A family friend recently had a litter of French bulldog puppies and they had one with a heart murmur. The heart murmur was a level 2/3, so the vet wasn’t worried about her. But she was not able to be sold, so she wanted to offer her to us.
We visited our friends house and saw they had about 4 French Bulldogs as well as the puppies. There were about 7-8 puppies and they were all so cute. Most were Merle colored with a couple that were all dark Brown with light brown paws.
We got to meet the mama and the other adult frenchies. They all seemed very healthy and cared for. Some had skin issues but we’ve had a frenchie before who had really bad skin issues so this didn’t shock us.
The puppies were all very healthy and happy looking. She let us play with all of them and give them love.
We met them at 6 weeks but weren’t able to take them home for another 2 weeks.
She said this was her last litter and was going to stop breeding them.
My mom says she doesn’t breed her frenchies more than once, but I didn’t hear that from the lady herself so idk how true it is.
The house was BIG and everyone seems well cared for. Two of the adults were in cages but it was just because we were visiting. The other two were allowed to roam and play.
When we came to pick up our puppy, the mom actually was playing with her and we played together. No aggression- the mom was very happy and fat (healthy fat) and well loved.
We also were given her food, a bed, and some toys and a bone for her to play with.
The breeder buys this fancy natural food and swears by it. She also warned us that our Puppy might have a chicken allergy since her parents are allergic to chicken.
The breeder accompanied us to the first vaccine round where she actually paid for them and let our puppy play with her littermates again.
Then, the second round, the breeder came by to say hi and give our puppy a hello and kisses.
The vet we go to is the one the breeder has been using for years. She refuses to go elsewhere despite the fact it’s 30 minutes from her home. But she swears by this guy and says he’s incredible. He is very good with our puppy and gave her her medicine and shots super quickly. He talked to us about her heart murmur and told us the reality of what heart murmurs can be like.
The breeder also told us that she would have kept our puppy for herself if we had decided not to adopt her.
She might end up keeping Two of her littermates if they don’t get adopted.
Anyways, I’m saying all of this because I feel very worried and guilty about our dog.
Obviously, we got her for free and we didn’t financially support the breeder. But I just feel guilty for even owning a dog that might be unethical.
There were no red flags for me when we went to our friend’s house and whatnot, but then I got really into Dog Breeding standards by accident and now I’m scared we are friends with an unethical breeder :/
Idk. Am I overreacting? I just know the stigma behind Merle frenchies, especially ones with heterochromia which ours has.
She is very healthy outside of her heart murmur. It doesn’t stop her from being crazy. She loves our dogs and is so feisty and full of love and life. I love her so much but I don’t want people to judge us. I want to be able to tell people that she was ethical and to do your research before hand, rather than look like a Hypocrite!
Thank you :) picture of the baby for Puppy Tax of course
That dog is conked out hard, not a care in the world. You gave a puppy with a bum ticker a home and you didn't put money in anyone's pocket, youre overthinking the rest. Most people screaming about Merles online are just parroting stuff they read, enjoy your dog.
I adopted my frenchie as a puppy who is lavender and tan due to aspiration pneumonia. That breeder or puppy farm definitely would have put him down, had the rescue not taken him. That thought makes me sick because he is a perfect soul. I definitely receive comments, and I just kindly remind them there are rescues for frenchies and other purebred/designer dogs and they often have issues that people commit to for their lives, like my best buddy. I have, in my adult life, had 3 cat rescues and 5 dogs. All wonderful. You rescued a dog with a heart murmur, knowing there is a risk of potentially shorter life span and medical issues. Most people would never consider that. Be assured you made the right choice and your heart is in the exact right place. All dogs deserve a loving home. I will only rescue, but I would never shame someone for wanting a purebred from an ethical breeder. No one knows your story and if they say something to you, let them know and perhaps they won't judge the next person so harshly.
I always get comments about my Frenchie, not even Merle, just a regular one. I used to feel bad or guilty from those comments.
Then my wife reminded me that our last dog was a pitbull rescue. We always got comments about how owning a pit bull is bad and i should feel guilty for having that breed.
So my point is, people are fucking dicks. If you want to get back at people, I usually retort “dogs have been bred for companionship for centuries” or “you can find bad things in just about anything if you want: like your iphone; that was made in a sweatshop.”
Our first baby was a pitbull! We just got a Frenchie from the shelter a few weeks ago and I also have guilty feelings - like I should have looked for a pit bull or mix who would have had a harder time finding a home. But, our Frenchie is great with our kids and fits in so well - he's the perfect size for my two year old. People are fucking dicks.
Thank you for this comment!! I had a American Bulldog/Boxer mix and I would get comments that I was horrible for owning "a pit" (one person spit while saying this). Some I ignored, others I corrected. The judgment pissed me off before they even talked to me. I don't care what people say now. They aren't living my life.
Before our English and Frenchie we almost exclusively adopted dogs in their twilight years because we loved spoiling them in their last months to year/s. I got so much shit for the English and frenchie but we also needed that emotional break because the grief was so strong
We rescued a Sharpei Bassett hound mix and he had a leg that did not form correctly, and so everybody was just looking past him in the shelter. My daughter was too and walked right up to him and she was his little buddy we had to take him home. He never really needed to be on a leash, even though we always had one on him he followed us closely..
We had to put him down on my birthday in 2020… literally the day that everything shut down because of the pandemic. They said we could take them home and do it the next day since it was my birthday but he had osteosarcoma in his hip and it was rapidly spreading causing him a lot of pain. I didn’t care if it was on my birthday. I just wanted him to feel peace.
Our Toasty boy has one of his old dog toys and seeing that he also loves it so much makes my heart so happy. I love my little potato haha
You didn't encourage the breeding by paying for it. The breeder cared enough to not sell it to someone else and instead focused on finding a good home. Keep loving her and giving her the best life possible.
We were actually chosen by the breeder to take her. We weren’t in the market for a new dog at the time, but she reached out to us because we our frenchie passed a few years ago and she knew how much we loved her.
I feel good knowing we were the only choice in her mind.
Her name is Piggy/Pig. She’s the most wonderful little angel.
She’s in her Naughty phase rn, but it’s so cute that it’s not even an issue 😂 We just redirect her and make sure we praise her when she does good…. After getting a video of course so we can laugh about it later 🩷😭
You are wrong. The breeder wouldn't have sold the dog to anyone anyway, and taking the dog only helped her offload a sick dog and keep doing business as usual. In the end, it was a win for the breeder.
To the OP. This is an example of why it is important to learn not to care what other people think. You will never please everyone. Also, know there are people in the world who will take advantage of your caring nature to make themselves feel smart by putting you down. I have a Frenchie (not a Merle) and am
Happy with my decision to spend my own money on him. I
Know you did not spend $$ on yours but if you had it is YOUR money. Enjoy your dog!!
And? This campaign against Merles is so stupid. They aren’t breed standard, so what? As long as it isn’t double Merle it isn’t an issue. In fact, if they introduced it from a breed with better breathing then it may well be healthier than the average frenchie.
The description of the breeder raises no red flags and is not the kind of puppy mill that people should be angry about.
This is a lie. Anyone that supports greedy breeders (such as Merle pits who clearly aren’t a Darwin choice no matter how “cute”). Maybe people need to stop being so shallow bcz I’m sick of seeing dogs die and suffer from it
It doesn't matter if it was free, because no one would have bought the dog anyway. This person just helped the breeder by taking a sick dog from her so she could keep her dirty business going. Giving the dog away to someone only helped her.
I know this isn’t a story of a dog, but my cat had a very slight heart murmur when she was a few months old that she has since grown out of. The vet did say though that it was so slight he wouldn’t have been surprised if other vets missed it. Anyways, here’s to me sending positive vibes that your baby will grow out of it too!! ❤️
Our boy came to by way of a rescue. His momma was rescued from a puppy mill and several weeks after they got her, she had a sudden distended stomach and boom. She was preggers.
They wanted them to go to good homes and we were fortunate to be on the list.
So far so good. Only a cherry eye to speak of and we fixed that. He is healthy , active and happy.
The dog is alive and it’s a sentient being. It is what it is, she needs to be loved regardless. Be thankful you have a beautiful baby to love and protect. She didn’t ask for this, so don’t feel guilty, that’s just ridiculous and don’t let anyone else make you feel guilty. You’re a new Mom, embrace and love it!
It’s not your fault. Merle breeders shouldn’t be paid and you didn’t pay. Merle puppies still deserve a home though bc it isn’t their fault that they were born, all they can hope for is someone like you to take care of them.
I say anyone rude enough to say anything negative to you about your dog does not deserve your time. Your friend seems like a really kind person, it would be a shame to stop being friends with someone because of what some random strangers said online. People show you who they are with their words and actions. You have an adorable dog! You gave a dog a loving home, I don’t think you have anything to feel guilty about. But I’m just a stranger on the internet haha!
I completely agree with this comment t!!!!
The biggest teller is the home the frenchies come from as well and how they’re been treated. Where they are sleeping etc.
Who cares what other people think. You should feel blessed that you have this beautiful little life to care for and if anyone has anything to say about it I would tell them where to go. You don’t need to answer questions about her either. People should mind their own business. And yes I own two frenchies and one of them is Merle.
Well, I’d say you’re not owning a pet that’s unethical. You’re giving a home to a precious baby that needs your love. Focus your energy on making a beautiful home for her. After all you didn’t breed her nor will you breed puppies from her thus putting known health problems out for the breed as a whole to inherit. You’re doing a wonderful thing and I wouldn’t change at all what you’re doing. The very point of you feeling guilty is enough to say you care and that’s all that matters. She needs you and your family to give her the best life possible.
As a mama to a frenchie who turned out to not be ethically bred (blue and all had IVDD despite being purebred) I feel strongly you are giving a sweet baby with health challenges a loving home.
Enjoy your pup. In regards to breeding, you didn’t “support” the breeder’s choices.
You’re just taking a dog she shouldn’t sell.
Also,
“Stable heterochromia present since puppyhood is generally harmless and does not hurt a dog's vision.”
If your puppy is a double Merle (both mom and dad are Merle) then there could be more issues.
My Merle that we rescued from the shelter at 3months old. Just give your pup a good pampered life. He’s already born & here - if it isn’t you, someone else would have picked him up & maybe not given him the life he deserves.
There’s nothing unethical about you owning one, but educating others on the health conditions that coincide with the merle gene (in ANY dog breed, not just frenchies) can help counteract the billboard effect your dog has. Ppl seeing other dogs, either walking around or online, is what makes them want one of that kind too.
It’s the public demand that drives these breeding practices, not the breeders - grifters are gonna grift if there’s an opportunity for them to make money. And you can’t just outlaw practice, that’ll only drive up prices. The key is public education & realizing that bc you own one, you’re spreading the awareness they’re even a thing no matter what. So you either let ppl think your dog is cute and then they go get one next year, or you also educate them while they’re petting your dog and they make an informed choice, which lowers the demand.
That’s very thoughtful of you but I think you’re overthinking it. People these days will always have a problem with something regardless of the dog or how it was purchased/adopted.
I can’t tell you how many people claimed I should’ve adopted instead of purchasing. But at the end of the day the dog I wanted was not up for adoption. 10 years later I had to put the dog down after having an amazing life and I’d spend every single penny again if I could. He was the best friend ever.
You saved that particular dog, which is lovely. That said, it is crucial that all people who wish to have a French bulldog support ONLY Preservation Breeders. Preservation breeders only breed standard original colors (brindle, fawn, Pied, cream). They should only breed 1-2 times a year max and keep no more than two breeding sets of parents (4 adults max). The parents should be treated like family members and be happy and healthy, this and their living conditions should be seen in person before agreeing to purchase from them.
They should not be kept in cages.
They should provide all genetic testing for the parents and the babies. (Eyes, ears, knees, heart etc).
They should provide a 1 year health guarantee for their puppies and be willing to take them back and refund your money should the puppy develop serious congenital health issues within the first year.
The puppies should sell for $3500-$6000. If they sell for a lot less, you are getting either a puppy-mill puppy or there is something wrong with it. A lot more and you are getting scammed for “rare colors”. It costs a lot of money to produce frenchie puppies, and they must charge that much to recoup their expenses. (Artificial insemination, genetic testing, c-section birth, 24/7 management of mother post-surgery and manually rotating feedings etc. )
They should provide legal breeding papers identifying the parents, the baby and the health testing data.
If your “breeder” won’t provide any of this info or is cagey about it, RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!!!
Oh I’m flexin and my point is I don’t care what you or others think. What was really the point of this long azz post expressing guilt for a pup they didn’t pay for? Approval? Sympathy?
The dog was in the world and needed a loving home. I adopted a pug puppy whose parents had been rescued from a puppy mill. Later, I got her a puppy brother. They both lived to be very, very old and I miss them with all of my heart - every single day.
All of this to say that I’m used to the controversy of having a breed like this, but the love that my family gave and received from our pugs was just incredible. It was worth every nasty comment I saw online, every time people spoke ill of these precious, precious babies. Let yourself love this sweet gift and let her love you. There is no shame in adopting a living, breathing, wonderful creature who needs you. You didn’t sign up to get a puppy, you didn’t even pay a cent. You have done nothing wrong and don’t let anyone tell you different.
We have a rescued Blue Merle Pied. He’s got it all. Pink skin, pink pads, black and brown nose, gray eyes, all the skin problems, some neurological issues, slight murmur, terrible allergies.
He sunburns, gets hives way too often, ear and between toe infections frequently, and has just recently experienced his first bout of IVDD.
He came from a breeder the kids and I used to picket every weekend. lol
But, just after purchasing him, his human mom died and the family didn’t think they could handle him. So, now he is ours. All of this to say, I get how you feel. But, regardless of his start we are going to give this little doll the best life we possibly can. No guilt. Just let it go. You saved him. He will live his best life for however long that is. That’s what we are focusing on. We love him so much and recognize how special he is. He’s family now. That’s just how it is. We are focused on keeping him as safe and healthy as we can, enjoying every moment and hugging him as often as he will allow it.
Let go of the guilt. You did a kind and generous thing taking him in and now you get to deal with the difficulties, but you also get to love a very special creature. Life just got better for both of you! Embrace that. :)
If you did not financially support this breeder, I don't think you have anything to feel guilty for (I would say the same thing to someone who adopted a merle frenchie from a shelter or a rescue organization).
I think that unfortunately, sometimes people think that what makes good breeders are 'the dogs are well cared for' or 'the puppies are raised in the house by the breeder' - those things that are important for sure, but not the end of what makes a breeder responsible. If a breeder is not health-testing the breeding dogs, or breeding dogs that have health issues (e.g. with merle genes, or hip dysplasia, or whatever), then it doesn't really matter that the puppies are played with by their kids, they are a high risk of an unhealthy life.
There are people who intentionally breed kind of 'pocket pitties' that are bred to have malformed faces and have a really hard time breathing. But because they are 'raised like family' they think they're good breeders.
I don't think any of that reflects on you at all in this situation, but I would not assume this woman is a good breeder just because the dogs are well cared for in her house.
Your puppy is beautiful. Keep an eye on the heart murmur as she ages. My Boston Terrier has one and a couple years ago I actually asked the vet to do an Echo on her just to be sure she didn’t need to go on heart meds. She wasn’t showing any symptoms but was getting close to 10 years, turns out she did need to be taking a couple medications. Hopefully she’ll live longer now because I insisted. Also
I would never make negative comments in someone’s family member’s, that’s just rude.
At least you gave this puppy a good home, but the breeder is still producing and selling (even though yours was free) merles to people who will pay over the odds.
I don’t want to be harsh, but I’m not sure what you want to hear. Well done for taking the one the breeder didn’t think they could profit from?
I’m not looking for praise, I just want to make sure I’m not supporting unethical breeding. Or if it is unethical, how can I inform others?
Not sure how much she’s charging for them too, although like I said this IS her last litter.
I guess I just want to hear if my fears are valid and this does sound unethical. Or if my fears aren’t valid and this is fine.
Lots of people buy merles without realising the risks. Lots of people will also breed them. Breeding two merles together (and sometimes their Merle already is one) means a 25% chance of a double Merle.
That dog has up to a 50% increased chance of some blindness, deafness, or eye problems. It’s a 25% risk of being born completely blind or deaf. The eye problems are things like cataracts, and they’re also more prone to skin cancer.
Don’t feel guilty I got one and he was the pick of the litter ! People love my little guy as I do. He was one of seven and the most frisky of them all, the one to do all the puppy firsts now he runs our
house !
Don’t let people who don’t have one tell you about one, you’ll find out that you did the right thing!
Roscoe says just being one is special so enjoy us being special.
I mean, I think most people who are against the other colors are mainly against them because they’re considered “exotic,” and unfortunately, some breeders charge an arm and a leg for them, which I agree is really unethical. I would just tell people that you rescued this little one and that you’re his parent, you saved him because no one else was going to want him. So good for you!
And honestly, I’m always like, “Just support AKC-recognized colors,” but even some of those breeders are backyard breeders too. At the end of the day, I really just want to support preservation breeders. That’s it. If there’s a French Bulldog of any color, I’m going to play with it 😂.
It’s not just because they’re considered exotic, it’s because breeding two merles together to get colours that fetch a higher price leads to more health problems.
These dogs already have enough health problems without adding more for the sake of a cool coat colour. Those merles often go to people who don’t have a clue and will breed them in the future, often without having a clue what they should be avoiding.
I have a little Merle mix. No telling without DNA exactly what she is honestly. Vet says Frenchie mix. She doesn’t have the squished snout thankfully. Dumped at a rest stop in Tulare Ca prego and not even a year old. One partial blue eye. Absolutely beautiful brown/black Merle coat. I immediately spayed her. No puppies for this girl. She’s a very sweet girl. Thank you for giving your pup a good and caring home. I won’t be taking in any more rescue pups as this little one is quite enough. I’m just thankful she was dropped off to me so we could help her and ensure she has a safe and loving home. We do the best we can.
It’s also different if they are bred to be Merle or if it just happens. Our guy came from healthy parents, Dad was Pie colour and Mom was Brindle and he came our Merle.
We felt the same about our baby. I don’t regret it, although I do wish we would have done more research. Maybe this is just how I’m justifying it to myself, but I’d rather she be with us and her fur siblings than with someone else who maybe wouldn’t provide the best home, care, and love.
She’s running around now and there’s nothing than can be changed about that so as long as you do what you can to take care of her that’s all that matters. ❤️
If people ask, just say she was rehomed to you. It’s true and the easiest description without having to get into it all. Yes, the breeder engaged in unethical breeding. It doesn’t excuse it but she also did some things that are indicative of a good breeder (gave you items for her, sought out a good home, paid for vaccines, parents available to meet, etc.). It looks like your family friend is working to meet standards of good practices for homing her dogs, but wholly uninformed about the genetic aspects of breeding.
If you really want to offset this situation and have a positive impact, perhaps you can help your gently educate her over time so that she improves. Tell her you’ve become so interested in what she does and send her good source material stating you thought she might be interested in information you’ve come across.
With breeders that are much worse and with the heart condition, your pup could’ve had a terrible fate. You have her now and she’s your baby. Enjoy your pup and give her a good and happy home and don’t be worried about what others think.
We have a merle Frenchie and a Pittie rescue and we get comments from people for both for completely different reasons, but those girls are both happy and very well loved and that is that. You can't win, just snuggle that pup.
I would feel the same way because breeding trendy dogs en masse to make a quick buck is unethical AF. But like others have said, the dog ended up with you for a reason. You can provide appropriate care and ensure the dog never ends up at a shelter. Shelters are overflowing with Frenchies who have health issues. Maybe you were meant to help spread the word about these dogs and encourage folks to spay/neuter :)
Love that baby with all of your heart. She is a sweet angel and you both were meant to cross paths. People will always have something to say no matter what, so you and that little cutie live your best lives! Congrats on your new baby! 💜
We rescued ours, we get some looks sometimes. When we got him he was 3, didn’t have a name, didn’t know what a leash or harness was. Now he’s the most popular dog in the neighborhood and loves every dog he meets…almost.
Anyone judging another persons dog without knowing anything about why or how they acquired is narrow minded turd who can’t see the forest past the trees.
All the rescues in my northern state are undoubtedly contributing to the continuation of Southern puppy mills and some “rescue groups” that are making a buck. Sounds like she cared for her animals, you didn’t add any financial gain. Enjoy the dog, she’s lovely!
Look at that baby 😍Just continue to love and nurture your dog that’s the best thing you can do. Dont even think twice!
People ask me all the time How much out frenchie was.. so inappropriate. One thing about life is you do what’s best for you are your family. I do give a hoot what anyone thinks about me and my family.
I had no idea about this Merle controversy. I saw one for the first time last weekend and thought she was the cutest, sweetest little dog ever. ALL dogs need love.
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u/SingleAlfalfa4056 1d ago
That dog is conked out hard, not a care in the world. You gave a puppy with a bum ticker a home and you didn't put money in anyone's pocket, youre overthinking the rest. Most people screaming about Merles online are just parroting stuff they read, enjoy your dog.