Does anyone here have a French Bull Dog or know anything about them? The only reason I'm asking is because my friend has been petsitting a puppy this weekend & we went for a walk with her & her dog & the puppy yesterday. The pup was about 4-5 months old & was the sweetest natured little pup I've ever met. It was an absolute delight, & I just spent the whole walk giggling at it's funny little waddle, it's huge bat-like ears & squashed up little face. It took us about 5 minutes to call it E.T. & Gremlin.
I see them at dog training classes quite often and from what I've been told they are getting too popular for there own good - as in - lots of poor quality puppies being bred. So if thinking of getting one I'd be careful and go to a good breeder and you'll get what you pay for. But apparently they have less heath issues than some other similar short faced breeds but I know there are still health checks likes thier backs that are needed. And they seem quite friendly and relatively quiet little dogs thats only the impression I have got for seeing them, so I am sure someone will correct me if wrong.
They are a popular breed for a lot of Stafford people to own. Those that show anyway. They can be feisty with other dogs and certainly hold their own in a household of Staffords. Responsible breeders have been very strict regarding who have their pups so those that just breed for money have had to import dogs from abroad. Quality not being their strong point so be careful where you go if you want one
I don't see being a little fiesty or being able to hold their own as trouble. The ones you have seen are just well socialised and well behaved maybe because they have good owners. They are just not pushovers when it comes to there living with other dogs.
Thanks for your replies but don't worry I have no intention of getting one ~ I'm a confirmed rescue dog owner. I just wondered what these little dogs are like ~ very comical to watch as pups though. I had no idea that they were growing in popularity as this is the first one I've seen as a puppy. I can't believe the size of it's ears & everyone we met couldn't stop laughing at him ~ bless. I'm always worried by poor breeding in short-faced dogs & the little pup yesterday was snuffling & wheezing a bit. He still managed nearly 90 minutes walking though, but part of it he was carried & we did rest half way round.
They are definitely comical. I saw one that had been imported its jaw was so wry that its tongue was perminitely hanging out of the side of its mouth.
Oh that's so sad. That's the trouble with the unique/cute/baby-faced etc type dogs ~ people get them for the wrong reasons, they become popular so attract amateur & irresponsible breeders ~ & then the problems start & the poor dogs end up suffering. The man who owns this particular pup is apparently an experienced owner ~ he & his late wife have had the breed for years, but I've no idea if this little pup was imported or not. My friend that was petsitting works at the dog's vet practice & she knows that the pup is healthy for it's breed. I struggle to see them as "status" dogs like SBTs ~ I suspect any 'ard man using one as a status dog would be laughed at all the way down the road to cries of "E.T. Go Home" .
I never suggested they were status dogs I just said they are a popular choice with SBT owners that show their dogs. SBT is not really a status dog, too small. The ones mainly used as a status dog are bred larger than the standard or crossed with an other. The choice mainly because they are a nice neat breed with a short close coat that does not require much grooming. I opted for the terrier route when I wanted a different breed because they are all shown on the same day but learning about the grooming has been a long hard slog. If your pups owners are experienced then their dog is unlikely to be imported that is usually for those new to the breed who don't want to wait for the right pup.
Ok, sorry, I jumped the gun. It does seem to be a compact little pup with bright eyes, shiny coat, well-muscled ~ just a bit snuffly with its breathing for me to be very comfortable with this sort of breed. Having said that, it managed a relatively long walk for a little 'un.
Anne-Marie on the forum has one{little lola}, she also has a rottie, she would be good to talk to about the breed
Just spotted this Yes, they are very comical little dogs, I totally adore the breed. They have a zest for life and are full of fun, you simply cannot be down when a Frenchie's around!! Staffie & Rottie folks also often seem to like Frenchies too - and the same applies to us I've seen some at shows get fiesty with each other, but that goes for any breed. They are a very friendly wee dog and Lola has no aggression issues, she's been well-socialized from a young age. I find she is a good little watch dog and is not a yapper by any means. Lola is very energetic and adores her daily walks (she literally quakes with excitement every time she goes on one). Marius looks positively bored with the process compared to her! Definitely if anyone is contemplating getting a Frenchie, you need to ensure the Sire & Dam have had relevant health checks. I would want to see they had been spine checked and eye-tested for cateracts. There is lots of useful information on health-tests on both the UK French Bulldog Club websites. It is true that there are quite a few people out there who are breeding Frenchies without health-testing (like lots of breeds of dogs unfortunately ) As always, for peace of mind you need to make sure your puppy is from a responsible breeder who puts health first and foremost I would recommend potential buyers to enquire with the breed clubs who will give advice and let you know of any litters.
