Hey everyone! Let’s chat about squishy-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs. Do any of you own one of these breeds or mixes? Did you know bulldogs can’t breed naturally? They need assistance at fertility clinics to even get pregnant, and most require a C-section for birth. The pups often need help breathing in their early days too. These breeds face a lot of health issues, and caring for them can be really costly. My parents used to breed bulldogs, but they’ve decided to stop, and I totally support their decision. Did you already know about this? Or do you have any other insights? Let’s share and discuss!
We adopted a two-year-old English bulldog abandoned by a breeder because she couldn’t get pregnant anymore. In the first few months, she had to get surgeries for her eyelids, hernia, and nostrils, plus some teeth removed. She also had worms that were hard to treat and wasn’t producing tears in one eye. She’s allergic to all meat now and eats a special diet. When we first got her, she was scared of everything except her crate. It’s heartbreaking to see her freeze up at the vet, probably because of her past experiences.
We love her, though. She’s calm and happy now, with only yearly check-ups. But whenever I see English bulldog puppies, I just think of all the hardships their moms probably go through.
@Dru
It’s a sad reality 
I didn’t know bulldogs needed so much medical assistance, but I knew the squish-faced breeds had breathing problems. Honestly, maybe we should stop breeding them altogether because of these health issues.
@Shannon
It’s definitely something worth thinking about!
Joss said:
@Shannon
It’s definitely something worth thinking about!
Or at least crossbreed them with other dogs that don’t have these issues.
Joss said:
@Shannon
It’s definitely something worth thinking about!
Or at least crossbreed them with other dogs that don’t have these issues.
Mixing brachy breeds can be tricky, though. Their lower jaw structure is so unique, and it doesn’t always work well with other breeds. Sometimes it even causes more problems with eating and other health issues.
@Flynn
Yeah, maybe stopping breeding them is the best option at that point.
@Moe
So true.
French bulldogs and other brachy breeds have tons of health issues. For example, they’re really prone to herniated discs and are also at high risk for brain tumors.
West said:
French bulldogs and other brachy breeds have tons of health issues. For example, they’re really prone to herniated discs and are also at high risk for brain tumors.
My parents’ Frenchie is only two but already has knee issues, eye problems, and stomach troubles. It’s like if there’s a health issue, Frenchies are bound to have it. So sad.
@Niko
Yeah, there’s so much more they’re prone to, but it’s just depressing to think about.
@Niko
My friend breeds Frenchies, and while she loves them and takes great care of them, they have so many health problems. Two of them needed knee surgery, and one or the other always has an eye ulcer. She even offered me a puppy once, but I declined. I’ve had large dogs for years, and they’re expensive, but they don’t need nearly as much specialized care.
@West
They get eye ulcers because they can’t fully close their eyelids. It’s tough for them.
West said:
French bulldogs and other brachy breeds have tons of health issues. For example, they’re really prone to herniated discs and are also at high risk for brain tumors.
Learning about herniated discs is new to me—thanks for sharing. It really explains a lot about these breeds.
@Joss
About half the dogs I saw with paralysis in vet school were French bulldogs. Their abnormal cartilage just makes it likely. It’s one reason I don’t support breeding them.
West said:
@Joss
About half the dogs I saw with paralysis in vet school were French bulldogs. Their abnormal cartilage just makes it likely. It’s one reason I don’t support breeding them.
Wow, that’s sad. I actually took in an abandoned bulldog who just got diagnosed with a herniated disc. I can only try to spread awareness. She’s proof that these health problems are real.
@Joss
Good on you for rescuing her! I hope she feels better, and yes, raising awareness is so important.
I always wanted a pug, but now all I can think of is how much they suffer.
I’ve been aware of the issues with these breeds for a while. But I’ve noticed more people talking about it lately. Did something spark this? I think more people should know about it, but just curious if there was something that brought it back into the conversation.