French Bulldog

Our French bulldog is a joy to own. He is loyal, generally calm (unless it is first thing in the morning or you have been out for several hours! then he becomes like an excitable puppy) and easy to maintain.

The biggest negative is the breathing problems that prevent him from exercising like a normal dog. They got progressively worse from a few months old until he was noticeably struggling after even short walks. He had 2 operations to shorten his palate and remove laryngeal saccules (small sacks that are produced as a result of exerting too much effort in breathing) and i would say this produced a 25% improvement.

He is a very active little lad who would love to go for walks with the family but he can not manage more than half a mile maximum before the excess of saliva - produced due to the shortened salivary glands- blocks his small wind pipe and starts the harsh, rasping noises.

He is better in cold weather, admittedly, and will manage a walk round the block much better but it is still unacceptable that so many examples of brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds are afflicted with these problems.

The shortened muzzle, creating the interesting look, confers no advantage whatsoever in terms of function and the ludicrous claims surrounding the very similar English Bulldog i.e that the flat face allows them to breathe while gripping a bull's muzzle, are pure fantasy (bulldogs 100 years ago had much more length of face).

We love him very much and he is so easy to live with, great with the kids and good natured. Without the health issues i would rate him a 10. The fact we can not take him to the park most of the year is a real limitation and would prevent me from owning the breed again- i have no desire to fuel the market for expensive dogs with breathing problems.

Next time we will probably aim for a relaxed breed that can also breathe freely. I just wouldn't want to see another animal struggle in this way for the sake of human fashion. I don't think anyone believes the breathing problems can be so pronounced until they buy breeds like French and English Bulldogs. I certainly didn't think it would be an issue- how wrong i was.

Finding Piggy-Wu was the best decision I have made in a long while. I don't know if being a French Bulldog cross-breed has anything to do with her lovely nature..? I have thoroughly researched Frenchies and pugs, and I seem to have run across the best of both worlds in Piggy-Wu. She is fawn with a black mask, and she has pug ears and a single curl tail. Her muzzle is not so flat as a pug - more squarish - like a Frenchie, therefore her breathing is easier, and I don't anticipate any complications later on (as can sometimes occur in pugs).

I would recommend the breed to anyone...although each person must take into consideration their own personality, prior commitments, and time and space before a decision is made on the particular breed that is right for them.

Our French Bulldog Paula is a great companion. Our children adore her. She loves to play with them and with our Dalmatian, but can also lie in front of a radiator for half a day dosing her life away. She likes cuddling and stroking, and especially enjoys lying in somebodies lap while we watch TV. She always gives the impression she's starving and could eat a lot more than she's getting. She tends to eat a lot of unwholesome things while unattended during a stroll outside. All in all a cherished member of our family.

French Bulldog - Being fond of the smaller, stockier breeds, the French Bulldog fell near the top end of the list when selecting a dog. Although very short-faced they have a lot more energy than their English cousin due to being much lighter and more agile. He has been a very amusing companion and also seems attached to his home and family. He can be very food possessive where our other dog is concerned but they generally get on very well. He is a handy enough size to be slung under the arm but strong enough to handle most situations (imagine a very heavily built Jack Russell or very small Staff). Food requirements are not massive but he eats a lot for his size. He is also quite happy to exercise himself indoors but will take any amount of exercise if required.