Who knows about French Bulldogs?

[sugarplumfairy28]

So a little bit of background. I have had dogs before, a Westie and a miniature Dachshund. My sausage was a typical sausage, stubborn, difficult to train, high prey drive, took forever to toilet train him, in comparison my Westie was easy. My Westie died nearly 4 years ago, and my sausage died last year. Aged 13 and 14 respectively.

We do have cats, and children, and our daughter has special needs. I miss having the dogs, and I feel like I have fallen into a depression without them. I feel stupid going for a walk alone, I don't like talking to myself and I miss that unconditional love. The dogs were my escape, my 'excuse' for me time.

We did a huge amount of research for a new dog, something friendly, trainable, good with other animals, family dog. We came up with a Bernese Mountain Dog. We found a breeder who said all the right things, and we went and got him. Honestly it was a nightmare. This poor puppy had never lived around people, never lived inside, and he was so incredibly stressed. He was biting us and not in a playful way, bit our daughters face twice, would grab her hair and not let go, he was incredibly destructive, the only time he was happy was outside in a kennel on his own, he became aggressive towards my husband and was snarling at him. The only thing we could do was return him to the breeder, which was heart breaking.

Now, we still want a dog but are still taken aback by what happened earlier this year. Our first instinct is to go back to a smaller dog, and we have done a ton of research and a French Bulldog keeps coming out on top. Family dogs, low grooming needs, smart enough for basic training, good with kids and other animals and affectionate. Does anyone have any real life experience? Can anyone give me an insight on what reality looks like with a Frenchie? I know about the health risks, but in a practical sense what do you look for?

French bulldogs will chase things - they are good ratters and will give a squirrel a run for its money too.

Something to consider if you live in an area with rabies in the wild.

Thanks everyone, on paper, reviews, kennel club descriptions, they sound like lovely dogs and I didn't want to rule them out, but in a reality, there seems to be too many they're lovely but... Lots of different serious problems. Also, an attitude of get pet insurance (well obviously) you're going to need it - that's not the right attitude towards a breed for my liking.

I work with dogs and this is probably the last breed I would go for. The breathing noise is constant and owners think it’s cute. The owners are deluded and think they are healthy animals but they have no clue what a healthy dog looks like any more because they judge it against other deformed dogs not healthy breeds.

I hate the lack of a tail with a bum just pointing up at you. They stink and fart constantly because of the rubbish digestive system. They suffer from all sorts of health conditions. Add to this the vast majority are angry grumpy things, don’t forget they are still a bull breed. I feel it would be hell to die and come back as one of them.

If you must get small dog with potential health issues get a cavi, at least they are happy about life.

I have a ds with SNs who massive benefits from having dogs in the family. I totally understand what you say about the big dog thing, pressure, presence etc, but after years of having large breeds we have recently had our first toy breed and he is just as smitten with him as he was with the big dogs. I think having a small dog curled up on your lap is just as relaxing as lying alongside a big dog.

The advantage of some of the toy breeds is that they were bred for to be companions and actually want to be with you, although you do need to be aware of over-attachment and separation anxiety. I would never have a brachycephalic breed and my heart breaks for the state of Frenchies in particular, but there are plenty of other, non-exaggerated small breeds.

Re breeders, after looking in depth at which breed you think would suit your family, researching health issues (not just the ones the KC/Club insist are tested for) join the breed club and then either their or other breed groups on facebook. Build up a relationship with a few breeders and do your best to visit their dogs more than once. This way you gradually build up a picture of how they raise their pups and will see a few litters being raised before you get your chance (good breeders tend to have long waiting lists). I am completely new to our breed, but had been friends with the breeder for two years before we got our boy. During that time I learned such a lot from other owners and breeders and also which breeders I would rather not be involved with. Anything at all that makes you doubt your choice or feel uneasy, walk away and that includes breeders who genuinely love their dogs, but are out of step with modern standards of care or aren’t informed enough to raise them for the fully package of physical, emotional and psychological care, as anything less is simply not giving them the best start in life. Puppies start being shaped in the womb and care of the mum during pregnancy is as vital as raising pups the right way from birth to their new homes.

My friend has had emergency after emergency with his young frenchie. He actually rescued it rather than bought it but the poor dog lives between the emergency vet and it's cage. It can't roam the house, get excited, run, go on long walks or it might collapse. It's 2 years old and probably won't survive the next year.

You'll get a lot of hate on here for frenchies but I bought my first one in lockdown and he is a treasure , the funniest puppy I've ever had . He is well bred has no breathing issues , doesn't even snore and runs plays like any other dog .

When people say ‘they’re cute but…’

Is it just me who doesn’t think they’re cute? They look like their eyes are about to pop out and they really stink. Not cute. Not healthy. Not a good idea.

Haven't read all the way through but was just coming on to disagree with someone's suggestion of a spaniel. Unless you're going for an already mature rescue where you only have to contend with their exercise needs don't get one because they are a huge handful as puppies and during adolescence. Proper carpet sharks and quite prone to resource guarding. They are also loopy mad weirdos and you need to go into that with eyes wide open!

A beagle could be a good option? If you've had terriers you'll not be phased by their prey drive but they're a bit bigger and a lot cuddlier in my experience. Or tbh I'd stick with terriers if you've had them before. Or if you want something biddable and good for a family and aren't worried about size just get a lab.

It’s not hate, it’s concern for their health

Our beagle is pretty much my daughters therapy dog. We didn't get her Molly for DD but she just picked up that DD needed her. She's a huge snuggle bug, if you sit down she's on your lap and is quite happy to chill out at home whereas our spaniel is constantly on the go unless he's asleep!

Beagles are generally brilliant with the kids and kid sized, not too big bit big enough for cuddles. They're also very food motivated which is good for training. They can be quite stubborn but only in the sense that they don't do something unless they can see what's in it for them, so if you're holding a treat they'll do anything. Bit vocal but all dogs make noise.

If you're not keen though I'd go for a lab or a retriever.

That's so great for your DS, wishing them many happy years together! We had our previous 2 dogs since before DD was born, both great dogs, our DD was more fond of our Westie (not by much). She would grab blankets and insist nap time was in the middle of the floor next to my Westie, but she has always been very aware that they are small. Every larger dog she has met she has been very different with, you can see how much more relaxed she is. We went to a wedding, DD got very overwhelmed and my MIL had a new greyhound rescue, and said lets just try taking her home and see if the greyhound will help. And it did, she stayed there for hours, the minute she sat with her, it was like a security blanket. She is also great with horses funnily enough.

On the one hand I can't bear the thought of replacing my previous 2, but I do want another dog, I see a Westie and its not a Westie its a 'Boo dog'. So I want to focus on another breed. The problem with the small dogs that I am aware of is chasing instincts, and we do have cats...

@sugarplumfairy28 My ds is now an adult, so maybe that makes a difference.

If your dd was comfortable with your MIL’s Greyhound, would you consider one of those? Several of our big dogs were Lurchers and they were an such a comfort to ds through the difficult secondary school years. If you get the right one, they are so calm and peaceful in the house, which may be preferable to a young, lively puppy if your dd needs a calm, solid presence.

We had our dogs before the dcs too, so they have grown up with dogs and ds used to come straight in from school and sit quietly with them for an hour before he was ready to emerge and move on with his day. Their presence helped the transition from home to school and helped him release his school related stress in a calm way, by just sitting and gently stroking them. His psych and inclusion worker both put in their reports how much they helped with his emotional regulation and stress management. If you are interested, it’s worth contacting rescues such as Forever Hounds, EGLR and Lurcher Link, as they don’t have blanket no-children policies and are careful to match the right dog to your family’s needs.

Just noticed you have cats. I know people think cats and sighthounds don’t go together, but there are cat friendly hounds too. The rescues will cat test to be sure and often the dogs have been in foster homes where there are cats, which is even more reassuring.

Well I think you had very bad luck because Bernese is a wonderful breed normally and very docile. Think you found a dodgy breeder to be honest. For all the reasons given above I really wouldn’t get a French bulldog - my friends have one and the poor thing can barely breed. personally I’s go for a golden retriever from a good breeder.

My friends a vet and says the best all round family pet is a miniature schnauzer

I’ve had a French bulldog and she was lovely and didn’t have any health problems but she was difficult to toilet train and just train in general. Might have been me/her though.

I have a pug and a chihuahua now and I would never have any other breed, the pug especially is the best dog ever with the kids. Chihuahua not so much, but I love her and she loves sitting on my shoulder like a parrot 😂

Barely breathe!

I have a frenchy x staffy and he's an absaloute babe! We rescued him as a pup. He has a good nose, no breathing problems (touch wood) and a tail. He is definitely more on the frenchie side, Can be stubborn with selective hearing lol. I wouldn't personally look to be spending ££££'s on a pure breed for the reasons everyone has already mentioned. I have seen so many frenchies with smushed up faces , I'm so so lucky my boy doesn't look like that . Have you thought about looking at a frenchy crossed wirh something else? Would a staffy be an option?

Unfortunately I am in Germany and Greyhounds are just not a common dog here. While my MIL's first one is an absolute doll, she also took in a second rescue who DD hasn't met yet, but he is bonkers and absolutely cannot be around cats at all. He has to be muzzled at all times outside, has pulled MIL over more than once giving chase.

All the reasons you have mentioned is the benefits I see for DD. Having said that it needs to be a dog for everyone and in fact its me who wants the dog life, so I can't just focus on her. I don't mean for that to sound selfish, but I can't put all these hopes and 'jobs' on a puppy to live up to, it would be great if that happened too, and I am looking at breeds that seem more likely to be like that. I hope that makes sense.

To be honest we were all so so heartbroken about it and so incredibly angry with the breeder, and just felt so stupid. This is him for what its worth. I am feeling a lot more confident about a Golden Retriever.

I know two people who had frenchies and both regret it. They have spent so much money rectifying health issues and would highly recommend not getting one. Any vet will tell you the same. I think it's quite shocking that despite claiming to understand the health issues you are still interested. Must have money to burn and little concern for the quality of life your future frenchie will have.

I think that is a little unfair. I have detailed how the breed standards have changed in light of these health issues. I also said I am interested in reality and not just what I read on paper and wanted real life examples. My main query was whether people are actually getting these healthier dogs or if its too soon. I have also already said how the reality is not something I like and I would steer clear of them. Isn't it better that someone is actually asking questions rather than blindly buying them? Anyway here is my reply from yesterday -

"Thanks everyone, on paper, reviews, kennel club descriptions, they sound like lovely dogs and I didn't want to rule them out, but in a reality, there seems to be too many they're lovely but... Lots of different serious problems. Also, an attitude of get pet insurance (well obviously) you're going to need it - that's not the right attitude towards a breed for my liking."

I have a frenchie ( adopted from a relative who got him and then basically got bored of him). He is healthy and his breathing is good. However we can't walk him to far and definitely not once it starts to get really warm in the summer. He was/is an absolute bastard to train and has zero recall so cannot be walked off the lead. He is very loving and cuddly though.

@sugarplumfairy28 absolutely understand, yes. Our latest pup was chosen by me for me, for similar reasons. Dogs have always been my thing and it was a bonus that they were also so good for ds, but this time around I wanted one that met my requirements first and foremost and he has done that perfectly. He is a fantastic little chap, has bonded well with everyone and is very astute in assessing how to be around each family member, but he is most definitely my dog and I am his person
.

We have a rescued one. It's the last breed I would ever have chosen (but my DH is a sucker for a sob story, so I didn't get a choice). I wouldn't have one ever again, too noisy, too expensive and a few other things that may be unique to mine, but do my head in all the same.

That said, she is loving and protective, she even protects the cat!