How To Pick Up A French Bulldog (5-Step Guide)


Want to know how to pick up a French Bulldog? We’ve got you covered!

This pint-sized comedian is the most cuddly pet an owner can ask for.

They are at most thirteen inches tall and love to snuggle.

Happy woman sitting on sofa and touching cute french bulldog

Most of us generally have the impression that French Bulldogs are heavy, bulky, and awkward to hold.

So, if you thought this too, you are not alone!

Needless to say, they will love to be carried if you do it right. What better way to travel around the neighborhood or the house than in your arms?

In this Digdoggy.com guide you’ll learn:

  • What you’ll need to safely pick up a French Bulldog
  • How to prepare for picking up a French Bulldog
  • Precautions to take

And much more!

What's In This Guide?

      What Do You Need To Know About Picking Up A French Bulldog?

      The number one thing you need to know about picking up a French Bulldog is that there is a right way and a wrong way to do it.

      Cuddly, affectionate French Bulldogs will obviously love getting picked up in the steps outlined below.

      For example, you can’t pick up your Frenchie by their collars, tails, or scruffs.

      Since Frenchies are smaller dogs, owners do get tempted to use just one hand to carry them. Their height really is no indication of their weight or bulk and using just one hand can be dangerous.

      Over the years, I’ve seen people pick up by their scruffs (like seen on TV) or kids grabbing the tail, which of course is never ok.

      How Often Can You Pick Up Your French Bulldog?

      You can pick up your French Bulldog as often as you want to. As long as you do it properly, there are no limitations.

      I mean, who wants to walk around carrying around their body weight when someone can do it for them, instead?

      Supplies That You’ll Need To Pick Up Your French Bulldog

      • Collar
      • Harness
      • Leash
      • Sweater Vest (optional)

      How To Properly Pick Up A French Bulldog

      French Bulldogs love cuddling and tons of attention so they really won’t mind when a human picks them up.

      However, there are a few steps to going about doing that so that it is more comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.

      Here are the steps to pick up your Frenchie correctly:

      1. Use a verbal cue
      2. Cradle chest with your hand
      3. Cradle backside with your other hand
      4. Gently lift them up
      5. Relax Into position

      Step 1: Use a verbal cue

      Begin with verbal cues. My Frenchie got used to being picked up after I used a verbal cue each time I did it. Some verbal cues that work very well include: “upsy-daisy” or “Geronimo!” Or any other word you can think of.

      Step 2: Cradle Their Chest with your hand

      After saying the cue word, take your stronger arm and slide it under the body of your Frenchie and round paws in such a way that your hand ends up under the neck, cradling their chest.


      Step 3: Cradle backside with your other hand

      The third step is to tuck your other remaining arm under his backside and legs like you are cradling him. with your other arm, as well.

      This supports his backside and his weight while the previous step supports his neck. It should almost feel like you are picking an actual baby.

      Make sure to use a collar or a harness and a leash to prevent escapes. It might also be a good idea to put a sweater vest on them for more “grip.”

      Step 4: Gently Lift Them up

      While in this position, begin lifting your Frenchie, provided he is twenty-five pounds and below. Otherwise, leave the lifting to the weightlifters.

      Cradle him in your arms, similar to the way you would cradle an actual human baby.

      Lift him upwards slowly and in a relaxed manner. Stay calm and act like it is the most natural thing in the world. This way he will always look forward to being carried.

      Step 5: Relax Into Position

      Take a deep breath and relax while in this position, if this is the first time you are attempting to carry him.

      Dogs can sense people’s emotions and the more relaxed you are, the better it will be for both of you.

      Final Thoughts On Picking Up A French Bulldog

      Frenchies love to be picked up and have a snuggle, and lucky for you there is no limit on how much you can do it.

      Be sure to follow the step above to remain safe when picking up your dog and don’t overcomplicate it.

      Keep it simple, be gentle and relax into position when holding.

      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela

      Jennifer Cosculluela graduated magna cum laude in Marketing from the State University of New York’s F.I.T and was a Presidential Scholar, specializing in Shakespearean Studies. She also has an AB Psychology Degree from De La Salle University Bacolod and when not writing, loves to spend time with her daughter Margarita and bake cookies and lasagna for her loving husband Sebastian.

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