There are many things that are phenomenally popular that I’m not on board with. These include but are not limited to “Gravity,” reality-TV competition shows involving singing, and most vodka-based cocktails. But there’s one trend that I’m unabashedly into, even though I regret that it’s something of a trend: the French bulldog.
The American Kennel Club announced Friday that the breed is now the second most popular pup in the city (after the English bulldog) and the eleventh most popular breed in the country. Over the past decade, the AKC reports a 323 percent increase in registration for French bulldogs. In short, it’s one hot dog.
The breed’s popularity is deserved. I say this as a French bulldog owner … whose credit card statement was recently scarred with charges for doggie acupuncture and allergy treatments.
Vet bills aside, the Frenchie is in many ways a low-maintenance breed that’s ideal for city living. My own Frenchie, Jules, has two perfect gears: Dog Park and Cuddle. He is either romping about Fort Greene Park making the rounds with both human and canine friends in such a charming manner that he’s been called the “Bill Clinton of the park.” Or he is at home sleeping. Separation anxiety is not an issue, though he is a ready cuddler when humans are available. He is, however, prone to snores that interrupt “Nashville.”
And yet, he’s not a wimpy dog. He’s a 30-pound bowling ball who prowls down Myrtle Avenue like he owns the neighborhood, greeting admiring strangers with so much gusto that I wonder if he’s looking for a new owner, perhaps someone who has central air.
When it comes to canine friends, he favors those two to three times his size, and rightly so; while many assume Frenchies are similar to pugs and other petite pups, they’re actually more closely related to mastiffs and German shepherds. My little tough guy even eschews all apparel, from sweaters to booties, in favor of a stubborn dignity and frost-and-salt-bitten paws.
I’m not sure if such stubbornness is a sign of intelligence or ignorance. In the doggie IQ realm, Frenchies are certainly not poodles, eager to learn and please. Rather, Jules seems to weigh whether the reward for doing what he’s asked is really worth it. I’ve managed to teach him a bevy of tricks (no easy task with the breed) through a great deal of repetition and gourmet dog treats. But he drew the line at learning to skateboard. It just didn’t seem worth the trouble to him, no matter the snacks.
Other times, the Frenchie lack of motivation is a boon. Jules will leave food sitting on the coffee table untouched, seemingly not out of virtue but out of belief that food is something that ought to be served to him. He is not interested in fending for himself.
He can’t really. Jules was born by Caesarian, as are most Frenchies. Their smushed face makes them prone to breathing issues, they’re susceptible to spine problems and allergies, and sadly, many Frenchies are being bred by puppy mills, with an eye toward money, not healthy pups.
We took great pains to find a responsible breeder when we got Jules 4 years ago. While I knew there were plenty of great mixed breed dogs out there in need of homes, I couldn’t resist the Frenchie’s charms. I still can’t.
Adopt me!!
Georgia is a 6-year-old hound mix that loves the great outdoors. She’s very smart with a sincerely goofy side, and she adores people. Meet her from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Humane Society of New York, 306 E. 59th St.; 212- 752-4840 or visit humanesocietyny.org.