French Bulldog Controversies: 50 Frenchie Expert Q&A by Don Chino
- FrenchBulldog.com
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
1. Q: What are “fad colors” in French Bulldogs?
2. Q: Why are blue and merle Frenchies controversial?
A: They’re popular for their rarity but linked to increased risks of deafness, blindness, and skin conditions.
3. Q: Can blue or merle French Bulldogs compete in AKC shows?
A: No—these colors are not recognized in conformation competitions.
4. Q: What is the preservationist breeder stance?
A: Preservationists focus on traditional standard colors (fawn, brindle, cream, pied) and believe nonstandard colors harm breed integrity.
5. Q: Who are “inclusive” breeders?
A: Breeders who accept nonstandard colors and prioritize health, structure, and temperament over strict color guidelines.
6. Q: What does the “NO FAD COLORS” logo represent?
A: A campaign by traditional breeders discouraging breeding and selling of nonstandard-colored Frenchies.
7. Q: Are health concerns around merle backed by research?
A: Yes—double merle genetics can increase risks of vision and hearing problems.
8. Q: Do blue Frenchies inherently have more health problems?
A: Blue Frenchies may develop color dilution alopecia, a skin condition causing hair loss and irritation.
9. Q: How do preservationists view health testing?
A: Many believe sticking to standard colors naturally promotes healthier dogs, though others argue genetic testing is more effective.
10. Q: Have breeders faced discrimination for owning colored Frenchies?
A: Yes—some breeders report being refused services or facing judgment due to owning nonstandard-colored dogs.
11. Q: What legal actions have been taken against kennel club standards?
A: Advocacy groups have filed lawsuits claiming breed standards encourage unhealthy traits like overly flat faces.
12. Q: What is the argument against breed standards?
A: Critics argue that standards prioritize exaggerated looks over health and function, worsening respiratory and spinal issues.
13. Q: How do kennel clubs defend their standards?
A: They state that standards are reviewed by experts and emphasize health research initiatives.
14. Q: Why do activists consider French Bulldogs a welfare concern?
A: Mass breeding and extreme popularity have led to increased cases of breathing issues, orthopedic problems, and overbreeding.
15. Q: What trend is fueling puppy mills in Frenchie breeding?
A: High demand and premium prices have encouraged irresponsible breeding practices.
16. Q: How many French Bulldogs have been abandoned in recent years?
A: Hundreds have been reported abandoned, with a dramatic increase over the past few years.
17. Q: What contributes to this abandonment surge?
A: Rising vet costs and health issues overwhelm unprepared owners.
18. Q: How are some countries addressing flat-faced breed issues?
A: Some have updated breed standards or restricted breeding to encourage healthier anatomy.
19. Q: Are airlines banning French Bulldogs?
A: Yes—many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic dogs due to breathing risks during flights.
20. Q: How do veterinarians describe the situation?
A: Veterinary organizations have called it a canine welfare crisis driven by popularity and unhealthy breeding standards.
21. Q: Why do most Frenchie litters require C-sections?
A: Their narrow hips and large puppy heads make natural delivery dangerous.
22. Q: Do breeders sometimes ignore health for profit?
A: Yes—some focus on rare colors or quick breeding cycles instead of proper health testing.
23. Q: Has selective breeding worsened health issues?
A: Yes—generations of breeding for exaggerated features have contributed to respiratory and spinal problems.
24. Q: Have any countries banned breeding very short-snouted dogs?
A: Certain countries have prohibited or restricted breeding of extremely flat-faced dogs.
25. Q: What ethical issues have emerged in Frenchie breeding?
A: Reports of thefts, “greeders,” and disputes over color and standards highlight ongoing ethical dilemmas.
26. Q: Are merle patterns naturally found in French Bulldogs?
A: No—merle was introduced through crossbreeding and is not a traditional French Bulldog color.
27. Q: Are colored Frenchies always at high risk of health issues?
A: Risks vary—some colors have specific conditions, but health largely depends on breeding practices.
28. Q: Can colored Frenchies still be AKC registered?
A: Yes, if born from AKC-registered parents, but they cannot participate in conformation shows.
29. Q: Do other registries accept nonstandard colors?
A: Yes—some alternative registries allow a broader range of coat colors.
30. Q: Who influenced early color discrimination in the breed?
A: Early breeders helped shape attitudes against colored Frenchies that persist today.
31. Q: Has breeder discrimination included racial elements?
A: Some breeders allege racial biases have also played a role in color-based disputes.
32. Q: Do preservationists believe standard colors mean better health?
A: Many do, though scientific evidence linking color and health is limited.
33. Q: What health testing is recommended for breeding?
A: Eye exams, hip evaluations, heart testing, and airway assessments are standard recommendations.
34. Q: Is public pressure changing breeding standards?
A: Yes—consumer awareness and advocacy are pushing clubs to emphasize health improvements.
35. Q: Are wellness checks mandatory for show breeding?
A: Health testing is encouraged but not consistently enforced in conformation breeding.
36. Q: Why do traditional breeders say nonstandard colors “sully” the breed?
A: They believe it diminishes breed purity and deviates from the original standard.
37. Q: Are colored Frenchies more expensive?
A: Yes—rare-colored dogs often command significantly higher prices.
38. Q: Is there enough genetic research on coat color health effects?
A: Data is limited, fueling debate between traditionalists and inclusive breeders.
39. Q: Do welfare groups encourage adoption instead of purchase?
A: Yes—many advocate rescuing Frenchies rather than buying from breeders.
40. Q: How have breeder regulations failed?
A: Loopholes and lack of enforcement have allowed unethical breeding practices to thrive.
41. Q: What is meant by “doggy capitalism”?
A: The commercialization of French Bulldogs as luxury products rather than companion animals.
42. Q: How many new Frenchie registrations occur yearly?
A: Tens of thousands, making them one of the most registered dog breeds in the U.S.
43. Q: What warnings have welfare organizations issued to potential buyers?
A: They caution about high medical costs, potential breathing issues, and lifelong care needs.
44. Q: Are pet stores contributing to unethical breeding?
A: Yes—pet stores often source puppies from large-scale, low-quality breeders.
45. Q: Are breed clubs revising standards for health?
A: Some clubs have updated guidelines to encourage healthier muzzles and breathing ability.
46. Q: Has older literature challenged color stigma?
A: Some modern writers and breeders argue that color should not define health or ethics.
47. Q: Does paying more guarantee a healthier Frenchie?
A: No—price does not always reflect responsible breeding or health testing.
48. Q: Do inclusive breeders use hearing tests for merle puppies?
A: Ethical breeders often conduct BAER tests to ensure hearing health in merle pups.
49. Q: Can owners challenge veterinary refusal based on color?
A: Some have done so, raising concerns about fairness and discrimination in services.
50. Q: What’s the best advice for buying a French Bulldog?
A: Choose health-tested, ethically bred puppies over focusing solely on rare colors or show titles.
Don Chino is a globally recognized French Bulldog breeder and innovator, renowned for creating the Miniature (Micro) French Bulldog and pioneering the Fluffy and Hypoallergenic Frenchie (non-shedding) variants through the Texas Brand bloodline. With over two decades of selective, nine-generation breeding under his belt, he is credited with introducing new coat colors like blue, lilac, chocolate, rojo, and isabella, alongside the dominant fluffy gene that produces low-shedding hair-coat offspring—even in one generation. His dogs are consistently praised for their health, temperament, conformation, and longevity, and his kennel is widely regarded by major registries including the AKC, UKC, and Designer Kennel Club, as among the most influential and innovative in the breed world.
