French bulldog owners?

[QueenOfCats]

Any here?

I'm considering getting one in the spring.

Have always owned Staffies before, lost my lovely boy at the age of 15 earlier this year Sounds silly, but can't bear the thought of having another Staffie and "replacing" him (I know it sounds silly but makes sense to me)

So having done a bit of research have decided on a French Bulldog.

I'd like to know from people who have experience of owning them what they're like, best place to get one etc.

Thanks

Lovely dog but unfortunately get many health problems.

I don?t have a French Bulldog but I have a Boston terrier who is often mistaken for one! We did nearly get a French Bulldog before we got our Boston but for a number of reasons decided against it. As they have become a very popular dog there were a lot of people charging crazy prices (£3000 for a puppy) and we weren?t confident that the dogs we saw had been fully health checked or even properly looked after. I would agree with the previous poster with the high insurance premium and would also that these dogs love being near you (as I sit here with a Boston tucked up under my arm).

I've got two on the doggy daycare books, both have lovely natures, but have high maintenance vet bills etc, and breathing difficulties if weather warm or they run about too much (and too much for them is only about five minutes ). I'm afraid I'd put them in the class of overbred for looks to the extent that health issues have been bred in, and would not chose one for myself for that reason.

I really like French Bulldogs, but after investigation I wouldn't have one. Purely because they have so many bred in health problems.

Bumped into a friend of mine this morning who has one, sweet boy but...extremely expensive to buy, cost and arm and leg to insure, riddled with health problems, faces too flat so they suffer in the heat and with exertion. She loves her boy to bits, he's only about 2 now, but she admits that if she'd known about all the problems she'd have with him and the problems with the breed in general she's have never have chosen one.

I have a lovely 6-year-old Frenchie girl - she has absolutely NO breathing problems - though she does breathe noisily, and snores at night - and she can run much faster than I can.

She adores hot sun, though we try to keep her out of it because it's not supposed to be good for her.

They are not cheap, but ours has only had one big health issue in six years, which is a contagious neural disease that can affect any dog.

They are a lovely breed - nice temperament, and ours is very healthy and friendly. Sorry to hear others have had much worse luck. I think they might be a rather variable breed; FWIW, ours was one of three form the Bredwardine strain, though that breeder has now moved to Spain.

Thanks for all of your replies

So it's a mixed bag it seems. I'm aware that health problems may be an issue and had read about the extremes of temperature problems too.

But yes, they do seem to have a nice nature and that's important too.

I will give it lots more thought - don't want to jump in too quickly

Also, those of you with french bulldogs, where did you get them? Can you recommend a breeder in the London area? Is there a rescue anywhere?

Queen, there is a French Bulldog Society that has lists of puppies available; you can access it through the Kennel Club. The woman who runs it is a bit , but it's worth persevering as there are a lot of rogue bulldog breeders; I have neighbours who acquired a dog who is just not right in any way... I suspect not a few of the reported problem dogs come from commercial breeders. I would also urge the common colour - brindle - as with all pedigrees other factors are sometimes sacrificed to colour, she said having had a tortie Burmese with problems.

As said, our breeder has now moved to Spain, but you might ask the FBS lady if anyone is continuing with the Bredwardine dogs, as they are all lovely.

Good luck! My girl makes me happy every single day.