Intro. Dogs love to walk. And if you like it as much as they do, you might plan to go on long walks with them. But French Bulldogs might not be able to go as far as you want. So you should know your dog’s walking distance limits before going on trails together.
French Bulldogs need up to an hour of exercise per day. At an average pace, that means they can walk around 5 km (3 miles) a day. But some Frenchies can walk longer distances than others. How far your dog will be able to walk depends on several factors, including age, health, fitness level, and the weather.
Can French Bulldogs Handle Long Walks?
In general, French Bulldogs can’t handle very long walks because of their small size and flat nose. As a brachycephalic breed, they have breathing problems and therefore lack stamina. So most Frenchies will do better with multiple short walks throughout the day instead of a long one.
Can You Walk A French Bulldog Too Much?
If you’re not careful, you can easily walk a French Bulldog too much. This breed has a relatively low tolerance to exercise. So even if walking is a moderate physical activity, it’s important not to overdo it. A French Bulldog that walks too much could overheat, get injured, or have other problems.
What Can Influence How Far A French Bulldog Can Walk?
As I already said, the distance a dog can walk depends on many elements. The breed isn’t the only thing to consider. Even if French Bulldogs have many traits in common, they are still unique and different from one another. So let’s figure out how far your Frenchie can walk.
Age
As your dog ages, his conditions and limits will change. The distance mentioned above refers to adults of the breed. A puppy and a senior French Bulldog will probably not be able to walk that far.
How Far Can A French Bulldog Puppy Walk?
A puppy can generally exercise around 5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day. At a walking pace of 3 km/h, it represents a distance of approximately 250 m. So a 4-month-old French Bulldog puppy can walk up to 1 km (0.62 miles) per day. But it should be divided into at least two walks.
| Puppy Age | Exercise Needs | Walking Speed | Maximum Walking Distance |
| 1 Month Old | 5 – 10 Minutes/Day | 3 km/h (2 mph) | 250 m (0.16 miles) |
| 2 Months Old | 10 – 20 Minutes/Day | 3 km/h (2 mph) | 500 m (0.31 miles) |
| 3 Months Old | 15 – 30 Minutes/Day | 3 km/h (2 mph) | 750 m (0.47 miles) |
| 4 Months Old | 20 – 40 Minutes/Day | 3 km/h (2 mph) | 1 km (0.62 miles) |
| 5 Months Old | 25 – 50 Minutes/Day | 3 km/h (2 mph) | 1.25 km (0.78 miles) |
| 6 Months Old | 30 – 60 Minutes/Day | 3 km/h (2 mph) | 1.5 km (0.93 miles) |
Puppies are still growing and developing stamina. That’s why they will be able to walk farther as they age. It’s also essential to notice that a puppy has shorter legs and can get distracted easily. So young French Bulldogs usually have a slower walking pace.
How Far Can A Senior French Bulldog Walk?
Past a certain age, dogs will gradually decrease in health and physical conditions. So a senior French Bulldog can walk less and less far as he loses stamina and speed. Old dogs are also more prone to joint problems that could restrict them from walking long distances, such as arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia.
So a senior Frenchie can probably walk between 30 and 45 minutes per day at a slower pace, which means about 3 km or 2 miles. Since older dogs are more fragile and less athletic, you should ideally divide it into two or three short walks throughout the day.
Health
Your Frenchie’s health is another factor to consider to figure out how far he can walk. French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory and mobility problems that could restrict them from walking long distances. So visiting a vet for a health check is an excellent idea to understand your dog’s limits.
French Bulldogs in perfect health should be able to walk for around 5 km (3 miles) or even more. But some of them with special conditions might not be able to go that far. In general, the healthier a dog is, the longer he can walk.
Fitness Level
Some Frenchies are in better shape than others. That’s another reason why they can’t all walk the same distance. Your dog’s fitness will highly influence his walking ability. A fit French Bulldog can walk more than one that’s out of shape.
The more stamina, endurance, and strength a dog has, the farther he can walk. Although walking is a moderate physical activity, it still requires good physical conditions. So your Frenchie’s fitness level will influence the distance he can walk.
Energy
Another thing to consider is your dog’s level of energy. Some French Bulldogs are more energetic than others. And the more energy they have, the longer they can walk. So if your dog is active and never seems tired, he can probably walk 5 km (3 miles) or more.
On the other hand, a lethargic and lazy Frenchie can probably not go that far. That’s why it’s important to consider your dog’s energy level. But keep in mind that it can vary according to the time. Your French Bulldog might have more energy in the morning or less after an intense effort.
Walking Speed
How fast a dog walks will also influence how far he can go. A French Bulldog can generally walk for up to an hour per day. In general, this breed will walk at a speed of up to 5 km/h (3 mph). But some dogs are faster than others and will be able to go farther because of that.
On the other hand, the more speed, the more energy is generally spent. So it tends to balance out at a distance of about 5 km (3 miles) per day. Besides that, if your Frenchie isn’t well-trained he might be easily distracted and not walk as fast and far as others of the same breed.
Weather
Another element to consider is the temperature and weather. French Bulldogs don’t tolerate the heat and cold very well. If it’s really hot outside, your dog might overheat or burn his paws on the pavement. And in the winter, it might just be too cold, snowy, or icy to walk.
So the weather and extreme temperatures can influence how far your Frenchie can walk. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep it short if the meteorological conditions aren’t favorable. Rain, snow, heat, cold, ice, hot pavement, and mud can all affect your dog’s walking limits.
So, How Far Should A French Bulldog Walk?
Even if your dog can walk for up to an hour, it doesn’t mean you should. And it’s also better to break that down into multiple short walks. French Bulldogs don’t have much stamina and can have breathing problems, so make sure not to walk too far.
Walking about 2 km (1 mile) two or three times per day would be ideal. But you can adjust the distance and frequency of the walks according to your dog’s conditions and schedule. I recommend at least one walk in the morning of about 2 or 3 km (1 or 2 miles) and another shorter one in the afternoon of around 1 or 2 km (1 mile).
Last Thoughts About How Far Your French Bulldog Can Walk!
Finally, most French Bulldogs can walk around 5 km (3 miles) per day. But some might be able to go more or less far depending on their health, age, fitness, and other conditions. You should walk your Frenchie as long as it’s comfortable and safe for him.
Also, keep in mind to start slowly and gradually increase the distance. Dogs need time to develop their muscles and build stamina before walking long distances. And make sure to give your Frenchie as much water, breaks, and rest as needed.
Don’t get me wrong, walking your dog is great but it’s not the only thing he needs to stay active and healthy. You can also run, play games, or do any other physical activity. Learn more about the exercise needs of a French Bulldog. Here’s a hint: Walking is a big part of it.
Let’s Walk That Frenchie, But Not Too Far!