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Small dog breeds, like french bulldogs, tend to love to burrow much more than bigger dogs. While some reasons for this behavior can be more obvious, others aren’t as obvious and are quite peculiar.
Why Do French Bulldogs Burrow:
French bulldogs like to burrow (under blankets) because instinctively it reminds them of a den. Burrowing under a blanket provides a den-like experience because it’s a small space that makes them feel safe and secure. Other reasons for french bulldogs to burrow are anxiety, warmth, and affection.
In this post you’ll discover:
- 7 real reasons why french bulldogs burrow
- When your frenchies burrowing is something to be concerned about
- 4 tips to help with their burrowing (#3 is the most important!)
- And much, much more…
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Should French Bulldogs Be Allowed To Burrow?
More often than not, when french bulldogs burrow it’s completely harmless.
Which means there’s no reason to stop them from their burrowing behaviors.
The only reason you’d want to stop them from burrowing is if they started to become destructive.
If they aren’t burrowing to create a comfortable place for them to relax and instead are ripping blankets and sheets apart, this is when you’d want to train them out of the behavior.
If your frenchie is being destructive with their burrowing they likely have too much pent up energy or are coping with anxiety.
In both instances some additional training will be needed to help them stop their destructive burrowing.
7 Reasons Why French Bulldogs Like To Sleep & Burrow Under Blankets
1) Get Cold Easily
French bulldogs don’t have nearly as much insolation as other breeds which makes them want to burrow.
Even if your frenchie is on the pudgy side, they still won’t have nearly enough fat to keep them warm in the peak of winter.
Also, their fur coat is very short and thin which makes them even more likely to catch a chill.
Which is why one of their favorite things to do to warm themselves up is to burrow and rest under blankets.
Just like when you’re feeling cold and love to snuggle up under a blanket, so does your frenchie.
2) It’s Instinctual
When french bulldogs burrow under blankets it resembles a den-like feeling for them.
In the wild, their ancestors used to live in dens which would provide them with protection from the elements, general comfort as well as safety.
So when your frenchie wants to burrow under the blankets, it’s possibly an instinctual desire for them.
Also, because your frenchie is a pack animal, they know that where they choose to rest can be a matter of life or death.
While it’s not a big deal anymore as they live safely inside your home.
Your pup may not fully be able to grasp that they’re completely safe, and instead feel the need to burrow for the added layer of protection.
If they aren’t ruining your blankets or sheets there’s no harm in letting them continue to instinctively burrow.
3) Like To Feel Cuddled
Much like how a baby enjoys being held tightly to their mothers chest, being wrapped up in a blanket can provide a similar feeling for your frenchie.
The added pressure can make them feel like they’re being held which helps them relax.
When they were just a pup, they would have likely cuddled closely with their brothers and sisters as well as their mother.
And when they burrow and snuggle under a blanket, it reminds them of this feeling and makes their brain release happy chemicals.
Also, if the blanket they like to burrow under is one that you frequently use, they may use it to feel like you’re close to them.
The blanket will likely have your scent which is comforting to your frenchie.
If they can cuddle up in something that smells like you it can make them feel less lonely.
Related Reading: Do French Bulldogs Like To Cuddle? 17 Things To Know
4) Fear Or Anxiety
If french bulldogs are feeling frightened or anxious, they may burrow as a way to deal with these feelings.
Again, because burrowing in blankets resembles a den to them, they’ll feel protected and secure when burrowed.
So if there’s loud noises like fireworks, construction or thunder your frenchie may hide under the blankets to help deal with their fear or anxiety.
Also, if your pup has separation anxiety you may notice destructive burrowing.
This is where they’re digging on your blankets and/or sheets and ruining them as opposed to simply cuddling inside them.
Whenever a dog is going through severe levels of anxiety they’ll do things excessively.
So if in addition to excessive burrowing & digging you’re noticing them over-groom themselves, excessively pace, or unable to settle by barking for extended periods, they may have heightened levels of anxiety.
Related Reading: 7 Ways To Eliminate Your Dogs Anxiety, Shyness Or Fear
5) Pregnant Or Pseudo-Pregnancy
If your french bulldog is a female, they may burrow because they’re close to being ready to give birth.
Or, if your frenchie isn’t pregnant, they could be experiencing a pseudo-pregnancy.
Which simply means they feel like they’re pregnant when they actually aren’t.
But they will still behave as though they are pregnant, because to them, they’re convinced a litter is coming.
If this is the case it would be happening because she’s recently been in heat.
The reason she feels the need to burrow, if she’s truly pregnant or going through a false-pregnancy, is because she wants to create a comfortable place for her puppies.
6) They Want To Be As Close As Possible To You
Another reason for french bulldogs to burrow is because they simply want to be as close to you as possible.
If you find your frenchie often wants to be underneath whatever blanket you’re currently using it could be because it makes them feel good.
In the most literal way possible.
Studies have shown that physical contact between a dog and their owner releases oxytocin in both the owner and their dog.
Oxytocin is known as the happiness hormone that’s released to help build or cement a bond between two people (or a dog and their owner).
It makes them have feelings of love and trust.
So if you find your frenchie often burrowing under blankets you’re using, it could simply be because being snuggled up against you feels good.
And they want to feel good as often as possible.
Related Reading: 12 Reasons Why Frenchies Are So Clingy & Needy + Tips
7) Helps Them Sleep
Because burrowing under blankets provides them with added warmth and a feeling of safety, they’ll sleep better.
And just like getting under your blankets before bed helps you sleep, burrowing under blankets may help your frenchie sleep.
It allows them to completely relax and warm up parts of their body that were feeling a little chilly.
Related Reading: 9 Interesting Reasons Why French Bulldogs Sleep So Much
4 Tips For French Bulldog Burrowing
1) Give Them a Designated Burrow Blanket
If you’re not a fan of your french bulldog burrowing in any blanket they can get their paws on, try getting them a designated burrow blanket.
Then the next time you see them burrowing, simply hand them this designated blanket.
This way they won’t get all the blankets in your house dirty.
I’m sure your pup likes to splash in puddles and follow whatever interesting scent they pick up on like any other doggo.
Which means they’ll become an interesting (typically unpleasant) smell themselves.
And if they burrow in any blanket they can find, you’ll end up having to wash them more frequently.
If they have their own designed burrow blanket, and learn that that’s what this blanket is for, whenever they’re feeling cold, lonely, sleepy, etc. they go to this blanket.
2) Get Them a ‘Den-Like’ Dog Bed
Believe it or not, there are dog beds specifically designed to cater to pups that enjoy burrowing.
They have a built-in blanket that covers the top of the bed while leaving a hole for them to climb into.
One of the best burrow beds on Amazon is The Cozy Cuddler which you can check out by clicking here.
This bed will likely be more comfortable than any blanket they’re previously burrowed with.
Which means they’ll choose the bed over blankets more often than not.
Related Reading: Top 12 Best Dog Beds For French Bulldogs
3) Keep a Close Eye On Them
Because your french bulldog is a brachycephalic breed (flat faced) you should definitely keep a close eye on them when they burrow under blankets.
Their flatter face makes breathing more difficult for them which means burrowing could become problematic.
Whether it’s they’re not able to breath because they’re completely submerged under a blanket, or from overheating.
Burrowing can be potentially dangerous for your frenchie which is why you should always watch them when they choose to burrow.
This way you can ensure they’re safe and if any complications come up you’re there to give them a hand.
4) See Your Vet
It’s never a bad idea to contact your vet when faced with unusual behavior.
Sometimes it’s nothing serious and a habit they’ve developed.
But other times it can be an underlying health issue that should be addressed.
Taking your frenchie to the vet can help give you peace of mind that nothing bad is going on with your pup.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Top 15 Best Harnesses For French Bulldogs
16 Interesting Reasons Why French Bulldogs Lick So Much
8 Reasons Why French Bulldogs Itch So Much + Helpful Tips
8 Reasons Why French Bulldogs Smell + 7 Ways To Stop It
Citations:
This Unique & Powerful Scent Can Calm Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
