What about French Bulldogs? Does anyone own one?

[JudoMom]

Likes/Dislikes? Does it bark a lot? What about shedding? Good with kids?

[Ellie]

never met one, though.

Would it impress you to know that Martha Stewart has one??

[JudoMom]

never met one, though.

Would it impress you to know that Martha Stewart has one??

That's where I first saw one. They are stinkin' cute :D.

The only thing that concerns me is that they say they do better with older children, and we've still got young ones. But they are used to animals and are fairly gentle with them, so I don't know.

[Canada_Mom]

My SIL owns 2. I'm very close to her, therefore, I feel *qualified* to answer this post. LOL! Hers are from a high quality breeder, one is actually a championship stud. I've actually learned a lot about this breed from SIL...

They are AMAZING with kids! Truly- the temperament of these dogs is second to none! I talk with her daily but her dogs don't see kids very often. All mine are 6 and under and when we go there they are so fantastic, even with the baby. They will tolerate high levels of "abuse" from kids.

They are SUPER HIGH maintenance. Both of her dogs are in and out of the vet for various issues- things like food alergies, boils, chemical insensitivities, intestinal problems, other allergies. oh the list goes on and on. SIL & her dh make good money & have no kids so $$ is not an issue for them but even DH, who ADORES the dogs, has said they won't get Frenchies again for this reason.

They can't swim. Truly: they will drown because their mass is too high for the size of their legs or something like that? I personally find this hilarious.

They are not tolerant to heat.- if you live in hot climates, you may want to consider this. We had a major heat wave last summer and one of her dogs almost died. In fact he broke into hives that lasted for 4 months. When she walks them in the summer she has to bring along wet towels to cool them off every 15 min, or take them through sprinklers. Heat is very hard on them.- this again, relates to the "high maintenance" mentioned above.

They can't lick their own... it's physically impossible for them. I find this appealing as I don't have to wonder where the tongue has been that is licking my kids' mouths... it's okay if all they do is pee, but the bad side to this is... she has to "wipe" for them after they go outside and poop. (very appealing, huh?)

Yes, they shed. She vacuums daily, but hubby is a neat freak.

They snort. A LOT. Usually they require surgery for this as it's a common problem with the nasal passages. (or something like that). Both her dogs required the surgery. Still, they snort. A LOT.

They don't bark a lot. I'm not sure if it's hers or the breed in general. She's very close to her breeder and I believe it's a breed thing.

Can't think of anything else right now. I think they are amazing little dogs, but they cost a lot to purchase and own. I do love how great they are with children.

[Mamagistra]

Yes, all those heat/snore/can't reach aspects are typical of all brachiocephalic (smush-faced) breeds.

(Yep...I spelled it wrong!) :o

[Soph the vet]

[quote=Canada_Mom;74117]

They snort. A LOT. Usually they require surgery for this as it's a common problem with the nasal passages. (or something like that). Both her dogs required the surgery. Still, they snort. A LOT.

quote]
Canada Mom hit most of the health issues right on the head. The snorting may be from the nares, but many times it is also from an elongated soft palate which goes along with most brachycephalic breeds. My 2 cents.

[Jennifer on Earth]

and they love her to pieces! They paid a lot for her -- definitely more than I would pay for a dog. She is very good with my kids and I can tell she's the kind of dog that loves everybody and wouldn't harm a flea. I think she sheds some, but compared to the pug my parents owned before, she doesn't shed so badly. Yes, she snorts, but not as badly as my Boston terrier. :-) I think the snorting is endearing though. She only seems to bark when she sees other animals, not so much with people. She does seem to have intestinal issues (occasional vomiting, gas and diarrhea), but my parents have learned how to keep it fairly well under control.

French bulldogs are a wonderful breed. I love all "smush-faced" dogs though.

[Crissy]

There's always the Boston (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showpost.php?p=74788&postcount=19). :D