If you really want to exercise and cover any kind of distance you need to get your French Bulldog on a bicycle.
Frenchies aren’t know for their athletic ability. Short muzzles and little legs don’t allow them to cover huge distances when you are out for a walk. Pedal power can be your answer to longer trips.
How do I cycle with my French Bulldog?
The following 5 things will make cycling with your Frenchie safe and fun.
- Basket
- Harness
- Coat
- Cargo Bike
- Doggles
Basket
The basket holds your Frenchie safely onto the bike. It can be located at the front, at the rear or attached to the back on the bike like a trailer.
It’s really important to find a way to keep your pup in the basket. It doesn’t matter how safe or comfortable the basket is if your pup jumps out mid ride.
A basket must have a point to connect the leash and it must be a short connection to avoid the dog jumping out. Some baskets have a mesh cover or a lightweight cage to keep the dog in.
Front basket
This is the classic basket, used for years to carry groceries home from the store. Now it can carry your Frenchie with you on an adventure.
A basket on the front of your bike lets you keep an eye on your dog but has a limit on the weight you can safely carry. A dog over 15lbs should go on a the back of your bike or in a trailer.
For most younger French bulldogs this weight limit will be fine. As they get older and a little chunkier they may be too big and heavy to go into the front basket.
Rear basket
The rear basket is capable of carrying more weight so an adult French Bulldog will fit in easily.
As the basket isn’t attached to the handlebars turning is easier and your bike will feel much more stable.
Trailer
This is the ultimate way of carrying your French Bulldog with you on a bike ride.
As the pup is zipped in and the windows are covered in mesh there is no way to injure itself by jumping out.
The steel frame and the solid attachment to the rear or the bike make this feel very secure and safe.
As the trailer is on it’s own wheels the allowed weight limit is much higher. This allows fully grown French bulldogs to be safely carried.
The only downside is that the trailer itself is quite heavy so it may make riding the bike more tiring.
Harness
Frenchies can be excitable dogs and riding in a basket at speed is only going to make them more excitable.
A harness connected on a short leash is a must have to keep your Frenchie in the basket.
Coat
Windchill and sunburn can have a serious impact on the wellbeing of a French Bulldog. Keep them nice and warm and safe from the sun with a cosy coat.
Cargo bike
This type of bike is popular in Europe and can carry both your Frenchie and any extra cargo for example backpacks, children or maybe a picnic.
For their size they are easy to ride and have a small electric motor to make it even easier.
Doggles
I may have invented the word doggles but I’m sticking with it. Goggles for dogs are a real thing and are an amazing addition to an outdoorsy French Bulldogs wardrobe.
Bugs and wind in your Frenchies eyes may cause discomfort so protecting them with a pair of “doggles”. They also look pretty awesome so that’s a reason in itself.
My French Bulldog 