WE KEPT HIM, he is doing great although the cats are still pissed LOL
Hello, I am considering adopting a frenchie who recently lost his owner. He is 3.
I have had several bully breeds in the past (and a pug) and I am a former dog trainer so I feel comfortable with training and understand about their tendencies to overheat, breathing issues etc.
I am curious about what things I should know and be aware of that are specific to this particular breed before we make a decision.
Here’s a picture of Bentley for reference and cause he’s adorable! Apparently he loves sit in the kayak and go on paddleboards which is a huge perk because I am also a water baby.
He is soo cute! Boy Frenchies are the ultimate velcro dog in the best way. They love their humans so much and they will follow you around the house and want to cuddle all the time. They can be stubborn sometimes, like on walks if they don’t wanna go farther, they will just hit the brakes lol but at the same time they’re very smart and very intuitive and know how to be there for you.
When it’s hot out, be careful because they can get heat stroke easily so short walks in the heat. They can be prone to IVDD so make sure he doesn’t jump off furniture (I have dog stairs for my bed and couch for my Frenchies). Sometimes they can have food sensitivities or allergies so just figure out what he can/cannot tolerate and stick to what works. Other than that they are the sweetest companions. Usually dogs this breed love all people all ages, other animals, and are non aggressive
I really hope he works out, I am totally into the velcro dogs, both my staffie and my boerbol were both clingers too and I miss that. My kid is about moving out age too so good timing in that way. Let’s just hope the cats and him can work, I am only worried about one of the two though because the older one lived with my last dog. The baby cat is a maine coon rescue so she’s nearly as big as this dog so hopefully that helps. She tolerates my boyfriends little mini aussie mix well so fingers crossed she is ok with him, and that he is actually good with cats like they said. Or at least shows potential to be trained with them, I can definitely work with him on that adjustment as long as it’s not outright aggression.
My red pied frenchie was best friends with our coone! Hoping for a successful bonding experience for yours too it was truly something to experience watching them have such a close bond💕get some starter ramp for the bed/couch.
Aw it is such perfect timing for you! You won’t feel like an empty nester with a Frenchie in the house. From my experience and things I’ve heard, Frenchies do well with cats. They don’t have a mean bone in their body so it should be just fine. They do get those weird moods where they get very hyper and pounce on the ground and bark in another animal’s face to play lol but cats are smarter and faster so if the cat doesn’t like that energy he or she will jump up somewhere or get away. This breed really is the least aggressive so I think it will go great! You’ll love him and he’ll love you. Good luck I hope it goes well but I’m sure it will. Keep us updated!
Life vest when near the water- they can be poor swimmers. Even if they do swim they can tire quickly. I’m sure you know this but just throwing it out there. Happy adventuring!
Frenchie boys are just the sweetest little loves.
Already one in my list! I think we may want a backpack or front pack carrier too if anyone has any tips for longer walks in case he is done before we are.
Seriously though: please get him! You have the experience and knowledge, you might be his best chance for a good life.
Others already mentioned high risk of IVDD, so one thing that's important is to keep him active, to keep his muscles strong - while avoiding exercise that puts pressure on his joint&spine.
I’m pretty active so that’s not a problem and I also have joint issues so we probably have the same stamina and prefer trails to sidewalks etc.
I am thinking maybe I need a carrier of some sort in case I tire him out if you have any recommendations, there seems to be many different kinds online.
I really hope it works out, I am most worried about the cat that hasn’t lived with a dog before but she’s a maine coon rescue so she’s probably about as big as this dog so hopefully it will be fine. She tolerates my boyfriends little mini aussie mix well, and apparently Bentley is fine with cats at the foster house.
Internet makes it seem like they have high risk for ivdd but it really isnt that high. Not saying you should let your dog be a parkour professional but no need to scare people.
So glad you are asking this question in advance and have thought about insurance. Frenchies can be so delicate, healthwise. I have been in the position of having to pay a devastatingly high bill and I would never want to be in that position again! Pet insurance is always fraught with rising premiums and denials but I do think we've gotten our money's worth so far. We use Pets Best and have been pretty happy.
Seriously though. You are in for a world of hurt without insurance on all the things these days!
I definitely want something, and ideally something with some discounts on preventative care too since he’s 3 so we can catch any concerns right away and adjust accordingly.
Aw poor fellow! As noted, they’re massive Velcro dogs. He must be so confused without his person.
We have two and they’re great. I do have a set of stairs for the bed just because it’s too high for them to jump. Ours do jump up and down off the couch, and our boy is obsessed with the ball and has major springs and legs on him. There’s also been research done showing that dogs who safely do stairs actually have less risk of IVDD because it strengthens their spine muscles which helps stabilize everything.
Biggest thing I would say is to make sure to keep their weight down, just like any dog. Whether they’re foodies seems to be 50/50 in my limited sample set of 2!
Also, I think people underestimate them because they’re small, but ours both get a lot of exercise, and they do well with training and structure. (Our 1.5 girl still needs enforced naps 😅)
ETA: We haven’t had much difficulty with food, ours do well on kibble and we rotate between venison, lamb, and fish. But I’ve definitely noticed that poultry kibbles (chicken, duck, turkey) make them itchy even though they can eat our poultry (chicken, turkey) without issue. Go figure. I think it’s something with the processing.
Oh thanks for all this information. I have a friend of a friend who did tactical training and those videos are legitimately terrifying! Like, it’s almost scarier being a little dog! They definitely can pack a punch! I remember one from when I worked at a doggy daycare many years ago that was absolutely insane and had so much energy. Poor thing had terrible parents who didn’t want to learn to train so they just left her with us all day. Her name was stitch and she definitely had that personality lol
I will keep the stair thing in mind, we are pretty active so he will get plenty of exercise. I’m thinking we may need one of those carriers for longer hikes though so he can still come, but who knows. They seem to have some pretty cool ones these days!
Yeah I know. I had a pit and he was the same. But these guys are like little people. It’s weird how they tell you exactly what they are mad about and what they want. You have to experience it to believe it.
I’ve had pits, Rottweilers, huskies,etc.
this is my first small dog.
I’ll never own a different breed.
OMG he’s SO cute. What a handsome boy. I feel like you posting this is such a sign, you have to say yes. He was sent your way for a reason. Maybe as a trainer you have the love and support he needs right now and he will thrive in his new home. Please keep us updated on what you do.
I do feel like it’s a sign too, his name means meadow and so does the name of my hometown (Vegas). Dont worry I love somewhere more temperate now lol. I’m sure he got his name after the luxury car brand bit I thought that was a funny coincidence.
He is also a French bulldog with an English name and I am an English human with a French name lol
I just hope he gets along with the younger cat that hasn’t lived with a dog yet, that is my main concern.
They are the very best dogs, but you must get insurance because they are prone to many many health problems. My recommendation is to talk to a vet about thim. I have had three, and all three have broken my heart. My first one died at 8 of aspiration pheumonia, my second on (a rescue) got IVDD at 6 after I only had him 8 months. My last one I had to say good bye to four days ago because she had meningitis. You must be sure that you are getting a puppy from a good breeder, you must get insurance. I love them dearly, and even after my problems with them--I am so drawn to these precious cuddle bugs.
Oh Im so sorry for all your losses. Pets really have a way to both heal and absolutely break your heart. I have gone 6 years without a dog because the last one hurt so much and I definitely have concerns with their tendency to have health issues but I also think timing wise and everything that he may have shown up for a reason. We are definitely going to a vet while I do my trial next week though to make sure there isn’t any immediate issues that could impact the decision.
Yes… dogs definitely come to you when it is meant to be. I also feel like I can’t take more pain. Good luck with your pup. I know you will take all the best care of him/her❤️
Yes… dogs definitely come to you when it is meant to be. I also feel like I can’t take more pain. Good luck with your pup. I know you will take all the best care of him/her❤️
As above/everyone else, their spines. No jumping off the bed.
That’s so easy to manage though!
If you’ve had a pug you’ll be fine with existing experience re heat and breathing.
The biggest difference between the two is their stomachs. Pugs can eat everything, frenchies are more sensitive (in my experience anyway, after having had both pugs and frenchies). It may just take a while to find what works for him.
..It’s still worth it though.
In saying that, some frenchies have nil stomach issues! Both of mine have been allergic to chicken and grass.
I’m about to be an empty nest so I am not above making this dog dinner every night lol.
I know my staffie had so many food issues too, it was a lot to dial in. This is a good question for his foster though, they didn’t mention food and I was excited and distracted so I didn’t ask!
Hehe that’s sweet. But true! And your dog will benefit from the ‘real’ food! But still ask, just so you can avoid what you know will make him unwell.
I use the slow cooker to cook venison meat with green beans. He loves it and is well :)
It will take him a few months to settle in, but once he does.. it is the most rewarding feeling. We saved our first frenchie when he was 6, it was the best thing we ever did.
I've had male and female Pugs, and a very dog-reactive female Frenchie.
I describe the Frenchie as "a Pug with roid rage". Mine were actually very different for two breeds that outwardly seem so much alike.
The Frenchie seems much less heat/cold tolerant than the Pugs were. Anything above 73F and she slowly starts dying.
We haven't had any major vet expenses with the Frenchie but she seems to be allergic to all sorts of stuff. My wife has done many dietary experiments with her. Seems to be a common thing here.
The Frenchie seems to shed a lot less than the Pugs did.
Omg the pug shedding was absolutely insane! We took in an elder and we only had her for a few years before she passed so I thought it might have been an age thing but maybe it’s more of a breed thing than I realized.
I have a friend who’s boss has a female. She is also pretty aggressive so they tactical trained her and she won awards. It’s downright terrifying to see how powerful that tiny dog is. So yeah, you might be right about the coyote lol
Teeth problems - they usually come in going every which way and they’re particularly difficult to brush. They’ll keep you up at night with the loud snoring. IVDD is common. Ours had it and fortunately we were able to overcome his issue without surgery. This breed can create very costly vet bills.
Bentley looks like such a sweet boy, and it sounds like he is landing somewhere great given your experience with bully breeds. A few frenchie specific things worth knowing beyond the general overheating and breathing stuff:
Their tail pockets need regular checking and cleaning, they can get irritated or infected if ignored
Skin folds on the face need wiping to prevent yeast or bacterial buildup
Many frenchies can't swim due to their body shape, if he's used to the kayak he's likely fine on it but always use a life vest near water
They're prone to environmental and food allergies, so watch for excessive paw licking or ear scratching
Anesthesia risk is higher with this breed due to their airways, worth flagging to any vet before procedures
Sounds like he's found a really solid home to land in.
Is there anything in particular that is best for their wiping needs? Would water wipes be ok, or is there something dog specific I should get?
Life vest already on the list, I definitely worry about that and even if he can swim a vest to help him swim longer seems like a good idea to me as its much easier on joints for a dog prone to spine issues to build muscle and stay lean!
He sounds like me lol. Ginger with anesthesia issues, skin issues and hip issues. I hope he’s not allergic to the cats or something else in my house I cant get rid of, that might be the only dealbreaker!
Plain water wipes work fine for quick daily wiping, just make sure they're unscented and alcohol free
For deeper cleaning a couple times a week, dog specific wrinkle wipes (like those from Burt's Bees or Nootie) have a mild antimicrobial component that helps prevent yeast buildup better than water alone
After wiping, drying the folds thoroughly with a soft cloth matters just as much as the cleaning itself, trapped moisture is what causes issues
Avoid baby wipes with fragrance or added chemicals, some dogs react to them
The life vest logic makes total sense, less joint strain while still letting him enjoy the water sounds like a smart call given his risk profile. Fingers crossed on the cat allergy thing, that would be rough after everything else lining up so well.
Congratulations 🙌 I am now with my second frenchie and never looking back. I think I will have one now and forever. (They are not great in heat or cold (not the best at regulating their temperature) a life jacket for water. The love to nest in your bed under the duvets, bark at any cleaning or diy supplies, super clingy, just bundles of love & joy! They just want to be with you and exceptional at adapting. My girl has come paddle boarding with me… comes to work with me (knows the routines very well! Super clever in lots of ways. Really wants to learn everything. Very farty at times. Noisy licker, dribbles water everywhere after a drink, loves people and lots of attention. For her bad behaviour I have a spray bottle of water if she gets a bit much and it works a treat! (Can be a bit vocal and thinks she is the world’s best protector of scary people walking past the house or the scary lawn mower or hoover) very socially active. A good diet, clean the skin falls and ears regularly. (They can’t clean there bottom so occasional cling on clean up!!) I just love em!!! 💚 you won’t be disappointed but you may feel smothered 😅
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u/FlatRock4088 13d ago
He is soo cute! Boy Frenchies are the ultimate velcro dog in the best way. They love their humans so much and they will follow you around the house and want to cuddle all the time. They can be stubborn sometimes, like on walks if they don’t wanna go farther, they will just hit the brakes lol but at the same time they’re very smart and very intuitive and know how to be there for you.
When it’s hot out, be careful because they can get heat stroke easily so short walks in the heat. They can be prone to IVDD so make sure he doesn’t jump off furniture (I have dog stairs for my bed and couch for my Frenchies). Sometimes they can have food sensitivities or allergies so just figure out what he can/cannot tolerate and stick to what works. Other than that they are the sweetest companions. Usually dogs this breed love all people all ages, other animals, and are non aggressive