While they ’re cunning and lovable dogs , the wellness issues are hard to look past .
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In fount you missed it , theFrench bulldoghas risen to the top of thelist of most popular dogsin the United States , ending theLab’s31 - class running at the top . Frenchies are endearing , hilarious , and highly social dogs , so their popularity is no surprisal . I ’m a veterinary technician with over 20 eld of clinical experience and have cared for many Frenchies as patients over the years . I ’ve love work with them , but the wellness job associated with the strain are discouraging .
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Here ’s why I ’d never commend start out a French bulldog .
What’s Wrong With French Bulldogs?
Do n’t get me wrong — I actually make love Frenchies and think they ’re a mint of sport , but I have serious concerns about the stock due to their legion wellness issuesand high maintenance want . Sadly , those cute smooshy faces , endearing wrinkles , and compact builds can chair to some drain weather . Gallic bulldogs often require extra care to foreclose complications , and theirveterinary costscan add up speedily .
Airway Issues
Brachycephalic clogging airway syndromemay include one or more geomorphological abnormalities that affect external respiration . Gallic bulldogs , among other breed , have been engender to have shorter gag than the average hound , leading to overcrowding of the airway that restricts airflow . This is why many Frenchies breathe forte and saw wood while catch some Z’s . Some will even have episodes consanguineous to sleep apnea in world .
Many Gallic bulldogs are prostrate to overheat in warm temperatures or after exercise because they can not efficiently cool themselvesthrough heave . This can extend toheat exhaustionor even warmth stroking .
Surgery is the only way to treat brachycephalic syndrome , and many Frenchies ask this to chasten their airways so they can survive normal biography .
Frenchies with narrowed nostrils like this often have difficulty breathing and cooling themselves.kiszon pascal / Getty Images
kiszon pascal / Getty Images
Skin Problems
Frenchies are more potential to developskin problemsthan the average domestic dog , includingskin allergieswhich can pass to skin vexation , hide infection , andear infections .
Because of those wizardly furrow , Gallic English bulldog are prone to skin - fold dermatitis . This skin inflammation occur when wet or rubble is trapped in the skin where breeze can not reach it . preferent parent must keep the skin fold clean and dry to prevent contagion .
Cherry Eye
cherry tree eyeoccurs when a dog ’s third eyelid , which is normally not visible , protrudes from the inner recession of the eye . This is mainly a cosmetic issue at first , but it can finally obstruct vision and lead story to irritation , contagion , and ironical eye . Surgery is necessary to repair cherry middle .
Orthopedic and Neuromuscular Diseases
French bulldogs are genetically predispose to several conditions that can cause pain and impair their mobility , including :
Reproductive and Birthing Complications
Gallic bulldogs are unremarkably bred through artificial insemination because their body shapes make traditional mating unmanageable , if not impossible . Most Frenchies can not give nascency naturally due to their pelvic structures and demand Caesarian section to deliver puppies . To me , it sound like nature is try on to say something here — these andiron go against the natural law of evolution .
Should You Get a French Bulldog?
In my persuasion , there are plenty ofhealthier firedog breedsthat are just as awing as Gallic bulldog . This is not the correct hound for everyone , especiallyfirst - time pet parent . However , if you have your heart set on a Frenchie pup , prefer areputable breederwho prioritizes health over other trait , or acquire one from a protection or rescue organisation .
If you resolve to get a French bulldog , keep these tip in mind :
French Bulldog Alternatives
The high demand for Frenchies means that more people are multiply them . unluckily , some lack the knowledge and experience to do so ethically and humanely . By choosing a unlike detent breed , you’re able to help diminish this demand . Of course , many other breed share traits with Frenchies , includingbulldogsandBoston terriers , but they ’re prone to similar health issues . It ’s still important to research the breed and the stock breeder before buying any purebred dog .
I ’m a hugefan of mutts , so I ’m always go to advocate them . If you ’re open to a interracial - breed dog , visit your local animal shelter or deliverance mathematical group . You just might strike in love with a cutie who has some Frenchie traits but fewer wellness issues while also helping with themassive stateless pet crisis .
O’Neill et al . Canine Medicine and Genetics.2021
