Breeder Is Re-engineering The Faces Of French Bulldogs To Ensure They Are Bred "For Health, Not Show"
French bulldogs are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, but their popularity has come with a serious downside. Their flat faces and compact build can make everyday life harder than it should be.
That is why Chantal van Kruining, a veterinary assistant with a passion for Frenchies, is trying to change the breed from the inside out. Her focus is on healthier dogs, not just dogs that look good in the show ring.
Now her work is getting attention, and not everyone agrees with the idea of re-engineering a beloved breed.
One such person is Chantal van Kruining, a veterinary assistant who is passionate about Frenchies.
Her goal is to change things so that the dogs are bred for health, not for show.
On Chantal's website, Hawbucks French Bulldogs, she explains that the short muzzle responsible for many of the French bulldogs' health problems exists purely for aesthetic reasons. Although this trait doesn't necessarily mean the dog will have breathing problems, it certainly places them at a much higher risk.
Chantal says she hopes to create a healthier version of the French bulldog.
She wants a French bulldog that looks a little more athletic.
"We strive for a French bulldog that is built a little more athletic," she said.
The idea is a French bulldog that can run and play for hours without trouble.
It’s the same kind of blunt health warning as when a veterinarian named 5 dog breeds he’d avoid.
"A French bulldog as they were meant to be at the beginning of the breed's development. A dog that can run and play for several hours without trouble."
"A Frenchie that does not make a sound when breathing, under any circumstance," Chantal said. She is heartbroken that many dog breeders hide information regarding the breed's health.
Chantal hopes to change people's mindsets about dog breeding. She would love to see the dogs bred "for health, not show."
Here's how people reacted.
Still think “for show” is harmless? See how vets reacted after a mom spent $10,000 on that controversial French bulldog.
Share this article:
