I get mixed reactions when I’m out with my French Bulldog pup, Pepper.
Some people don’t understand what she is, some think she’s ‘pretty weird-looking’, and others can’t keep their hands off her squishy little face! Most people from the latter party usually say something along the lines of, “I’m seriously thinking about getting a Frenchie!” or “I’m either going to get a Frenchie, a Boston Terrier or a Pug…there’s something about those squished faces!”
I love that people are enthusiastic about the breed, and obviously I personally love French Bulldogs to bits! But we did a whole lotta research before we decided to get a French Bulldog as our first ever doggy companion, and I wish I could spend the time outlining the pros and cons of the breed to each person I meet!
I think it’s incredibly important to understand all aspects of the breed you’re seriously thinking of getting, so that you can make an informed decision and be prepared:
Pros of French Bulldogs:
- Frenchies have the hugely popular & cute ‘squishy look’
Loved by many, but some people aren’t a fan of this…each to their own! - They are extremely loving
They’re known for being ultra soppy – if you want a cuddly dog, a French Bulldog is perfect! - You will never stop laughing
They are clown dogs and have the most hilarious facial expressions! - They ‘re ‘not too small’ & ‘not too big’
Obviously this is preference, but because of their small/medium size they make a great, manageable first dog! - They are very quiet dogs
For the most part, Frenchies will only bark when there are visitors at the house, and not at other dogs etc. However, we have been super lucky with Pepper – she doesn’t bark at all! Perfect for terraced houses or flats. - There is a great community of Frenchie owners out there!
When we were first doing research into the breed, we joined several Facebook groups where French Bulldog owners hang out and share photos, advice & stories. We learnt so much, and these communities have been such great help throughout Pepper’s puppyhood! - Did I mention their cute squishy faces?
It never gets old.
Cons of French Bulldogs
- They’re expensive!
I’m not even just talking about the initial cost of buying a French Bulldog (if you are planning to buy rather than adopt, although I’d always promote adopting vs. buying!) – the ongoing costs of having a Frenchie is rather high due to more expensive insurance premiums. - Frenchies tend to fart… a lot
Yikes – there’s something about their squished faces which means they tend to inhale a lot of air when they eat or drink, which leads to (you guessed it!) a rather fun amount of gas! - They require daily ‘cleaning’
Whilst they are shorthaired dogs so don’t need a whole lot of attention with regards to grooming, their smooshed faces require daily cleaning within the creases to stop bacteria from causing issues in those folds. Also their big bat ears are kind of like buckets, so things can get stuck in there and it’s important to keep them clean too. - French Bulldogs can have health issues
Sadly (as with any pedigree breed) Frenchies can be more affected by certain health problems. Breathing issues is a common one for them, due to their flat noses, but also things like dermatitis and skin conditions can cause problems too. Always be sure to check with the breeder about any potential inherited problems and ensure they’re responsible… which brings me onto my next point: - Irresponsible breeding is very common :(
Unfortunately because French Bulldogs are so popular, this leads to inexperienced breeders wanting to make a ‘quick buck’ out of breeding their dog and selling puppies, without really knowing what they’re doing. This can be really dangerous and lead to very unhealthy puppies, so please be careful if you’re planning to buy a Frenchie.
As I say, I think it’s so important to be aware of the negatives as well as the positives when you’re getting a dog. It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement of adding a new furry family member to your squad!
Oh I love that little face, it is so cute! I love all dogs so much. They are a massive responsibility though, I swear it is like having a child sometimes! xx
It genuinely is! She is so much work – but gotta love her! x
She’s such a cutie :P
The bit about the farts made me laugh. Springers are just as bad D: Milly sits on me (bum facing me) and lets them off (I swear it’s deliberate :P)
I’ve never been a fan of pugs, but Frenchies I’ve always found to be ridiculously sweet. They sort of remind me of disney’s stitch :P (minus the blue fur)
Sarah xxo | thesaltyseablog.blogspot.co.uk
Yes! She is definitely Stitch – she even makes similar noises xD She is also very similar to yoda and a Gremlin hahaha
Glad to hear Pepper’s not the only one who fires them off with a deadly accuracy! x
How could anyone think that they are aggressive? Just look at that face!
Liv | http://www.maidenincornwall.co.uk
It’s the sunglasses that does it xD x
My little sister as a French Bulldog and she is so lovely but whenever it gets too hot it’s a nightmare she hardly can get out!
My dog is a mongrel so everytime someone says “What’s his breed?” I feel a little bit ambarassed and I don’t know what to say but everyone agrees to say he exactly looks like Santa’s little helper in the Simpson!
Lovely pug you have here anyway, I love French Bulldogs!
x
Céline from Larry & Co.
Haha thank you! Yes, it is a shame that we can’t go out in the hot sun sometimes; but I’m not a huge fan of the heat anyway so it’s not too bad!
And awwww I love Santa’s little helper!! I am a huge fan of Greyhounds, Whippets, Lurchers & everything in between – mongrel or not! I actually originally wanted an Italian Greyhound, but I got persuaded by N to get a Frenchie haha.
x
Going to look at a pup this weekend and this was a great read.
Thank you Justin, have fun looking this weekend! I’m sure you’ll fall in love :) Glad you found this helpful though.
PLEASE, PLEASE stop getting your Frenchies from unscrupulous breeders. I rescued my Frenchie because all she was, was a puppy factory. She has all sorts of problems as a result of having multiple litters and being neglected.
She is now settled, happy and very affectionate. She always makes a bad day great.
Why not adopt? Have a look at bulldogrescue.org website. They have Frenchies there too.
We ♡ Frenchies!
I have had my sweet Karen since March and she will be one in January. She is developing allergies:( and has some hair loss behind her ears and around her eyes! So sad! We are working thru that and hopefully making her food will continue to help?
She had bad farts – really bad death farts!!! She ad a bout with Giardia! My vet suggested giving her probiotics and that honestly stopped her farts! Before I was making her food I was giving her clean holistic kibble in a slow eat bowl- they look like a puzzle and the probiotic honestly worked! If you have tips on the hair loss or allergies please let me know❤️
I recently brought home my sweet little
Boy, Croissant! He’s quite adorable abs gets so much attention that going out during COVID has been a challenge to keep people away. His markings and facial expressions have kept them coming in packs to get a piece of him! He often sleeps on my head, nose to nose or cuddled against me. My husband often wonders if we will ever have alone time again lol. For such a small package he is such an incredible joy. Despite the foul spoiled egg smell that comes in waves, we giggle and blame him for all things foul! How anyone doesn’t find their playfulness, humor and unconditional love a + is beyond me. But be prepared for your forever companion until their last breath. For meeting a Frenchie that fulfills you will steal your heart from the moment you say hello. I can’t imagine life without him abs it’s only been 4 weeks! We had boxers before him, Croissant will eventually be joined by Baguette and maybe some Beignet’s. Lol
I have two French bulldogs. Before that I had Boston terriers. Sassy was the smallest in the litter and the most vocal. Chubbs was the largest of the litter and he was born blind. When I take them outside they run all over the yard. You wouldn’t know he was blind until you saw his eyes. He doesn’t bark he mowns. If anyone is around when he moans they usually look at me and asks what is that noise. I tell them he is moaning at the moon. They run all over the house at a dead run. They are just the best. Follows me everywhere and think they have to right under foot.