Puthod enlisted as a volunteer in the Couronne-Infanterie regiment in 1785, during the Ancien Régime, rising to rank of Sub-Lieutenant in the Gendarmes-Dauphin company two years later.

In 1808, with the outbreak of the Peninsular War, Puthod was sent to Spain, where he led his troops very well at the battle of Espinosa, becoming a General of Division before the end of that year.

Called to serve in the War of the Fifth Coalition against Austria, Puthod was noted for his behaviour at the battle of Wagram and was subsequently assigned to the command of military divisions throughout France.

A Baron of the Empire in 1810, he was recalled to active service in 1813 for the War of the Sixth Coalition, serving with distinction at battles such as Möckern, Bautzen or Katzbach, after which he was taken prisoner on 29 August.

Following Napoleon's abdication, Puthod enjoyed the favours of the Bourbon Restoration, with Louis XVIII creating him a Viscount of France.