6 Reasons Why We Chose and Love Our French Bulldogs.
I have always been a dog person. There’s something about their expressive eyes, the way they tilt their heads when you talk to them and the way they absolutely adore you.
As a child I only had two dogs and none as an adult. We went through love, marriage, kids and buying a house. As the kids got older, the desire to have a dog grew. Gabby had asked for years and when Mimi was old enough to share in the responsibility of a dog, we finally considering adding to our family.
Once we had reached the decision to get a dog, the research began. One of the many reasons we hadn’t had a dog up until now was because we tend to be a bit germaphobic. We like to keep a clean home, have busy lives and we weren’t exactly sure how that could fit into our lifestyle. So, we were looking for a breed that was small, was low-maintenance, family-friendly and was short-haired.
Bat Pigs, Anyone?
We found THE perfect breed for us. They are low-energy, aren’t super yappy, don’t get taller than a foot or heavier than 28 pounds and their short hair guaranteed minimal shedding. What did we choose? The French Bulldog! We knew that though there were a lot of positives in getting a pure-bred dog, we were aware that pure-breds have special nutritional needs and we were committed to providing only the best.
The Search.
Mimi was set to start Kindergarten and perhaps a little selfishly, I knew that it would be really hard for me since she is our last child. I work from home and having an empty house was going to be a bit lonely. For that reason, Dara felt it was the perfect time to get a dog to keep me company and so that the girls can experience the love that comes with having a dog.
Lincoln came into our life after we researched breeders in our area, our search brought us near the Waterloo area and we went through pictures and picked him out of his litter. We drove 3 ½ hours and met a perfect, tiny little brindled Frenchie with big, brown eyes and a little patch of white on his chest. We fell in love as soon as we laid eyes on him and he came home with us that day.
6 months later, we decided that Lincoln needed a brother and we adopted a stud from a breeder. Maverick, a pied Frenchie with a heart of gold. He’s so easy going, loyal and incredibly loving. This year, he sired two litters and he is almost retired. We plan on spending his golden years with him and giving him the best life possible. Lincoln is a bit more high-energy and Maverick is laid-back and gentle. It’s a great balance.
In less than a year, our family had changed immensely and our lives are much richer because of it. Now that we have two French Bulldogs, I want to share 6 reasons why we absolutely love them below.
1. Playful Personality.
Frenchies are often described as jokesters. They are comical, playful and friendly. Having two kids who had never owned a dog, it was important that they’d be kid-friendly. Small but, sturdy enough to be handled by kids. Not to mention, they are not a “one-person” dog and will love everyone in the family. Frenchies don’t do very well on their own, they like constant companionship. Working from home, I always have company with them. If I walk down to the office, they do too and if I get up to go to another room–they do too. They’re definitely reliable!
2. Low-Exercise.
We are a family that is always on-the-go and since I work at home, I tend to be in the office during office hours. Having a dog that is high-energy wouldn’t work for us. Since Frenchies are flat-faced, they don’t breathe all that well. So, a good walk a day or a play session in the backyard is perfect for them.
3. They Snort!
Not only are Frenchies super adorable, they snort like pigs! While many wouldn’t find this endearing, we absolutely do! They are lovingly called ‘bat pigs’ because of their raised and pointed ears and because they snort and grunt like crazy. But, be warned! They may snort and be ridiculously cute but, they can also have gas and snore louder than most humans! We still love them anyway!
4. Not a Lap Dog!
While Frenchies are small, they are pretty buff. They are strong, muscular and maybe sometimes a bit tubby. They can rough and tumble and won’t break. They love to play for short spurts of time and make excellent Netflix-binging buddies. Often referred to big dogs in small dog bodies–they live up to it!
5. Easy Diet.
Due to their breed, they can be prone to allergies. We chose a great breeder for Lincoln and he is in optimal health and has no allergies. Unfortunately, Mavi has tummy and skin sensitivities. We have to make sure we choose the right food for him. Royal Canin has breed-specific foods that are specifically suited to their needs.
Lincoln’s nickname is Dyson because he will inhale any morsel of food that hits the ground. Mavi tends to be a picky eater and if the kibble looks funny, is too big or too small, doesn’t smell right–you name it, he isn’t interested. Royal Canin has all of these needs and quirks in mind for specific breeds. Since bat pigs have a “brachycephalic” jaw type with a very short muzzle, having kibble that is shaped just right makes it easier for them to pick up and eat. Since they are muscular, they need a higher protein kibble and Royal Canin already thought of that!
6. They’re Adorable & They’ll Love You.
Okay, I think that I may have said that once or twice already. But, they really, really are! Mind you, they are very treat motivated but, once they adore you–they adore you. They will melt your heart when they give you those big, wide eyes, a grunt or a snort while you scratch their freckled tummies. Give you all the feels when they follow you room to room and lay at your feet while you watch TV or sit at your desk. Absolute adoration for you and your family, the perfect dog.
A Part of the Family.
In a matter of a year, we went from a pet-free home to owning two beautiful French Bulldogs. While they have their quirks, they have made our lives so much better.
Little snorting companions that are always there when you need a cuddle or a good ear. They will listen attentively and pull in closer for a snuggle. Just enough oomph to play fetch with the kids and easy-going and laid back to relax all-day too. These are just 6 reasons why we love our Frenchies and why you would definitely fall in love with them too!
What do you love the most about your dog?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
The post Why French Bulldogs Are the Perfect Breed for Our Family. appeared first on Whispered Inspirations.