French Bulldog puppies are quirky and bright, bringing lots of laughter and joy to their family. But amidst all the fun, it’s good to think about how much exercise and mental stimulation your puppy should be receiving. It’s also normal to wonder if they are getting enough sleep, or maybe a bit too much!

Sleep, as well as mental and physical stimulation, is very important for the healthy development of French Bulldogs. However, too much exercise or constant stimulation can also cause issues. Achieving the right balance during growth will set the stage for a well-balanced and happy adulthood. Our team of vets have put together the following advice to help you navigate this balancing act with confidence. 

If you’re unsure about anything, you’re always welcome to get in touch in the Joii app. 

How much exercise does your Frenchie need?

Frenchies usually follow their people everywhere, but they aren’t really built for stamina. They tend to get bored quickly and have trouble staying cool in warm weather. Additionally, their growing bodies can be negatively affected by excessive or high-impact exercise. Short, fun walks and play sessions tend to work best. 

A good reference for planning and monitoring exercise is: 

• 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day

• Structured exercise means exercises like lead walks, training sessions, or play with other dogs.

So, for example,

• 2-month-old puppy → 10 minutes twice a day

• 6-month-old puppy → 30 minutes twice a day

What type of exercise is best?

• Short walks on soft ground

• Sniffing and exploring, finding hidden treats

• Light play in the garden

• Training sessions (sit, paw, recall, loose-lead walking)

• Gentle play with calm, trusted dogs

Avoid high-impact activities such as long walks, rough play, or forced running. These activities may be fun in the moment, but they are too intense for young joints and can lead to issues later in life.

Don’t forget mental stimulation

Mental enrichment is really important for Frenchies, and is just as tiring as physical activity. Sniffing, searching, and problem-solving all activate your puppy’s brain. A short walk with plenty of pauses to investigate interesting smells can be more rewarding than a long, fast-paced one. Frenchies can be a bit wilful, so they often need convincing to participate in an activity. A tasty treat or two usually works well!

How much sleep do Frenchies need?

Many new owners worry that their puppy is sleeping too much. On the contrary, many behavioural problems start in puppies who are tired, overstimulated, and unable to settle.

Young puppies should sleep for 18–20 hours a day. This is essential. During sleep, puppies grow, process what they have learnt, settle their emotional state, and develop their immune defences.

Signs your Frenchie is overstimulated include:

• Nipping or biting more than usual

• Barking or whining without an obvious reason

• Difficulty settling or falling asleep

Most Frenchie puppies try to follow their family constantly, and this can get in the way of their rest. Crate training helps a puppy know when it’s time to rest. Having a steady routine, when possible, helps your puppy feel comfortable about their napping time, safe in the knowledge of where to find you when they wake up. 

Create a safe place for naps

Puppies need a quiet, calm space to relax and get their much-needed sleep. This could be in a crate, puppy pen, or a cosy corner with a bed. Placing a soft blanket or comfort item with familiar scents can help them settle. Plugging in a pheromone diffuser nearby may also be beneficial.

Puppies often sleep in short bursts. Allowing them uninterrupted rest helps them grow into calmer, healthier adults.

If your puppy snores loudly from a young age or keeps waking themselves up, it’s best to speak to a vet to check for other signs of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

Safe toys for puppies

Your puppy is going to chew on everything - that's just how they explore. Make sure they have safe options. Provide toys that help soothe sore teeth, redirect unwanted chewing, and provide mental stimulation.

Toy safety checklist

Choose toys that are:

• Appropriate for your puppy’s size (large enough not to be swallowed)

• Durable and easy to clean

• Made from puppy-safe materials and have no small detachable parts

Avoid:

• Toys that splinter (e.g., sticks)

• Toys with easily removable eyes or stuffing

• Cheap rubber toys that tear easily

• Anything that can be swallowed whole

• Hard antlers or bones that can damage teeth

Ideal toy options for puppies

• Rubber chew toys (e.g., puppy-strength Kongs)

• Rope toys for tug (supervised only)

• Textured teething toys

• Rubber balls or rollers designed for gentle chewing

Due to their short faces, it’s easy to miscalculate the size of a toy that can be swallowed by a Frenchie. Ask for advice about specific toys if you’re unsure. Avoid small balls and other smooth, slippery objects. 

Rotate toys to keep things interesting. A couple can be hidden for them to search when bored, and others can be safely stashed away. 

Brain games and calm activities 

French Bulldog puppies need more than physical activity—they need mental stimulation and sensory experiences that help them engage their brain and learn about their world. Here are some safe, stimulating ideas:

1. Sniffing games

Hide a few treats around a room and let your Frenchie search for them. Sniffing is calming and a mental workout for dogs, as they perceive so much through their sense of smell.

2. Food puzzles

These encourage problem-solving and support healthy eating behaviour. Examples include treat-dispensing toys, lick mats, slow-feeder bowls and puppy-safe puzzle feeders.

3. Safe socialisation

Start slowly introducing your puppy to different situations. Expose them to a variety of surfaces such as sand, rubber mats, and wooden decking. Help them build confidence around new people, calm dogs, everyday sounds, and unfamiliar environments like lifts, local parks, and short public outings. Focus on positive and gentle exposure rather than busy and overwhelming situations.

Frenchies can be a bit too eager for some other dogs, so it’s important to let them learn social rules from patient and sociable older dogs first, so they can learn how to approach more hesitant or timid dogs later.

4. Short training sessions

Teach your puppy simple cues like sit, down, and come. Keep sessions short and use plenty of cuddles and treats to keep your Frenchie interested. Sometimes they’re not up for it, and that’s perfectly fine. Having a steady routine helps prevent this to some extent.

Finding the right routine

Puppies thrive on a balanced routine of:

• Short sessions of age-appropriate exercise

• Plenty of sleep and rest

• Safe mental enrichment

• Positive socialisation

No two puppies are the same. French bulldog puppies are usually full of energy and mischief, but that is not always the case. Watch your puppy’s behaviour, adjust their routine when needed, and prioritise rest just as much as play.

When you meet their physical and emotional needs in a thoughtful, structured way, you’re setting them up for a happy, confident, well-adjusted life.

French Bulldog Puppy Q&A

Q: When can I take my puppy for a walk?

A: Most puppies can go for short walks 2 weeks after completing the first course of vaccinations, usually when they’re around 12 weeks old. However, in some cases, they may not be fully protected until later, depending on their vaccination schedule and individual circumstances. Follow your vet's advice to keep your pup safe.

Q: How much exercise does my French Bulldog puppy need? 

A: French Bulldog puppies need short, gentle bursts of activity. Because they are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, they tire more quickly and are prone to overheating. Aim for several short play sessions each day, such as slow walks, indoor play, or gentle training games. Avoid running, jumping, stairs, or exercise in warm weather. Always let your Frenchie set the pace and stop if they start panting heavily, sitting down, or losing interest.

Join us next month as we discuss anxiety in Frenchie puppies - the early signs to watch for, what can trigger it and practical ways to prevent it.