5 Ways to Spoil Your Pup on National French Bulldog Day

French Bulldogs are top dog in America — in 2023, they stole the spotlight from the Labrador Retriever, which was the most pawpular breed for over 30 years.  In fact, for the first time ever, in 2022 an adorable French Bulldog named Winston won Best in Show at the National Dog Show. They are certifiably a breed to be celebrated!

With their large bat ears and lovey-dovey dispositions, it’s no wonder Frenchies have stolen many people’s hearts. These charismatic pups don’t typically need much exercise and prefer to spend time with their families. The breed originated in France, and eventually, their paw-pularity spread from Europe to America. They make great city dogs and were often associated with Paris café life. They were even considered companions of “bon vivants.” French Bulldogs love to be spoiled, it’s in their blood! 

January 13th is National French Bulldog Day, and it’s the pawfect time to show your Frenchie some extra love. Read on for some ideas on how to spoil your French Bulldog! 

Why not continue the tradition of “café life” for your Frenchie? Whether it’s a quaint cafe, a relaxed brewery, or a fancy restaurant, many establishments will allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Call in advance or do a dry run without your doggo first to see just how dog-friendly they are. Starbucks even offers a Puppuccino, a small cup with whipped cream, to their canine customers. 

This idea may be more challenging if you live somewhere with a snowy January, but with a little research, you may be able to find a cafe in your city that allows dogs indoors. It’s a good idea to brush up on some restaurant etiquette tips for dogs before your excursion. 

French Bulldogs are lively and playful by nature. Hide and seek is one great option for playtime. Frenchies love sticking close to their humans, so imagine how happy they’ll be to find you! Start by getting them to sit and stay, and then give them a command to search for you. When they do, praise them plentifully! Hide in plain site at first, and as the game progress, hide in more difficult spots like closets. 

Another classic game for Frenchies is tug-of-war. It’s a great way to bond and it’ll help your pal burn off some excess energy. Frenchies can get a little destructive if they have pent-up energy, but with proper training, tug-of-war can help teach your doggo when they can and cannot bite. Beware, your Frenchies' tough little jaw might make the toy unrecognizable after a couple of sessions!

Although French Bulldogs aren’t the most energetic breed, they still love some time spent outdoors like any other dog! They love to make friends anywhere they go, and they're sure to charm any stranger. Finding a new park you haven't yet explored or frolicking on the beach may just make your pups day! Keep in mind that Frenchies are brachycephalic, which makes it important that they do not become overexerted. If you’re hoping for a longer excursion or it’s a hot day, French Bulldogs are usually pretty happy to be carried, enjoy the breeze from a doggy stroller or bike carrier, or take in the sights from a backpack. Taking in the views from up high is sure to make your fur-baby feel special! 

There’s not much that a Frenchie loves more than cuddling with their human and enjoying a belly rub or full body massage. These low-energy, people-centric dogs would do this every day, they’re couch puptatoes at heart! To make it more special, try building a little pillow fort for your pal. Frenchies love digging through pillows and blankets and snuggling into small, enclosed spaces. You can even hide their favorite treats in the blankets and make them search. Cuddling in a pile of blankets with your French Bulldog and watching a movie sounds like the pawfect way to spend the day.

You can make your Frenchie's day with a tasty homemade dog treat. All dogs love food, and they especially love some variety from their everyday dog food. The holidays may have passed, but it’s not too late for your pal to try a Classic Pupnog or a Gingerbread Latte. Is your mini Bulldog a peanut butter lover? Try the ultimate PB treat recipe! Unfortunately, some Frenchies are prone to food allergies, so if that's the case for your little buddy, try some hypoallergenic treat ideas, like sweet potato chews or peanut butter bites. Putting a little extra love and care into your doggo’s diet is a fur-tastic way to spoil them on this special day.

Related: Best Dog Food for Frenchies

Quality moments shared with your Frenchie are definitely worth a photo shoot. Sir the Frenchie (@sirfrenchies) is ready to show the other dogs how it’s done.