is a frenchie right for me?

pirasha · Aug 26, 2015

Hello,
So I've never actually owned a dog before, but I've really been around dogs my entire life. I dog sit all the time for as long as I can remember and one of my first jobs was working at a dog boarding/vet hospital and then later with a dog groomer.
I've decided that it's time for a dog because I've recently got a new position that allows me to have both the time and money for a dog.
I need something that makes me laugh all the time even when I'm having a terrible day and who I can take on adventures to new parks or something to get out of the house or will cuddle with me when I binge something on netflix.
I love the bully breeds, I love their bullheaded stubbornness, silliness, and complete cuddle bug attitude (and their faces..who can forget their faces?!). I'm looking to frenchies because they come in smaller packages so they'd fit better for me size wise (I've got a pretty small apartment and and fairly tiny myself) but they don't seem to have that small dog attitude.

I am aware of the stubbornness issue as far as training goes and feel that I can work with it, being pretty stubborn myself I am actually amused by it and am excited by the challenge it represents. I want something that will keep me on my toes.

I am also aware of the issues that some have and am willing to do research on the right breeder for me (assuming there is a perfect rescue out there which it entirely possible) and am willing to wait really as long as it takes for the perfect dog.

I'm doing research but it can only go so far...so knowing frenchies so much more than I what do you think? Are they the right fit for me and am I the right fit for them? Ask me anything

blushy · Aug 26, 2015

I think as long as you're willing to put your time, love, effort, (and money where due) then a frenchie will be great!

I have 2 and I just love them. They've been my dream dog for YEARS and it's like a dream that I own 2 now!

Tgirl · Aug 27, 2015

It sounds like you have done your homework. They are great dogs, they really are. They can have issues that can run into big $$$ so make sure you are prepared for that. They like to be with people so I wouldn't want to leave them alone for long periods.

Alice Kable · Aug 27, 2015

Be sure to research the breeder--health and temperament are the 2 most important things. What you spend up front for a Frenchie is nothing compared to what you'll spend if you get an unhealthy pup!

Jakeyjake · Aug 27, 2015

I agree with [MENTION=894]blushy[/MENTION] and [MENTION=179]Tgirl[/MENTION]. Sounds like you've done your homework. You will love their little snorts, and funny personalities. Mine make me smile everyday. It gives me great satisfaction to give them the best possible care I can. I would do anything for them. They are like my children. Good luck to you and I hope you find the perfect frenchie!

Chiana · Aug 27, 2015

I absolutely adore my little frenchie! They are excellent companion dogs who just loves you company. They are not called velcro-dogs for nothing

So having enough time to spend with them is quite essential.
Frenchies, however, are prone to various health issues and allergies, so like people already here mentioned, taking care of them can be costly. In my opinion having a good insurance is vital!

I have many times said to people when they ask questions of wether they should get a frenchie that, if the purchase price for a good puppy from a reputable breeder throws them back, they should re-think.

That said, this breed is amazing. They are such characters and bring a lot of fun and goofiness to your life...little clowns

They love to hang around you all the time, everywhere and anytime. I couldn't imagine my life without our little guy :heart:

If you feel ok with all that, then good luck on finding a perfect puppy to share your life with :dog1:

pirasha · Aug 27, 2015

Thanks for all the positive encouragement

first of all [MENTION=1348]Chiana[/MENTION] is that a Farscape reference? Because that's awesome! The insurance is a great idea that I thought of a while ago and totally forgot about...but I'm putting it down on my list here. Thanks for that!

I'm also looking into breeders right now (I'll probably ask you guys about them a bit later) but in my mind I don't deserve one unless I can afford the price initially and can afford to set some money aside to problems later down the road because there's inevitably going to be some.

As far as breeders are concerned right now I'm just looking around at the moment, I have a very specific list of what I'm looking for and what will absolutely deter me that I will post later on another thread ( I don't what to go too off topic here).
[MENTION=179]Tgirl[/MENTION] Thanks! I know about that frenchies don't like to be alone too long. I'm planning on combating this by a combination of crate training, coming home for lunch, and taking them to the office if it's a half day or a friday. If that isn't enough I'll have to look at other alternatives, maybe daycare if that works, having family dogsit, or coaxing my boss to let them in the office more (this would be the best alternative of course)
A velcro dog is exactly what I need right now and exactly what I'm looking for

So for you all who waited for your pups...what was the one thing (besides the breeder, I'm going to start a new thread) that surprised you most when you first got him/her or what did you wish you researched more of, and I know this is going to vary from dog to dog

Chiana · Aug 27, 2015

[MENTION=1465]pirasha[/MENTION] good catch! yup, my favourite syfy series :tongue:

eeturk · Aug 27, 2015

pirasha said:
So for you all who waited for your pups...what was the one thing (besides the breeder, I'm going to start a new thread) that surprised you most when you first got him/her or what did you wish you researched more of, and I know this is going to vary from dog to dog

Potty training. I had no idea how tough it would be. It varies dog to dog and I know a Frenchie who basically never had an accident, but for me that was definitely not the case. I work from home and we stuck to a STRICT schedule (out every two hours at the least) and it took until he was 8 months old to trust him at all. Now he's great, but it was a rough road. Our bulldog specialist vet told us that with some of them you just have to wait till it clicks and there's nothing else you can do.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

davidh · Aug 27, 2015

Frenchies are awesome dogs, but can't stand the heat very well, so if you want one to go a lot of places outside or be active outside, they are not for you. Granted it also depends on where you live too. Here in Texas in the summer time, it's out to potty and right back in. When it cools off some, then they can play outside for a bit. They are wonderful dogs and as long as you do your homework and find a good reputable breeder, you shouldn't have that many problems health wise.

pirasha · Aug 27, 2015

davidh said:
Frenchies are awesome dogs, but can't stand the heat very well, so if you want one to go a lot of places outside or be active outside, they are not for you. Granted it also depends on where you live too. Here in Texas in the summer time, it's out to potty and right back in. When it cools off some, then they can play outside for a bit. They are wonderful dogs and as long as you do your homework and find a good reputable breeder, you shouldn't have that many problems health wise.

thanks, that's a good point...that's one of the sad facts about loving brachycephalic dogs. I live in PA so I'd only really have to watch mid-late summer, which as you said is really going to unfortunately be a quick in and out for potty breaks (ah the wonders of AC).

As far as being active outside I like wondering around in parks and things in the spring to watch the new growth start and to embrace the sun after winter and fall to view the changes in the leaves. I usually just wonder around, I don't jog or run (I wish I did but I really really hate it). with the exception of allergies do you think that would be a problem with frenchies? I figured they'd like exploring too or is that an assumption or over site on my part?

That's actually one of the reasons I'm considering Frenchies. I love american bulldogs and boxers but they are just too big and (the bigger problem) very much too energetic for me. I try to stay active but in spurts throughout the day, a short walk here or there, gardening, that sort of thing. I feel like a Frenchie would fit right into that but am I wrong in this way of thinking?

Thanks for all your input, I really appreciate it. This is what I need to find out before I hunker down and really start researching breeders. I really want to make sure that a Frenchie is right for my life.

Chiana · Aug 28, 2015

Sounds like your exercise regime fits perfectly for Frenchie

I got the similar thinking when we were selecting our next breed.

I did not have any experience in bully breeds either before we got Moses. I used to have couple of Papillons and have to say there were many things that I did not know about, and I thought I had studied the breed

Besides the typical things such as cleaning nose wrinkles daily, butt wiping etc, the tail pocket came as a surprise to me. Somehow, god knows how, I had never heard of it before and as it happened Moses got one. Not all Frenchies have it. We had quite a bit of problems in that area. There are a lot of instructions here in the Forum and on web how to keep it clean and dry to avoid any nasty infections. So when you get your puppy, check if he/she has one.

One other thing is to select a good food for your puppy. Many breeders give as a default something like Royal Canin puppy mix or Science Hill etc...these are not good. If that is the case, you should start slowly transitioning the puppy straight away to better stuff.

I was aware of the bully breeds stubbornness, but still in reality it was a slight surprise. When my previous dogs pretty much did what they were told at any given time, Frenchies have their own clear vision how they want things to go...So to start training immediately is important and to figure out what motivates your puppy. They become little "bullies" literally quite fast

Also when they are younger than 4 months, it is good to limit their jumping, access to stairs etc. to give their structure and joints time to grow and get stronger.

Like [MENTION=4]davidh[/MENTION] stated, by selecting a good breeder you have a better chance to avoid any major issues.
However, some health issues can jump generations or just show up, but normally a reputable breeder has done their research while selecting the mate to minimize the most obvious issues.

winginit66 · Aug 28, 2015

It sounds like you are fairly well educated already on the breed. Good luck in your search!

Fosta Mama · Aug 28, 2015

Congrats on considering a French bulldog for your next best friend!
I love this breed, and have had around 14 stay here throughout the last few years (I foster).
You have done your research and sound well prepared. Some things to consider, as you and others have already mentioned: get health insurance; feed a high quality food; crate train; they snore and fart; they don't do well in the heat; they do shed, some more than others; invest in doggy steps or ramps if you are going to let your dog up on the furniture/bed.

FBRN has some tips on puppy buying, half way down this page: French Bulldog Rescue Network :: Facts & Info

IlliniJen · Aug 28, 2015

I went from being a non-dog person to a Frenchie owner a couple years back when I got my first little guy, Tater. I did a TON of research, both on the breed and on breeders. I wanted a low-maintenance dog (shedding, activity level and such) and matched myself to the breed. I got Tater as a puppy and he was a breeze. Potty/crate trained in less than a week and no whining.

Because Tater was so great, I got Winston about 3 years later. Immediate buyer's remorse. Winston whined like crazy. Took forever to potty train even though he loves his crate. Played a little too rough with Tater. The opposite of Tater in every way. Eventually he got over being a pain in the butt puppy and he turned into a great dog. Super cuddly, really smart, a big huge dork. Tater is a little runt of a Frenchie, but stout. He's like a little bodybuilder. Winston is a godzilla Frenchie, 37 pounds and long and tall and athletic. About a year into owning him though, he developed skin allergies. We went through everything. Allergy prick testing, allergy shots, steroids to control the itching, special shampoo, special medicated pads to wipe his face/paws, steroid spray, special diets with novel proteins (kangaroo!). $1000's of dollars spent and he's not fully under control, but his skin has cleared up and I can live with him licking his paws a bit. He's on medicated shampoo, an anti-fungal pill, and Apoquel, the newest "miracle" allergy drug. Winston once got a stomach bug I spent $800 at the emergency vet diagnosing and treating. He's caught a recurring case of dog warts from doggie daycare which I'm treating, but the first case cost a ton of money to remove one of the larger warts. It's taken me about a year and a half to get both dogs on the same food because of Winston's allergies and avoiding things like chicken, grains, and brewer's yeast. Tater has respiratory allergies, which means his nose runs a lot, tends to spray snot on me when he's sniffing my face, and will sometimes spit up water with mucus in it. Just the other day I slipped and fell and really hurt my knee in one of these invisible pools of snot.

When I tell this to people, they shake their heads. When I tell them I would get another Frenchie in a heartbeat and not think twice about it, they're a bit perplexed. The thing is, you don't know what you don't know, and even with all the trouble that Winston has been with his allergies and dog warts, I would not trade him for a second. Same with Tater. Bring on your snot puddles, Tater, I will gladly clean up after you, you little tot.

You have to be willing to spend money and be patient with this breed. You have to realize that you can't take them out for walks or to the park when it's hot out. I live in Houston, so half of the year is spent inside. No walks, no dog park. So, to get them exercise and socialization, I spend some money and take them to day care, where they can play with their buddies and get tuckered out. $50 a visit with two dogs, but this is a reality I knew going in with a brachycephalic dog. While their coat isn't high-maintenance, you do need to spend some time cleaning their faces and brushing their teeth. They might get a little water on the floor near the water bowl. They may drool a little. They may clear a room with their farts. OMG, the farts.

What they also do is pay high, high dividends as pets. Look, I had a rough week this week at work. I came home to two dogs that made everything so much better. They were happy to see me. I took them outside for a potty break, and they both flipped over and wiggled around on the ground like dorks. They snuggled with me on the couch and in bed. Winston burrows under the covers. Tater likes to come stand next to me, then flop over and bump me before settling down. He will sometimes also do this at 3am. This is the best stuff ever.

They turned me from a cat person into a dog person and I think I'll only own Frenchies from now until I croak. It sounds like you have done your research and are willing to wait for a puppy from a good breeder, so I think you have everything under control. Just realize that there are some trials and tribulations that you may face and be prepared with your wallet and your time to take care of those things. I think all breeds present certain challenges, and dog ownership in general makes you trade off some things in life, but it's all worth it. Good luck on finding your Frenchie!

davidh · Aug 28, 2015

Sounds like a Frenchie would be great for you. The walks early in the morning or in the late evening when it cools down would be fun for them.

blushy · Aug 28, 2015

IlliniJen said:
I went from being a non-dog person to a Frenchie owner a couple years back when I got my first little guy, Tater. I did a TON of research, both on the breed and on breeders. I wanted a low-maintenance dog (shedding, activity level and such) and matched myself to the breed. I got Tater as a puppy and he was a breeze. Potty/crate trained in less than a week and no whining.

Because Tater was so great, I got Winston about 3 years later. Immediate buyer's remorse. Winston whined like crazy. Took forever to potty train even though he loves his crate. Played a little too rough with Tater. The opposite of Tater in every way. Eventually he got over being a pain in the butt puppy and he turned into a great dog. Super cuddly, really smart, a big huge dork. Tater is a little runt of a Frenchie, but stout. He's like a little bodybuilder. Winston is a godzilla Frenchie, 37 pounds and long and tall and athletic. About a year into owning him though, he developed skin allergies. We went through everything. Allergy prick testing, allergy shots, steroids to control the itching, special shampoo, special medicated pads to wipe his face/paws, steroid spray, special diets with novel proteins (kangaroo!). $1000's of dollars spent and he's not fully under control, but his skin has cleared up and I can live with him licking his paws a bit. He's on medicated shampoo, an anti-fungal pill, and Apoquel, the newest "miracle" allergy drug. Winston once got a stomach bug I spent $800 at the emergency vet diagnosing and treating. He's caught a recurring case of dog warts from doggie daycare which I'm treating, but the first case cost a ton of money to remove one of the larger warts. It's taken me about a year and a half to get both dogs on the same food because of Winston's allergies and avoiding things like chicken, grains, and brewer's yeast. Tater has respiratory allergies, which means his nose runs a lot, tends to spray snot on me when he's sniffing my face, and will sometimes spit up water with mucus in it. Just the other day I slipped and fell and really hurt my knee in one of these invisible pools of snot.

When I tell this to people, they shake their heads. When I tell them I would get another Frenchie in a heartbeat and not think twice about it, they're a bit perplexed. The thing is, you don't know what you don't know, and even with all the trouble that Winston has been with his allergies and dog warts, I would not trade him for a second. Same with Tater. Bring on your snot puddles, Tater, I will gladly clean up after you, you little tot.

You have to be willing to spend money and be patient with this breed. You have to realize that you can't take them out for walks or to the park when it's hot out. I live in Houston, so half of the year is spent inside. No walks, no dog park. So, to get them exercise and socialization, I spend some money and take them to day care, where they can play with their buddies and get tuckered out. $50 a visit with two dogs, but this is a reality I knew going in with a brachycephalic dog. While their coat isn't high-maintenance, you do need to spend some time cleaning their faces and brushing their teeth. They might get a little water on the floor near the water bowl. They may drool a little. They may clear a room with their farts. OMG, the farts.

What they also do is pay high, high dividends as pets. Look, I had a rough week this week at work. I came home to two dogs that made everything so much better. They were happy to see me. I took them outside for a potty break, and they both flipped over and wiggled around on the ground like dorks. They snuggled with me on the couch and in bed. Winston burrows under the covers. Tater likes to come stand next to me, then flop over and bump me before settling down. He will sometimes also do this at 3am. This is the best stuff ever.

They turned me from a cat person into a dog person and I think I'll only own Frenchies from now until I croak. It sounds like you have done your research and are willing to wait for a puppy from a good breeder, so I think you have everything under control. Just realize that there are some trials and tribulations that you may face and be prepared with your wallet and your time to take care of those things. I think all breeds present certain challenges, and dog ownership in general makes you trade off some things in life, but it's all worth it. Good luck on finding your Frenchie!

Perfect description of a true French owner! I think we all can safely say that this is spot on!

pirasha · Aug 28, 2015

IlliniJen said:
I went from being a non-dog person to a Frenchie owner a couple years back when I got my first little guy, Tater. I did a TON of research, both on the breed and on breeders. I wanted a low-maintenance dog (shedding, activity level and such) and matched myself to the breed. I got Tater as a puppy and he was a breeze. Potty/crate trained in less than a week and no whining.

Because Tater was so great, I got Winston about 3 years later. Immediate buyer's remorse. Winston whined like crazy. Took forever to potty train even though he loves his crate. Played a little too rough with Tater. The opposite of Tater in every way. Eventually he got over being a pain in the butt puppy and he turned into a great dog. Super cuddly, really smart, a big huge dork. Tater is a little runt of a Frenchie, but stout. He's like a little bodybuilder. Winston is a godzilla Frenchie, 37 pounds and long and tall and athletic. About a year into owning him though, he developed skin allergies. We went through everything. Allergy prick testing, allergy shots, steroids to control the itching, special shampoo, special medicated pads to wipe his face/paws, steroid spray, special diets with novel proteins (kangaroo!). $1000's of dollars spent and he's not fully under control, but his skin has cleared up and I can live with him licking his paws a bit. He's on medicated shampoo, an anti-fungal pill, and Apoquel, the newest "miracle" allergy drug. Winston once got a stomach bug I spent $800 at the emergency vet diagnosing and treating. He's caught a recurring case of dog warts from doggie daycare which I'm treating, but the first case cost a ton of money to remove one of the larger warts. It's taken me about a year and a half to get both dogs on the same food because of Winston's allergies and avoiding things like chicken, grains, and brewer's yeast. Tater has respiratory allergies, which means his nose runs a lot, tends to spray snot on me when he's sniffing my face, and will sometimes spit up water with mucus in it. Just the other day I slipped and fell and really hurt my knee in one of these invisible pools of snot.

When I tell this to people, they shake their heads. When I tell them I would get another Frenchie in a heartbeat and not think twice about it, they're a bit perplexed. The thing is, you don't know what you don't know, and even with all the trouble that Winston has been with his allergies and dog warts, I would not trade him for a second. Same with Tater. Bring on your snot puddles, Tater, I will gladly clean up after you, you little tot.

You have to be willing to spend money and be patient with this breed. You have to realize that you can't take them out for walks or to the park when it's hot out. I live in Houston, so half of the year is spent inside. No walks, no dog park. So, to get them exercise and socialization, I spend some money and take them to day care, where they can play with their buddies and get tuckered out. $50 a visit with two dogs, but this is a reality I knew going in with a brachycephalic dog. While their coat isn't high-maintenance, you do need to spend some time cleaning their faces and brushing their teeth. They might get a little water on the floor near the water bowl. They may drool a little. They may clear a room with their farts. OMG, the farts.

What they also do is pay high, high dividends as pets. Look, I had a rough week this week at work. I came home to two dogs that made everything so much better. They were happy to see me. I took them outside for a potty break, and they both flipped over and wiggled around on the ground like dorks. They snuggled with me on the couch and in bed. Winston burrows under the covers. Tater likes to come stand next to me, then flop over and bump me before settling down. He will sometimes also do this at 3am. This is the best stuff ever.

They turned me from a cat person into a dog person and I think I'll only own Frenchies from now until I croak. It sounds like you have done your research and are willing to wait for a puppy from a good breeder, so I think you have everything under control. Just realize that there are some trials and tribulations that you may face and be prepared with your wallet and your time to take care of those things. I think all breeds present certain challenges, and dog ownership in general makes you trade off some things in life, but it's all worth it. Good luck on finding your Frenchie!

Thank you so much for this post, it was perfect. You showed some of the trails of owning a Frenchie and that it's not all going to be perfect and it would be silly to expect that. But most of all you really showed your love and passion for your animals proving that they are worth every penny and hardship. I really enjoyed reading your post, it really showed your feelings perfectly and I really appreciate you sharing them. This is exactly what I imagine owning a Frenchie will be like.

2bullymama · Aug 29, 2015

reading through the whole thread .... the gang gave you great info and I agree, a Frenchie is near perfect companion for you

hannah · Sep 4, 2015

IlliniJen said:
I went from being a non-dog person to a Frenchie owner a couple years back when I got my first little guy, Tater. I did a TON of research, both on the breed and on breeders. I wanted a low-maintenance dog (shedding, activity level and such) and matched myself to the breed. I got Tater as a puppy and he was a breeze. Potty/crate trained in less than a week and no whining.

Because Tater was so great, I got Winston about 3 years later. Immediate buyer's remorse. Winston whined like crazy. Took forever to potty train even though he loves his crate. Played a little too rough with Tater. The opposite of Tater in every way. Eventually he got over being a pain in the butt puppy and he turned into a great dog. Super cuddly, really smart, a big huge dork. Tater is a little runt of a Frenchie, but stout. He's like a little bodybuilder. Winston is a godzilla Frenchie, 37 pounds and long and tall and athletic. About a year into owning him though, he developed skin allergies. We went through everything. Allergy prick testing, allergy shots, steroids to control the itching, special shampoo, special medicated pads to wipe his face/paws, steroid spray, special diets with novel proteins (kangaroo!). $1000's of dollars spent and he's not fully under control, but his skin has cleared up and I can live with him licking his paws a bit. He's on medicated shampoo, an anti-fungal pill, and Apoquel, the newest "miracle" allergy drug. Winston once got a stomach bug I spent $800 at the emergency vet diagnosing and treating. He's caught a recurring case of dog warts from doggie daycare which I'm treating, but the first case cost a ton of money to remove one of the larger warts. It's taken me about a year and a half to get both dogs on the same food because of Winston's allergies and avoiding things like chicken, grains, and brewer's yeast. Tater has respiratory allergies, which means his nose runs a lot, tends to spray snot on me when he's sniffing my face, and will sometimes spit up water with mucus in it. Just the other day I slipped and fell and really hurt my knee in one of these invisible pools of snot.

When I tell this to people, they shake their heads. When I tell them I would get another Frenchie in a heartbeat and not think twice about it, they're a bit perplexed. The thing is, you don't know what you don't know, and even with all the trouble that Winston has been with his allergies and dog warts, I would not trade him for a second. Same with Tater. Bring on your snot puddles, Tater, I will gladly clean up after you, you little tot.

You have to be willing to spend money and be patient with this breed. You have to realize that you can't take them out for walks or to the park when it's hot out. I live in Houston, so half of the year is spent inside. No walks, no dog park. So, to get them exercise and socialization, I spend some money and take them to day care, where they can play with their buddies and get tuckered out. $50 a visit with two dogs, but this is a reality I knew going in with a brachycephalic dog. While their coat isn't high-maintenance, you do need to spend some time cleaning their faces and brushing their teeth. They might get a little water on the floor near the water bowl. They may drool a little. They may clear a room with their farts. OMG, the farts.

What they also do is pay high, high dividends as pets. Look, I had a rough week this week at work. I came home to two dogs that made everything so much better. They were happy to see me. I took them outside for a potty break, and they both flipped over and wiggled around on the ground like dorks. They snuggled with me on the couch and in bed. Winston burrows under the covers. Tater likes to come stand next to me, then flop over and bump me before settling down. He will sometimes also do this at 3am. This is the best stuff ever.

They turned me from a cat person into a dog person and I think I'll only own Frenchies from now until I croak. It sounds like you have done your research and are willing to wait for a puppy from a good breeder, so I think you have everything under control. Just realize that there are some trials and tribulations that you may face and be prepared with your wallet and your time to take care of those things. I think all breeds present certain challenges, and dog ownership in general makes you trade off some things in life, but it's all worth it. Good luck on finding your Frenchie!