Three out of four vets surveyed said they would never own a French Bulldog, citing severe health problems that make the breed miserable and lead to high veterinary costs. The vets, interviewed in a video by Bryce Francois, co-CEO of The BK Pets, highlighted the breed's brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure as a primary concern.
Why French Bulldogs Top the List
Doctor Rachel Siu, a vet at Carrollton West Pet Hospital in Dallas, Texas, stated: "They can be extremely cute, fun, and good-natured pets, but they are notorious for being one of the most unhealthy dog breeds. Due to their short snouts, they have one of the highest rates of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS." She added that their snorts and wheezes, often perceived as cute, are actually signs of breathing difficulty, leading to a high risk of heat stroke. Siu also noted that French Bulldogs are now among the most common breeds with spinal and joint deformities.
Doctor Juan Sebastian Orujela, an emergency vet at the London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital in Ontario, Canada, agreed, saying he would "pretty much own any breed" but would never recommend "intentionally purchasing" a brachycephalic breed, including French Bulldogs.
UK Vet Echoes Concerns
Doctor Cat Henstridge, a UK-based small animal vet, admitted there are "loads" of breeds vets wouldn't consider owning due to health issues. She specifically mentioned "anything with a flat face" and a Malinois. "Unless it was a significant rescue situation, I couldn't possibly deliberately go out and buy one of those dogs because of the suffering of the breeds, and I don't want to contribute to that in any way," she said. Of the Malinois, she added: "They are insane. I like having a life as well as a dog, and I think if you own a breed like that, you have a dog that is your life."
A Dissenting Opinion: Hounds
Doctor Brianna Tobin, an emergency vet at the Alta Vista Speciality & Emergency Veterinary Centre in Ontario, Canada, diverged from her colleagues, naming hounds as a breed she would never own. "They have the best energy, and they're so sweet, but I cannot deal with the howling. I'm sorry to all the Beagle parents out there and other hounds, but I just can't deal with the howling. I'm a Golden Retriever kind of person," she explained.
Implications for Prospective Owners
The vets' consensus underscores the importance of researching a breed's health and lifestyle needs before acquiring a dog. French Bulldogs, despite their popularity, are prone to chronic health issues that can lead to expensive vet bills and a reduced quality of life for the pet. The vets recommend considering adoption and avoiding breeds with known hereditary problems, especially flat-faced dogs like French Bulldogs, to ensure a healthy and happy companionship.
