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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Going around in circles. Pls help. French bull dog?

116 replies

Sodamncold · 16/05/2020 06:27

I have done so much research I have lost the plot!

I have two children who adore dogs. I grew up with dogs (boxers). Now will be working from home and decided it’s the time to have another member of our family.

We would love a small/very small dog, and one that is open to lots of cuddles.

French bull dog?

Huge thank you

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wetotter · 16/05/2020 06:36

They're the most flatulent breed I've ever come across

I know one family with quite small DC which has two, and they do seem to be friendly family dogs (experienced owners, well trained)

BiteyShark · 16/05/2020 07:21

Don't french bulldogs often have breathing issues?

I do like the look of the breed but if I am right the potential health issues would put me off and that's from a spaniel owner that's has been in and out of the vets many times with illnesses and accidents.

Original poster
Sodamncold · 16/05/2020 07:41

Ok this is really useful info. Thank you

Flatulent? I hate to admit this because it’s only... wind after all! But I’m very house proud and that really is a negative.

What breed would you suggest? Small. Minimal shedding. Affectionate.
We will be able to offer a very loving home and lots of walks (if that’s what the breed needs) and lots of love.

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GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 16/05/2020 07:57

It's a pity, because they have great personalities, but a big nope to a Frenchie. Far too many of them have breathing problems, dental issues and spinal issues because of the shape they are bred to be.

Whippets don't shed a lot and curl up very small. On the whole they are very chilled dogs. The smaller poodles are also good.

foxychox · 16/05/2020 08:08

Be prepared for massively hiked prices for puppies at the minute Sad. Based on your brief I'd go for a cockapoo or KC spaniel..,,

Karwomannghia · 16/05/2020 08:09

I had a boxer who I adored but like you wanted a smaller dog easier to manage. We have a Boston terrier and she is utterly adorable. They look similar to French bulldogs but are very like miniature boxers in personality. They don’t yap away like most small dogs, mine hardly ever barks they’re incredibly sociable and affectionate, often used as therapy dogs, easy to train, love human attention and friendly with other dogs! They have such boxery traits like lying on their tummies, very expressive little faces.
They have short noses but not as much as bulldogs but make sure you choose carefully. Also on here you get slated if you go for anything other than a retired greyhound regardless of your family circumstances!

Going around in circles. Pls help. French bull dog?
HappyBuyer · 16/05/2020 08:10

French bulldogs:
*very friendly - to everyone (love small children);
*can be quite stubborn (obedience training required,- well... like any dog would);
they are clowns :)
very clingy to one person which can quickly grow into separation anxiety (one has to be sure to train the pup to stay alone for max 4 hours - they can't be left alone for longer than that); if left alone for longer will require pet sitter/walker or doggy daycare;
*no long walks - 15 - 20 minutes at the time otherwise you will exhaust/over exercise the dog;
*breed is prone to many allergies; main areas - ears, eyes, skin and some food intolerance;
flatulence - Frenchies have sensitive stomachs (high quality expensive dry/wet food is a MUST or special homemade tailored meals to reduce gas formation);
they snore and snort very loud due to flat face (mine sleeps in living room as I'm light sleeper);
*great companions;
*great for first time dog ''parents'';
*they do not bark too much especially if trained from an early age.

That's on top of my head really...

CodenameVillanelle · 16/05/2020 08:16

Aren't they the breed who have been bred to have horrible respiratory issues? Why would you want to contribute to that industry?

redwoodmazza · 16/05/2020 08:17

Miniature Schnauzer?

OVienna · 16/05/2020 08:19

Boston's are GREAT DOGS. Lots of good groups on FB.

I do love Frenchies too but the health issues would concern me.

Karwomannghia · 16/05/2020 08:23

Also in my research about Bostons they’re meant to be farty but mine isn’t, just the odd one, no where near as much as my boxer.
My friend has a KC spaniel and he just barks incessantly and also growls if you go near him when he’s got a toy/sock/whatever.
You could take food out of my Boston’s mouth (not that I do) and she would just be pleased to see you! Also short haired so dirt just brushes off. I follow Boston terrier world on Facebook and you can get a real idea of what they’re like on there.

Itoldyouiwasill · 16/05/2020 08:24

I had a very well bred Frenchie with few breathing difficulties. She could walk for the same distance as my other dogs ( non frenchie) and yes she did have quite stinky flatulence. The only difficulty came in very hot weather and she needed to be kept indoors. ( oh and they can't swim)
Absolutely lovely with people especially children but quite hateful to any other dogs. It was almost as if she loved humans so much that she wanted all the competition dead.
I'd go for one again as long as you buy from a good breeder and get a vet check ASAP to establish what her breathing is like.
However after my experience I personally wouldn't have one with other dogs. Other people say completely different bu that was my experience

Itoldyouiwasill · 16/05/2020 08:25

Oh and mine rally shed a lot which took me by surprise

Monkeytapper · 16/05/2020 08:29

We have 2 at the moment, previously had others, never had any health conditions, maybe we were lucky. All 3 of them didn’t have e a really squashed nose, we chose them because if that and the breathing problems.Such funny dogs, so loving X

Going around in circles. Pls help. French bull dog?
Original poster
Sodamncold · 16/05/2020 08:38

Oh the Boston terroir! My heart soars. So lovely.

We don’t need a puppy. I’d be happy with older younger rescue.

So you think Boston terroir?

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Dreamersandwishers · 16/05/2020 08:42

Having DC I would want a dog that was great with humans of all sizes, and with other animals, dogs cats etc. All dogs need socialisation but I have not met many bull-breeds who are naturally friendly with other dogs, Frenchies are no exception.
The reason it’s important - if you are out with kids & dog and he goes off on one at another dog, it can escalate, with your children in the middle.
Spaniels, cockapoos, schnauzers are all good bets.

Original poster
Sodamncold · 16/05/2020 08:46

Cockapoos are out. Lovely dogs but not for me. Too bouncy and enthusiastic.

Bit slow, affectionate, lazy - that would suit us!

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TimeWastingButFun · 16/05/2020 08:47

Cavapoos or cavachons are gorgeous, loving and don't shed or fart excessively.

Wolfiefan · 16/05/2020 08:49

You say you’re very house proud? Then honestly I wouldn’t get a dog.
If you really are serious then start with the basics. What can you offer a dog? How much space? How much walking? How much grooming and training? How old are your kids?

Karwomannghia · 16/05/2020 08:50

@Sodamncold glad you like her! I absolutely recommend. I can’t believe how easy she is and such personality. Really has opened my eyes to how different breeds are when I compare her to friends’ dogs who have been really stressful for them. We had to get a pup because of young children and I wasn’t looking forward to house training but again, no problem, walks- can go for long walks, learned to come back easily, she’s been a joy! I looked at the kennel club for a breeder but there will be rescue centres.

Original poster
Sodamncold · 16/05/2020 08:53

@Wolfiefan

Yes house proud.

Able to offer daily exercise. Lots of walks plus have a very decent garden.
Two children 8 and 10. Kind, sensitive and gentle.
I’d be home most of the day every day.

@Karwomannghia did you have much experience of dogs before her?

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Original poster
Sodamncold · 16/05/2020 08:55

A friend is suggesting a retired grey hound....

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Karwomannghia · 16/05/2020 08:58

Yes I had a boxer who lived till 13. An absolute treasure. Had her from 6 weeks. My Boston is so much like her but easier!

Karwomannghia · 16/05/2020 08:58

A friend is suggesting a retired grey hound....

Knew it wouldn’t be long!

TeddyIsaHe · 16/05/2020 08:59

Greyhounds whilst not small would really suit you down to the ground. They are low shedding, and once they've had their exercise do like to laze around like a cat for the rest of the day.

I know they’re blasted for being the MN go-to, but they really are lovely dogs. And if you get a retired one you’ll have a good idea of temperament before you get one.