Not an owner.......yet!

kwoodson59 · Oct 21, 2014

Good Morning all you Frenchie lovers. Brand new to this board and hope to get some input from owners. We had to put our beloved Ernie the Pug down this past summer. He gave us almost 15 years of unconditional love, kisses, snoring and shedding. My dh said no more dogs, but is starting to back down from that pronouncement. While I love the breed, I have to admit he was one expensive little guy with a long list of health issues. Most of them revolved around his: ears, skin allergies and breathing issues. I'm curious as to whether or not French Bulldogs have similar health issues. And if they do, are they pretty manageable? Also, what is their shedding situation? I love their size, look and purported temperament but want to do my homework thoroughly before I commit. Thanks is advance for any info.

Kathy

Tgirl · Oct 21, 2014

Hi, I am so sorry for your loss. I don't have a Frenchie yet either, but there are a number of problems associated with the breed. I would definitely research breeders very carefully. You want to find one who tests for various French bulldog related problems. Getting a well bred Frenchie will reduce your chances of getting one with health issues.

Cbrugs · Oct 21, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. Yes, Frenchies can have the same issues. My boy will be 2 in April and I have been dealing with severe environmental allergies since January/February. He does not have breathing issues but I know some Frenchies do and need surgery. Jax usually sheds the worst twice a year and he is shedding his summer coat right now. From my experience, Frenchies can be quite expensive to take care but not all Frenchies have issues. I did a lot of research on Frenchies before I got one, knew there was a potential for allergies and other problems and decided I still wanted one.

eeturk · Oct 21, 2014

As others have said, Frenchies are predisposed to many health issues. We looked for months for a puppy that was built a little differently hoping that we could avoid some of the common problems, and so far that has worked out great. No allergies, no breathing problems, great hips and back and he can run and play and keep up with any other dog. We keep the shedding under control with the furminator, feed a raw diet for preventative measures and because that's what works for him, and have basically no health issues besides an ear infection and a few accidental injuries. It all depends on the dog.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

davidh · Oct 21, 2014

Welcome to the site and sorry for your loss. As others have said, Frenchies can have the same problems. Finding a good reputable breeder is the key to having a Frenchie with less problems. We are fortunate enough to have Frenchies that are healthy and no problems. They do not shed much and it can be managed easily with a Kong Zoom Groom. Please do your home work on breeders and ask plenty of questions and you will find a good pup. There is plenty of info on this site, plus feel free to ask us any questions you may have, we are here to help. We can not openly recommend a breeder in a post, nor do we endorse any, but someone can tell you about a breeder they used in a PM.

2bullymama · Oct 21, 2014

So sorry for the loss of you sweet Pug, they are a great breed too.

as with any dog, a good breeder and a high quality food make a big difference in any health issues. With that said, some will have issues regardless. best of luck with your search.... a dog in your life is truly required!

blushy · Oct 23, 2014

Poor little Ernie!
(My grandpa that passed away was Ernie also, so this jerked my heart strings!)

I'm sorry for your loss!

We were going to buy a pug, but decided not to since the little guy we were trying to purchase seemed to have major breathing problems and he was only 8 weeks old.

Since we had no dogs at the time, and frenchies were our dream dog, we found a breeder and got our Isabelle.

So far in the 7 1/2 months we've had her she sprained her hip playing, and developed cherry eye that was surgically corrected.

So yes, they are expensive, we are looking into pet insurance.

I hope one day you can get one and enjoy this amazing breed! They really are worth it!

nikki86 · Oct 23, 2014

Tips for a new to be owner. First find a very good reputable breeder in good standings with the akc that health tests! The initial cost can help you avoid genetic issues down the road as many good breeders give genetic health guarantees on the puppies. And to avoid the dreaded allergies feed a high quality grain/corn free diet only such as blue buffalo or wild and this includes grain/corn free treats! Do not give rope toys as they can choke and die like ours nearly did this year! Find a good vet that is aware of frenchie health problems and that they can not be sedated as other breeds as this can cause death! And make sure when choosing a puppy to find one with large open nose holes so that you don't have to have nare (nose holes)surgery which costs upwards of $1800! Make sure your puppy have a tail and is not inverted as mine is Becuase I now have the knowledge to know that sometime in the near future she has to have major surgery to remove her curved tail another $1800-$2500...... Best of luck and don't let this stuff scare you away from the breed! I bought zeta my first frenchie aug19,2013 and she is a blast and I wouldn't trade her for anything!!!!