The French Bulldog
By Terri Estes
Who doesn’t love the adorable French bulldog, with its wrinkly face and bat-like ears, and that short, chubby little piglet body? Well, apparently, everybody is smitten with the Frenchie! This breed has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. According to the AKC, the French bulldog has been the number one breed in the U.S for the past two years. Registrations have increased by more than 1000% since 2012.
The French bulldog makes a great pet for city dwellers, and older folks, because they don’t demand a lot of exercise and generally have a calm demeanor. They also make great family pets because they are sweet and cuddly and usually get along with other pets. They are very friendly and can adapt to many different lifestyles. And did I mention they are adorable?
People are willing to spend a lot of money for a Frenchie and breeders will tell you that they have long waitlists for their puppies. Common colored puppies such as black and tan can fetch $3,000 to $5,000, while rare colors like merle or blue can bring a price of up to $10,000! Because of the high price tag, there has been a recent increase in the theft of this breed. According to AKC Reunite statistics, French bulldogs are the number one breed reported stolen. Lady Gaga recently had one of her Frenchies stolen. The potential for a large profit has also led to unscrupulous tactics of overbreeding and inbreeding by some backyard breeders and puppy mills. This just adds to a higher probability of genetic and health problems which the French bulldog is already at risk for.
Being a flat faced breed makes the Frenchie extremely susceptible to Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This is a condition that can cause difficulty breathing due to narrow nostrils and a small windpipe. They are also prone to severe allergies and hip dysplasia.
If you are planning on adding a French bulldog to your family, do your research. Contact responsible breeders and ask for the parent’s health history. Ask to meet the parents. Ask for a health guarantee to try and protect yourself and your family from a potential heartbreak. A happy, healthy puppy is a wonderful addition to any household!
