Do French Bulldogs Sleep A Lot? 3 Alarming Reasons That Could Harm Your Dog

Last Updated/Info Checked on October 20, 2023 by Linda Michaels

French Bulldogs sleep a lot because they get tired very easily. They require 12 to 14 hours of sleep in their adulthood. Puppies may sleep up to 18 hours, depending on their health.

Don’t we all love to keep an eye on our dog’s sleep but do French Bulldogs sleep a lot?

Things aren’t the same for many dog owners and you might be a part of the same group if you own a Frenchie.

These dogs tend to sleep too much at times that a new owner starts frantically calling up the vets and others who have the same breed for suggestions.

Well, it’s okay for you to care about your Frenchie’s sleep and even freak out if you think it’s sleeping too much.

How Many Hours Do French Bulldogs Normally Sleep?

There are over 340 breeds of dogs with the members of each of these breeds having different sleep requirements than others.

German shepherds sleep for 12 hours per day, Huskies require 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day, and baby Chihuahuas need to sleep 18 to 20 hours per day to stay active.

Since today we are speaking of the Frenchies, it only makes sense that you are here because you don’t know for how long these cuties should be sleeping each day.

Well, behold we are going to spill the beans.

You might be relieved to know that a member of the French Bulldog breed normally sleeps for an average of 12 to 14 hours per day. 

A few weeks ago, I wasn’t home one day, and my chihuahua only slept for 10 hours. He was so hyper and disturbed due to not getting enough sleep that even I could not handle him.

Yes! Now you know that your Frenchie is not lazy or sick at all just because he sleeps for 15 hours a day.

That’s absolutely normal!

What if I tell you my little one would sleep for a whopping 18 hours straight and would still not get up unless I force him to?

And trust me when I say this, I never freaked out about my Frenchie’s sleeping even for a moment.

Also, please know that what I have mentioned above is just the common sleeping requirement of French Bulldogs, and it is totally fine if your little friend is sleeping more or less than the stated time. 

Just make sure you know the difference between normal sleep, excessive sleep, and lack of sleep.

If the dog sleeps for more than 16 hours and is still dizzy throughout the day, take it as a sign of sickness.

Also, if your dog is having sleeping issues and is not playful then it’s high time you take it to a vet as this, too, is a sign of sickness.  

Factors Affecting The Total Sleeping Hours Of Your French Bulldogs

Many factors influence the sleeping hours of every dog breed in different ways.

Here I am going to be sharing with you the most common factors that will help you to determine the total sleeping hours required by your French Bulldogs:

Age:

Just like every other living being, dogs also sleep more during the initial stages of life.

The French Bulldogs puppies sleep more than the Frenchie adults do. Older French Bulldogs also need additional sleeping hours.

On average, French bulldog puppies sleep for 17 to 19 hours a day, while adults sleep for 12 to 14 hours.

Old French Bulldogs can sleep up to 20 hours depending on their health conditions.

Activity:

The level of activities performed by a French bulldog also helps to determine their sleeping hours.

If the dog is engaged in multiple activities or is excessively active, his sleeping hours will be comparatively lower.

As compared to such a dog, a buddy that spends most of the day inside and is not very active would sleep more.

Dogs with no activity can fall asleep because of boredom. So, make sure to keep your Frenchie engaged in exercises and other activities to keep him active and prevent laziness.

Changes:

Changes in the owner’s or dog’s life also affect the French Bulldog’s sleeping schedule.

The newly adopted or bought dog will take time to get used to the new environment and will have a disturbed sleeping pattern.

The death of the companion will also play a vital part in disturbing the normal sleeping schedule of the dog.

The French bulldog’s sleeping hours are also influenced by separation from the owner or any of the family members.   

The French bulldog’s total sleeping hours also are disturbed by the change in living space. A change in the owner’s daily routine also plays its part in influencing the dog’s sleeping schedule.

Health Status:

The health status of a dog is the last and most important factor determining the sleeping hours required by the French bulldog.

A dog that is on medicines will sleep more as compared to a healthy dog.

The Emotionally disturbed French Bulldogs also face trouble sleeping.

Cancer, bone diseases, hormonal imbalance, and many other problems will make it difficult for your dog to catch up with his/her normal sleeping schedule.

Why Is My French Bulldog Sleeping Too Much?

It is normal for the owners to get worried whenever the dog is acting lazy or is sleeping more than normal.

Discussed below are some of the causes behind dogs sleeping too much. Make sure to scan your little furry friend for these problems whenever he is lethargic.

1. Depression

Most dogs sleep more when they are depressed. Depressed dogs commonly eat less and take more naps.

The naps can be hours long or can only last up to ten minutes.

Whenever your dog is acting strange followed by untimed naps make sure to look for the cause of depression and try to eradicate it.

2. Hypothyroidism

Dogs also sleep more when their thyroid gland is not being much productive.

Tiredness, skin infections, hair loss, and weakness are some major symptoms of Hypothyroidism.

That problem can be treated easily, and once fully treated your French Bulldog will be back to its normal sleeping schedule.

3. Season

This may seem strange to hear but in extreme winters, dogs sleep more to keep themselves warm.

Also in summer, French bulldogs are less active and drowsy, so they are sleepier.

All in all, we can say that changes in season will definitely change our Frenchies’ sleep schedule.

Wrapping UP

French Bulldogs do sleep a lot. I’ve listed the reasons for it above.

However, a Frenchie sleeping more than 15 hours should raise your concern. See a vet as soon as possible when that happens.