Considering a Frenchie--a few decisive issues

[Mica]

Hi everyone,

I feel quite silly joining a Frenchie social network without a Frenchie to my name, but I figured that this was one of the best resources for prospective owners.

I have been a long-time admirer of French bulldogs, and I have done a great deal of careful research about the breed by talking to reputable breeders and taking advantage of both print and online resources. (For example, it has come to my attention that my lifestyle is not necessarily conducive to puppy training, so I'm realistically looking at adopting an older dog.)

Still, there are a few issues that I haven't resolved which may or may not stand in the way of bringing a Frenchie into my life, and I'd LOVE your input!

First, has anyone ever flown with Frenchies? I'm a graduate student, and every year, I go home for the holidays to be with my family. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like driving is an option. Frenchies seem to be just over the allowable weight and size restrictions for dogs that are allowed to fly in-cabin with their owners, so I was wondering if anyone had experience with traveling with his/her Frenchie par avion.

Second, since owning a dog is a long commitment, I obviously need to plan for several years down the road. I plan on staying in grad school for five or six more years, so I'm not really thinking about starting a family at the moment. However, I have heard from some people that Frenchies tend to have jealousy issues with children and can act out aggressively. In your experience, how has your Frenchie done with children and as family dogs? (I imagine that, as always, it varies from dog to dog and depends a great deal on socialization.)

As I said above, these are the two biggest "unresolved" issues for me in regards to Frenchie ownership. I am a very thorough researcher (I guess that's my job...), and I am definitely not one to jump into a hasty decision. As much as I love those little clowns, I know that I need to work out the kinks before a committing to something that affects not only my life, but that of the Frenchie as well.

Thank you in advance for your input. I greatly appreciate it, and I look forward to your responses!

-Mica

[fran and dari]

Good morning MIca..and kudos to you for doing research before buying a dog..
Frenchies, if they are used to a Sherpa bag, do very well flying..Most airlines don't check the weight..From my experience and what I have heard from others, American and Continental tend to be the best airlines..I like Continental myself..

As for kids and Frenchies.. they make a great combo.. as long as you take the time to train your dog.. don't do silly things like have food in a kid's hand with the dog in the kid's face.. Bottom line is common sense...Training both the dog and the child make for a happy home..

PLUS, getting your dog from a reputable breeder makes a BIG difference... a great deal of Temperement is inherited..and training completes the pictue.
I don't have kids, but my dog adores them.. the first time she saw a child, she laid down..Of course cookies and toys are of great interest..

Good luck in your search...

[Mica]

Hi Fran, thank you for the prompt response. Just a question: What size Sherpa bag do you use? When I looked at the dimensions of the largest carrier, it seemed like it was too big to fit under most airlines seats. I wasn't sure how "squashy" the frame of the bag is, so maybe a large fits with some clever maneuvering?

Finding a reputable breeder who breeds for good health and temperament has always been my number one priority in finding a doggy companion!

[fran and dari]

What size Sherpa bag do you use

The largest Sherpa is what I have.. and is kind of squishes down under the seat..Try to get the aisle seat.. that one has the most room.. and as an FYI, JET BLUE is the worst. the TV cameras take up all the room under the seats...

[Einy's Mom: Leea Winter]

Was your dog able to fly with you in the cabin or in the cargo hold? I'm looking for an airline that is pet friendly and can accomodate a Frenchie under the seat. Did you know that United Airlines specifically prohibts English and French Bull Dogs because they're short-nosed breeds and therefore a liability in the cargo hold.

Sincerely,
Leea Winter

[fran and dari]

Was your dog able to fly with you in the cabin or in the cargo hold?

My dog (and many friends' Frenchies) has always flown in Cabin.. I would rather leave my dog home than let her fly in the Cargo hold..

Just about every Airline in the US allows dogs and in particular Frenchies in cabin.. The Nationals every year is in a different part of the country and people come from all over. They fly with thier dogs in cabin to this event.. They also fly to Westminster and Eukenuba with their dogs in cabin.

[jill]

Hi Mica! Welcome! It's a great thing to ask questions! The only issue regarding flying with your frenchie may be the time of year and where you are flying to/from. There are certain temperatures (couldn't tell you exactly WHAT temp but the airlines would have specific guidelines they follow :))and months of the year that it isn't safe to have a frenchie in cargo. Obviously, it would be preferable to fly in the cabin and, as Fran said, this can be done...as long as your frenchie is within allowable size limits. Females are generally smaller but frenchies do vary in size and can definately be larger than 28-30 pounds...something to keep in mind. :)

As for children, if you plan on possibly having children a while after acquiring your dog then you will want some sort of ongoing exposure with children of different ages and stages of life. Also, it's REALLY easy to spoil a frenchie..one look with those big brown eyes and that velvet soft expression..and I'm DONE! lol! So fair but firm guidelines and obedience training are even more important than they otherwise are so you don't end up with a frenchie who thinks they ARE your child..haha and then decides he/she isn't pleased with sharing you. This applies to any dog really.

It's wonderful that you're being cautious about your decision. Frenchies are a very people oriented breed and require close contact with their peeps so there are homes not as well suited as others. They can be a little head strong and can have selective hearing. They are predisposed to some potentially serious health conditions so health insurance is recommended but first, find a breeder who health tests thier dogs carefully prior to breeding and really cares about thier dogs. If you adopt through rescue it will possibly be difficult to know the breeding of the dog so that will vary of course.

I'm excited for your adventure! Frenchies are endearing, SO funny, sweet and life changing. We adore our boy and can't imagine how we went without him! Best of luck to you and keep asking questions! :)

[Mica]

Thanks for your response, Jill!

Just a follow-up: Is it safe to fly with a Frenchie in cargo (provided that the airline will permit brachycephalic dogs in the hold during certain times of year)? I've been getting mixed responses on it. Have you ever flown with your Frenchie in cargo?

[fran and dari]

Just a follow-up: Is it safe to fly with a Frenchie in cargo

Personally,I would never ship a dog.. no matter what...There may be many people that have had positive experiences but it IMO is way too dangerous..there could be a delay, the temperature could be higher than expected.. Animals have gotten misrouted..Our dogs have such very delicate breathing structures..why take the chance..

I would rather leave my dog home than take a chance on putting her in cargo...

[Lisa Darmo]

I recently flew with mine when she was just three months old (about 9 lbs, half adult size). I bought her in NJ but live in NC. According to my airline, she had to fit in a regulation sized bag - the dimensions are pretty limiting. She is now over 4 months and has outgrown the bag, so I don't think you can bring a full grown one in the cabin. I had one connection. One flight did not check the bag dimensions, the other, a small plane, did. It also costs extra to take a dog in the cabin, for my plane it was $125 (I think the carrier was US Airways). I'd be nervous about having any dog in cargo, and with French bulldog breathing issues, I don't think I'd risk it, at least not on a regular basis (like yearly). Flying in cabin was also very stressful on us and the dog.

If I were you, if you decide to get a French bulldog, find someone to care for it when you are traveling, and don't take it with you unless you are driving.

I'm new to Frenchies, but mine is wonderful with my kids, who are 7 and 11. Any young child needs supervision with a puppy or dog, but Lily is a great family member.

[Laurie Harris]

We live in Florida and bought our dog in KY. We did fly home with him and had no problems at all. I bought one of the Sherpa bags (the medium one) from Petco or Petsmart and it fit fine under the seat. He weighed around 10 or 11 lbs at the time. I don't think that a full grown Frenchie would be very comfortable under the seat unless they were on the small side. But I would rather them be a little uncomfortable then risk flying in cargo. I'd be worried. The airlines didn't check bag size at all. Everyone just wanted to see him! As far as frenchies with kids, I think that they are just like any other breed- training and temperment are very important. And not just training for your dog but training your kids to be gentle and respect the dogs space. Personally my frenchie loves kids but he's only 8 months old and still a little hyper so I'm careful because I don't want him to bowl a little kid over or accidently scratch one in his quest to lick them from head to toe. Bottom line, research your potential breeder carefully. Go and see the litter and make sure you are ready for the long term commitment. Because they are just like having a child. You can have good days and bad days. But in the end they are defintely worth it!

[Trish]

Great advice, Laurie!