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Are French Bulldogs Lazy? Facts
French bulldogs are a common and favorite pet in many households. They look so cuddly and are very attached to their owners, which may be why they're a popular pet dog breed.
However, some may argue saying that French bulldogs are lazy dogs, and it could be because of some of their inborn qualities and features.
Nevertheless, there's no doubt that Frenchies could be very active when awake and should not be underestimated as a very easy dog breed to handle.
So, are French bulldogs lazy? Discover some fantastic facts about Frenchies and the reasons they are sometimes known to be a lazy dog breed.
Are French Bulldogs Lazy?
Specific traits of French bulldogs lead people to believe they are a lazy dog breed. However, this is far from the truth.
Frenchies need a lot of stimulation to get them going whenever they are awake. Contrary to many people's perception, French bulldogs require adequate exercise, and lying with them all day will not benefit their health.
So, why is it then that some are in the purview that Frenchies are lazy?
Do Frenchies Sleep Often?
The most apparent reason for Frenchies to be known as a lazy dog breed could be because they sleep A LOT!
It's one of the dog breeds that sleeps the most throughout the day. It makes people think they are lazy dogs, but Frenchie owners know otherwise.
They know how active their furry friends could be when wide awake. Frenchies could sometimes be so hyper that they tend to go beyond their physical limits.
How Much Sleep Do Frenchies Need?
Frenchies indeed sleep for most of the day. Many would be surprised to learn that a French bulldog needs about 13 - 16 hours of sleep daily.
Puppies need more sleep because they are in the growth stage. Frenchie puppies can sleep for as long as 16 - 20 hours a day, leaving only a few hours to stay awake.
It is one of the reasons why new French bulldog owners think that this breed is lazy. However, they are in for a surprise once they realize how hyperactive their pet can get once wide awake.
Are Frenchies Low-Energy Dogs?
French bulldogs are known as dog breeds with low energy levels. It is mainly because of their physical traits and the fact that they sleep for most of the day.
However, that doesn't mean you can leave your Frenchie lying on the couch all day long. They need adequate exercise to manage their weight.
French bulldogs are naturally overweight, so they must get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Overweight Frenchies are prone to medical problems that could put their health at risk.
Reason Why Your French Bulldog Is Lazy
There are many reasons why people think French bulldogs are a lazy dog breed, and one of the main reasons is that it sleeps most of the day.
Apart from this, let's look at some other reasons that lead people to think that Frenchies are a lazy bunch of canines.
Lack Of Physical and Mental Stimulation
Frenchies are natural at sleeping and love to doze off snuggled in a cozy corner. However, they do need ample physical exercise and also mental stimulation.
Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and related health problems. It could prove to be riskier for Frenchies because of their genetic breathing problems; more later.
Take your Frenchie out for a walk for a few minutes each day. You can also give it some mental stimulation through puzzles and various other brain training games.
Stubbornness and Refusal to Walk
Frenchies are also an extremely stubborn breed. Sometimes, they lounge around the house without moving an inch, no matter how hard you ask them to come.
This stubbornness could work to its advantage or disadvantage. Whenever it feels hyper, your Frenchie can whizz around the house with you running behind trying to stop it. On the other hand, it may not budge an inch when you want it to.
It all depends on what type of mood your Frenchie is in at that moment.
Brachycephalic and Struggle for Breath
French Bulldogs with brachycephalic dogs with deformed air passages, which means that they struggle to breathe. However, that doesn't mean your Frenchie should sit around and be lazy.
When taking it out for long walks or exercise sessions, you must pay attention. Over exhaustion could cause them to struggle for breath, which is risky for their health.
Therefore, taking them out for short walks is advisable and keeping training and exercises as short as possible. IPetGuides provides excellent tips and advice on training dogs.
Overweight
Many of the Frenchies you see are generally overweight, making people think it's the way they are. It also contributes to the fact that this dog breed is lazy due to being overweight.
However, this should not be the case. French bulldogs need adequate exercise and a controlled diet to manage their weight.
Ensure your Frenchie gets enough physical exercise to avoid excessive weight gain. Lack of physical activity could also lead to several health problems in your Frenchie.
Sensitive Stomach
Frenchies have one of the most sensitive stomachs among all dog breeds, meaning they find it harder to digest the food they eat.
It could lead to poor nutrition absorption from the food they eat, which means that they will not have the energy to move around and will end up being lazy.
Ensure to give your Frenchie high-quality food with essential nutrients that are easy to absorb.
Overheated
Frenchies can have difficulty cooling down because it's a flat-face dog breed, and it could make them appear to be lazy.
Frenchies are a brachycephalic dog breed. Therefore, they cannot easily cool themselves down after exercising or walking because their breathing is inefficient. Other dogs can do this by panting.
However, it doesn't mean that Frenchies are lazy. Instead, unlike other dog breeds, you need to give them more time to cool themselves down.
Infection
French bulldogs are prone to infections, especially yeast infections, which are more common in this breed.
When your Frenchie has an infection, its energy is used to fight off the infection, which could make it appear lazy.
Frenchies could also get bacterial infections that cause skin irritation and reddening. This type of infection could also use up a lot of their energy to fight off the bacteria in their bodies.
Underlying Health Issues in French Bulldogs
Your Frenchie might have an underlying health issue that can cause them to appear lazy. Following are some of the health issues that are common in French bulldogs.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Heart problems
- Liver disease
- Food poisoning
- Side effects from medication
Like an infection, your Frenchie uses up a lot of its energy to fight off the health issue it has, which can make them lazy.
Aging
Frenchies tend to get lazier when they age. They might be active at a younger age, but when they reach about 6 to 8, they prefer slow walking and frequent naps.
Older Frenchies don't enjoy the fun and adventurous activities that they once loved to do. So if your dog is getting older and you see it changing this way, it's perfectly normal.
However, don't forget to give it exercise by taking it for slow walks. If not, it could lead to several health problems in your senior dog.
Matching Owner's Energy Levels
There's a saying that a Frenchie is as energetic as its owner. If you sit on your couch and watch TV all day long, then expect your Frenchie to cuddle with you and become lazy.
Instead, it will follow the same path if you move around and become more active. Frenchies are very attached to their owners and love to cling to them.
So, if you don't want your French bulldog to be lazy, you should be more active.
Feeling Down
French bulldogs are a very emotional dog breed. They could easily have mood swings quite often. They also fall into depression when they experience sadness.
When Frenchies feel down, they could be lying down more frequently, making them appear lazy.
If this happens, it could be because your Frenchie is mourning the loss of a companion or loved one. It's normal for Frenchies to experience this type of sadness and get into such a mood.
Tips to Help a French Bulldog Come Out of Laziness
Here are a few things you can do to help your French bulldog come out of laziness.
- Give it adequate exercise by taking it out for short walks.
- Improve its diet by giving it high-quality, nutritious food.
- If it feels emotionally down, spend time with it and cuddle it to help overcome the sadness.
- If it has an underlying health issue, infection, or unusual behavioral change, take it to the vet.
Top 3 Worst Characteristics Of French Bulldogs
Apart from loving to sleep, here are a few other not-so-pleasant characteristics of French bulldogs.
- They get highly attached to their owners and will follow them everywhere. Frenchies can also become jealous of other family members because of this attachment with their owners.
- They love to eat and beg for a piece of whatever they see you eat.
- Frenchies are also prone to many health problems, including respiratory disorders, joint disease, heart disease, eye disease, wheezing, etc.
Conclusion
French bulldogs can be adorable pets, and many people love them because they're such a cuddly dog breed.
If you want to own a French bulldog but are worried that they are a lazy dog breed, rest assured that there are ways to overcome this.
As long as you take the appropriate measures, you can quickly bring your French bulldog out of being lazy so that it will be more active.
Frequently Asked Questions
At What Age Do French Bulldogs Get Lazy?
Your Frenchie will get very lazy once it reaches the age of 6 to 8 years.
Do French Bulldogs Have Low Energy Levels?
French bulldogs are low-energy dogs because they sleep most of the day.
Are French Bulldogs Needy?
French bulldogs are attached to their owners and may experience separation anxiety more than other dog breeds.
Are French Bulldogs Lap Dogs?
French bulldogs make great lap dogs because they love to cuddle with their owners and sleep a lot.
