Search
Close this search box.

What Are the Cons of Having a French Bulldog (Is It a Biter, Chewer, Licker, or Digger)?

A Frenchie's clingy nature makes them prone to some behavioral issues. Sometimes, this can lead to destructive habits. But a lot of love and reassurance can get you a long way to prevent these.
What Are the Cons of Having a French Bulldog?

Table of Contents

Biting, chewing, licking, and digging are all your French Bulldogs canine instinct. So no matter what you do, these may not go away entirely.

These behaviors are not worrying if your Frenchie does them from time to time. They are a source of comfort and entertainment for your furry companion.

But when they do this more than usual, there may be an underlying cause. This is a stressful experience for both you and your Frenchie. And if untreated, these behavioral issues can have dreadful outcomes.

Do French Bulldogs Bite?

French Bulldog puppies go through a “teething phase” where they want to bite on anything. This teething phase is a normal part of their growth where their baby teeth will fall out for adult teeth to grow. They will start teething when they are 3 months and will end at around 6 months of age, sometimes longer.

Biting is also a part of a Frenchie puppy’s play where they learn bite inhibitions. Puppies will bite each other and sill stop when they hear the other puppy cry. With this, they will find out how hard to bite until they start to hurt others.

Trained Frenchie adults will grow out of this biting stage. If they do not, you can train them to stop the biting.

But if your Frenchie suddenly became a biter, destroying items in your house, there may be a problem. French Bulldogs with separation anxiety bite and chew on anything out of distress.

If you suspect that your Frenchie has separation anxiety, there are many ways you can help. With love and effort, they can overcome this issue.

Are French Bulldogs Known for Biting People?

Although their muscular appearance can look intimidating, Frenchies are a non-aggressive breed. They have an even temperament and without any underlying issues, it is not common for them to bite.

Frenchies without any issues may bite or nip out of fear. This is a normal reaction for dogs when they feel backed into a corner. Especially for female Frenchies who are usually docile, but are prone to mood swings.

During playtime, your Frenchie may bite you sometimes. But this does not come from a place of aggression, it is part of their play. This is why Frenchies always need a chew toy for them to gnaw on.

Do French Bulldogs Bite Strangers?

French Bulldogs have a friendly nature and generally do well with strangers! Frenchies may even play with them which includes nibbling on them, but this is not out of aggression.

Sometimes, Frenchies can be aggressive with strangers. This happens when they were not socialized as puppies. So when seeing (or smelling) unfamiliar people, they may react out of fear and bite.

Socialization is best done when your Frenchie is still young. But it’s still possible to do this with an adult Frenchie, it just takes a little more time and effort.

A well-socialized Frenchie will grow up to be very friendly. This is great for them because they love to be the center of attention, even if it is from strangers. They will happily greet strangers and may even cozy up to them without a problem.

Do French Bulldogs Bite Their Owners?

There are times when your Frenchie will bite you when you are playing with them. But this should not hurt you, they would have learned biting inhibition when they were young.

If biting is a concern to you during playtime, try not to play with your Frenchie using your hands. Make use of toys instead and there is a great variety of toys that they enjoy.

One of those toys is a chew toy. Since Frenchies love to chew, they can easily destroy one. So make sure that the chew toy you get is durable.

Make sure not to get a flimsy one. They may swallow broken parts and can choke on them. Or these broken pieces may get stuck between their teeth.

Why Does My French Bulldog Bite Me?

The common reason why Frenchies bite you is that they are teething or they are playing with you. These are normal and are not a cause for concern. But there are other reasons for biting that are worrying.

If your Frenchie is biting out of the ordinary, it may be because of the following:

Lack of Socialization

This is the most common cause of behavioral issues in French Bulldogs, including biting. Unsocialized Frenchies are prone to manifesting aggression when they are in fear. This makes them unreliable since anything can make them scared and they can snap at any time.

Other than strangers and other dogs, even the smallest stuff can scare them. This includes traveling, vacuums, and even day-to-day situations. This pushes them to be fear biters and may even bite their fur parents.

Separation Anxiety

This condition can manifest itself in many ways: destructive behavior, escaping, and stress. Stress can bring out aggressive behaviors in Frenchies.

And sometimes, this aggression can lead to them lashing out and biting you. The good thing is that separation anxiety is treatable.

Self-Defense and Territorial Issues

Frenchies will do what they can to protect themselves and their territory. Their territory includes their belongings and even you, their owner. And they believe the best way to defend is by biting.

This can be a big issue if not addressed. Untrained Frenchies will bite unnecessarily, without any real threat.

Overenthusiasm

One of the reasons why Frenchies love playtime is because they get to spend time with you! Out of excitement, they will jump on you and may bite you. But this is not a hostile act, play aggression is part of how they play.

Injury

When they are in pain, French Bulldogs may change their behavior. If they are usually cuddly, now, want to be alone. So if you get too close for their liking, they might bite you.

Traumatic Experience

This is more common for rescued Frenchies, where they may have had a difficult upbringing. But any Frenchie can suffer from trauma, no matter what their background is.

Some experiences that can be traumatic for your Frenchie are:

  • Fights with other animals
  • Medication side effects
  • Accidents
  • Illnesses or Diseases
  • Mistreatment

How well you treat your Frenchie will reflect in how they act towards you. Some actions can make your Frenchie aggressive, causing biting problems. This includes the following:

  • Starving Them
  • Throwing Things at Them
  • Unnecessary Shouting

How Strong Is a French Bulldog Bite?

French Bulldogs have a bite force pressure that is about 180 to 230 PSI (pounds per square inch). Although their ancestors are well-known to have strong bites, Frenchies are not as forceful as theirs.

Bite force PSI is difficult to measure accurately. There are many factors to consider, including the following:

  • Location of the Bite: Dogs bite with more pressure using their molars. If they bite with their front teeth, it would not be as strong.
  • Their Size: Larger dogs will be able to chomp down much harder than smaller dog breeds.
  • The shape of Their Head: Dogs with wider heads, like Bulldogs, have stronger bites. Narrow-headed breeds will not be able to grip as hard.
  • Their Personality: Non-aggressive breeds tend to have gentler bites. Frenchies who are well-socialized are friendly and may hold back when they do bite.
  • How They Feel: Dogs will only bite at full force when they are in danger or provoked. So when testing out their bite forces, they may not show their full strength.

The average bite force of dogs sits around 230 to 250 PSI, and a French Bulldog’s PSI is lower than that. This can be because they are not aggressive, to begin with. But keep in mind that they are a medium to small breed, so their bites would not be as strong.

How Do You Stop a French Bulldog From Biting?

To stop biting issues, you first need to figure out what is causing your Frenchie’s biting problem. They may be aggressive because of underlying medical problems and in this case, they need to see a vet. This can also be due to separation anxiety, which also needs a different treatment.

It can also be because your Frenchie fears something: a specific noise, objects in your home, to name a few. Sometimes, there may even be no evident trigger.

Whatever the reason may be, you should fix this biting problem before it escalates. Here are some ways you can do this:

Fear Exposure

First, you need to figure out your Frenchie’s trigger. Once you have, you need to expose your Frenchie to this to help them face their fear.

You must not remove the trigger until they calm down. Once they have, you can now remove it. You may need to keep on repeating this for a few weeks until they do not react aggressively anymore.

The goal of this exercise is for your Frenchie to understand that these triggers aren’t a threat to them. This way, they will behave the next time they see or hear something.

Training

No matter their age, Frenchies tend to be puppies at heart. They can become overexcited with almost anything: a new toy, treats, or even a playmate. And overexcitement is one of the reasons why your Frenchie may bite.

Obedience training is a need for any dog and they should at least undergo the basics. This is a lifelong process that needs continuous behavioral corrections, including biting.

Keep in mind that negative reinforcement is not good for correcting their behavior. Use positive reinforcement to teach your Frenchie that biting is bad instead. They will be able to understand this much better.

Aversive training is another thing that you can go for, this is one of the most common methods. This training stops your Frenchie’s bad behavior by making it uncomfortable or distasteful to them.

You can use a bitter spray that is safe for dogs on anything that they bite on. Some gloves work the same way, which can help if your Frenchie likes to bite your hand.

But aversive training makes use of positive punishment and negative reinforcement. It may not be the best method and may cause your Frenchie to become stressed or fear you.

There are also other training methods that you can try. No matter what you go for, make sure that you are consistent and firm with training your Frenchie. Also, don’t forget to reward your Frenchie for their great work!

Teaching Them How to Accept Hands

Frenchies should learn not to bite any hand that goes near their mouths or heads. A simple trick to do this is by giving them a treat and then taking it out of their mouths immediately.

What this does is help them understand that biting is not good no matter what the reason is.

Teaching Them That People Aren’t a Threat

When they see many unfamiliar faces, your Frenchie may panic and act out. Teaching them to ignore people will prevent them from becoming aggressive towards strangers.

When your Frenchie goes into defensive mode, reward him with treats and pats and have him go into a “time out”. This method uses positive reinforcement, which many vets recommend.

This method is not to discipline your Frenchie. It is teaching them to sit down and remain calm while they watch people.

And when your Frenchie barks at people, tap their noses and remind them to calm down. The goal is to help them calm down and teach them that these strangers are not a threat.

Letting Them Know They Are Not Threatening

There are certain actions your Frenchie will do to try and become threatening to you. Some of them are the following:

  • Howling or Growling at You
  • Biting or Licking Their Lips
  • Putting Their Paw on Your Face
  • Biting on a Wound

If your Frenchie does these, let them know that you are not threatened by them. This will help to curb the likelihood of them trying to bite you, to begin with.

Don’t Play Using Your Hands

Teach your Frenchie what they can and can’t bite. Play aggression, where they bite and chew, is part of their play. If you are using your hands to play, they won’t know that biting your hand is not good.

Using toys when playing helps them understand that these are the only objects they can bite on. Chew toys and tug of war toys are perfect for these.

Do French Bulldog Puppies Bite?

Frenchie puppies bite and nibble as part of their play. Puppies will bite each other to learn bite inhibition. This will teach them self-control and help them figure out how hard to bite before it hurts others.

A Frenchie puppy that bites does not mean that they are aggressive. As puppies, this is a part of their learning process. When they grow up, the biting should go away.

Why Does My French Bulldog Puppy Bite Me?

Puppies will go through a teething process, where their baby teeth will fall off and adult teeth grow out. This is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful process for them, which is why they may bite and nip.

This is normal for Frenchie puppies and should not pose any concern. Sometimes, the teething process can bring out destructive behaviors in your pup.

Puppies can chew on furniture, shoes, and other items, to comfort themselves. If you have this issue, it is best to give them teething or chewing toys. There are also cooling teething toys that work well to soothe their gums.

When Do French Bulldogs Stop Biting?

Your Frenchie puppy’s teething process will start at 3 months old and end at about 7 to 8 months old. Some Frenchies take more time, it depends on how fast their adult teeth have completely grown.

You will know if your Frenchie is teething with these signs:

  • Excessive Chewing: They will munch on anything they can get their paws on. Chewing helps to relieve their discomfort.
  • Drooling: Puppies will salivate a lot when they are teething, which shouldn’t be a reason for you to panic.
  • Loose Baby Teeth: You may find their small teeth around the house, especially on their toys.
  • Inflamed Gums: Their gums will look red and angry. Especially when their baby teeth have fallen off. Sometimes, it may bleed.
  • Blood on Their Toys: Don’t worry if you see some blood on stuff they chewed on. This is blood from their gums and is a normal part of the teething process.

The teething process can be a rollercoaster ride for you and your pup. So learning more about it will help you know what to expect.

As early as 2 to 3 weeks old, your Frenchie’s baby teeth will start to show. First, their front teeth will come through. Followed by their canine teeth. And finally, their premolars.

They will have a total of 28 baby teeth, which will start to fall out when they are 3 months of age.

At around 8 months old, all 42 adult teeth will have grown out. The reason why they have more teeth as adults is that puppies don’t grow their molars. These molars will only grow when the baby teeth fall off.

How Do I Get My French Bulldog Puppy to Stop Biting?

Since your Frenchie puppy is learning bite inhibition, you can use that to your advantage. As puppies, they learn to stop biting when the other puppy cries or squeals. So whenever they bite you, you can imitate this and squeal.

This will signal your Frenchie to stop biting because they think you’re hurt. You can also use verbal commands like “Stop”.

Sometimes, Frenchie puppies will ask for comfort after doing these methods. No matter how tempted you are, don’t give in to this. You should ignore them for a few minutes before cuddling them.

Giving in right away will not help with the biting problem since it sends them mixed signals. Be firm with this and the biting problem should go away.

Some dog trainers also take extra steps with those methods. After you squeal, place your thumb under your pup’s tongue with a finger under their chin. Do this for 10 seconds and let go.

Not every dog owner will like doing this, and most of the time, you don’t need to do this. Some use this trick as a fallback and not the main way to stop the nipping.

That technique is often used since it is quite effective. But there are other ways you can stop your puppy’s biting problems. Below are other methods that you can try.

  • Play With Toys: It is not a good idea to play with your hands. They might think that biting your hand is okay and they might do this until they are adults.
  • Don’t Play Back: When they bite you, do not reciprocate their energy by reacting playfully. This encourages them to bite more since they think you are playing.
  • Use Bitter Sprays: These sprays have a taste that Frenchies don’t like. If you use this on your hands, they will become discouraged to bite.

Apart from these methods, you should also train your Frenchie. Basic obedience training is a must to help you discipline them when they misbehave.

Additionally, start socializing them as puppies. While their biting problem may be temporary, it can also be brought into adulthood.

A biting puppy may not be intimidating, an adult Frenchie’s can be dangerous. Although they do not have the strongest bites, they still have powerful bites.

No matter what you do, do not resort to physical punishment. This will make your Frenchie fear you and can lead to more biting problems out of aggression. Remember, positive reinforcement is always best.

Are French Bulldogs Chewers?

All dog breeds have chewing habits, including French Bulldogs! And when they are puppies, they may chew more.

Chewing habits in puppies are most likely because of the teething process. But adult Frenchies also love to chew, especially on their favorite toys.

Sometimes, this can be a cause for concern if your Frenchie is an adult. If they’re chewing more than usual, there may be an underlying issue. And they can get pretty destructive if this is not addressed.

Below are some reasons why your adult Frenchie has a chewing problem:

Boredom

A Frenchie who lacks physical and mental stimulation will chew on anything. They may chew on your shoes, wires, or anything to keep themselves occupied.

The good news is that certain toys distract them and keep them occupied for hours! Here are some you can try:

  • Chew Toys: Best for Frenchies who tend to destroy furniture and shoes. Chew toys will help them with their chewing urges.
  • Interactive Feeding Toys: Since Frenchies are food motivated, take advantage of it! They may never stop playing with this until they get food out.
  • Regular Balls: Even a soccer ball can keep your Frenchie occupied. They will enjoy pushing it around with their little noses, especially outdoors.

Separation Anxiety

This is the root cause of a lot of behavioral issues in French Bulldogs. With this condition, they become restless and stressed. So they may resort to chewing on anything they set their eyes on.

Tantrums

Believe it or not, Frenchies may let you know when they get upset. They can be self-centered sometimes and when they don’t get what they want, they will react like a toddler. And one way they do this is by chewing on anything they can.

Medical Issues

Some medical problems can cause your Frenchie to chew more than usual. Frenchies are not the healthiest of dog breeds, so watch out for the following:

  • Allergies: Environmental allergens and food allergies can cause your Frenchie to itch. Other than scratching their skin, they may chew on their skin to relieve the itch.
  • Pododermatitis: This condition causes your Frenchie to have inflamed paws. So they lick and chew their feet for relief. Injuries, infections, and even unknown reasons can cause this.
  • Fleas and Parasites: Bites from these can trigger a severe allergic reaction. Other than chewing, your Frenchie can lick, bite, and scratch excessively.

Will French Bulldogs Chew Furniture?

French Bulldogs have destructive tendencies, both as adults and as puppies. And one of their destructive behaviors is to chew on furniture.

This is more common with puppies since they are going through the teething stage. Adult Frenchies still love to chew, but at this point, they should have learned what they can chew. This should be their toys and nothing else.

The most common reason why Frenchies chew on furniture is due to separation anxiety. This is a disorder that stresses out your Frenchie when they are away from you for some time. Behavioral issues come out whenever you are not around, including destroying your furniture.

Many Frenchies develop this because they were bred to be companion dogs. So they need to be around you most of the time for them to be happy.

But if you work a nine-to-five job, this can be hard to avoid. Don’t lose hope though, there are many ways to teach your Frenchie to spend time alone.

In general, as long as you keep them occupied while you’re away, they should do well alone. A variety of toys will do the trick. You can even take them out for a walk before going to work so that they can nap all day.

Some Frenchie owners even get another Frenchie. Two Frenchies in a household decrease their risk of developing separation anxiety. They can keep each other entertained while you’re away.

If you can’t get another dog yet, then doggy daycare is a good option. Your Frenchie can get socialized in the process, which is a bonus.

But what if you’re a fur parent who isn’t away a lot? If your Frenchie has chewing problems despite this, there may be a medical issue with them.

Many medical conditions can cause this. It’s best to talk to your vet about this to pin down the exact reason.

Why Is My French Bulldog Chewing His Paws?

Occasional paw chewing is normal. But if your Frenchie has been doing it a lot, the culprit is usually allergies. Frenchies are allergic to environmental allergens and food.

Knowing what your companion is allergic to will help prevent a lot of issues. Not only paw chewing but also itchy and inflamed skin. Frenchies can be allergic to the following:

  • Grass or Weeds
  • Pollen
  • Mold Spores
  • Dust and Dust Mites
  • Bugs
  • Cleaning Agents
  • Certain Prescription Drugs
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork

These allergens can cause inflammation in your Frenchie’s paws. In an attempt for relief, they will lick and chew on their paws.

But it’s not only allergies that cause excessive paw chewing. Here are other reasons why your Frenchie chews their paws:

  • Something’s Stuck: You should always check your Frenchie’s paws daily, especially after walks. A foreign object stuck in their paws is painful. If it’s not removed, it can cause an infection.
  • Yeast Infection: This one is due to an unhealthy diet. A yeast infection can make your Frenchie chew on their paws.
  • Insect Bites: Itchy bites are not only uncomfortable, but they also make their paws swollen. Your vet can prescribe your Frenchie with a topical cream and antihistamines.
  • Burnt Paws: If you are walking your Frenchie on a hot day, the hot pavement will hurt their paws. They chew and lick their paws to cool them off.
  • Separation Anxiety: A restless Frenchie has many self-soothing behaviors. This includes excessive paw licking and chewing.
  • Phobia: While fear can bring out aggression, it can also bring out their anxiety. Certain noises or strangers can cause excessive chewing in Frenchies.

What Can I Give My French Bulldog to Chew?

It is great that there are many chew toy choices for Frenchies. Chewing problems can be annoying and potentially destructive. Other than your furniture, they can chew on dangerous items like electrical wires.

Your Frenchie should chew on toys instead, which is safer. There are a variety of chew toys you can choose from below:

  • Dumbbell Chew Toys: These are usually made of rubber to withstand a Frenchie’s strong bite. Some of them have bristles that can soothe their gums and can double as a toothbrush.
  • Treat Chew Toys: These have pouches where you can put your Frenchie’s favorite treats in. This acts as a reward for them whenever they play with this. Positive reinforcement like this will encourage them to chew on this more.
  • Tug of War Chew Toys: A ball and a rope in one toy, two things a Frenchie likes to bite on. This toy intrigues Frenchies because they cannot separate the two. This is great for both mental and physical stimulation.
  • Interactive Feeder Toys: These functions like the treat chew toys, using positive reinforcement. Whenever they squeeze this toy, treats go out.
  • Beeping Chew Toys: Whenever your Frenchie chews on this toy, it releases a beeping sound. This is also a great toy to keep them occupied.
  • Toothbrush Chew Toys: If your Frenchie dislikes toothbrushing, this is a good alternative. These have rubber or silicone bristles to clean their teeth and jaws.

These toys above do more for your Frenchie other than to help with their chewing problem. Usually, they are hit two birds with one stone! Here are the benefits to giving your Frenchie a chew toy:

Eases the Teething Process

During this stage, your Frenchie puppy’s teeth are going to swell and may also bleed. This is a painful process for them, which makes them find comfort in chewing on anything.

Chew toys, especially cooling ones, help to soothe them. It will also help any loose baby tooth to fall off, speeding up the teething process.

Removes Tartar and Plaque

A lot of chew toys have bristles or embossed patterns that brush their teeth. Tartar and plaque buildup can lead to infections that can cause your Frenchie’s teeth to fall out.

They only have two sets of teeth in their lifetime, so taking care of their teeth should be a priority.

Teaches Them to Spend Time Alone

A way to combat separation anxiety is for Frenchies to learn how to spend their time alone. Chew toys, along with other toys, keep them distracted while you are away.

Improves Their Intelligence

Chew toys that have pockets for treats work like a puzzle for Frenchies too. These get their brains working to figure out how to get a treat out. Food motivates Frenchies, so they will work hard to get their favorite treats!

At What Age Do French Bulldogs Stop Chewing?

Your Frenchie’s relentless chewing will end at around 8 months. At this age, they are through with the teething process and they already have all their adult teeth.

But this will not completely stop your Frenchie from munching on something. Chewing habits are normal for any dog and are necessary to keep a strong jaw and a clean set of teeth.

Excessive chewing and destructive behavior are what should concern you. Most of the time, it is due to lack of stimulation which has many possible remedies. Sometimes, it can be due to a health problem that needs medical intervention.

How Do You Stop a French Bulldog From Chewing?

Fixing a Frenchie’s chewing problem depends on what caused it and there are 3 common causes for this. This includes boredom, separation anxiety, and medical issues. The wrong approach will not stop the issue and may leave you frustrated.

Boredom

If it is due to boredom, a variety of toys may help. If you suspect that it is separation anxiety, you need to tackle this disorder as a whole. But chewing problems can be due to medical conditions, too, and with those, a vet should be able to help you out.

For bored Frenchies, a variety of toys will keep them busy. Chew toys work well, but puzzle toys are great for distracting them too. Especially ones that let them work to reward them with treats.

Separation Anxiety

Chewing problems is one of the behavioral issues that separation anxiety can cause. If you only tackle one symptom, the chewing issue may not completely go away.

For separation anxiety, you need to teach your Frenchie to become more independent. Spending time alone while you are away should not make them feel stressed. Here are a few ways you can do that:

  • Create a Routine: A daily routine will help your Frenchie know what to expect. You do your morning rituals, your Frenchie plays alone for a few hours, and you go home.
  • Get a Dog Sitter: If you work long hours, have someone keep your Frenchie company. A pet sitter may not even be necessary. You can ask a neighbor to walk or watch over your Frenchie too.
  • Doggy Daycare: Sometimes, Frenchies may want the company of another canine friend. Doggy daycares help your Frenchie to form bonds with other furry friends. This socializes them and keeps them distracted while you are away.
  • Burn Excess Energy: You can walk your Frenchie before you go to work so that he will nap while you are gone.
  • Get Another Dog: Another dog can keep your Frenchie entertained too. They can play and exercise in your absence, which is great for keeping your Frenchie fit too.

There are many other ways to help a Frenchie who has separation anxiety, these are only a few of them. Addressing your Frenchie’s anxiety issues should stop the chewing problem.

Medical Issues

Chewing is a soothing mechanism for Frenchies who have health issues. These conditions cause them discomfort and sometimes pain.

If this is causing the chewing problem, medical intervention is what they need. This can be due to allergies, fleas or parasites, or pododermatitis. And it may be hard to pinpoint which one is causing the chewing problem at home.

Allergies may be the hardest one to diagnose since a lot of allergens can trigger chewing. Consulting your vet will help you narrow down this list. They will also provide the proper treatment for your loving companion.

Do French Bulldogs Lick More Than Other Dogs?

Friendlier breeds like the French Bulldog tend to lick more than other breeds. Since Frenchies are companion dogs, they love showing affection towards their owners. And sometimes, it can be by licking your face, hands, or feet.

Most of the time, Frenchies see their owners as their parents or the leader of their pack. After all, you are the one taking care of them. Licking is a canine instinct to show their respect for you.

Other than their humans, Frenchies also like to lick themselves. They do this to groom themselves, clean a wound, and get rid of dead skin.

Occasional licking is normal and part of their routine. But if your Frenchie is a compulsive licker, there may be an underlying problem. They can excessively lick their paws, skin, and genitals.

This can be due to separation anxiety, allergies, and even canine compulsive disorder. The latter is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in dogs.

Why Does My French Bulldog Lick Humans So Much?

Most of the time, the reason why your Frenchie licks you is that they want to tell you that they love you. Licking is a universal sign of affection for dogs and Frenchies have a lot of love packed in their small bodies.

But there are other motives behind their affectionate kisses. Another reason is that people taste good for them. Human skin tastes salty, that’s why they enjoy licking people.

And after you have eaten, you may have some food residue on your face. Sometimes, Frenchies will try their best to get near your face and lick you all over.

If your Frenchie has a very friendly personality, they may also greet other people by licking!

What Does It Mean When a French Bulldog Licks You?

Dogs are communicators and one of the ways your Frenchie does this is by licking you. Sloppy dog kisses are usually to show love for you. But there may also be other reasons why they lick.

Decoding your Frenchie’s licks can be hard. So below are other possible reasons for this behavior, to help you out.

They’re Grooming You

Grooming you is one of the ways they show you love. As a puppy, your Frenchie experienced this from their mother. And now they are doing this act of endearment towards you.

They will usually lick your face to groom you. But this can be any patch of your skin that they can reach. It can be your hands or feet, as long as they get to lick you.

Your Skin Tastes Good

The salty taste of human skin is enticing to Frenchies. Other than that, if you have traces of food on your face, they will also lick your face.

They Admire You

Frenchies are pack dogs and for them, you are the leader of the pack. So they lick you to show you respect and ask for your approval.

They Want to Say Something

Learning your Frenchie’s body language is important because this can mean anything. They can be asking for food, water, or playtime. Sometimes, they will lick you to get your attention because they feel lonely or bored.

You can differentiate these licks from the usual doggy licks. If they are trying to ask you for something, the licks are usually more intense.

They’re Trying to Calm You Down

Your Frenchie can sense whenever you are in distress. So in an attempt to comfort you, they will give you doggy kisses on the face, hands, or feet.

A study published in 2012 shows how capable dogs are in showing empathy towards humans. The researchers found that whenever someone cries, dogs try to comfort their humans. These dogs would nuzzle, sniff, and even lick people to calm them down.

Even if you are not crying, your Frenchie can read your body language and facial reactions. Their licking is their way to remind you to relax a little.

It Feels Good

Whenever your Frenchie licks you, the sensory stimulation increases their oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is the “love hormone”, linked to higher levels of social interaction.

Higher levels of oxytocin also release dopamine and promote feelings of pleasure. These reactions make your Frenchie feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Why Does My French Bulldog Lick My Face?

Sloppy Frenchie licks are a sign of affection towards you. This affection can be the regular dog kiss, an attempt to groom you, or showing you respect.

Licking is part of any dog’s instinctive behavior. One of the reasons is that their mothers groom their puppies by licking them. They are extending their “tradition” towards you with the tender canine act of licking you.

Although sometimes the reason can be silly like licking food remnants off of your face. It can also be because they like salty human skin.

Why Does My French Bulldog Lick My Hand?

Your face is not the only part of your body that your Frenchie licks to show affection. While that is the common reason, licking your hand can also mean that they are being submissive. When your Frenchie regards you as their leader, they show their obedience when they lick you.

This is a canine behavior that dogs got from their ancestors, wild wolves. Whenever their pack leader comes home, they lick the leader out of respect. So your Frenchie is doing the same thing.

Why Do French Bulldogs Lick Your Feet?

Feet are enticing to French Bulldogs since they hold a lot of biological information. Frenchies learn about the world using their mouths and noses. So through your feet, they are learning about you.

Your feet are chock-full of scents that tell your Frenchie about your activities. Their sense of smell is so much better than ours. Your feet tell them where you have been and what you have been doing.

Other than that, your feet have pheromones, your unique smell. Mix those in with salty feet sweat and your feet become more irresistible to your Frenchie.

So with your Frenchie’s fascination towards feet, they can’t help themselves but lick it. Dogs have a sensory organ called Jacobson’s organ. With this organ, they can smell and taste at the same time.

Apart from your feet being interesting to them, below are other reasons they lick your feet.

Seeking Your Attention

Feet are ticklish parts of the body so your Frenchie enjoys the reaction they get out of licking it. Frenchies are people pleasers so whenever you laugh or smile, they think they are doing a good job.

They misunderstand your playful reaction. But this encourages them to keep doing this. So if feet licking is something you would like to stop, you have to discourage them nicely.

Submissive Signaling

Like with your hands, your Frenchie also likes to lick your feet to show their obedience. There is no stopping your Frenchie from showing their respect towards you. So if they cannot access your hand, they will make do with your feet.

Regular Dog Kisses

Sometimes, your feet are more accessible for you Frenchie than your face or hands. They do not choose where to kiss you, any patch of your skin will do for them!

Feet Are Gross

Your feet are in contact with the floor most of the time. It can collect dirt, soil, and other nasty stuff. And sometimes, feet can get fungal infections too.

While these may be unpleasant for us, dogs love this gross stuff. They even roll around in garbage and sometimes eat their poop.

Feet Are Meaty

Food-loving Frenchies may find that your fleshy feet are like chicken breasts. It does not help that your feet are moist and salty, a delicious treat for them.

But they do know that your feet are not food and that you will not appreciate them biting on you. So they do the next best thing: they lick your feet instead.

It’s Their Strategy

In general, feet are harder for you to defend since you cannot see your Frenchie approaching them. Your Frenchie may want to give you kisses and they know that they can sneak one on your feet much better.

Shorter breeds like Frenchies tend to do this a lot. While your hands and feet are harder for them to get to, your feet are always within their reach.

Why Do French Bulldogs Lick the Floor?

The typical reason why they lick floors is to search for food crumbs that fell. Or they may be investigating a scent that they have picked up on.

While these two are the common causes, there are other reasons for this and they are worrying. Knowing these will help you take action immediately to help your companion.

Excessive licking of surfaces (ELS) is not limited to floors. Your Frenchie can lick on carpets, cabinets, and any other surfaces. And this condition can be due to many health problems.

Boredom or Anxiety

In an attempt to keep themselves occupied, Frenchies may resort to licking the floor. And if they are anxious, this helps to soothe themselves.

While this is not considered destructive behavior, you should not ignore this. Frenchies are allergic to cleaning agents, molds, and dust. All these can be present on the floor and can cause an allergic reaction.

Or worse, they may ingest or inhale something toxic to them. This includes human medication, bleach, and pesticides.

Even if you have pet-proofed your house, you should still watch out for excessive floor licking. This can turn into obsessive behavior pretty quickly, which is hard to treat.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

This is the most common health issue in dogs that causes excessive floor licking. It can take many forms such as the following:

  • Chronic Pancreatitis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Delayed Gastric Emptying
  • Giardiasis

Only a trip to the vet can help you figure out which one causes ELS in your Frenchie. If you do not seek medical intervention, these can lead to severe consequences. The good news is that with the proper treatment, this will go away.

Dental and Mouth Issues

A Frenchie who has this problem is in pain, so licking the floor is a way for them to ease this. Other than excessive licking, they can show other symptoms. They can drool more, struggle to chew, and have bad breath.

There is a wide range of medical conditions that cause this. This includes the following:

  • Dental Disease (gum disease and infected, chipped, or loose teeth)
  • Foreign Objects Stuck in Their Mouth
  • Oral Tumors
  • Stomach Ulcers
  • Traumatic Injuries in the Mouth

Any of these can trigger your Frenchie to lick floors. If you suspect that this is because of teeth and mouth problems, you must consult with your vet.

Pica

Frenchies with Pica will lick or eat anything that is not food. It can be soil, carpets, plastic, and anything else with an interesting texture to them.

This condition has a long list of possible causes. Even boredom or separation anxiety can push your Frenchie to develop pica.

Pica is a serious condition that is dangerous when untreated. Some of the things that they eat may be harmful or toxic when ingested.

Polyphagia

This condition causes your Frenchie to have an abnormal and excessive appetite. There are many possible causes to this and can be regular boredom or them not eating the right portions. Other reasons are more serious health issues, including diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism.

Compulsive Disorders

Sometimes, Frenchies perform repetitive behaviors to ease their stress and anxiety. Excessive floor licking may be one of them and they do this to the extent that interferes with their daily life.

If you suspect you Frenchie has this, they may present other behaviors too. Constant pacing, tail chasing, and overgrooming are a few of them.

Neurological Disorders

Although this is not a common reason for floor licking, you should always consider this. There are a few brain problems that can cause excessive floor licking.

Older Frenchies are prone to canine cognitive dysfunction. This is like dementia in humans so they experience changes in brain function due to brain aging. Other neurological disorders include hydrocephalus, brain tumors, and seizures.

You must consult with your vet to rule out any problems with the brain. A diagnostic test for this includes X-rays, CT, MRI, and spinal fluid analysis. It can get expensive, but neurological disorders can have severe consequences if untreated.

Why Do French Bulldogs Lick Their Paws?

Paw licking is normal for any dog, but breeds of bulldogs do this more since they are prone to skin problems. Occasional paw licking is nothing to worry about. Your Frenchie may be cleaning their paws.

But if they are doing it more than normal, they may have some problems. Figuring out what that problem is is a process of elimination that may take time.

To help you with this, here are possible reasons why your Frenchie licks their paws:

Foreign Objects

Something may be stuck in your Frenchie’s paws so they are licking it to get the object out. So whenever you take them outdoors, always inspect all their paws afterward. If left untreated, the foreign object may cause an infection.

Injury

Check your Frenchie’s paws if there are any wounds, which can be due to foreign objects getting stuck. If there aren’t any, you should take a look at their toenails.

Long toenails can make walking painful for your Frenchie. Sometimes, they may break and can bleed. This is very painful for your Frenchies since their toes have a lot of nerve endings.

Irritation

Your Frenchie’s paws may come in contact with substances that cause their paws to be swollen. With seasonal changes, some of these substances can become more prevalent.

During the summer, watch out for pesticides and fertilizers. Walking your Frenchie on hot pavements can burn their paws.

During the winter, chemicals to melt ice, including salt, can cause paw irritation. A cold pavement can also do this. So if you plan to walk your Frenchie outdoors during winter, make sure they are wearing socks.

Yeast Infection

An overgrowth of yeast can make your Frenchie’s feet itchy. This yeast infection can also affect their ears. Yeast infections can also produce a musty odor, so it may be easier to figure out if this caused the paw licking.

Insect Bites and Stings

Bites from insects not only irritate your Frenchie’s paws but also cause discomfort. Antihistamines can help to calm this down, but make sure to talk to your vet first. The wrong medication dosage can harm your Frenchie.

Allergies

Unfortunately, Frenchies are allergic to a lot of things that can cause skin problems. When this happens, Frenchies start to lick themselves more than usual. Here are some allergens to watch out for:

  • Flea Saliva: The bites themselves are uncomfortable for your Frenchie. But flea saliva is what triggers an allergic response that makes their skin itchy.
  • Environmental Allergens: Your Frenchie can itch when they come in contact with these. Watch out for dirt, mold, pollen, and others.
  • Food Allergens: Grains are a common allergen and it is present in a lot of kibble brands. Your Frenchie may also have an intolerance to certain meat like beef, chicken, and fish.

Health Issues

Some medical conditions like Cushing’s disease make your Frenchie’s skin itchy. But licking due to other conditions like arthritis is a way for your Frenchie to relieve their pain.

Do French Bulldogs Like to Dig Holes?

Digging brings joy to a lot of dogs, even French Bulldogs, that is why they like to do it. It is part of their many instinctual behaviors, along with sniffing and barking.

Frenchies were even used to find and dig buried items in the dirt. This instinct may still be present in your Frenchie’s DNA. While their ancestors used digging for work or survival, Frenchies may do it for fun!

Why Does My French Bulldog Dig So Much?

Most of the time, the reason why your Frenchie digs a hole is that it is a pleasurable activity for them. But since this behavior is from their ancestors, other reasons may be instinctual.

Boredom

Unfortunately, lack of stimulation causes a lot of behavioral issues. Since digging holes makes Frenchies happy, they may dig to keep themselves entertained.

Burying Their Treasure

Frenchies have a territorial nature and if you have other dogs, they will hide their toys or bones. Even if you do not have other pets they may still do it out of instinct.

Finding Treasure

The curious Frenchie always keep their eyes peeled for anything interesting. With their strong sense of smell, they will dig holes to find their treasure. And they may not stop until they can show something to you, even if it is a small rock.

Releasing Frustration

Stressful situations can make your Frenchie go into fight-or-flight mode. Digging is one of their many outlets for release to escape from these situations.

Mating Season

Frenchies who are not spayed or neutered may dig around when they are in heat. Males and females may have different reasons for this, though.

Female Frenchies dig because of their strong nesting instinct. Even more, if they are pregnant. But if you see them digging near a fence, they may be looking for a mate.

Male Frenchies are the same. When they catch a whiff of a female Frenchie’s scent, they will dig around to escape and look for her.

Escaping

Reasons for trying to escape can be as silly as them trying to get to the barbecue party that they smell. But if your Frenchie has separation anxiety, they may be escaping home to try and look for you.

Cooling Down

Brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs do not do well in the heat. On a hot day, it is hard for them to cool down since they have narrow nostrils and elongated soft palates.

If they have no access to a puddle or air conditioning, they make do and cool themselves down in a hole.

Why Does My French Bulldog Dig at the Floor?

Like licking, Frenchie may dig floors because they want to get the food crumb that they found. Food is not the only thing that causes this, they might have found an interesting smell. So they use their paws to investigate a bit more.

But these are not the only reasons for the digging. If you want to get to the bottom of this, below are other possible causes.

Excitement

Scratching on the floor is one of the ways Frenchies show their excitement. You may notice this whenever it is time to take them out on a walk or when they have a new toy. This is another way for them to release their extra energy.

It can also be because they want to get to something but cannot. If they are looking out the window and another dog passes by, they start to bark and dig in place.

Fluffing Their Bedding

Frenchies dig around wherever they want to make a more comfortable space for them. When they dig, they try to make a cooler resting spot. So when you see your Frenchie dig and turn around a few times, they want to nap a bit.

Entertainment

Digging brings your Frenchie pleasure, even if it is on the floor. When anxious or bored, they keep themselves occupied. Digging helps them to release some pent up energy

Getting Your Attention

Frenchies love that they can grab your attention by digging. They may have realized this whenever you check up on them whenever they do this. So they may use this attention-seeking behavior to communicate with you and get some love.

Why Does My French Bulldog Dig at My Legs?

Digging at your legs is one of the many ways your Frenchie tries to communicate with you. This act is usually out of affection and sometimes they are trying to tell you something.

Decoding this doggy language can be tricky. So below are some reasons for this act, to help you out.

They’re Asking for Love

Your Frenchie may come up to you to let you know they want some love. This companion breed loves two things in the world: food and its owners! So the next time your Frenchie does this, you might want to give them some cuddles.

They’re Apologizing

A Frenchie who rummaged through garbage may touch your leg with a guilty look on their face. This is an act of submission to let you know that they are sorry.

They Need Something

When their doggy bowl is low on water and food, your Frenchie will put their paw on your leg to remind you. While it can be hard to say no to cute faces, make sure not to give in too much. Constant food begging can be a problem without you realizing it.

They’re Calming You Down

Your Frenchie can read your emotions like a book. They can sense the slightest change in your mood and facial expressions.

When you are feeling upset or stressed, your Frenchie may paw at you to comfort you. Whenever you pet them, they associate this with feelings of affection. So they pet you back when you are sad to let you know that they also love you.

They Want Playtime

You will know they are asking to play if they paw at your leg while wagging their tails and jumping around. Sometimes, they may also give you their favorite toy.

Should I Let My French Bulldog Dig?

Occasional digging is okay since it is a natural behavior for dogs. Digging is a source of your Frenchie’s entertainment and comfort. So this instinctual act may never completely go away, especially since it is in their DNA.

What should worry you is when the digging becomes excessive. Digging has risks that can have serious consequences. The risks involved are the following:

  • Escaping Home: If your Frenchie makes a successful escape, they may be in danger. They may get stuck somewhere or worse, they could get hit by a car.
  • Nail Trauma: Excessive digging puts a lot of stress on their nails. This can cause broken, bleeding nails that are very painful for them. This pain can also affect how they walk.
  • Damaging Your Yard: Your determined Frenchie can dig many holes in your yard. This unpleasant sight can cause any owner distress. Another bad news is that fixing your yard may also cause you money.
  • Tripping in Holes: If you already have a few holes in your hard, you and your Frenchie are at risk of tripping in them. An increased risk of accidents may mean more trips to the vet.
  • Getting Infections: There are a lot of bacteria and parasites present in the soil. Your Frenchie is prone to catching these the more they dig.

Now that you know these risks, it is best to try and limit your Frenchie’s digging behavior. If you want to create a safe digging spot for your Frenchie, consider getting them a sandbox.

Getting a sandbox is also an opening for you to spend more time with your furry companion. Use your Frenchie’s digging instincts to your advantage, you can hide toys and treats in the sandbox to encourage it to use them.

How to Stop French Bulldogs From Digging

There are many methods you can use to prevent your Frenchie from digging. But the best way to put a stop to this is to release your Frenchie’s excess energy.

Talking them out on walks is a good start for this. Frenchies have low energy levels so a brisk walk will do for them. A tired Frenchie will not have time to dig if they are busy sleeping.

Sometimes, it is better to use various methods at the same time. Here are some that you can try:

  • Keep Them Indoors: This may not stop them from digging indoors. But keeping them inside keeps them away from bacteria and parasites in the soil.
  • Distract Them: Digging is fun for your Frenchie. So why not entertain them with toys instead? An assortment of toys will make sure that they don’t get bored easily.
  • Training: Your Frenchie can learn that digging whenever and wherever is not good. Be firm and use keywords like “No” to make the digging stop.
  • Dog House: Sometimes, Frenchies dig to create their shelter. You can give them their safe space outdoors so they won’t have to create one.
  • Create a Digging Spot: You can fence off a part of your yard where your Frenchie can dig to their heart’s content. This spot should be visible to you at all times so you can check in on them.
  • Get a Sandbox: This can be an alternative digging spot for your Frenchie. It is safer since you know what’s in the sandbox.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Exclusive French Bulldog Merch!

Love French Bulldogs? So Do We!
Visit the Pack Love store and see all the cute French Bulldog merch.
Cute Merch