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Fla. Rescue Says It Has Taken In 150 Surrendered Bulldogs, Many With Health Issues, In 5 Months (Exclusive)
Dozens of French bulldogs are hoping for a fresh start after being left with a Florida rescue, according to Space Coast Frenchie Rescue.
The Brevard County rescue tells PEOPLE that they have received over 150 surrendered French bulldogs since November, an overwhelming number, especially for a small rescue.
"Our mission is to save and improve the lives of bulldogs in need. We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating bulldogs," Ashley Pedersen, the founder and executive director of Space Coast Frenchie Rescue, says, adding that the nonprofit started in 2023.
As part of this effort, the rescue does not charge surrender fees to ensure that people who want to surrender their dogs don't abandon them. Taking in surrendered dogs does pose challenges.
"Often, dogs enter our rescue lacking any medical records, prompting us to initiate their care from scratch," Pedersen says.
Two French bulldogs at a Space Coast Frenchie Rescue foster home.Ashley Pedersen
Unfortunately, many of the 150 dogs surrendered to the Space Coast Frenchie Rescue over the past five months arrived with health issues. Pedersen says the health issues they see in these Frenchies are similar to those found in dogs from backyard breeders.
"The spectrum of issues in dogs from backyard breeders is extensive. Despite boasting about their breeding profits, these same individuals often neglect essential aspects of care, such as vaccines and preventive measures. Consequently, we frequently encounter dogs suffering from various ailments, including paralysis due to Intervertebral disc disease, uterine infections from lack of spaying, and rectal prolapses. The predominant health issues observed are skin and ear infections," Pedersen explains.
She adds that she has seen an increase in backyard breeders in Florida and believes that their irresponsible breeding practices are leading to ill dogs and Space Coast Frenchie Rescue's rise in surrendered dogs.
A French bulldog with special needs under Space Coast Frenchie Rescue's care.Ashley Pedersen
"The proliferation of ill-informed breeders, particularly within the French Bulldog community, is alarming. Instead of prioritizing the well-being of the animals, they glorify the lucrative aspect of breeding, flooding the market with poorly bred dogs. This oversaturation undermines the integrity of responsible breeding practices, as many operate without a genuine purpose beyond financial gain," Pedersen says, adding, "Poor breeding practices and breeders selling dogs at low prices contribute to the problem" of animal surrenders.
The rescue founder hopes that sharing Space Coast Frenchie Rescue's situation raises awareness about the issues that arise with buying a dog from a backyard breeder.
"Many buyers fail to conduct thorough research to locate reputable breeders. They spot a French Bulldog priced at $1000 and perceive it as a bargain without realizing that quality comes at a price. While Frenchies don't necessarily need to cost $5000, they shouldn't be excessively cheap either," Pedersen says.
One of the dozens of French bulldogs Space Coast Frenchie Rescue is assisting.Ashley Pedersen
She adds, "Implementing legislation to regulate breeding practices is crucial, but in the interim, our focus remains on education to promote responsible breeding practices. Recognizing that not everyone opts for rescue, our aim is to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions and discern reputable breeders."
While some may not decide to adopt their next pet, Pedersen notes that countless deserving animals, including French bulldogs, are available for adoption.
Space Coast Frenchie Rescue has adopted more than 111 dogs since it started in 2023 and is looking forward to finding forever families for all the surrendered French bulldogs it has taken in over the past five months, including four more in the past week.
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Pedersen says the rescue's adoption fees start at $500 and reflect "the comprehensive care and support we provide to each animal."
"Our greatest need lies in finding foster families and adopters who are willing to provide loving homes for pets with special needs. While we primarily foster within our state boundaries, we do facilitate adoptions across state lines," she adds.
To learn more about Space Coast Frenchie Rescue, visit the nonprofit's website.
Dachshund, French Bulldog Breeds Suffer From 'Torture Breeding'
While dachshunds and French bulldogs may be adorable and some of the most charming pets around, animal welfare campaigners say that we should stop breeding them.
The two breeds have been reared to have trademark flattened faces for Frenchies and tiny legs for dachshunds, but the traits are now so extreme that many of the dogs struggle to breathe or walk properly, leading to health issues and high vet bills for owners.
So animal welfare advocates in the U.S. And Europe are suggesting that breeding dogs to have a characteristic that makes life harder for the animal should be banned, or at least restricted from pushing for the harmful traits.
"I don't know if anyone is breeding to hurt the animal," Mark Wells, an assistant professor of philosophy at Northeastern University who researches political protection for animals, told Northeastern Global News. "But owners get used to it when every breath their French bulldog takes is labored."
Stock images of a dachshund (left) and a French bulldog (right). Some animal activists have suggested banning these breeds due to their health conditions. Stock images of a dachshund (left) and a French bulldog (right). Some animal activists have suggested banning these breeds due to their health conditions. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUSBreeds like French bulldogs and pugs have been selectively bred to have their characteristically flat faces. This short, flat skull shape can lead to respiratory issues, however, as their narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea can result in breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather.
"It's not pleasant to be a pug in many ways," Wells said.
Dachshunds, or wiener dogs, have been bred to have long bodies and short legs, often leading to intervertebral disk disease, which is where the discs between their vertebrae degenerate or herniate, leading to pain, paralysis and, in severe cases, the need for surgery.
The German word qualzucht, often used in association with dog breeds like these, means "torture breeding."
"From a philosophical angle, we're worried about animal welfare, and breeding seems like a major cause of a lot of animal suffering," Wells said. "The ethical problem with dog breeding is we're not seriously entertaining the suffering we are creating in the world. We could have bred these dogs differently."
The hope is that banning breeding for traits like these will reduce the popular demand for them among pet owners, which is the major driver for how common extreme characteristics have become.
"Dog breeds from 100 years ago look so different from dogs now. Boxers look different. They had noses. They don't anymore. Dachshunds had longer legs. Bassetts had longer legs," Terri Bright, a clinical behaviorist at Angell Animal Medical Center and assistant psychology professor at Northeastern, told Northeastern Global News.
"German shepherds are now walking on their hocks. Why isn't anyone talking about that?" Bright asked.
Stock image of a pug running. Pugs have been bred to the point where they have breathing issues. Stock image of a pug running. Pugs have been bred to the point where they have breathing issues. ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUSThere have been several recent attempts to restrict the breeding of these dogs legally, but these moves have been met with backlash.
New Hampshire's recent attempt to pass a bill that banned the breeding of dogs with a trait that "causes suffering" was tabled on March 28, with the American Kennel Club calling the suggested legislation "extremist."
Germany also attempted to pass an animal welfare act that bans the "cruel" breeding of dogs that live in pain due to their extreme traits, but this was also met with pushback. The German Kennel Club launched a petition "save our favorite dogs," claiming that the act would result in dachshunds being banned.
"They are not trying to ban dachshunds, unless you think a dachshund has to be a thing that suffers," Wells said. "Basically, they are trying to guide these breeding practices away from the promulgation of these traits that cause suffering."
Not all researchers agree with the idea of a ban, however.
"Who is going to measure the nose?" Bright asked, adding that she questions what happens to dogs that the bans consider deformed. "Do you drown them? Do you give them away?"
Animal advocates hope to reshape what people think a breed should ideally look like, away from the extreme traits seen in dog competitions.
"We breed dogs to fit our imagination rather than merely categorizing the dogs we happen to have into breeds," Wells said. "And that's why changing our imagination is so important for this issue. Can we imagine French bulldogs without labored breathing?"
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Essential Digestive Care Tips For Your French Bulldog
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The French Bulldog, with its signature bat-like ears and robust build, is a beloved breed renowned for its amiable nature and unwavering companionship. Despite their playful and loving demeanor, these dogs possess specific dietary needs stemming from their sensitive digestive systems. Providing them with proper care that includes a suitable diet is essential to sustain their health and ensure their ongoing contentment and joy.
Recognize sensitive stomachsFrench Bulldogs often exhibit sensitivity in their digestive systems, which can manifest as various gastrointestinal issues. It's crucial to observe how your pet responds to different types of food and be vigilant for any signs of discomfort or potential allergies. Providing a consistent diet of high-quality ingredients specifically formulated for their unique needs is key in preventing these common digestive problems.
Appropriate diet choicesChoosing the correct diet for your French Bulldog is critical. Opt for food formulations that are abundant in proteins that are easy to digest and have a low fat content, as this breed often has difficulty with fat digestion. Steer clear of any dietary options containing artificial additives or fillers, as these can trigger or worsen digestive problems in French Bulldogs.
Regular feeding scheduleEstablish a fixed feeding routine for your French Bulldog, serving meals at identical times each day to foster digestive regularity and mitigate gastrointestinal distress. Consistent meal timing contributes to smoother digestion and can help prevent digestive upsets. For adult dogs of this breed, it is generally advised to split their daily food intake into two separate meals.
Probiotics can helpAdding probiotics to your French Bulldog's diet can significantly improve digestive health. These supplements introduce beneficial bacteria that are essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the gut's microbial environment. For French Bulldogs, whose digestive systems are often sensitive, probiotics can be especially beneficial. They help in enhancing nutrient absorption and can alleviate common digestive issues by promoting a stable and healthy intestinal flora.
Watch for overeatingFrench Bulldogs have a tendency to gain weight, which can exacerbate digestive issues. It's important to closely monitor their food intake, ensuring that portion sizes are appropriate for their weight and activity levels. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, placing unnecessary stress on their digestive system. Stick to the recommended food amounts and maintain a watchful eye on your pet's body condition and eating habits.
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