Sister-in-law is getting a french bulldog puppy and am feeling very judgemental about it!

[Playmat]

From all I’ve read, this breed is riddled with health problems. And the mothers can’t give birth, they have to have c-sections.

I think my sister-in-law is being superficial to get such a breed. I think she likes them because celebrities have them.

I’m being a judgey cow, aren’t I? But who would get such a breed? It must be a vanity thing, right?

Her puppy is tan, I’ve seen a photo.

Yep she’s picking it up very soon, so yes - not far off Christmas.

I haven’t said anything to her, we really don’t have that type of relationship.

I do get what the responsible breeders are saying, but the more people get Frenchies and see them as fashion accessories, the more these dogs will be bred. It’s just cruel. I should also add that my SIL is all over social media and that dog already is, too.

And I have had a pedigree dog before so I’m not judging the existence of pedigrees - and (though a rescue) I now have a trendy “doodle” now, but I think Frenchies/Pugs/etc are in another category altogether.

So what should happen to the breed then? Let them die out? Not allow breeding to keep the line?

Screening and selective breeding. The staffie breeders virtually eliminated a blood disorder that was in the breed by doing this, ditto "cocker rage synrdrome" and imo it's only irresponsible breeders who don't screen for genetic issues in the breed. Responsible breeders of labs, for example, won't breed from dogs that have hip/elbow scores of breed average or below. There are now lines that have reduced the incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia massively by doing this.

One of the reasons we got lakeland terriers was because there were no known health issues in the breed.

I have a French bulldog, my adult son got it more as a fashion accessory and got bored of it so now he lives with me. He may be the exception to the rule but he's a picture of health and no breathing problems at all, although I do have very good pet insurance just in case. I agree with people who say that we should be getting dogs from rescues rather than breeders, I have owned 3 rescue dogs in the past. However while I understand that the rescues have to be careful who the rehome dogs with they make it almost impossible to adopt them for a lot of people. The list of rules is endless and the vast majority will not even contemplate rehoming a dog with children! The list of hoops to jump through is endless! It's almost like they don't actually want to rehome the dogs!

I have a French bulldog and he has no issues what so ever. If you get a good breeder then you won't have issues. We got ours not because he's a "designer dog" but because of how good the breed is with children. So well done to her because she's clearly done her research. Stop being so judgy, it's not your dog after all.

Sounds like a bit of the green eyed monster, jealousy is awful as is slating your SIL online to a bunch of strangers because of what breed of dog she wants to buy!! Why dont you instead raise your concerns with her and then respect the decision she makes on which pet she would like to buy for her and her family!

Sure, ignore all the posts discussing genetic and bad breeding, its just jealousy

"And I have had a pedigree dog before so I’m not judging the existence of pedigrees - and (though a rescue) I now have a trendy “doodle” now, but I think Frenchies/Pugs/etc are in another category altogether.

And do you think people breed these poodle crosses for anything other than money?

I’d try to persuade her to get a rescue dog (my frenchies a rescue). If she can wait until January there will probably be loads looking for new homes.

I’d never buy a Frenchie puppy as it’s really difficult to find a reputable breeder and there’s so many just looking to make money that aren’t bothered about the welfare of the dog.

If you can try to dissuade her from getting one that’s a “rare” colour. Reputable breeders don’t breed those colours because they’re associated with health problems. I think the only standard colours are fawn, pied, brindle and white.

SlightlyStaleCocoPops I’m sure they breed doodles (cockapoos, etc) for money, but I rescued her and not in any way because she’s a doodle - but because we bonded immediately when I met her.

inebriati Sure, ignore all the posts discussing genetic and bad breeding, its just jealousy confused —— this!

It would be fantastic if we could all rescue dogs instead of lining breeders pockets but in reality it is extremely hard to rescue.
We live on a farm, have acres of fully enclosed land for dogs to roam, live rurally with endless walking opportunities, I am at home all the time apart from the odd hour or two shopping etc, we are experienced animal owners and can afford to look after our dogs well but we couldn’t find a single place that would allow us to adopt a rescue dog because we have young children. All school age children who have been raised with lots of different animals and know how to respect and treat them. But we weren’t allowed simply because they’re children.
So we very much lined the pockets of a breeder! We wanted dogs so had no choice but to do so. I would hope no one would judge us so harshly because we didn’t adopt...

Rainyrain I have both lined the pocket of a breeder (wonderful dog) and rescued. I am absolutely not judging people who get ANY breed, just bulldogs / pugs from breeders because of the reasons above.

Inebriati I am purely suggesting that playmat voices the concerns she has with her SIL choice of breed, I am not ignoring the issues raised, I am just choosing not to be a part of that debate

There’s nothing wrong with ‘lining the pockets’ of a reputable breeder...i can’t say generally but the two breeders I know also give a lifetime guarantee to take the dog back if you run into trouble and need to rehouse them for any reason. They are also active in breed rescue for their breed.

There are an awful lot of wonderful dog breeders not making a lot of money out of it who do it mostly for love and have jobs on the side, because they don’t make much from it when you factor everything in.

YANBU. This REALLY annoys me as well. The number of dogs sat in shelters waiting for a loving home and people continue to buy fancy pedigree dogs, fund breeders and keep adding to the problem. The sellers don't even treat them well. I've disowned two friends who spent thousands of pounds on 'designer' dogs and when I said you should rescue one, no it had to that specific breed. I don't get it. Like you say, it seems to be an image thing they're trying to maintain. They're probably more instagramable or some other nonsense.

I have a 3year old French bull with no health issues at all

There is nothing wrong with spending money with a good, reputable breeder. It takes a lot of expertise to breed healthy dogs and improve the gene pool as well as breed out undesirable traits and we should be encouraging the people who are willing to do so. It's so much hassle, I wouldn't want to do it. It is also a myth that mongrels are healthier across the board. But people can't be arsed to find a good breeder, don't want to go through a vetting process, sign a contract that says they won't breed or wait until their chosen breeder has a pup available. They want their cute ickle puppy NOW and if they can get it cheap from a backyard breeder who hasn't done any of the health tests that SHOULD be done with breeds like Frenchies, even better! If I ruled the world, you would only be able to get a dog through a rescue centre or a KC assured breeder once you passed a course. I do have a rescue frenchie who luckily is well bred and has a muzzle and no problems with her breathing. She is a muscly, active little thing and has no problem keeping up with my terriers. But I have met Frenchies that can't walk a few steps without struggling to breath and I can guarantee they came from a backyard breeder. These people are a scourge. Someone was advertising a litter of pug pups on our local supermarket bulletin board the other day, ready to go now, FIVE WEEKS OLD!

I’d never get a rescue. You don’t know what you’re getting, at least you can train the pup.
Anyway, it’s very difficult to get approved from rescues. People on here act like you just turn up and they’re given to you. They are far too strict.

YANBU. A French bulldog is a fashion accessory not a pet. And buying them encourages puppy farming.

As a vet nurse I would never recommend getting a French bulldog, so many health problems!

I'm with you OP, as are the British Veterinary Association.

I absolutely judge people who buy French Bulldogs or Pugs.

What you say is bollocks .
Not all French bulldogs have to have c sections and not all have health problems , you are obviously just reading select articles on the internet which is like using google when you’re ill .
Yes some have issues but that’s down to greedy breeders, proper breeders use screening .
Leave your sister to get on with it , it doesn’t affect you

Spamantha, interesting. I hadn’t looked at the BVA’s stance. This is the BVA policy on the care of brachy dogs. The CT scan comparison of a brachy dog skull vs a typical non-brachy skull is shocking. There is no space at all in the cavity and the airway spaces are squashed and pinched. It’s all well and good ‘knowing it’ but seeing those CT scans really brings it home

I do think certain breeds have so many health problems that it’s cruel to keep on breeding them.
I would include Cavalier King Charles spaniels in that. I have one (from a rescue), with no serious health problems but that is very rare - most have heart murmurs from an early age and some develop horrific neurological problems because their skulls have been bred to be too small for their brains. The fact that mine isn’t suffering from these conditions (yet) doesn’t make it ok in my eyes. It’s because I love the breed that I think it should be allowed to die out, at least in its current form.

Personally I think you are being very unreasonable and judgy. My sister has one. I have a dachshund. So what? It's none of your business. Live your life and move on.

This was the BVA's letter to the Times a couple of years ago

"Dear Editor - we, and many others, have been raising concerns for a long time and so we were pleased to see your report shine a spotlight on some of the serious health problems suffered by flat-faced dogs. Our members see brachycephalic breeds' health problems – from breathing difficulties to eye ulcers and painful spine abnormalities - in veterinary practices across the UK on a daily basis, and flag it as one of their top animal welfare concerns.

Despite increasing warnings from vets and animal welfare charities about the many health and welfare issues of flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs and Pugs, they continue to rise in popularity and visibility, fuelled by their prominence in the media and at high profile events like Crufts.

We need to put a stop to these dogs' wrinkly faces, big eyes and curly tails - which can cause so many life limiting health problems - being seen as appealing characteristics. The British Veterinary Association strongly recommends potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds; instead we encourage potential owners to talk to their local vet before buying a dog to better understand what may be the best breed for them, learn more about responsible ownership and how to better understand a dog’s needs.

Potential dog owners can also use the Puppy Contract to ensure they buy a happy healthy breed or crossbreed that is right for them, rather than be swayed by the latest celebrity trend or what's been given prominence on prime time TV."

I think I'd listen to the BVA on matters of animal welfare over people posting 'my sister has one, so what?' and similar.