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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Boston Terriers or french bulldog

87 replies

Magpiemagpie · 16/05/2017 06:23

We would like to get another dog as our old girl is getting on a bit now and only likes short walks
She is also a huge huge dog so I would like something smaller that won't crush me when they sit on the sofa and take over
Initially I have been researching the French Bulldogs but I have recently met a few BT which I really like . They all seem so friendly and lively which I like but I like the fact that they aren't as squat as the frenchies
Anyone had either of these dogs
Thanks

OP posts:

Veterinari · 16/05/2017 09:19

Neither. Brachycephalic breeds have exploded in popularity recently which means that unscrupulous and backyard breeding is rife. KC registration is not quality assurance, and many brachycephalic breeds have significant health and welfare problems.

What about a border terrier or other small dog bred for function and character rather than extreme aesthetics?

Veterinari · 16/05/2017 09:24

These pages have health and testing info

www.dogbreedhealth.com/boston-terrier/
www.dogbreedhealth.com/french-bulldog/

Original poster

Magpiemagpie · 16/05/2017 09:31

Thanks but I don't want a border terrier if I did I would have posted that I wanted that type of dog
I'm well aware of the welfare & health problems as I have owned several English Bulldogs over 20 years but never had a smaller similar breed .
My present dog has not had any problems health wise maybe I was lucky and did my research and didn't buy from BYB 9 years ago

My girl is getting on now at 9 which is a very good age for her breed and I would like a smaller dog which is why I'm looking at Boston Terriers and french Bulldogs as they are the type of dogs that' I am familiar with but on a larger scale . I'm tired of being kicked off the sofa
each night by my girl .

I'm more inclined for a Boston terrier though than a french bulldog as the French Bulldogs do seem to be very much dog of the moment and the BT that I have met recently seem to be much more lively and outgoing
I have every intention of doing my research and taking my time to buy as I'm not in any rush
But I was asking in case anyone on here have these dogs

OP posts:

Nancy91 · 16/05/2017 09:43

Get a dog with the ability to breathe properly

chickpeaburger · 16/05/2017 09:56

I agree with Nancy91.

RiseToday · 16/05/2017 10:01

I agree with the above. I don't support the breeding of these dogs

SuperBeagle · 16/05/2017 10:03

As lovely as these dogs are, I agree with the previous posters. The over-breeding of these breeds needs to be stopped, and that's not going to happen while people continue to line breeders' pockets.

Soubriquet · 16/05/2017 10:09

I love French bulldogs but I would never own one

Too badly bred and you could spend a fortune on surgery to help them breathe

I've got a chihuahua. They can be badly bred too when people try to breed "micro" chihuahuas and end up with bulging eyes and hydrocephalus but mine is very healthy.

She can breathe easily as no squat nose, her eyes are flat and not bulging and she doesn't have hydrocephalus

NotHotDogMum · 16/05/2017 10:13

I have a Boston terrier, he's lovely. A really gentle nature and quite a gentleman.

He enjoys long walks and is very active (no problems breathing etc.) he is very social with other dogs, but also seems happy with a shorter walk and quieter day at home from time to time.

He took ages to housetrain, perhaps as he is a smaller dog? I got quite frustrated but we got there in the end.

I have a dog flap for him which works well.

I'd say he is the perfect pet (but then I guess most people would feel that way about their pets )

Veterinari · 16/05/2017 10:22

I'm not sure exactly what kind of info you're after then? Yes temperament-wise they're generally nice dogs - but you already know that. And you're determined to buy despite the suffering experienced by these breeds.

The fact that you think 9 is a 'good age' for a medium sized dog gives an indication of how skewed 'normal' is in these breeds. And I am pretty confident that your bulldog will snore/have respiratory noise - that's not healthy or a pleasant experience for your dog - though it is 'normal' for the breed. Sadly with these dogs, chronic health and welfare problems and short lifespans have become 'normal' because that's easier for breeders/owners to accept than the reality of chronic air hunger, exercise intolerance and reduced lifespan that is the reality of brachycephalics. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful thing!

Nancy91 · 16/05/2017 10:23

These dogs are prone to eye problems, breathing problems and they can't cope in hot weather because they can't regulate their temperature like healthy breeds can.

If you were adopting a child would you ask for one with glaucoma, hyperthermia and brachycephaly - as little long as they were cute?

The dog may seem healthy to begin with but problems aren't always apparent and can develop later in the dog's life. Breeding these dogs is cruel and buying them from a breeder is misguided at best.

user1482079332 · 16/05/2017 10:25

How sad 9 is considered a good age :/

sparechange · 16/05/2017 10:27

I can't express how much it saddens me that people are happy to line the pockets of the disgraceful, disgraceful people breeding these poor dogs.

What the hell does it say about you as a person that you are happy to perpetuate the suffering and misery of these poor animals, because you want something that looks all cute and squishy?

So, so sad

GnatsChuff · 16/05/2017 10:28

The fact that the vast majority of Boston's require a C-section to give birth is yet another reason to not want one. When people have bred a dog to the point where it can no longer perform the basic functions of life like reproduction and breathing without human intervention, the time has come to say stop.

EssentialHummus · 16/05/2017 10:35

What everyone above said. What actual characteristics of these breeds do you like? I'd bet someone on here can guide you about suitable alternatives.

Original poster

Magpiemagpie · 16/05/2017 10:43

Thank you Hotdogmum for your post
That's what I wanted to know from someone who actually has one as a pet

the Boston Terriers that I have met always seem lovely and have a good temperament
Glad to hear that your Boston has no problems

OP posts:

SuperBeagle · 16/05/2017 10:46

Just ignore everyone else, that's cool.

GnatsChuff · 16/05/2017 10:51

My grandmother had Boston's. They snuffled and snorted and could barely walk. That was 35 years ago and the breed is in a much worse state now, far more inbred.

There you are, another opinion from someone who has some experience of the breed. I am also a vet, so reasonably well qualified on the subject.

JigglyTuff · 16/05/2017 10:52

My Boston has no health problems, no breathing problems, doesn't snore and his mother gave birth naturally to 6 puppies.

You do, as with any pedigree, have to research your breeder carefully, and be prepared to wait for for a puppy. The lifespan of a Boston is 10-14 years.

ExConstance · 16/05/2017 11:00

My first dog was a mongrel, probably spaniel/whippet /german shepherd/collie. She lived to be 17 and when she was 15 my vet expressed her amazement to see her leap with great style into the back of our estate car after her vaccination. She was the most intelligent dog I have ever had, cost virtually nothing in vets fees and was beautiful and unique. She was a small/medium dog and would have folded up nicely into a small space on anyone's sofa. A healthy smallish dog should live to 16 - Poodles and jack Russells do. Why not go to rescue and get dog different to any other, with every expectation of a healthy and long life. 9 is no age at all and I couldn't cope with having a dog that could not be expected to make 10.

sparechange · 16/05/2017 11:00

Original poster

Magpiemagpie · 16/05/2017 11:11

Super beagle
Don't worry I frequently ignore everyone, not just people that agree with me
I don't plan to just go and get one randomly from the internet tomorrow

OP posts:

FataliePorkman · 16/05/2017 11:12

French bulldog then when you breed from it it could be an easy 10k.

Original poster

Magpiemagpie · 16/05/2017 12:34

I have no interest in making a bit of pocket money from breeding
I don't need the money but thanks for the advice .

But from the prices that's I've seen recently it would be more than £10,000 I've seen puppy's going for over £3000 each puppy
I saw one yesterday at £4200. And there was 6 in the litter .Although £2000 seems to be the average price

I could buy a mulberry handbag , have a holiday at that price and still get a Boston terrier and I might have some change left over

Anyway I'm not that interested in French Bulldogs, they are very cute but it's the Boston terriers that I really like

OP posts:

MumBod · 16/05/2017 12:39

I've got one. I never intended to - she needed a home, was the runt of the litter, and once I saw here there was no way I was leaving without her.

I did alert the authorities on her breeder, though, and I've had her spayed so there'll be no pups.

She is a total delight. Full of personality, hilarious - just the best dog I've ever had. I adore her.

She's cost me quite a bit in vet bills, though, and I imagine there's more to come.

I won't be getting another though, so I enjoy her while I can.

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