French Bulldogs are known for the short legs, bat like ears and their cute wrinkly baby faces. They are often very stubborn and don’t require as much exercise as a larger breed. However, once they are bonded to their owner, they are loyal and a part of the family.

There is a dark truth to these loving pets that I didn’t realize until recently, and many others probably still don’t know about this breed. French Bulldogs are disabled from birth. They are dogs in the brachycephalic category. This means they are susceptible to respiratory issues. They are bred with these physical characteristics: an elongated soft palate,stenotic nares, a hypoplastic trachea and everted laryngeal saccules. In more common language, this means they have more difficulty breathing, causing lack of oxygenation and that “cute” snorting sound they often make. Some other dogs that are subject to this are as Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekinese, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, Boxers and Mastiffs.

French bulldogs in particular are in the top ten most desired dogs around the world. Breeders continue to produce puppies who have these characteristics because we, the adopters, are demanding it. Not only are these dogs being bred with unfortunate traits, but they are also most commonly artificially inseminated. This can be debated as unethical to some, and people adopting them should be well aware of this.

I will never own a frenchie. When I look at photos of them or meet one in person, there is nothing I want more then to raise one of my own. However, I don't want to support an industry that is unethical. When the time is right, I will be adopting a pet from the animal shelter that also has loyal and cute characteristics without disabilities and I hope you do, too!