In a revealing Instagram video, Bryce Francois, co-CEO of The BK Pets, asked four veterinarians which dog breed they would never own themselves. The response was nearly unanimous: three out of four vets named the French Bulldog as their top pick to avoid.
Why French Bulldogs Are a Vet's Least Favorite Breed
Doctor Rachel Siu, a vet at Carrollton West Pet Hospital in Dallas, Texas, explained: "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 noted that their characteristic snorts and wheezes, often perceived as cute, are actually signs of breathing difficulties and a high risk of heat stroke. Additionally, French Bulldogs are now among the most common breeds with spinal and joint deformities.
Doctor Juan Sebastion Orujela, an emergency vet at the London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital in Ontario, Canada, echoed these concerns. While he would "pretty much own any breed," he could not recommend "intentionally purchasing" a brachycephalic breed, which includes French Bulldogs.
UK Vet Shares Similar Sentiments
Vet Dr Cat Henstridge, based in the UK, admitted there are "loads" of breeds vets wouldn't consider owning due to the health issues they witness. She specifically singled out "anything with a flat face." She stated: "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."
Dr Henstridge also mentioned the Malinois as another breed she would avoid, describing them as "insane" and noting that owning one requires dedicating your entire life to the dog.
A Different Perspective: Hounds
Dr Brianna Tobin, an emergency vet at the Alta Vista Speciality & Emergency Veterinary Centre in Ontario, Canada, offered a different answer. She said she would never own any kind of hound, including Beagles, due to their howling. "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.
Key Takeaways for Potential Dog Owners
The vets' unanimous concerns highlight the importance of researching a breed thoroughly before bringing a dog home. French Bulldogs, despite their popularity, come with a high likelihood of serious health complications such as BOAS, spinal issues, and joint problems, leading to significant veterinary costs and reduced quality of life for the animal. Potential owners should consider adopting from rescue shelters rather than purchasing from breeders, and ensure their home environment is suitable for the breed's needs.
