Hello Everyone!

[carissa]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Carissa and I live in MA. We are interested in adopting a French Bulldog puppy in the near future. For the past year we have been reading up on the breed and talking with various people. Our fear is that we will not get a heathly pup. We have read so many horror stories of puppy mills and importing for overseas. We have had some opportunties to get a puppy but instinct told us otherwise. Some used the words "pet stores" and others have had too many puppies available which makes us suspicious.

We would like to hear some of your stories and how you got your Frenchies.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

Carissa

[Olivier]

Hello Carissa,

Welcome to the board :)
I used the split feature so you have your own introduction thread.
I got my French bulldog Athlon through my brother who adopted him in Tunisia. He lives with my parents now in France while I am in the UK.
He had some bad allergy troubles in the past and now he's doing fine eating only beef. He had a spine problem that got him paralysed but a quick surgery fortunately fixed it. He can run again pretty fast :)
Good luck finding your puppy!

Olly

[Carolyn]

Hi Carissa. I will cut and paste my response to Megan, as the information I shared with her may be helpful for you......

"Hi Megan and welcome! The very best advice that I can give you is to continue doing your research. I researched this breed for many months and then it took me months later to find Abby, my first Frenchie. This breed is not for everyone and I say this with no insult intended. Firstly, they are expensive and this is because "reputable" breeders invest a lot of money in their breeding stock to make sure they are not passing on any health issues that are genetic. Even if you purchase a pup from a good breeder...you may still get a pup with health issues that can lead to hefty vet bills and you will need to find a vet who is familiar with flat faced breeds. Some other considerations are: Frenchies cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. Because they are flat faced...they can overheat in a matter of minutes and need to be monitored during summer months. They are very stubborn little dogs and can be very difficult to potty train. I must also say...beware of "cheap" Frenchies. Many of these are Russian imports and although the price may seem reasonable...they come with health and sometimes temperament issues. Go to the FBRN website and look at all the dogs turned over to rescue....many of these are either Russian imports or from puppy millers (who can have great looking websites). Any good breeder will grill you extensively before selling a pup. That being said....this breed is wonderful and so very special. I have two and don't know how I ever lived without a Frenchie! As far as cats...if you bring a pup into your home and it is raised with a cat you should be ok. Good luck and keep asking questions! Carolyn"

[Borgan]

Hi Carissa,

It's nice to see that you are not only interested in one of the Most Curious breeds of dogs, but that you are also taking time to research! If I may offer my two cents, here they are:

We have had our Luna for almost a year now, and are very much in love with her quirky personality, cuddly warm body and cute little ways of "talking". She really is a "child replacement" for us. Her "Grandma" even bought her a jacket for Christmas. If I could do it all over again, I would not trade my life with my Frenchie for anything.

HOWEVER, life with some Frenchies is not all roses (I say 'some' as a disclaimer! There is an anomally in every group:). When both of us work during the day, one person has to come home at lunch and lavish the dog with love. A walk every day - absolutely! 60$ a month in raw diet patties...manditory. 35$/month in pet insurance - you betchya! I'm not even going to mention the thousands of places in the city our dog can't go due to 'health reagulations', even further limiting the time we spend with our dog. Sometimes we have to cut social outings short just to make up for it. The bottom line (and you probably already know this from your reading) is that a Frenchie is not a dog you can throw in the back yard and take off for the day. Do not be fooled by the Tough Guy exterior! They are sensitive - body, mind and soul.

But I think if you're willing to be there physically and financially for this dog, then it's the right one for you :) They're really worth it!!!!!!

Lots of luck,
Brooke.

oh and ps. - All the stuff Carolyn said, too.

[Borgan]

another ps. - we got Luna from a breeder listed with the CKC (Canadian equivalent to the AKC). She had a well-documented history of the bloodlines, and was affiliated with some of the bigger breeders in the States. I know it sounds snooty (especially if you don't want to show, like us), but everybody knows everybody in these organizations! Have you tried contacting anyone here: www.frenchbulldogclub.org?

[gilazno]

Hi Carissa and welcome!!! good for you for being so well informed:-) appicon you may also want to contact someone at www.frenchbulldogrescue.org and/or adopt a dog from them so you will know what you are in for as far as health concerns.. the best advice i can offer is what has already been said, meet the breeders and meet the puppies parents..still, this will never be 100% frenchies because of their makeup seem to just be more prone to ailments then many other breeds.. so the best we can do as owners is to be as well educated as possible which it looks like you are already on your way to doing..:-) Life with a frenchie is so enjoyable I hope you get yours soon and wish you the best luck finding one...please keep us posted on your search.