Owning a French Bulldog comes with a high level of commitment. If you’re not prepared for what’s to come it can be a huge shock. You are bound to have seen all of those funny videos online of French Bulldogs acting all hyper and destructive, especially as puppies. But what’s the reality really like?
Are French bulldogs hyper? French Bulldogs can be very hyperactive as puppies and sometimes into adulthood too. They require a lot of stimulation and exercise in order to curb destructive behavior. Whilst they do sleep a lot, when awake they will require a lot of attention from their owners.
Our Own Personal Experience
We brought our first Frenchie home when he was around 9 weeks of age which is just about time to take a Frenchie puppy from his mother. Whilst we thought we knew what we were letting ourselves in for, nothing really prepared us for how high energy this breed can be. We were told that French Bulldogs were lazy and didn’t need a lot of exercises. Whilst it’s certainly true that they do sleep a lot, when they are awake it’s party time. In the rest of this guide, I’m going to explain how we got on, what we learned, when our Frenchie finally calmed down, and particularly how destructive French Bulldogs can be without the right care and attention.
How Hyper are French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs are a hyperactive breed and will run and run until they can run no more. They love to play and will act like clowns even until their adult life. In the first few months of owning our puppy meant we were constantly on our toes and having to put things out of reach that he wanted to chew and destroy. I would say that the puppy phase is, without doubt, the most hyperactive and destructive phase. Below you can see some examples of what we had to put up with and how we learned to cope within the first few months of ownership. If you’re specifically dealing with excessive chewing from your Frenchie, visit out our blog called How to Stop your Frenchie’s Excessive Chewing.
Are French Bulldogs Hyper as puppies?
Oh yes, French Bulldogs are hyper as puppies. During the puppy phase expect to have to deal with a lot of high energy and destructive habits. I would say that the first 10 months of a Frenchie puppy’s life are going to be the most hectic for you. Their senses are developing, the world is a great big adventure, and they will be testing their own limits… and yours!
Can French Bulldogs have ADHD?
French Bulldogs cannot have ADHD as a clinical disorder. However, there is such thing as hyperactivity in dogs which is medically known as hyperkinesis. To all intents and purposes though, this can be described as a canine form of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) but it’s not the same disorder that humans get.
Frenchies who display over-hyper behavior, are frenetic, have short attention spans and act on impulse can be given medication. Your Frenchie could be hyper due to a mix of their genes, training, and how well they were socialized. But what would make you think your French Bulldog had a form of canine ADHD in the first place? After all, many Frenchies are extremely excitable. Well, that’s for a veterinary professional to decide but if you do have a Frenchie with a short attention span and an inability to focus, it could be time to visit the vets.
Zoomies in French Bulldogs: What Owners Need to Know
If you own a French Bulldog, you might have witnessed sudden bursts of energy where your usually calm and laid-back pup dashes around the house or yard with wild enthusiasm. These episodes are often referred to as the “zoomies” or hyperactivity, and they are completely normal behavior for French Bulldogs. Here’s what you need to know about this quirky and entertaining trait.
1. What Are the Zoomies?
The zoomies, also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are sudden, short bursts of energy that cause dogs to run around at high speed, often in circles or figure-eights. For French Bulldogs, these episodes can be particularly amusing, given their small size and typically laid-back demeanor.
The zoomies usually occur in young dogs and puppies, but even older French Bulldogs can have these energetic outbursts occasionally. These bursts of energy can be triggered by excitement, after a bath, or simply when your dog is feeling playful.
2. Why Do French Bulldogs Get the Zoomies?
Zoomies are a natural way for dogs to release pent-up energy. Since French Bulldogs are a relatively low-energy breed, they may not need as much exercise as other dogs. However, they still have energy to burn, and the zoomies are one way they get rid of it.
Triggers for zoomies in French Bulldogs can include:
- Excitement: After being let out of their crate, seeing a favorite person, or playing with a new toy.
- Relief: After a bath or grooming session, they might zoom around to shake off excess water or the stress of the experience.
- End of the Day: Zoomies often occur in the evening when dogs are winding down but still have some residual energy.
3. Is It Normal for French Bulldogs to Get Hyper?
Yes, it is completely normal for French Bulldogs to experience the zoomies. While they are typically known for their calm and affectionate nature, short bursts of hyperactivity are a normal part of dog behavior.
That said, if your French Bulldog seems overly hyper or has frequent zoomies that are difficult to control, it might be worth evaluating their exercise routine. Sometimes, a lack of physical activity or mental stimulation can lead to excessive zoomies.
4. How to Handle the Zoomies
Handling the zoomies is usually straightforward, as these episodes are typically harmless and short-lived. Here are some tips for managing them:
- Ensure Safety: Make sure your French Bulldog is in a safe environment where they can zoom around without knocking over objects or hurting themselves. Clear the area of obstacles that might pose a danger.
- Let Them Run It Out: In most cases, the best thing you can do is let your dog run until they tire themselves out. These bursts of energy usually last only a few minutes.
- Distract with a Toy: If the zoomies are getting out of hand, you can try to redirect their energy by offering a favorite toy or engaging in a short play session.
- Exercise Routine: Regular exercise and playtime can help reduce the frequency of zoomies by burning off excess energy throughout the day.
5. When to Be Concerned
While zoomies are generally harmless, there are a few situations where you might want to pay closer attention:
- Frequency: If your French Bulldog is having multiple zoomie episodes per day, it could indicate that they need more regular exercise or mental stimulation.
- Injury Risk: If your dog has a habit of zooming in areas where they could injure themselves, consider setting up a safer space for them during these episodes.
- Underlying Issues: If your French Bulldog seems excessively hyper or restless, it’s worth consulting with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
The zoomies in French Bulldogs are a perfectly normal and entertaining behavior that most owners will experience at some point. While they can be surprising, these bursts of energy are simply a way for your dog to express excitement or release pent-up energy. By ensuring a safe environment and providing regular exercise, you can help your French Bulldog enjoy their zoomies without any concerns. So next time your Frenchie goes zipping around the room, sit back, enjoy the show, and know that it’s just part of their playful nature!
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