Pug/French bulldog around kids

[Jellytotsandfruitpops]

We had a lab when dd1 was a baby but we had to get her put down last summer we want a smaller dog this time and are looking at either a pug or french bulldog.
Which would you say was better around small children (are either of them actually good aroud kids?)

A dog (any dog) is as good with kids as you make it - early socialisation/habituation and education of the children is key.

I just wanted to post to ask you to reconsider buying an extreme brachycephalic breed, there are so many welfare issues associated with the way these dogs look. :(

I had a pug, and he was amazing with 18 month old DD, very gentle,
benign and playful.

However, I don't feel that pugs are suitable for very little kids, as their eyes bulge out and can get scratched when playing with kids, which can develop into ulcers and it is a hassle having to give them drops all the time.

I have heard that Frenchies are a lot rougher than pugs and are generally heavier so maybe not good for toddlers and more suited to older kids. They look cool though!

I think far too much emphasis is put on breed when it comes to choosing a dog to live with children. Obviously there are important considerations (few parents of young children have time to stimulate a collie adequately, for example) but I think there's an inherent danger in assuming any breed is "good with children".

I also echo tabula's concerns about brachycephalic breeds.

What sort of lifestyle do you lead OP?

Also wanted to add a couple of other things about pugs - they get out of breath really quickly after playing and need a lot of down time.

Also not sure if hair shedding bothers you, but expect your kids to be covered in hair, in and out of the house, if they play with it. It threads itself into everything, washing is the worst. Despite daily hoovering and grooming. I'm still finding dog hairs 4 months after he's gone!

The only pug I know is great with kids and the only French bulldog I know is so naughty that it's owners miss their Dalmatian

Both were very expensive and I'd be a bit worried about breeding for profit with these breeds as pugs particularly are very trendy. Make sure you've got a good breeder who does all the health checks if you go ahead. They are very smart little dogs, though!

Here is my pug x French bulldog who is wonderful with kids I won't mention all her other issues though

I wouldn't describe mine as smart though, mine is thick as mince!

Pugs generally are great with kids! I agree with the poster above that mentions the risk of ulcer - mine ran into something when he was a puppy and almost lost his left eye; it was heartbreaking. OTOH, he is now very vigilant about staying away from eye harm's way.