French Bulldog News & Entertainment Opinion
The Frenchie Is Most Popular Dog 2nd Year In A Row. Why This Trend Needs a Reality Check.
Lorna Paxton Ladd
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Yesterday the AKC announced that the French Bulldog was the most popular dog in America for the 2nd row in a year. Prior to that the Labrador Retriever held the spot for 31 years. As a dog lover, I appreciate the unique charm and personalities of all breeds. But this recent frenzy over French Bulldogs has taken an unhealthy and frankly absurd turn that needs to be addressed.
A recent TikTok video (shown below) exposed the staggering costs one owner incurred caring for her two Frenchies in just one month – a whopping $2,400! Let that number sink in for a moment. That’s more than many families’ mortgage payments or rent.
Well-Documented Health Issues
The idea of buying French Bulldogs—or any pet with well-documented health issues—for exorbitant prices is questionable at best. These dogs are notorious for their health problems, stemming from their characteristic “smooshed” faces, leading to severe breathing difficulties, allergies, and a host of other issues. Yet, people are willing to shell out anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to purchase one. The ethics of continuing to breed animals prone to such conditions should be scrutinized, as it seems to prioritize aesthetics over the well-being of the animals themselves.
I’m not saying people shouldn’t own French Bulldogs – in fact, the ones already here deserve wonderful, loving homes. It not only saves you the hefty upfront cost but also gives a home to a dog in need. With French Bulldogs being a target for theft and often ending up in rescues, adopting can be a direct action against the breed’s commercial exploitation.
It Shouldn’t Cost That Much
The breakdown of expenses shared by the Frenchie mom is staggering and highlights the financial drain of owning such a breed. With nearly $2,400 spent in just one month, including almost $1,700 on veterinary expenses, $150 on allergy shots, $100 on grooming, $115 on food and supplements, and $250 on clothes and accessories, it’s a luxury few can afford. These costs are not mere numbers; they reflect a lifestyle choice that prioritizes extravagance over practicality.
While some may argue these expenses are part of the commitment to owning a pet, the necessity of such spending is debatable. High-quality food and medical care are understandable, but the excessive spending on clothes and toys feeds into a culture of pet pampering that veers into the absurd. Pets do not need designer wardrobes to feel loved or cared for. This trend of anthropomorphizing pets to the extent of mirroring human luxury lifestyles raises questions about the motivations behind pet ownership—are we caring for pets, or are we using them as accessories to our lifestyle?
French Bulldog Fad Is Irresponsible
The uncomfortable truth is that French Bulldogs’ popularity has little to do with their temperaments or behavioral traits as companions. They’ve become a status symbol, a disposable luxury accessory like the tiny designer purse dogs of the 2000s.
@frenchbulldogbehavior Cheapest purchase with a Frenchie is just getting them 😩 #frenchieowner #frenchie #frenchbulldog #frenchiesoftiktok #dogmom #dogparent #emergencyvet #dogishuman #dogtok #dogsofttiktok #tiktokfrenchies #doginfluencer #dogexpenses #whatispentinamonth ♬ That's The Way I Like It – K.C. & The Sunshine Band
This TikTok should serve as a wake-up call. It’s not just about the financial impracticality but also about the ethical implications of breeding and buying pets prone to suffering. The glorification of owning such breeds, coupled with the willingness to spend lavishly on them is a smack in the face to the 3 million dogs sitting in shelters waiting to be adopted.
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