and affection of their owners, and people in general.

It is no coincidence that French Bulldogs are highly popular among celebrities. The small and adorably compact breed can easily fit inside of an over priced purse or carry all. In fact the French Bulldog is one of the top ranked dog breeds in New York, San Francisco, West Palm Beach and Florida.

The Frenchies love to have contact with their humans. Whether that is snoozing on the couch or just leaning up against your legs, Frenchies are big fans. It is not uncommon to feel like you have a little shadow as you are walking around your home. The French Bulldog is always trying to keep a close eye on you for the first opportunity it has to settle in for some cuddles. When you head for the bathroom, expect them to follow.

Some dogs don’t particularly like to be picked up, or held. The Frenchie however will have no problem with this so long as they are in the mood. You must be picking them up in a way that they can trust you to do so safely.

When Does A French Bulldog Not Want To Be Picked Up

Some instances where you French Bulldog might not appreciate being picked up include:

• While they are eating: Most dogs, and most people for that matter wouldn’t appreciate that.
• If they are too hot: French Bulldogs don’t handle the heat so well. They can be a little grumpy or agitated when they are too warm. 
• When they are not expecting to be picked up: Catching your Frenchie off guard is not only going to scare them, but could cause injury.

As we will shortly learn there is a right way and a wrong way to pick up your French Bulldog. To prevent these sorts of scares or agitated grumbles. If done correctly your French Bulldog will put up no resistance to you sweeping them off their feet and into a good cuddle fest.

How To Pick Up A French Bulldog

Technique is key when handling your pets, and picking up your French Bulldog is no exception to this rule. By following some simple guidelines you can ensure you are comfortably picking up your Frenchie without any risk to injury of possibly agitating or scaring them.

Though French Bulldogs are relatively lightweight and compact making it appear as though it would be an easy task to pick them up, you need to exercise caution. The Frenchie has a rather large and heavy head for their body, and if you ever go to pick them up you’ll notice the weight distribution can have them tilting toward the top heavy side. You need to be sure you are giving the head enough support.

Verbal Queue To Pick Up A French Bulldog

Before we get to that step however, there needs to be a queue or signal of some sort that the French Bulldog knows in order to anticipate it’s about to be picked up. A verbal queue of some sort like “Up!”, “Here we go!” or “LIFT OFF!” will all suffice so long as the Frenchie knows what the heck you are talking about and is ready.

In order to support that big adorable head, and cute barrel chest it is important to keep the top heavy part of the Frenchies body firmly supported. Start the lift by positioning yourself and the Frenchie side by side. Take your one arm over their back then between their front armpits on their chest, palm up supporting the chest. Think how you might protect and hold a football. 

Now with your other free arm place your forearm underneath their belly towards their back hips. This will provide support for their back legs. Alternatively you could use this arm to stabilize their butt from behind. Again keeping their legs free without confining them. Confining the dogs legs could cause a little bit of panic if they can’t move, and could result in an injury if they begin to struggle and fall. 

Now slowly and gently lift them up into a comfortable position on your chest using your shoulder as a pillow if they like. All set for some kisses and cuddles.

A Short History Of Frenchie Cuddles

Did you know that French Bulldogs aren’t actually French? Ah oui oui this is correct, they are actually from England and were originally bred as companion lap dogs for the lace makers of the early 1800’s.

They were intentionally used to warm the laps of the lace makers and to be highly affectionate companions. They also made very good ratters to keep the house clear of any small critters that dare enter.

So how did the French Bulldog get their name you ask? Well as the industrial revolution began to ramp up and the mechanization of the lace making industry began to come under threat, many lace makers migrated to the countryside of Northern France.

There, over a span of a few decades the French Bulldog refined it’s look further with features such as their cute little bat ears, and began to receive the attention it so desperately craves, and before long was the star of dogs in Paris.

It wasn’t long before the Frenchie was considered the city dog par excellence, and a staple of Paris café life. Popular amongst the people from ‘les belles de nuit’ to famous artists like Toulouse-Lautrec who depicted the Frenchie in several paintings.

Thus the title of the French Bulldog was established.

Should I Let My French Bulldog Sleep In My Bed? – Snuggles & Snores

There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether you are wanting to invite your Frenchie to sleep in the same bed as you.

Cons Of A French Bulldog In Bed

I’ll start with a few of the cons for letting your Frenchie sleep in the same bed as you.

• Allergies: Plenty of people have slight to severe allergies to their pets, and though this might not be an issue in your everyday interactions, this can be accentuated when it comes to bed time. Your Frenchie will leave their dander close to where you are breathing all night long, and this could cause some restless nights of sneezing and itching.
• Snoring: Yes Frenchies are renowned snoring machines. The French Bulldog is know as a brachycephalic breed of dog, which is the short, pushed in face, you’ve come to love. It’s also the same face that snorts and grunts around your house all day, and once those little cuties are asleep they can snore up a storm.
• Bedhogs: Frenchies are notorious bedhogs, and you’d be amazed how much space these little compact dogs can end up occupying. If you are a light sleeper, or need a little more room, the stubborn sleepy Frenchie may prove a little difficult.

Pros Of A French Bulldog In Bed

Now for the pros of letting your French Bulldog sleep in your bed.

• Cuddles: If you are like me, unwinding at the end of the night as you doze off, there is nothing better than having your dog cuddled up close by. There are even stress reducing benefits to petting dogs that can help you drift off easier after a tough day.

There was even a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic that reported some people sleep better with their pets in the same bed as them.

• Wellbeing: As mentioned numerous times above, the French Bulldog loves attention, affection, and to be near their owner at all times. Sleeping in the same bed can provide your Frenchie with the piece of mind and happiness they deserve. 

In the end this is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer that applies to everyone. You will have to determine for yourself whether or not you want a dog in your bed at night. I for one couldn’t see myself ever spending the night without my pup Ruby by my side, snoozing away peacefully.

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Wahl Dry Skin Oatmeal Shampoo – Smells great, cleans great, and best of all keeps my dog’s skin and coat looking and feeling amazing. Wahl Dry Skin Oatmeal Shampoo keeps my Pibbles skin moisturized like no other.

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BarkBox Super Chewer – Variety is the spice of life, and BarkBox Super Chewer is the perfect way to keep your dog engaged. New treats, toys, and chews each and every month that your super chewer will love.

iCrate Dog Crate – The iCrate is my absolute top recommendation for dog crates. I use this for both my dogs and love the sturdy, easy to store, and versatile adjustable panel. You need the iCrate in your life.

HiKiss Long Training Lead – Recall training and puppy training outdoors requires a long training lead. My favorite to use is the HiKiss long training lead. Available in a range of lengths to suit your long lead training needs.