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Okay Ladies...and gents if you're out there too, I need some help. BF and I are talking about getting another pup around Christmas or so and we have fallen in love with the French Bulldogs. I love the look and the fact that they are so durable. I also looked into the Pug which is way less expensive and looks something similar, guess it would since the Frenchie came from a pug cross.
I just wanted to know if any of you have either of these dogs and what the pros and cons are of each.
or
I looked into a french when we were looking for dogs but refused to spend so much on a dog. we ended up getting a puggle!
I dont know much about stright up pugs vs french but some pugs have a lot of breathing problems :(
Yeah they are very expensive but I figured if we got one and then later on got another one we could do the breeding and it wouldn't be a problem. Also I found a family here where I live that sells them for way less because they don't come with papers. I'm not all crazy about having my dogs registered so it makes no difference to me. As long as they're healthy, I'm all good!
Why don't you save yourself a lot of money and save a life? I think rescuing dogs is great and will never buy a dog. Good luck with your decision.
If you want to stick to a specific breed, I am sure that you can find a pug or bull dog rescue. I have friends who just rescued a boxer through a boxer specific rescue group.
@jaylii9: My dog I have now is a rescue! I got him last year from the pound. He's a sweetheart and we love him to death! There is a French Bulldog rescue network but my fear is most of them have bite histories and with small kids around all the time, I can't have that. I check that website daily though in hopes of finding one that doesn't bite. And also we saved no money in our dog we rescued. I paid $109 for him on Sunday and by the end of the week we had already invested $500 because his "kennel cough" (what the pound called it) developed into bronchitis, and then the next week he was back in the hospital with pneumonia. The only way to get him medicine was through an IV the doctor said because every time we took him home, his pills weren't strong enough. We finally got him back home from our vet about 2 months after getting him. He's our million dollar mut! Haha! But thank you for speaking up for rescues!
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I haven’t had either breed myself, but have spent time with both, and both the Frenchies and pugs I”ve been around were equally sweet and lovable. We babysat a pug for a week once, and he was smart and very affectionate, and seemed to be fine with kids and other animals. He did snore though! (which is kind of endearing, IMO).
Both breeds have breathing problems and other problems if not bred correctly and well. If you don’t care about papers, why not get a pup that’s part French/Pug?
Here’s some in your general area that are part French Bulldog just for FYI:
http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=Dog&pet_breed=French+Bulldog&location=AL&startsearch=Search
(Even if you don't want to get one until winter, you can see which groups to contact in winter, etc.)
Frenchies are in part so expensive because it’s extremely difficult and dangerous for females to give birth – most require C-sections to give birth, and many require artificial insemination to get pregnant, due to the way they are built.
This is totally not helpful, but when I read the title I thought it was about Mrs. French Bulldog and Mrs. Pug lol. Anyone else?
Please reconsider before doing your own breeding. We have an incredible # of dogs already looking for homes, there's no need to contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
Also, as already suggested, look into breed-specific rescues. My first dog was from a yorkie rescue and actually DID come with papers. Unfortunately he grew larger than the original owner wanted (she found it hard lugging an 18 lb dog around in her purse), so to the shelter he went. Our second dog was from a breed-specific search on PetFinder. Both cost less than $100!
@pec1216: Your doggie is SO cute! Glad that you have rescued a dog. I am just a big supporter of shelters. :)
@gabrielleelise1981: Thank you for that link to petfinder! I love that site but hadn't looked there yet. And trust me, I've don't my research on both dogs. I've watched countless videos and the animal planet actually does a brief run down on every breed of dog so they address many of the issues that come from each breed. I know that Frechies have trouble breeding so that's why I'm told the breeders have so few litters. It's so expensive to artificially inseminate, then to do the c-sections too. I just know that we are going to be moving into an apartment soon and our other dog will need a companion. Plus Gunner, our pointer/American bulldog, has breathing problems as well so has to stay inside during the summer and winter. Because of his horrible pneumonia battle last year his lung capacity isn't so great. Again thank you for that link!
@twalila: You're right about the breeding. We most likely won't do that since it is so hard on the female. I would hate to have a dog die in labor or have a stillborn puppy. I helped my parents lab through delivery and it was amazing!
Get a mongrel instead - if you ask around, you'll prob find some without the kennel cough issues. Mongrels are usually the healthiest by far. We've a terrier/setter ( I think) cross, and she's fit as a fiddle.
It's really not a good thing to buy unregistered dogs - that just encourages unregistered breeders, and they presumably feel no obligation to adhere to regulations the way registered breeders must.
That said, I def wouldn't pick a pug - poor little things, all that sniffling and snuffling! The respiratory problem is a direct effect of their being bred for the squashed nose look.
@twalila: That's so sad about your yorkie. I don't understand how people can treat animals so poorly. My animals become like family members.
My cat Stitch came from a rescue and he was given up by his owner because she got married and her new husband didn't like him (or cats in general, this was never clear). How could someone give up a pet that they had raised for 4 years and from kttenhood? Glad I have Stitch now, he deserved better than that crap!
My other cat Lola was dumped at a pet store in a box with no holes in it. She was really skinny and had scabs all over her. She is such a sweetheart so I know that someone loved her during her life, but I have no idea why someone would dump her like that!
Here are my babies!
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Another plea to please rescue rather than buy and please please please please do not breed your dogs.
That being said I can only tell you what I know about pugs, I had one growing up. They are super cute but very lazy and not "hearty" dogs. Mine got heat stroke at my hs graduation and the vet (luckily a family friend who was already in attendance) had to make an emergence run to her office to get an iv and do fluids for her. She can't walk long distances (think... a 3 mile hike ended her in the vets office again). She just isn't very active. Some of this might be due to the fact that she was a backyard breeder pup and was NOT well bred (another great reason to not breed your own) and so she had more health problems. She has always been a really good/cute dog and very well behaved. I love her but she's definitely not an easy dog.
I also think you should look into mixed breeds. Pure breeds have genetic issues that cause lots of health problems (a lot of which were discussed above). Getting a mixed breed generally means that the dog has a much better shot at being healthy long term. Plus, it saves the life of a dog, versus encouraging puppy mills/irresponsible breeders!
also fyi i have a purebred dog (corgi) and he was a rescue... got him from a breed specific rescue that guarantees health for 1 year. Rescue > pound in terms of knowing what kind of health and temperament your dog will have.
@CorgiTales: What rescue? I love corgis and we'll probably looking to adopt a dog in the next year so I would love to know about a good Ohio Corgi rescue group!
@jaylii9: I found him through petfinder.com but the actual rescue group was http://www.northcoastohiocorgirescue.org/ . The only "issue" I had with them is they gave me the wrong age for him. I seriously doubt it was intentional because they have a 100% return policy if you're not happy they want you to give the dog back for replacement. But they told me he was about 1 year old and he was actually about 3.
Check out Boston Terriers, too. They have the same sweet smooshy kind of face as Frenchies and Pugs but are more active and usually have fewer health issues. They have the funniest personalities!
My friend has a pug. He's really cute! He humps a lot because she didn't get him neutered soon enough (she waited till he was like 2 years old or so). A lot meaning, on my male dog that is 80 pounds bigger than he is he humped non stop. I don't think shes had trouble with him breathing too much. She takes him for hikes all the time too.
@OttawaBride2011: YES! I thought it was a heavy weight fight or something, LOL!
@pec1216: A couple things. First, if your plan is to breed your dogs to breed out health problems, then it isn't wise to buy an unregistered dog. Plus it take GENERATIONS to breed out health issues. Lots of time and money, and the intermediate litters are rarely given to good homes, just "any home that will take them" so that a breeder can make space for a new litter. Better to just get a very healthy dog from a registered breeder if you are thinking about doing that. Two: What will you do with the dogs you breed? They may all end up in a shelter if you just give them away to anyone who wants a free dog. Three: Another vote for rescue/adoption. Four: I'd recommend you spay/neuter any pet you get. More dogs are born in the US than PEOPLE. Since not every person has a dog, you can guess that most dogs are abandoned, killed, or euthanized. Five: Congrats on taking on the responsibility of a new pet! That's a lot of commitment, bravo to you! Six: I'd recommend a Puggle. They have all the cuteness of a Pug with all the heartiness of a mixed breed.
@MightySapphire: Yay! I was beginning to worry I was the only one hahaha.
I thought I'd chime in on this. My old neighbor has a Frenchie and I've done my fair share of doggysitting her. She is a wonderful dog, very social, but a bruiser when playing with other dogs. ha went straight for our dogs knees when they played, which I suspect is a breed trait. The only major downside is sometimes when they poop you have to clean their tush because of the location...
My husband and i have two frenchies. They are great little dogs, they get along fairly well with our 100 pound Perro De Presa Canario. I havent had a pug (we have had a bugg which is a pug boston terrier cross). Frenchies cannot stand the heat, Winston our fawn frenchie hates to be outside and likes to lay on the tile floor all day long, Diego our brindle frenchie loves to play outside, loves to play in his baby pool and hates to be inside. When i worked for a nursing home winston would go with me about 1 - 2 times a week and was so calm and would not jump on people etc...on the other hand Diego would jump on peoples laps which can cause harm for an elderly person. I guess my point is even in the same breed there is a lot of variation. They certainly can have a lot of skin allergies, which is more often manifested in the lighter colors, winston will scratch and is very sensitive to his food, which does make his upkeep cost quite a bit more.
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@Miss Frenchie: You're two guys are adorable! So is your Presa! I think having an inside dog to pals around with Gunner will help. And Gunner is very hard core playful!
I just wanted to thank everyone for their input so far! I really don't think I will breed if we do decide to get a Frenchie so no worries there ladies. Also I might be stupid but what is a Puggle? Is it a pug and a poodle? Please someone educate me!
A puggle = pug + beagle. If you go that route please please please get one from rescue. There are lots there usually! a puggle is a "designer breed" i.e. mutt with a high price tag. Reputable breeders do NOT breed mutts so if you buy (vs. rescue) one you'll be supporting puppymills or backyard breeders.
I "ditto" what CorgiTales said.
Between a pug and a frenchie, they are both great breeds, but my personal preference between the two is the frenchie. I'll fully admit I'm partial to big-eared dogs. :)
If you choose to go with a breeder, a well-bred dog can be expensive, but it's work it to go with a reputable breeder versus a backyard-breeder or puppymill dog. Not only for ethical reasons, but you'll get a dog that has a higher chance of being free from genetic health problems since reputable breeders screen their dogs prior to breeding. You'll also have a dog that actually looks and acts like the breed it's supposed to be, versus a dog that may or may not have proper conformation and temperment.
Good articles if you're going to go with a breeder (not all the links work anymore, but what's there is good information)
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/1breeding.php
Frenchie club - http://www.frenchbulldogclub.org/
Pug club - http://www.pugs.org/
I second MarzipanMrs regarding looking into Boston Terriers too. They are great dogs overall and there is a pretty big "size range." My dog, Eva is only about 12 pounds (we knew she would be on the smaller size because we met the parents) but they can be up to 25-35 pounds. She does have quite a bit of energy, loves to socialize with people, go for walks, etc.
As a puppy:
More recent:
I have a French bulldog and I am borderline obsessed with her. They are definitely prone to worrying health issues, but we researched the hell out of our breeder and Daffodil is super healthy. She does not have breathing issues or troubles with her eyes (both common in carelessly-bred Frenchies). She can't do long stints in very hot weather, but other than that, she can run, play, go for long walks, hike, and play with other dogs without breaking into a pant. She is really good with other dogs and kids, never barks, and sometimes likes to play with toys and chew bones, but spends most of the time snuggling with us. She's a huuuuuuge mush and loves to sit in people's laps. Mr. O wants to see if she could be a therapy dog someday, because she is gentle and calm and loves affection. I think her personality is a pretty good representation of the breed. I just want to reiterate that you should research the breeder very, very carefully, though.....Frenchies can be an absolute mess if the breeder doesn't pay attention to things like breathing.
@CorgiTales: Hehe thanks, I love her tooooooo......I just re-read my first post and was like "um wow I seriously GUSHED about my dog." Oh well, haha!
@octopus: OMG! Daffodil is absolutely precious! I really think that we will end up getting a Frenchie because of where we live and they just fit in with our life style really well. My worry is finding a reputable breeder, how do i know if they are legit or not? Part of my questions people who have multiple dogs pregnant at the same time just because I wonder if they are getting the proper amount of "prenatal care". There are 3 places here in Alabama and a couple maybe in Georgia according to http://www.pets4you.com/frenchbulldog.html but how do I know if they are good. If you don't mind me asking, where did you go to find your breeder?
@abbyful: Thank you so much for those links! And for stating your opinion on one of the breeds!
@pec1216: go here (http://www.frenchbulldogclub.org/) to learn more about them and find a list of reputable breeders in your area. :)
My FILs have two frenchies. They are horribly different, but both awesome dogs. Something to keep in mind... they can't swim because of the way they're built. We all love them to pieces!
Here I wanted to attach some pics. They're many expressions are really the best part!
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Another vote here for a breed-specific rescue organization. That's how we got our Cavalier puppy -- I desperately wanted a Cav and nothing else, and my fiance wanted a rescue dog (and did not want to spend upwards of 1K on a dog). There was a rescue organization that took on Cavs exclusively and we snatched up a puppy that had come from a mama dog rescued from a mill. Just be aware that you might have to jump through some hoops to adopt. Good luck!
And ... some shameless showing off of my furbaby:
I have a pug and love her to bits. Joey Tinka-Butts is 6. I can tell you that she was very active for the first 5 years and has now settled into an "I am old and a little chubby" way of life. She is not a hiking dog and a walk to the mailbox requires a nap. The summers are hard for her she can not be outside for all that long. She sheds like crazy. She is a complete cuddler and will sit with me for hours on the couch watching movies. She is great with kids...when she gets sick of playing she goes upstairs to her room and takes a nap. She is very smart and has learned to open the shades in the living room to bark at anything that may pass by the house...one of her favorite things to do is bark.
From my personal experience...do lots of research before purchasing any kind of animal. I read lots of books about pugs before making Joey a family member. The way you raise the puppy will influence the kind of dog you have.
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