French Bully Puppies: Complete Week-by-Week Care & Training Guide
Everything you need to raise healthy French Bully puppies — week-by-week milestones, feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, and first-year costs.
The French Bully — a designer cross between the French Bulldog and the American Bully — has surged in popularity among urban dog owners who want a compact, muscular companion with a stable temperament. But raising French Bully puppies requires breed-specific knowledge that generic puppy guides simply don't cover. These stocky, brachycephalic (flat-faced) pups have unique nutritional needs, a narrow socialization window, and health considerations that differ from both parent breeds.
This guide walks you through every developmental stage from week 4 through month 12, with concrete feeding portions, vaccination dates, and training benchmarks calibrated to the French Bully's typical growth rate and temperament. Whether you're picking up your puppy at 8 weeks or preparing for the arrival, you'll find the exact numbers and timelines you need.
When Should You Bring Your French Bully Puppy Home?
Responsible breeders of French Bully puppies typically release puppies between 8 and 10 weeks of age. While some smaller breeds can go home at 8 weeks, many experienced French Bully breeders prefer to hold puppies until 10 weeks. Here's why:
- Brachycephalic airway development: French Bully puppies inherit shortened muzzles from both parent breeds. The extra two weeks allow their airway structures to mature slightly, reducing stress during the transition to a new home.
- Bite inhibition learning: Weeks 8–10 are critical for littermate play, where puppies learn how hard is too hard when mouthing. Puppies removed before this window often develop more persistent nipping behaviors.
- First vaccination timing: Most breeders administer the first DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) vaccine at 6–8 weeks. Waiting until 10 weeks means your puppy arrives with stronger initial immunity.
If a breeder offers a French Bully puppy younger than 8 weeks, treat this as a red flag. Early separation from the dam and littermates increases the risk of fear-based behaviors, resource guarding, and poor bite inhibition — problems that are harder to remediate in a muscular, strong-jawed breed.
Week-by-Week Milestone Timeline for French Bully Puppies
French Bully puppies typically weigh 2–4 lb (0.9–1.8 kg) at 8 weeks and reach 25–40 lb (11–18 kg) by 6 months, depending on which parent breed's size they favor. The American Bully side can range from Pocket (under 17 inches) to Standard (up to 20 inches), so expect considerable variation even within a single litter.
Age-Specific Milestones
Weeks 4–8 (at the breeder):
- Weaning begins; puppies transition from mother's milk to gruel (puppy kibble soaked in warm water or puppy formula)
- Eyes fully open, hearing developed; startle responses to loud sounds normalize
- First social play with littermates — wrestling, chasing, bite inhibition practice
- First deworming (pyrantel pamoate) typically at 2, 4, and 6 weeks
- Weight: 1–4 lb (0.5–1.8 kg) depending on litter size and parent genetics
Weeks 8–12 (home transition):
- Sleep 18–20 hours per day — this is normal, not a sign of illness
- Begin forming attachments to primary caregiver; separation anxiety risk begins
- Teething discomfort starts as deciduous (baby) teeth fully erupt (28 teeth total)
- Attention span: 3–5 minutes per training session, maximum
- Can hold bladder approximately 1 hour per month of age (so ~2 hours at 8 weeks)
Weeks 12–16 (foundation training):
- First fear imprint period (8–11 weeks) ends; confidence-building exercises critical
- Can begin learning sit, down, come, and loose-leash walking basics
- Second fear period may begin around 12–14 weeks — avoid overwhelming experiences
- Bladder control extends to 3–4 hours during the day
- Weight: approximately 10–20 lb (4.5–9 kg)
Weeks 16–24 (adolescence begins):
- Baby teeth begin falling out; adult teeth emerge (42 teeth by ~6 months)
- Energy surges — expect "zoomies" and testing of previously learned commands
- Growth plates still open — avoid forced exercise on hard surfaces (concrete jogging, agility jumps)
- Weight: 20–35 lb (9–16 kg), approaching 60–75% of adult weight
Months 6–12 (adolescence to young adult):
- Sexual maturity — discuss spay/neuter timing with your vet (many recommend 6–9 months for this size class)
- Growth slows; adult weight typically 30–50 lb (14–23 kg) depending on parent genetics
- Mental maturity lags behind physical maturity — continue structured training through 18 months
- May begin showing breed-specific traits: territorial barking, same-sex dog selectivity, or stubbornness on walks
Feeding Schedule: Exact Portions by Age and Weight
French Bully puppies are prone to both obesity and rapid growth-related joint problems. Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes new owners make. According to the American Kennel Club's feeding guidelines, puppies should be fed measured meals — never free-fed — to monitor intake and maintain a healthy body condition score (BCS).
Choose a kibble that meets AAFCO standards for growth or all life stages, with a named animal protein as the first ingredient. For brachycephalic breeds, look for kibble with a flat or disc shape designed for shorter muzzles (brands like Royal Canin offer brachycephalic-specific formulas).
| Age | Meals/Day | Daily Portion (dry kibble) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 4 meals | ¾–1 cup (split into 4 feedings) | Soak kibble in warm water for 10 min if puppy struggles with hard pieces |
| 3–4 months | 3 meals | 1–1½ cups | Transition to dry kibble; monitor stool consistency |
| 4–6 months | 3 meals | 1½–2 cups | Increase if BCS drops below 4/9; decrease if above 5/9 |
| 6–9 months | 2 meals | 1¾–2½ cups | Reduce to 2 meals; growth rate begins to slow |
| 9–12 months | 2 meals | 1½–2¼ cups | Begin transition to adult formula at 10–12 months |
How to assess body condition: You should be able to feel your puppy's ribs without pressing hard, but not see them prominently. From above, a slight waist should be visible. French Bully puppies carry weight in their chest and shoulders, so don't mistake a broad chest for obesity — focus on rib palpation and waist definition.
Water: Fresh water should be available at all times. A French Bully puppy typically drinks ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Remove water 1–2 hours before bedtime to aid potty training.
Vaccination Schedule: What Your French Bully Puppy Needs and When
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends core vaccines for all puppies, with timing based on maternal antibody decline. French Bully puppies follow the standard schedule, but their brachycephalic anatomy means you should monitor them closely for 24–48 hours after any vaccination for breathing changes or allergic reactions.
| Age | Vaccine | Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) | Core | $20–$40 |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) + Bordetella | Core + Non-core | $40–$75 |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd dose) + Rabies | Core | $45–$85 |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster + Rabies booster | Core | $50–$90 |
Optional vaccines to discuss with your vet: Leptospirosis (recommended if you live near standing water or wildlife), Lyme disease (tick-endemic areas), and Canine Influenza (if your puppy will attend daycare or boarding). Your veterinarian will tailor recommendations based on your region and lifestyle.
Post-vaccine monitoring for brachycephalic breeds: Watch for facial swelling, hives, vomiting, labored breathing, or collapse within 30 minutes to 48 hours after vaccination. These signs of anaphylaxis require immediate veterinary attention. Some vets recommend pre-treating brachycephalic puppies with an antihistamine (diphenhydramine at 1 mg/lb, given 30 minutes before the appointment) — but only do this under direct veterinary guidance.
Potty Training Your French Bully Puppy: Realistic Timelines
French Bully puppies are moderately challenging to house-train. They inherit the French Bulldog's stubborn streak and the American Bully's distractibility, which means consistency matters more than with eager-to-please breeds like Golden Retrievers. Expect full reliability between 4 and 6 months of age, with occasional accidents possible until 8–10 months.
Potty Training Timeline and Expectations
- 8–10 weeks: Take puppy outside every 1–2 hours, plus immediately after eating, waking, and playing. Expect 3–5 accidents per week — this is normal.
- 10–14 weeks: Extend intervals to every 2–3 hours. Puppy begins to signal (sniffing, circling, whining at door). Accidents should drop to 1–2 per week.
- 3–4 months: Can hold for 3–4 hours during the day. Nighttime control begins — most puppies can sleep 5–6 hours without a potty break.
- 4–6 months: Daytime reliability achieved for most puppies. Nighttime sleep stretches to 7–8 hours. Occasional regression may occur during teething or after environmental changes.
- 6+ months: Fully reliable if training has been consistent. If accidents persist past 6 months, rule out urinary tract infection with your vet before assuming behavioral causes.
Potty Training Log Template
Track these data points for the first 4 weeks to identify your puppy's natural schedule:
- Time of outing: Record each trip outside
- Result: Pee, poop, both, or nothing
- Trigger: After meal, after nap, after play, or scheduled
- Accidents: Time, location, and what happened 30 minutes prior
- Reward given: Type and timing (treat within 3 seconds of finishing outside)
After 2 weeks of logging, you'll see clear patterns — most French Bully puppies need to eliminate 15–30 minutes after eating and 10–15 minutes after waking.
Troubleshooting common issues:
- Puppy won't go outside: French Bully puppies can be sensitive to cold, rain, and rough surfaces. Use a sheltered, consistent spot. In winter, consider a puppy coat and booties.
- Submissive urination: Common in young French Bullies when greeted enthusiastically. Ignore the puppy for the first 30 seconds upon entering; greet calmly at their level without direct eye contact.
- Crate accidents: If the crate is too large, the puppy may eliminate in one corner. Use a divider to size the crate so the puppy can stand, turn, and lie down — but no more.
The Critical Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the primary socialization period for puppies occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age. Experiences during this window — positive or negative — have an outsized impact on adult behavior. For French Bully puppies, this window is especially important because both parent breeds can develop dog-selective or territorial tendencies if not properly socialized.
Socialization Exposure Checklist
Aim for positive, non-coercive exposure to each category below before 14 weeks. Never force interactions — let your puppy approach at their own pace and reward calm behavior with treats.
| Category | Specific Exposures | Target Count by 14 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| People | Men with beards, children under 10, people in hats/sunglasses, delivery workers, people using canes or wheelchairs | 30+ different people |
| Surfaces | Gravel, grass, tile, metal grates, wet pavement, wooden decks, plastic tarps | 10+ surface types |
| Sounds | Vacuum cleaner, thunder (play recordings at low volume), fireworks, doorbells, car horns, hair dryers | 15+ sound types |
| Other animals | Vaccinated adult dogs (calm, dog-savvy), cats (if household has them), livestock (if accessible) | 10+ vaccinated dogs |
| Handling | Paw touching, ear inspection, mouth opening, nail clipping practice, being held on back, grooming brush | Daily handling sessions |
| Environments | Car rides, vet clinic lobby, pet store (carry in until fully vaccinated), outdoor café patio, elevator | 8+ different locations |
When can your puppy go outside and meet other dogs? Until your French Bully puppy has completed the full DHPP series (typically at 16 weeks), avoid dog parks, pet stores with dog traffic, and areas where unknown dogs have eliminated. However, controlled playdates with fully vaccinated, healthy dogs in private yards are generally safe and critical for socialization. Carry your puppy in a sling or backpack for outdoor exposure to traffic, crowds, and urban sounds before vaccination is complete.
Crate Training Progression and Time Limits
A properly crate-trained French Bully is safer, less destructive, and easier to potty train. The crate should feel like a den — never used as punishment. Select a crate that accommodates your puppy's expected adult size (typically 24–30 inches long for most French Bullies) with a divider panel to adjust space as they grow.
| Age | Max Daytime Crate Time | Max Nighttime Crate Time | Training Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 1–2 hours | 3–4 hours (expect 1–2 night wakings) | Build positive association: feed meals in crate, use stuffed Kong, keep door open initially |
| 10–14 weeks | 2–3 hours | 5–6 hours | Close door for short periods while you're home; practice leaving room for 5–10 min |
| 3–4 months | 3–4 hours | 6–7 hours | Begin short absences from home (15–30 min); ignore whining if needs are met |
| 4–6 months | 4–5 hours | 7–8 hours | Gradual alone-time increases; puppy should enter crate voluntarily for naps |
| 6+ months | 5–6 hours max | 8 hours | Consider transition to exercise pen or puppy-proofed room for longer daytime absences |
Important for brachycephalic breeds: Never place the crate in direct sunlight, near heating vents, or in poorly ventilated areas. French Bully puppies overheat easily. Keep the ambient temperature between 68–74°F (20–23°C) and provide a cool mat rather than thick bedding, which can trap heat.
Teething Timeline and Safe Chew Strategies
French Bully puppies go through two teething phases. The first occurs as 28 deciduous teeth fully erupt between 3 and 6 weeks (typically handled by the breeder). The second — the one you'll deal with — happens between 3 and 6 months, when baby teeth fall out and 42 permanent teeth emerge.
Teething Signs and Relief
- Increased chewing: Everything becomes a target — shoes, furniture legs, baseboards, fingers
- Drooling: More than usual; you may notice blood-tinged drool (normal in small amounts)
- Reduced appetite: Sore gums can make kibble uncomfortable; try soaking in warm water for 5 minutes
- Swollen or red gums: Visible upon gentle lip lifting; baby teeth may appear loose or "double" alongside emerging adult teeth
Safe chew recommendations for French Bully puppies:
- Frozen washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, twist into a rope, freeze for 2 hours. The cold numbs gums and the texture satisfies chewing urges. Supervise to prevent swallowing fabric pieces.
- Rubber teething toys: Kong Puppy (size Small for 8–12 weeks, Medium for 3–6 months) stuffed with plain yogurt and frozen. The rubber is soft enough for developing teeth.
- Benebone Puppy: Designed for puppies under 6 months with softer nylon. Choose the Wishbone shape for easy gripping.
- Carrots (frozen): Whole large carrots, frozen. They're low-calorie, safe, and the cold provides relief. Remove when small enough to be a choking hazard.
Avoid: Rawhide (choking and intestinal blockage risk), hard antlers or hooves (can fracture puppy teeth), and any chew toy harder than your puppy's baby teeth. A good test: if you can't indent the toy with your fingernail, it's too hard for a teething puppy.
Common French Bully Puppy Problems and Solutions
Every breed has its quirks. Here are the behavior challenges most frequently reported by French Bully puppy owners, with evidence-based solutions rooted in positive reinforcement training.
Puppy Biting and Nipping
French Bully puppies have strong jaws inherited from the American Bully side, and their play style tends toward mouthy wrestling. Biting is normal through 5–6 months, but the intensity matters.
Solution: Use the "yelp and withdraw" method. When teeth touch skin, emit a high-pitched yelp (mimicking littermate feedback), then withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds. Redirect to an appropriate chew toy and reward chewing on the toy. Never use physical punishment, alpha rolls, or muzzle-holding — these increase fear and can escalate biting. If nipping persists past 6 months or breaks skin, consult a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA or IAABC credentialed).
Stubbornness on Walks
French Bullies often inherit the French Bulldog's "I'll go where I want to go" attitude. Expect leash resistance beginning around 12–16 weeks.
Solution: Practice loose-leash walking in low-distraction environments first (your backyard, then your driveway). Use high-value treats (boiled chicken, cheese) held at your hip to encourage walking beside you. Stop moving when the leash goes tight; resume when your puppy looks back at you or the leash slackens. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes at this age.
Whining and Crying in the Crate
Nighttime whining is nearly universal in the first 1–2 weeks home. French Bully puppies are social and dislike isolation.
Solution: Place the crate in your bedroom for the first 2–3 weeks so the puppy can hear and smell you. Use a snuggle puppy toy with a heartbeat simulator (brands like SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy, approximately $35–$45) to provide comfort. If the puppy whines after a recent potty break and you're confident they don't need to eliminate, wait 5–10 minutes before responding — rewarding silence rather than noise. Never let the puppy out while actively whining, as this teaches that vocalization opens the crate.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for French Bully Puppies
Budgeting realistically prevents surprises. The following estimates reflect 2026 pricing for US-based owners in mid-cost metropolitan areas. Prices in major cities (NYC, SF, LA) may run 20–40% higher for veterinary services.
| Category | Items | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase/Adoption | Breeder price (responsible, health-tested parents) or rescue fee | $1,500–$4,000 (breeder) / $300–$600 (rescue) |
| Veterinary | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter, microchip, wellness exams (3–4 visits) | $600–$1,200 |
| Food | Quality puppy kibble + treats (12 months) | $400–$700 |
| Supplies | Crate, bed, leash/harness, bowls, toys, grooming tools, puppy pads | $250–$500 |
| Training | Puppy kindergarten class (6–8 weeks) + optional private sessions | $150–$400 |
| Preventive Medications | Heartworm, flea/tick prevention (monthly, 10 months) | $200–$400 |
| Pet Insurance | Monthly premium (recommended for brachycephalic breeds) | $40–$70/month ($480–$840/year) |
| Total Estimated First Year | $3,580–$8,040 |
Why pet insurance is strongly recommended: Both French Bulldogs and American Bullies carry genetic predispositions to hip dysplasia, cherry eye, skin allergies, and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Surgical correction for BOAS can cost $3,000–$8,000; hip dysplasia surgery (FHO or total hip replacement) ranges from $1,500–$7,000 per hip. Enrolling before any pre-existing conditions develop (ideally at 8–10 weeks) ensures coverage. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Lemonade offer breed-specific plans starting around $40–$70/month for puppies.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Bully Puppies
How often should I feed my French Bully puppy at 10 weeks?
At 10 weeks, feed 4 meals per day, totaling approximately ¾ to 1 cup of high-quality puppy kibble. Divide evenly across morning, midday, late afternoon, and early evening. The last meal should be at least 3 hours before bedtime to allow digestion and a final potty break.
When will my French Bully puppy be fully potty trained?
Most French Bully puppies achieve reliable daytime potty habits between 4 and 6 months with consistent scheduling and positive reinforcement. Nighttime reliability typically follows 2–4 weeks later. Some individuals — particularly males — may take until 8–10 months for complete reliability. If accidents increase after a period of success, consult your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections, which are more common in young puppies.
How do I stop my French Bully puppy from biting my hands?
Puppy biting is normal through 5–6 months. Redirect to appropriate chew toys immediately, use a high-pitched yelp when teeth contact skin, and withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds. Provide at least 3–4 approved chew options and rotate them to maintain novelty. If biting intensity increases or continues past 6 months, work with a certified positive-reinforcement trainer. Never hit, hold the muzzle shut, or use aversive tools — these damage trust and can trigger defensive aggression.
When can my French Bully puppy go to the dog park?
Wait until at least one week after the final DHPP vaccination, typically around 17 weeks of age. However, dog parks carry risks for young puppies — unvaccinated dogs, rough play, and disease exposure. Many trainers recommend starting with structured puppy playgroups (supervised, age-matched, vaccination-verified) before introducing the unpredictable environment of a public dog park. For brachycephalic breeds, monitor closely for overheating and breathing difficulty during any off-leash play.
What size will my French Bully puppy be when fully grown?
Adult French Bullies typically weigh 30–50 lb (14–23 kg) and stand 14–18 inches (36–46 cm) at the shoulder. The exact size depends heavily on which parent's genetics dominate. Ask your breeder for the parents' weights and heights as the best predictor. A rough estimate: double your puppy's weight at 4 months for a ballpark adult weight.
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
