Dave and I have been thinking long and hard about what breed we want.....it was always going to be a flat faced little bundle but we were indecisive on whether to get a pug or a french bulldog as there were pro's and con's for both breeds.
We had to remember that not all dogs would fit in with our lifestyle - so what ever breed would tick the most boxes would ultimately be the right dog for us.
Firstly, we recently bought an apartment and we move in September...no backyard but there's definitely enough room for it run around in and we've already enquired about getting a patio dog-door so it can go out onto the fully enclosed balcony whenever it wants to.
We both work from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday. What are we going to do with the dog while we're at work? Luckily for us Dave's parents live only 50 metres up the road and have a big backyard which our dog can share with their maltese terrior 'Pedro'. Will Pedro and our dog get along?
David suffers from asthma, so we need to find out which breed will be better for his health? Which breed sheds the most?
So as you can see, there are quite a few things to consider....so we searched the internet high and low...asked breeders tonnes of questions and even attended 'doggy' days on the weekend so we could see them up close and personal.
I can't tell you enough how important this part of the whole process of getting a dog is....Dogs can live for 10+ years and if you make the wrong decision now...it can turn into a disaster.
Our final decision was made on the following:
French Bulldogs and Pugs don't require much room at all to live in...but they both require at least 20-30 minutes exercise per day. Both breeds are considered 'indoor, companion dogs' as both require the constant contact of humans and due to their breathing difficulties, do not handle the outdoor extremes. The only difference separating the pug and frenchie (that we've noticed) is that frenchies don't bark at everything and anything....it takes a big startle or loud knock on the door before they even consider barking..and they do so only if they can be bothered....this is a big plus for apartment living.
Pugs are notoriously lazy...they are happy chewing on their favourite toy, sleeping in a sunny spot on the carpet and investigating places around the house....they can be left alone but not for extreme periods of time. As long as you have plenty of things to keep them amused (like leaving the radio on during the day and adding Kongs [food treat toy]) to their daily activities they should be fine between 9-5.30pm. French Bulldogs however, can be more active and boystrous. Be sure to give them exercise in the mornings before you go to work it will tire them out so for the rest of the day they won't need to distroy the furniture. In saying that the adolesence years don't last for long and soon both breeds act basically the same.
Both breeds are very placid and friendly dogs...they get along with other pets if introduced at an early age and young children. No issues there.
Shedding...well that's when the breeds take a totally different path. Unfortunately pugs shed tonnes! You can't pick up a pug without getting a souvenier of tiny fawn or black fur on your jumpers and jackets...so if your an asthma sufferer like Dave...this could mean trouble. French Bulldogs also shed but as much as any other breed...so please don't get me wrong, both breeds require regular grooming.
As you can see, it was a pretty hard decision but we've finally decided that the French Bulldog is the way to go.
If you need help selecting a breed, we totally recommend you speak to a vet, breeder or research the internet. Try using a "Select-a-Dog" survey like this one (http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.asp) to help you with your decision.
Good luck!
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