Do French Bulldogs Like to Cuddle?

Are you wondering, do French Bulldogs like to cuddle? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we have answered this question in detail. Moreover, we have provided a complete guide explaining how to cuddle your Frenchie properly.

French Bulldogs are lovely and adorable dog breeds known for their intimate connection and loyalty to their owners. Fortunately, Frenchies were bred to be companion dogs. Therefore, they like to be cuddled. In fact, it’s in their genes to cuddle, as they were made to offer companionship to the lace makers in England!

Keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about cuddling a Frenchie.

Do French Bulldogs Like to Cuddle – Top 7 Reasons

 

 

Before you get yourself a new pet, it’s entirely reasonable to ask different questions. When it comes to Frenchies, the most common question people ask is, do French Bulldogs like to cuddle?

Fortunately, the answer to this question is YES. French Bulldogs are very cuddly dog breeds. Frenchies crave our love and affection as they were bred to be human companions. They like to sit on their owner’s lap as it offers both a sense of safety and love.

Frenchies can also cuddle their owners for warmth. According to some studies, your French Bulldog can get anxious and stressed in isolation. So, if you are about to get yourself a Frenchie, you might have to prepare yourself to cuddle your pet on a daily basis.

Here are some of the main reasons why do Frenchies love to cuddle:  

Appreciation

Dogs cannot communicate like humans. If you have done something for them, they cannot just say “Thank You!” Instead, they use different gestures and actions to show their appreciation.

French Bulldogs are a loving and caring dog breed. They get pretty attached to their family and owners. Moreover, this breed is considered one of the most loyal dog breeds out there. Generally speaking, Frenchies like to thank their owners by snuggling up with them.

Through cuddling, a Frenchie shows how much you mean to them. Most of the French Bulldogs cuddle to show appreciation and do something nice for you in return!

Warmth

French Bulldogs are mammals, and all mammals require warmth during the winter. So, if your Frenchie tends to cuddle more in a cold environment, it might be a sign that he needs warmth. In fact, there is a 100% chance that your little buddy will cuddle with you during the cold nights of winter.

This is because French Bulldogs shed their thick coat in summer to survive hot temperatures. During the cold winter, their new coat is not enough to keep them warm. So, they take a more general approach and cuddle with their owner to stay warm.  

Attention

French Bulldogs were made to be companions. Therefore, they are quite attention seekers. According to most Frenchies owners, this breed can be more attention seekers than cats. Therefore, if your little buddy is cuddling with you, he might be trying to get your attention.

French Bulldogs are cute, adorable, and loving. They know their owner sometimes needs to rest from their busy routines. So, they will happily curl up to them and snuggle with them to spend some quality time. In that scenario, it’s best to cuddle with your Frenchie and pet them to create a better bond!

Love & Affection

Not just Frenchies, all dog breeds out there crave love and affection. Dogs like to spend some quality time with their owners. Usually, they spend this time playing games and cuddling with their owners. So, if your Frenchie is happy, he might snuggle up with you to show their love and affection.

Keep in mind that creating an unbeatable bond with your pet is not an easy task. You have to gain their trust and earn their affection. Moreover, no two Frenchies are the same. If one cuddle to show affection, the other might not come close to you.

Cuddling to show affection is a part of the breed’s personality. If your Frenchie is doing it, he is not doing anything strange or wrong. He just wants to who you how much he loves you!

Genetics

One of the most common reasons Frenchies like to cuddle is their genes. It is their genetics that makes them so affectionate and cuddly. This breed was initially designed to be a companion. So, it’s natural for French Bulldogs to please their masters.

Originally, French Bulldogs were bred to be lapdogs for the lace makers in England. Moreover, sometimes animals inherit certain behaviors and traits from their parents. Therefore, some Frenchies are naturally more affectionate and like to be cuddled up with their owners.

Safety

Your Frenchie will definitely cuddle with you if he is feeling danger. French Bulldogs tend to snuggle more when the weather is bad and they are scared. This is an excellent sign that your Frenchie trusts you and feels more comfortable around you.

Alternatively, if your French Bulldog thinks you are scared, he will also snuggle up with you. With this approach, your pet tries to calm you down and ensure everything is okay!

Anxiety & Stress

Being a companion breed is certainly not an easy task. Besides their parents, your dog’s behavior also depends upon you. If you are going through a rough time, it can make your Frenchie anxious and stressed, leading to several health issues.

If your French Bulldog is suffering from anxiety and stress, he will cuddle up with you to offer comfort and relaxation. Besides cuddling up, your dog might also reduce its stress and anxiety with affectionate licks and some kisses.

If your pet is suffering from stress, it’s best to cuddle with them. Let your Frenchies curl up under the covers of your bed or in your lap for some extra security and comfort!

My Frenchie Won’t Cuddle

 

 

As you can see, it’s in your dog’s genetics to cuddle. However, no two French Bulldogs are the same. So, it’s a possibility that your pet won’t snuggle up with you. In that scenario, it could be due to a number of reasons, such as:

Past Traumas

Was your French Bulldog a rescue dog? If yes, he might have issues with being close to other humans. This could be a result of some prior bad experiences and trauma. In that scenario, it’s good to be patient. With enough time, you’ll be able to gain your dog’s trust and get him to cuddle up to you!

Character

We simply cannot say it enough, “no two French Bulldogs are the same.” Different Frenchies have different traits. If one dog likes to be cuddled up, it is not necessary that the whole breed have to show this behavior.

If your French Bulldog doesn’t cuddle with you, you don’t have to imagine the worst. Your dog does not hate you. He just has a different personality, which is completely okay!

Stubbornness

Another possibility is that your French Bulldog is just a little stubborn. While for most people, Frenchies are adorable and cute, others consider them quite stubborn. Your Frenchies might avoid cuddling up with you to pay you back for not playing with them, leaving the house, or for some other reasons.

Older Age

Just like humans, age also influences the personality of dogs. As dogs get older, they become more and more independent. The same happens with humans. Once a teenager passes a certain age, he or she does not want to be fussed over anymore.

If your Frenchie is old, we might not want to be cuddled anymore. It would be a result of several other reasons, such as older dogs having more pains and aches.

Sickness and Injuries

If a French Bulldog is sick or injured, he will prefer to be left alone. This is because your injured dog might feel pain when you pick him up and cuddle him! In this scenario, it is recommended to let them get rest and wait until your Frenchie becomes healthy again.

Tips to Get Your French Bulldog to Like Cuddling

 

 

If your Frenchie does not like to be cuddled, you don’t have to give up. Fortunately, some remedies can help you with this regard, such as:

• Offer positive rewards such as treats when the cuddle time is over. This approach will help your dog understand that cuddling is good behavior.
• While cuddling, pet your Frenchie gently and slowly. You can also talk to him to catch his attention.
• Before setting down for a nice cuddle, take your dog for a walk. A tired dog will be ready for some relaxation and rest.
• While cuddling your dog, stay quiet and calm. Please don’t yell at your kids, as it can irritate your Frenchie.
• French Bulldogs like a good belly rub. So, be generous with them while cuddling!

As your Frenchie is a companion dog, you won’t have to do much work to convince him to cuddle. All you need to do is be patient and train your dog for cuddling: as discussed below!

Cuddling Your Frenchie – Potential Benefits

 

 

Cuddling your Frenchie is not only cute but also quite beneficial. There are several scientific research that backs up this claim. Several studies have shown that:

• Cuddling your Frenchie gives you a sense of being complete
• Cuddling your Frenchie makes your day happier
• Cuddling your Frenchie allows you to create a better pet-owner relationship
• Cuddling your Frenchie relieves stress
• Cuddling your Frenchie allows you to build a deeper bond with your pet

Besides these, here are some health benefits of cuddling with your Frenchie:

Eases Tension and Pain

As cuddles have therapeutic benefits, they can reduce tension and pain. The physical interaction that cuddles and hugs offer can help you be more relaxed, reducing stress levels, pressure, and pain. Cuddling your Frenchie won’t just help him with his stress but also help you with your anxiety.

Better Immunity

According to most studies, the more time you spend with your pet, the better your immune system will be. This is because when you spend more time cuddling with your Frenchie, you develop a better bond and a strong sense of being complete.

Reduces Cortisol Levels

Cuddling with your Frenchie can also reduce the cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol is a hormone released when you are stressed. This hormone is responsible for several other health issues, including lethargy and obesity. So, if you want to avoid these issues, cuddle with your buddy!

Protection Against Cognitive Decline

We, humans, grow day by day. For us, growing old is inevitable. However, if you cuddle up with your Frenchie, it can help you avoid cognitive decline and age gracefully.

Highly Therapeutic

Cuddling and hugging your dog is one of the best therapeutic methods out there. This practice releases endorphins in your body that are beneficial for both dogs and humans. It can reduce stress and make you happier.

Better Heart Health

Heart diseases are quite common in humans. Unfortunately, dogs can also suffer from these issues. However, the physical contact they get by cuddling and hugging can reduce anxiety and depression, reducing the risks of health diseases.

When to Avoid Cuddling your Frenchie?

 

 

As you can see, cuddling is quite beneficial for both dogs and humans. However, that doesn’t mean you have to keep your dog on your lap 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. There are some cases when you should avoid cuddling your Frenchie:

• Allergies – French Bulldogs are quite sensitive. If you are suffering from allergies, it is recommended to avoid cuddling with your dog. This is because your dog’s dander can lead to an allergic reaction.
• Illness – You should avoid physical contact if your dog is sick – significantly if he got injured physically. This is because cuddling won’t help your dog recover any faster. Instead, it will cause unnecessary pain.

Besides these, you should also avoid cuddling your pet if he doesn’t want it. As mentioned earlier, some French Bulldogs are comparatively more affectionate. So, if your dog does not care for hugs and cuddles, you don’t have to force him and respect his wishes!

Are Males or Females Cuddlier?

Female and male Frenchies feature slightly distinguished personalities due to their gender. But their character will be quite distinct depending upon the environmental variables, training, and upbringing.

Generally speaking, male French Bulldogs are more affectionate and cuddlier compared to female ones. They are bolder, more energetic, mischievous, playful, and forceful. Alternatively, female Frenchies are comparatively more relaxed, submissive, and shy.

How to Cuddle A French Bulldog Properly?

As we have established, Frenchies are cuddly dogs. They will snuggle up with you whenever they get the chance. However, there are both wrong ways and right ways to cuddle a Frenchie. Therefore, it’s completely reasonable to ask, how to cuddle my Frenchie properly?

First of all, you must know how to pick up your dog. Keep in mind that dogs don’t like when you give them large bear hugs. It makes them suffocate and feel trapped. If you give them bear hugs, they will feel trapped and constricted. This approach will result in unnecessary struggles.

Instead of wrapping your arms around your dog, you should let him come to you. Your Frenchie will get really close to your face or sit on your lap and want to sleep up against your body. This approach will allow them to be close to you and get warmth.

Compared to other dog breeds, French Bulldogs are relatively compact and lightweight. However, you still need to be cautious as they have a rather heavier and larger head. You need to give their head enough support to avoid any physical irritation and pain.

In a Nutshell

French Bulldogs are cute and adorable dog breeds. They are known for their small size, wrinkly appearance, and unmatchable loyalty. Originally, these dogs were bred to be a companion for lacemakers in England. But now, Frenchies are considered one of the most popular dog breeds out there.

Before you get yourself a French Bulldog, it’s completely reasonable to ask, do French Bulldogs like to cuddle? Fortunately, Frenchies are cuddly dogs. They like to snuggle up with their owners for several reasons. In fact, cuddling humans is in their genetics.

French Bulldogs like to cuddle humans to show appreciation, love, and affection. Moreover, this practice also helps them reduce anxiety and stress. In winter, Frenchies also snuggle up with their owners to stay warm.

Cuddling a French Bulldog is beneficial for both dogs and humans. It offers you a sense of being complete and reduces pain. This practice also offers several health benefits as it is highly therapeutic.

However, there are some scenarios when you shouldn’t cuddle your Frenchie. For instance, if your dog is injured, he might prefer to be left alone. Don’t pick up your Frenchie in that scenario, as it can lead to unnecessary pain and struggle!