French Bulldog

ali123

Hi

Any French Bulldog owners out there?

I have been considering the breed for a long time now and think it might be the one for me.

Just looking for any opinions on things to watch out for with breeders and breed characteristics (whats good or bad)?


Thanks

VonVix

Expect to pay upwards of €800+ for a well bred puppy, and I'm probably being modest with the starting value. I think it's quite common that they have to be born by a c-section due to the size of their heads being often way too big for a normal birth to happen.

andreac

Stay away from the likes of Donedeal. Go through the breed club and go and meet breeders at shows. Frenchies are not cheap, a good one will be way over €1000 so start saving. They are quite feisty dogs and not for the in experienced owner.

eoglyn

I've got one, i wouldn't describe him as feisty but he is somewhat unbiddable, he's figured out a long time ago that there is nothing i have that is of more value than a strange child - that can cause problems if he is loose in the park - it means he is on lead in the park all of the time now.

If i can generalise based on my experience of a few but owning one and say they are independent characters, basically its like owning a cat that loves children a bit too much.

Don't think you'll get away without walking them though, my lad needs, and gets, 40 minutes at least a day and will do longer a couple of times a week. Longest he ever did was 14km hike, he was fine after it.

Wouldn't do it in the heat though - the humidity of the last 6 weeks have been very hard on him and a pita for me - walks have needed to be very early in the morning and very late in the evening.

I know since i got one that advice to avoid done deal and rare colours like blue is solid, don't take a chance as even a healthy looking pup can develop expensive and heart-breaking illnesses.

I think prices of €1500+ would be expected from a responsible breeder.

Why do you think a frenchie would suit you OP?

tk123

The only experience I have of them is one I handled at a puppy class. I couldn't do anything with him he was that tense and afraid of the other dogs. They ended up leaving because he was attacking all the other pups so for that reason please go with a reputable breeder who knows what they're doing to get the pups ready for the outside world. This guy had obviously spent the last 8 weeks out in a barn he was that nervous and jumpy

eoglyn

I don't think that would be typical TK - by the vast majority of accounts online they are gregarious characters who love meeting new people, dogs and children - seriously all about the children.
That's been my experience, but it does go to show that you need a responsible breeder that has them in their home and well socialised in the first weeks of their lives. I have spent time looking on donedeal and i would have concerns about a good many of the ads that appear there, including many that come up again and again that appear to be from the same person, or from people reselling the pups they bought from there after 6 months.

ali123

Thanks Guys

I definitely understand the costs involved.

From what I have seen and learned so far the breed seems to have a fairly even and playful temperment.

I am used to owning larger working breeds but have held off getting a new dog for a while now as I am moving house. Will have a decent garden but don't think it would be suitable for anything too big and don't really ant anything too small or hairy.

Eoglyn why the advice to avoid rare colours? Is it due to the genetics involved in creating the unusual colours? What are classed as the best and worst types.

I do intend to get out to a few shows before I finally take the plunge.

Whispered

A frenchie is the only dog I'd go to a breeder for. I just love them, silly, stubborn, clowney, silly, bouncy, headstrong, silly, loveable and silly. If I found one in rescue in the morning I'd want it. Brilliant little dogs.

As for the cons, I couldn't tell ya because I'm a bit blinded by how great I think they are. But I'm sure there are a few. Price I guess would put me off, as would the fact they're so flat faced it can cause problems. Personality wise I think they can be a handful, but I must admit I'm a fan of slightly bold dogs, I find it endearing (within reason) so I wouldn't necessarily put that as a con if you're looking for a cheeky chappie. I've also been told they can be sensitive so need careful, kind training (but don't they all really?)

I'd agree with Andreac about going to shows to get a more balanced view.

eoglyn

A quick google found info from the english breed club...

I have seen a few blue ones advertised in ireland - including some repeatedly offered for stud, i'd have serious questions about that.

I mean, maybe its fine, maybe the breed club are over-reacting or over-protective of their own members but i personally wouldn't take a higher risk to get one with skin problems - if it did occur it would be upsetting and also costly as insurance may not cover it - i know of a case where it didn't.

Great that you have experience of owning energetic dogs, a frenchie will be comparitively easier, but you will also likely be living in closer quarters with it.

They have a great personality as whispered said - my lad is a proper character, even people who don't usually like dogs warm to him instantly and ask for him always - people are drawn to him in the street and park, and he loves it.

Although i did use the word 'unbiddable', its not unmanageable, he is exceptionally even-tempered and predictable, overall it is a pleasure.

Bad points are price, obviously, and that they are more susceptible to illness - since we got his luxating patella (knee) fixed when he was 6 months old he has not had any issues, though i have heard of some with bad skin conditions. Hugo is very curious and loves being off lead by the river and in the forest, but you have to keep an eye on him around water as they can't swim well, there are online horror stories of them drowning, he's never been out of his depth though, so i can't confirm whether this is true. Short nose makes the humidity very hard to handle, you have to feel sorry for him these days.

eoglyn

oh btw, i just fully read that link i posted earlier, and i don't in any way endorse the slightly xenophobic tone .... typical english superiority complex :pac:...

...So i'm deleting it...

There is a lot of supporting info re rare colours this online - quick googling will get you plenty of info, you can then make up your mind as to whether its something to worry about or not