Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue

My name is Kelly, and I am the founder of Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue. I know a French bulldog specific rescue can be surprising to many people as they are the #1 dog breed in America, but they are also one of the biggest medical-needs breeds. We (RMFBR) specialize in these needs. In 2023, 83% of our incoming dogs were severe special needs. I appreciate the opportunity to write a guest blog today and a chance to talk a bit about what we do to help this breed.

I started RMFBR in 2014 when I adopted a paralyzed French bulldog. I was a severe needs high school teacher with a vet tech background who held the same notion of a rescue many people hold: as a place to give up your dog. I didn’t set out to start a rescue until I realized the critical need for one. Having been involved with rescuing almost 600 Frenchies since, we have shaped RMFBR into a service for the entire community of French bulldogs and their people. 

Loving Frenchies–What It Means

I have personally held over 400 dogs as their family handed them to me to find them a more suitable home to thrive. This experience reminds me time and time again that dogs are family. The act of surrendering a dog to a rescue in the hopes they have a better life is one final act of love a family can do. I say final because we work with families to do everything possible to keep the dog in their home before the surrender. 

All About French Bulldog Health Issues

French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed – everything in their face is smushed; hence the nickname of Smushy Faces. Their soft palate (that soft spot in the back of your mouth) is elongated on them – so much so it often impedes their breathing. This is very dangerous, especially if they get hot or excited. It is often corrected with BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgery (cost upwards of $6000) which will filet/shorten the palate, remove saccules, and open the nares. 

Frenchies are also prone to IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease) which causes compression of spinal discs and leads to paralysis. The current estimate is 50% of French bulldogs will become paralyzed at some point in their life and 50% of those will remain paralyzed after surgery and treatment (cost $15,000 to $20,000). Almost every French bulldog carries the gene for IVDD. There is nothing that can “prevent” it but measures, such as controlling rough play and limiting stair climbing, can help. 

There is a myriad of other major health issues French bulldogs are prone to, including but not limited to, severe allergies, intestinal issues (IBS/D), hip dysplasia, ear infections (needing full eardrum removal), major eye issues (causing eye removal), and more. 

Popularity Issues: Education Matters!

Many of these health issues are caused by breeding and with the popularity of the breed, there are many breeders who are not doing the proper health testing. We strive to educate breeders about the health issues observed in surrendered dogs, aiming to help them enhance their breeding practices for the well-being of the dogs. There are good breeders doing this work and still others who need this educational outreach.

As advocates for this breed, we believe education is one of our biggest responsibilities – which starts before a family brings a dog into their home. This is just as important to us as finding homes for the dogs in our care. Our website and social medias contain an extensive library of “Medical Monday” videos discussing health conditions as well as “Tidbit Tuesday” short facts about the breed. I encourage those looking to own a French bulldog to reach out to their local rescue, or us, for information on bringing a puppy home, health issues to watch for, and personality traits that are desired. If you are interested in buying from a breeder, our biggest advice is to do your research: see both parents, ask about health testing and what issues the line may have, and ask to see their facilities. 

Sick Frenchies & What to Do

But what happens if your Frenchie gets sick? Contact us. Our first response will be discussing your concerns – not just asking you to fill out the surrender form.

Veterinarians are very busy right now with hundreds of different breeds and they may not be aware of “French bulldog specific” issues like granulomatous colitis – which can cause severe diarrhea for months and can be fatal. RMFBRPO stays abreast of new and current health issues in the breed to help your vet.

We have attended neurologist appointments with owners in order to help them understand better what the vet is saying, what prognosis can be, and what life after surgery may look like. We will help you set up the after-care center in your home for recovery. I will be on the other end of the phone at ten at night when your heart is breaking but you love your dog and are determined to get them through this. Rescue is not just rehoming and adopting. RMFBR is about education, advice, and support. 

When Love Means…Letting Go?

But sometimes, owners and rescue have done all they can and the family knows the dog needs a different life than they can provide. We do not have a facility; all surrendered dogs go directly to a carefully selected foster home. We are particular about homes for your dog. As we don’t like to cause additional stress on the dog, our foster homes are highly vetted before placement, and most are foster to adopt.

We are also licensed by the State of Colorado and are inspected yearly. We have a huge community of support for fosters and adopters – they even dog sit for each other! 

Cost Involved

While we do ask for current medical records, there is no charge to an owner needing help whether it is advice on buying a puppy, education during a crisis, or a need to surrender. Because we are breed specific, our funding comes directly from donors and due to the increasing surrender demand, we are always fundraising. Your donations, no matter the size, do save lives. 

We encourage you to stay connected to our social media accounts which, along with our donation information, can be found on our website www.rmfbr.org.