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| French Bulldog. Photo: Irinia Kozorog/Shutterstock. |
By Zazie Todd, PhD
In 2018, French bulldogs became the most pop breed of domestic dog inward the UK, overtaking the Labrador retriever, which had the number 1 spot for almost xxx years. French bulldogs are also inward the hand 10 domestic dog breeds in the US (no. 4), Canada (no. 5), together with Australia (no. 3).
French bulldogs are lovely dogs but unfortunately they tin endure from a number of inherited conditions, which tin endure pitiable for the domestic dog together with heart-breaking for the owner. Because they have got a squashed face, they are at run a hazard of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, tin have got problem breathing, endure reluctant to exercise, together with may overheat inward hot weather.
Veterinarian Shaun Oppermann recently told The Guardian,
"We tend to say: ‘Oh, it’s a French bulldog – it’s normal for them to breathe similar that. But if your kid sounded similar that afterwards a walk inward the park, you’d have got him direct downward to A&E [the emergency department].”As well, some French bulldogs have got ear problems; optic issues; pare issues; or deformities of the spine every bit a number of the genes that stimulate a screw tail.
If you’re thinking of getting a French bulldog but are concerned virtually their health, hither are some suggestions for other breeds that mightiness tally the bill, together with some tips if yous create upwardly one's hear entirely a French bulldog volition do.
People who acquire French bulldogs are ofttimes offset fourth dimension domestic dog owners who select the breed because of its distinctive appearance together with personality.
I reached out to some experts to inquire which breed they would recommend every bit an choice to someone thinking virtually a French bulldog. In other words, breeds that are suitable for offset fourth dimension domestic dog owners, goodness amongst families, suitable for aeroplane living, don’t postulate every bit good much exercise, together with have got a peachy personality.
Choosing the breed isn’t the most of import thing
Although breed is the thing most people think virtually when getting a dog, other considerations are to a greater extent than important, such every bit whether it’s the correct fourth dimension for yous to acquire a dog.
Veterinarian Dr. Emma Milne, writer of Picking a Pedigree: How to Choose a Healthy Puppy or Kitten
, says,“My advice for offset fourth dimension domestic dog owners would endure to totally forget virtually whatever breed they think they want! Every unmarried prospective domestic dog possessor should move for a minimum of one-half an hour’s walk twice a twenty-four hours every unmarried day for a calendar month regardless of weather. Millions of dogs acquire no practice together with this line is harder than yous think. Research is key. Talk to a vet, non simply breed clubs, it’s us that view the breed diseases. Make for certain the domestic dog suits your life together with larn virtually socialization together with habituation.
“As for which breed I champion - the goodness erstwhile mutt. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 truthful cross breed. Temperament together with wellness are WAY to a greater extent than of import than looks.”
Dog trainer Kristi Benson, CTC, says,
“consider what it is virtually Frenchies that yous like, together with view what other breeds mightiness also have got that characteristic.”
These are the breeds recommended every bit peculiarly suitable for people who dearest French bulldogs.
Border terrier together with other terriers
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| Border Terrier. Photo: Radomir Rezny/Shutterstock |
The edge terrier together with other terriers are all peachy choices.
Dog trainer together with qualified groomer Amy Terceira, CTC, of Dog Gone Good says, “Looking for a fun loving breed? Consider a edge terrier, West Highland terrier or a Norwich or Norfolk terrier."
She says. "These breeds are hearty together with don't have got loads of wellness issues. They are affectionate together with savor the companionship of the family. These terriers tin endure happily inward apartments every bit long every bit they acquire daily walks together with their moderate practice requirements are met. They have got lovely, spunky personalities together with loads of motivation which helps for grooming initiatives. The edge terrier inward particular is non known to excessively bark unless their needs are non beingness met. They are brave, confident piffling dogs.
“They have got moderate grooming requirements which some owners prefer to a breed that has considerable grooming needs. Preferably, they are manus stripped but tin endure brushed or clipped every bit well. Their coats produce non mat every bit easily every bit a poodle or Labradoodle for example. Hand stripping removes the dead oil outer coat to let a fresh wire coat to grow in.
“The edge terrier, inward particular, is wonderful inward the solid together with tin chill out for long periods of fourth dimension but does postulate to endure walked daily.
“I would caution potential owners that these breeds have got high prey drives together with dearest to chase critters, which is what they were bred to do! Walking them on leash peculiarly close roads is wise. Installing a strong recall is a goodness stance too. They aren't the best candidates to endure amongst cats, peculiarly inward an apartment.
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| West Highland White Terrier puppies. Photo: Olga Ovcharenko/Shutterstock |
“Another thing to annotation virtually these terriers is that they are choosy virtually their doggie friends. Socializing them from an early on historic menstruum is really of import but despite your best socialisation efforts, they may silent endure scrappy together with non acquire along amongst every domestic dog they meet. Terrier breeds tend to endure less tolerant of frontward advances yesteryear other dogs.
“If yous similar what yous are reading but would prefer something a piffling less spunky or spiky seek a Sealyham terrier or a Dandie Dinmont.”
Cairn Terrier
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| Cairn Terrier. Photo: Marina Plevako/Shutterstock |
Cairn terriers are piffling dogs that are mostly healthy; indeed, I suggested them inward a post I wrote for Psychology Today virtually the #BreedtoBreathe motion on brachycephalic dogs.
Dog trainer Eileen Holst-Grubbe, CTC, of Great Day Dog Training says, “While non normally stance of every bit a first-time-dog-owner dog, the cairn terrier has the personality someone looking at a Frenchie could endure attracted to. They have got the terrier spunk that mightiness brand a novice possessor think twice, but I’ve constitute that amongst some grooming (a goodness professional person is the best bet) together with other mental enrichment their zest for life tin endure channeled appropriately. While they are busy piffling dogs, they have got brusque legs together with I've constitute it doesn't have got every bit much physical activeness to tire them out.”
Holst-Grubbe has a personal argue for loving the cairn terrier. She told me, “Oscar was the cairn inward my life together with he, every bit good every bit the few I have got trained, all seem to have got a feel of humor. “
She added, “Their terrier spiciness mightiness outwit the average individual (or dog), but the few cairns I have got trained for clients have got been quick learners together with able to acquire well-behaved, yet entertaining, members of their families."
Golden retrievers together with Labrador retrievers
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| Golden Retriever puppy. Photo: PhotoTrippingAmerica/Shutterstock |
Golden retrievers together with Labrador retrievers postulate no introduction because they are such pop dogs.
Tim Steele, CTC, of Behavior Matters Academy says, “I realize it may audio trite, but I'd recommend people await at Labrador together with golden retrievers. There are goodness reasons these dogs terminate upwardly on the most pop lists every twelvemonth (the Labrador retriever comes inward offset together with goldens come upwardly inward 3rd out of 193 breeds at AKC.org).
“They are mostly friendly, goodness position unit of measurement dogs, easily trained, together with fantastic for people amongst active lifestyles. You couldn't inquire for a improve hiking buddy who volition dearest cuddling amongst yous when yous acquire dorsum home.”
Havanese
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| Havanese puppy. Photo: Dorrotya Mathe/Shutterstock |
Havanese are toy dogs that are originate from Cuba, so the name.
Bonnie Hartney, CTC, of Ocean Park Dog Training suggests the Havanese. She says, “As a professional person domestic dog trainer, I pass fourth dimension amongst a diverseness of breeds together with mixes. One piffling domestic dog that has won my catch is the Havanese. They are cheerful, affectionate companion dogs, well-suited to aeroplane living. Friendly amongst people, children, together with other dogs, the Havanese are pop on neighbourhood walks. They excel inward domestic dog sports such every bit agility, olfactory organ work, together with obedience but are also content to hang out amongst their “people.”
“Like the French bulldog, Havanese are relatively quiet. Their beautiful silky coats, which come upwardly inward a diverseness of colours together with patterns, require brushing or clipping. Whether inward a selfie pose or amongst a novel trick, the Havanese are definite people pleasers.”
Italian greyhound
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| Italian Greyhound. Photo: Sarah Weldon/Shutterstock |
Italian greyhounds are small, elegant sighthounds that are ofttimes called Iggies for short.
Certified domestic dog demeanour consultant Kayla Fratt, CDBC, of Journey Dog Training told me Italian greyhounds are apartment-friendly dogs that are salubrious together with don’t postulate much exercise.
She says, “Italian greyhounds are notoriously tranquillity together with cuddly. They’re fifty-fifty smaller than Frenchies together with ofttimes await adorable inward sweaters (they acquire really cold). They’re actually nice, slow dogs. Plus, they come upwardly inward a lot of colors together with tin silent endure quite striking.
“Let’s confront it, many people dearest Frenchies because they’re so darn cute. Iggies (Italian greyhounds) also tally that bill!“
Poodle
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| Toy poodle. Photo: Jagodka/Shutterstock |
Poodles come upwardly inward standard, miniature, together with toy sizes together with are intelligent dogs.
Dog trainer together with canine demeanour consultant Melanie Ceronie, PhD, says “For individuals or families thinking virtually a Frenchie or other brachycephalic breed of dog, I highly recommend considering a poodle every bit an alternative. There’s much to a greater extent than to a poodle than simply a pretty face! Poodles are consistently inward the AKC’s hand 10 listing of most pop dogs inward the United States. They are active, highly intelligent, together with friendly dogs that brand peachy position unit of measurement companions.
“With 3 varieties of poodles to select from – toy (4-6 pounds); miniature (12-20 pounds); together with touchstone (50-70 pounds) – at that spot is a size suitable for everyone. Poodles also come upwardly inward a broad hit of colors, including grey, apricot, black, together with white. Poodles are highly trainable dogs that brand a peachy selection for people wishing to participate inward domestic dog sports, such every bit agility, freestyle, nosework, or contest obedience. They are also known to brand wonderful therapy together with service dogs, every bit well, due to their friendliness, intelligence, together with trainability.
“Because poodles are active dogs, it volition endure of import for those considering the breed to ensure that their dog’s daily practice together with enrichment needs are met. In improver their curly coats require regular brushing together with grooming. There's a lot to dearest virtually poodles, together with I highly recommend them to individuals together with families looking for a sociable, active canine companion.”
Shih Tzu
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| Shih Tzu. Photo: rebeccaashworth/Shutterstock |
Shih Tzus are pop piffling dogs because of their playful nature.
Dog trainer Jennifer Gailis, CTC, of Bravo Fido says, “If I had to total upwardly the Shih Tzu inward a few words, it would endure happy-go-lucky together with playful. The Shih Tzu is easily overlooked every bit a frou-frou demo domestic dog best suited to sit down on a fluffy pillow amongst a bow inward their pilus but this couldn’t endure farther from the truth. These are mostly playful piffling dogs amongst wonderful personalities. Their practice needs are depression compared to working breeds, however, they silent postulate daily activities together with play.
“As amongst whatever breed, finding a responsible breeder, early on socialization, together with positive reinforcement grooming are telephone commutation to ensuring your Shih Tzu is happy together with confident. Shih Tzus are mostly extremely social dogs together with tin brand wonderful companions for people of whatever age. They tin endure lovely amongst children together with brand goodness position unit of measurement dogs. However, due to the Shih Tzu’s pocket-sized size, oil treatment or overly boisterous kids tin endure scary. Parental supervision is ever recommended.
“The principal drawback to the Shih Tzu is their coat which requires regular grooming. Most pet owners select to give their Shih Tzu a close-cropped puppy cutting which gives them an adorable oil together with spill look.
“Shih Tzus brand my listing of domestic dog breeds recommended for novice owners or anyone looking for a lovely companion. While the breed is recognized for many wonderful traits, delight retrieve all dogs are individuals together with at that spot tin endure variation within the breed.”
This is a brachycephalic breed, so have got extra attention to detect a responsible breeder.
Whippet
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| Whippet. Photo: Cora Mueller/Shutterstock |
Whippets are good-looking dogs that are taller than Italian greyhounds but smaller than greyhounds.
doc Kate Mornement of Pets Behaving Badly–Solutions amongst Dr Kate told me, "Whippets are a fantastic breed for so many reasons. They are friendly, affectionate, intelligent, compatible amongst other pets together with normally don't bark excessively. They are also really build clean together with have got a depression shedding, depression maintenance coat. These qualities brand them good suited to aeroplane living (as long every bit they are adequately exercised).
“Whippets brand peachy companions for most people together with living situations including families together with are said to endure 1 of the hardiest purebred dogs. Whippets experience the cold, though, together with may postulate an extra layer to move on them warm inward the wintertime months. These lovely piffling dogs produce best when they are allowed within together with included inward position unit of measurement life."
Mutts
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| Mixed breed dog. Photo: Lunia/Shutterstock |
Mutts are really pop for a diverseness of reasons, together with yesteryear Definition come upwardly inward all shapes together with colours.
Monash University PhD candidate Mia Cobb of Do You Believe inward Dog? recommends a mixed breed dog.
“You desire to part your life amongst a salubrious together with happy canine companion for every bit long every bit possible, yes? Then acquire a mutt!," she told me. "I’m a huge fan of welcoming rescue dogs of unknown heritage into my home. Perhaps you’re concerned that a mutt won’t comport every bit predictably every bit a pure-bred dog, but enquiry from the terminal ii decades repeatedly shows us that nosotros postulate to process dogs every bit individuals. We tin view every bit much behavioural variation within a breed every bit nosotros tin betwixt breeds. We can’t endure for certain that dogs volition comport a for certain agency simply because they belong to a specific breed or breed type."
There are advantages to a mixed breed dog, Cobb says. "Mixed breed dogs endure longer than pure bred dogs, together with this lifespan wages is proportional to torso size. We know that dogs amongst squashed (brachycephalic) faces atomic number 82 lives of compromised wellness together with welfare. If the destination is a happy, salubrious together with long-lived domestic dog - it’s non going to endure 1 amongst an extreme torso type – it’s actually that simple.
"Whichever type of domestic dog yous create upwardly one's hear to part your abode with, endure for certain to run across the specific individual. I’d advise spending fourth dimension getting to know them, their personality together with activeness levels. Do your enquiry to endure informed of whatever breed-related wellness issues they volition confront throughout their lifetime - together with so consider whether yous volition endure a goodness tally for each other over the side yesteryear side 15 years. Me? I’ll ever endure coming together my side yesteryear side mutt at the rescue shelter.”
Kristi Benson says an adult rescue domestic dog has the wages of beingness a known quantity. She told me, “Rescues together with shelters inward your expanse volition probable have got a bevy of mid-sized dogs who are fun, hilarious, together with amongst the same amount of unloose energy every bit a typical Frenchie.
"Plan to produce run across together with greets amongst dogs that are at to the lowest degree 3 years old, since in 1 trial a domestic dog is virtually three, they pretty much are who they are: they volition endure dog-friendly or not, cat-friendly or not, kid-friendly or not, together with yous tin easily position both their practice together with grooming needs.”
If yous actually desire a French bulldog
Whatever breed of domestic dog yous get, enquiry the wellness issues so yous tin inquire the breeder the correct questions.
If yous desire a French bulldog, it’s of import to detect a responsible breeder. Ask them whether the parents have got needed whatever medical procedures; a goodness breeder volition endure happy to verbalize virtually the wellness of their puppies. Dogs that have got had to have got surgical operation for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome should non endure bred from. Make for certain yous view the puppy amongst mom, together with pay attending to whether the mom seems salubrious or is snorting or wheezing.
Ask the breeder if the puppies were born yesteryear caesarian section, together with if the mom has had multiple caesarians. In some breeds, including the French bulldog, the bulk of litters are born yesteryear caesarian subdivision because they cannot safely give nascency naturally. In some places, guidelines or legislation hateful bitches tin no longer endure bred if they have got had ii caesarian sections.
Benson says “Check amongst the Frenchie breeders inward your expanse for whatever who are breeding for longer snouts (and to address the other conformation issues amongst these dogs). Supporting these breeders volition back upwardly changes inward the breed standard, which is what many domestic dog advocates are seeking.”
Benson also suggests that yous consider a cross of a French bulldog amongst some other breed. “Search the rescues together with shelters inward your expanse for Frenchie crosses. Crosses ofttimes part characteristics amongst their bring upwardly breeds, but tin endure healthier together with to a greater extent than structurally sound.“
Remember that French bulldogs are also available from shelters together with rescues. In this instance yous acquire the wages of their wellness having already been checked – together with whatever necessary veterinarian procedures having been carried out. Plus, of course, yous are giving a abode to a domestic dog who badly needs one.
The video below shows what the Mayhew fauna welfare charity inward London, UK, did for 1 of the French bulldogs that came into their care.
Summary: French bulldogs together with alternatives
French bulldogs are wonderful dogs, but they tin have got serious wellness issues every bit a number of their looks. Ultimately, nosotros postulate kennel clubs together with breeders to detect a agency to solve this employment (for example, inward Sweden, dogs that have got had surgical operation for brachycephalic issues cannot endure bred).
If yous desire a domestic dog similar a French bulldog, the breeds listed inward this post are all peachy choices for people who dearest Frenchies, every bit are mutts. It’s of import to retrieve that French bulldogs are available inward shelters together with rescues too.
Whatever breed yous create upwardly one's hear on, retrieve to enquiry the potential wellness issues so that yous know which questions to inquire the breeder, together with ever view the puppy amongst mom. Check out my post on how to select a puppy for to a greater extent than tips.
And if you’re getting a puppy, don’t forget to sign upwardly for a goodness puppy class (see also: how to select a domestic dog trainer).
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Zazie Todd, PhD, is the writer of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy
. She is the founder of the pop weblog , where she writes virtually everything from grooming methods to the human-canine relationship. She also writes a column for Psychology Today together with has received the prestigious Captain Haggerty Award for Best Training Article inward 2017. Todd lives inward Maple Ridge, BC, amongst her husband, 1 dog, together with ii cats.Useful links:
- Check out what the Animal Book Club is reading this month
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Further Reading
Why produce people select for certain dogs (here on )
‘This is a calamity’: The surgeons keeping pugs together with bulldogs alive yesteryear Simon Usborne at The Guardian.
Dogs deserve better (RSPCA)
Veterinarian doc Emma Milne has a page virtually the responsible purpose of pets inward advertising (and you’ll detect lots of fauna welfare information on her website too).
What the pug is going on? yesteryear Mia Cobb, Do You Believe inward Dog
References
Evans, K. M., & Adams, V. J. (2010). Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born yesteryear caesarean section. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 51(2), 113-118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00902.x
Fawcett, A., Barrs, V., Awad, M., Child, G., Brunel, L., Mooney, E., Martinez-Taboada, F., McDonald, B. & McGreevy, P. (2019). Consequences together with Management of Canine Brachycephaly inward Veterinary Practice: Perspectives from Australian Veterinarians together with Veterinary Specialists. Animals, 9(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9010003Packer, R. M. A., Murphy, D., & Farnworth, M. J. (2017). Purchasing pop purebreds: investigating the influence of breed-type on the pre-purchase motivations together with behaviour of domestic dog owners. Animal Welfare 26(2), 181-201.
Sandøe P, Kondrup SV,, Bennett PC,, Forkman B,, Meyer I,, Proschowsky HF,, Serpell, JA,, & Lund, TB (2017). Why produce people purchase dogs amongst potential welfare problems related to extreme conformation together with inherited disease? Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 representative report of Danish owners of 4 pocket-sized domestic dog breeds. PLOSOne https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172091
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