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Since french bulldogs are more on the delicate side many people have questions about walking them.
How much is too much? How long should they walk as a puppy?
Why do they sometimes decide they don’t want to walk?
There are so many things to think about when it comes to walking a french bulldog properly.
In this post you’ll discover all the answers you’re looking for when it comes to walking your french bulldog.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
French Bulldog Puppies & Walking: When You Can & For How Long
What Age Do French Bulldog Puppies Walk?
French bulldog puppies start walking at around two or three weeks old and will continue to grow and develop until they reach full maturity.
When Can You Walk A French Bulldog Puppy?
French bulldog pups can be walked as soon as they’ve been vaccinated and are old enough to leave their mother. It’s best to wait until they are at least eight weeks old before taking them on walks, however.
How Much Should I Walk My French Bulldog Puppy?
How much you should walk your frenchie puppy will depend on how old they are (in months).
Younger puppies shouldn’t be walked too much as they can get injured.
Walks everyday are still encouraged, but they’ll need to be shorter while your frenchie is a young puppy.
From 2 months to 9 months their walking length should start at 10 minutes per walk and gradually increase to 30 minutes.
How Long Should I Walk My 3 Month Old French Bulldog?
A 3 month old french bulldog should only be walked for roughly 10-12 minutes.
How Long Should You Walk A 4 Month Old French Bulldog?
A 4 month old french bulldog can be walked for around 15 minutes.
How Long Should I Walk My 5 Month Old French Bulldog?
A french bulldog that is five months old can be taken on a 18-20 minute walk.
How Long Should I Walk My 6 Month Old French Bulldog?
A french bulldog that’s six months old can be taken on a 20-25 minute walk.
Can You Over Walk A French Bulldog Puppy?
You can over walk a french bulldog puppy up until they are about nine months old.
After that, you can pretty much walk them as much as you’d like. Of course, always make sure you’re gradually increasing their time spent walking.
If they’re used to 20 minute walks and you jump to a 60 minute walk, this will likely be too much for them.
Why Will My French Bulldog Puppy Not Walk?
There are a few reasons why your french bulldog puppy might not want to walk.
One reason could be that they’re not feeling well. If your puppy has been refusing to eat or drink water, has vomited or has diarrhea, it’s best to take them to the vet.
Another possibility is that they’re just plain tired. Puppies have a lot of energy but they can also get worn out quickly. If your puppy is yawning or seems lethargic, it might be time to head home.
The final reason could simply be that they’re not used to walking yet and need more practice. In this case, continue taking them on short walks until they start to get the hang of it.
Distance Adult French Bulldogs Can & Should Be Walked
How Long Should You Walk A French Bulldog?
A french bulldog that is one year old or older can be taken on a 30 minute walk.
In order for them to stay happy and healthy they need anywhere between 30-60 minutes of exercise per day.
This can be broken down in 3 20 minute walks.
2 20-30 minute walks.
Or 2 20 minute walks with some play time in between.
How Long Can You Walk A French Bulldog?
This will be dependent on your specific frenchie.
If you’ve gradually increased the amount of time they spend walking from a young age, they can walk with you for 60 minutes (or more).
It’s always important to not jump to extreme increases in time spent walking as they could get injured.
How Far Should A French Bulldog Walk Each Day?
A french bulldog should walk 1-3 miles each day.
Some may only need a mile walk while others may need three.
It really depends on your frenchies age and activity level.
As a general rule, aim for at least one walk per day that lasts for at least 30 minutes (a little over 1 mile).
Can A French Bulldog Walk 3 Miles?
Yes, a french bulldog can walk 3 miles as long as they’ve been gradually increasing in distance walked over the course of their life.
Always be sure to monitor them for any signs that they’re tired or not feeling well, and adjust your walks accordingly.
Can A French Bulldog Walk 5 Miles?
5 miles is getting to the upper bound of what most french bulldogs can handle.
Of course, if you’ve been gradually increasing their walk time your frenchie should be in good enough shape to handle a 5 mile walk.
But if you normally only walk with your french bulldog for 1 mile, it’s best not to try taking them for a 5 mile walk.
Again, as a general rule, be sure to monitor your pup for any signs that they’re tired or not feeling well, and adjust your walks accordingly.
Can A French Bulldog Walk 10 Miles?
For the vast majority of french bulldogs a 10 mile walk will be too much for them to handle.
It’s possible that a small few may be able to enjoy a walk this long, but most will not.
It’ll be too much for their body and breathing capabilities to handle.
It’s always important to be aware of your pup’s limitations and not push them too hard.
Can You Over Walk A French Bulldog? How Much Is Too Much?
Just like with people, you can over walk a french bulldog.
If your pup is constantly tired or seems to be in pain after walks, they’ve been walking for too long.
It’s also important to keep an eye on their breathing. If it’s noticeably labored after walks, you’re likely walking them for too long.
As a general rule, aim to walk your french bulldog for between 30-60 minutes per day. This can be done in multiple walks or one long walk.
It’s important not to push them too hard and always be aware of their limitations.
Randomly jumping them from their regular 1 mile walk to, say, a 5 mile walk is too much.
Anything that’s considerably longer/further than what they’re used to would be too much for their body to handle.
How Many Times A Day Should You Walk A French Bulldog?
Ideally, you would walk your french bulldog 3 times a day.
This will give them the 30-60 minutes of exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.
Many people are only able to do 2 walks per day because of their work schedule and when they’re available.
Which is totally fine as well.
The most important thing is that they’re getting at least 30 minutes of good physical activity everyday.
Walking a French Bulldog In Different Climates
How Hot Is Too Hot To Walk A French Bulldog?
If it’s too hot outside for you, it’s likely too hot for your french bulldog.
Because of your frenchies natural breathing challenges, it’s best not to push them when it’s the peak of summer’s heat.
Be sure to take frequent water breaks and shady rest stops.
In general, anytime it’s over 20°C (70°F) you want to be careful of how long you’re taking your frenchie out for.
How Cold Is Too Cold To Walk A French Bulldog?
If you and your frenchie have always lived in an area where there are cold winters, your pup is likely used to colder temperatures.
With that being said, it’s still best not to take them out for too long if the temperatures are below -10°C (14°F).
Since french bulldogs are smaller and don’t have a thick coat you may want to consider getting them a jacket when the temperatures are coldest where you live.
Can I Walk My French Bulldog In The Rain?
Yes, you can walk your french bulldog in the rain.
In fact, many people believe that walking their pup in the rain is good for them (every once and a while).
It helps them cool down and it’s a fun/unique activity for both of you.
Can I Walk My French Bulldog In Snow?
You can walk your french bulldog in snow as well.
Again, it’s important to be careful of the temperature and how long they’re out for.
Strange French Bulldog Walking Behavior
Why Does My French Bulldog Walk Sideways?
There can be a few reasons why your french bulldog walks sideways.
One possibility is that they’re trying to avoid stepping in something unpleasant.
Another reason may be that they have an injury or are feeling pain in their back or hips.
If you notice this behavior and it’s been going on for more than a day or two, it’s best to take them to the vet.
Why Does My French Bulldog Walk Weird/Funny?
Just like people, every french bulldog walks differently.
Some may be wobbly or have a funny walk due to an injury or health condition.
If your frenchie has a new walking style that’s been going on for more than a day or two, it’s best to take them in for a check-up.
Why Does My French Bulldog Not Want To Walk?
There can be a few reasons why your french bulldog doesn’t want to walk.
One possibility is that they’re not feeling well.
Another reason may be that they’ve been overworked and are tired.
Or it could be that they’ve been spooked on a previous walk and are nervous to venture out again.
If your frenchie usually loves going on walks but suddenly doesn’t want to go, try taking them on a shorter walk or to a different location.
If they still don’t want to go, it’s never a bad idea to have a vet look at them.
Can You Walk A Pregnant French Bulldog?
You can walk a pregnant french bulldog, but you’ll want to take it easy on her.
Short walks (10-15 minutes) a couple times a day and light playtime are best when your frenchie is pregnant.
Avoid strenuous walks and make sure she always has access to plenty of water.
Once she’s close to her due date, stop taking her for walks all together.
How Should A French Bulldog Walk?
A french bulldog should walk with a loose leash and their head up.
They should always be paying attention to their surroundings and you.
If your french bulldog starts pulling on the leash, stop walking and wait for them to calm down before continuing onwards.
Also, if you notice any limping or sideways walking this is an indicator that something is wrong with their hips.
Other posts you might find interesting:
12 Best Beds For French Bulldogs: Beds That Last
Stop Frenchie Jumping For Good (On People, Couches & Beds)