Tips for Frenchie Owners

I grew up with a border collie and a Labrador. They were my best friends from the day I was born until my border collie Jessie died when I was 8. It was tough losing my first furry friend Shelly, but when Jessie died it was a very quiet household.

Fast-forward nearly 20 years later, in my own home, I was finally able to get another companion. This time a little French Bulldog, called Duke.

He was just 8 weeks old when we got him; brave, curious, stubborn and lovable all in one tiny brindle pup.

THE BAD (WELL, JUST NOT SO GOOD)

1. They stink, and I mean REALLY REALLY STINK.

Don't get me wrong there are many great things I can say about Duke. But his farts could take out an entire household. They just hit you in the face and you almost eat them by the time you've managed to escape the foul smelling fur-ball on your lap.

2. They scoff and huff, at everything.

Oh, they absolutely get their knickers in a twist about almost everything around them. The phone rings. Huff. The microwave dings. Scoff. The door knocks. Full on bark to alert imminent death. A bald eagle call played on a advert, Duke nearly jumped out the window in sheer panic and anger.

3. They don't understand personal space.

They sit on your lap, your neck, your head, your feet, your chest. Personally, I think they trap you just, so they can fart on you. But they must be close to you at all time. And yes, you will absolutely damage your knees and you head as you fall over after they've gotten under your feed for the umpteenth time that day.

THE GOOD (THE BEST PARTS AS IT'S ALL GOOD REALLY)

1. They're hilarious.

Whether it's the scoffing noises or the infamous 'zoomies', they provide hours of entertainment and laughter with their unlimited energy, being bonkers and totally crackers running round any flat surface at 100 mph, or as fast as their little legs will carry them.

2. They love cuddles and too snuggle.

Yes, this was in the bad part as they like to sit on your, trap you and then kill you with their stench. But they're warm, soft, loving and very snuggly. Now it's getting colder again I'm looking forward to lots of cuddles with my buddy.

3. They're fiercely loyal and protective.

OK, so this is great but can also be really annoying. They think loud noises on the TV might get you, or a door closing upstairs will lead to you to certain death. But they are protective and aware of their surroundings and where you are at all times. Except when they're asleep and don't realise their farts will kill you quicker than the ice cream van outside will.

4. They're macho little things.

With their scoffs and their puffed-out chest, they definitely have an attitude when they walk into a room. They are very proud little dogs who have no fear, even if they’re staring at the back of a Great Dane’s teeth where they have attempted to climb inside the Great Dane’s mouth. They have no far, know no boundaries and want to be leader of the pack.

I’ve had my little dude for a year now and besides making the house stink, the furniture hairy, the plants fearful of losing their petals, he has also made us laugh till our sides hurt running around with his toys, or made us chuckle as he sleeps with his tongue hanging out his mouth and even made our eyes water ad he delivers another outstanding fart. (Did I mention they stink?). I wouldn’t change him for the world.

So 100 percent, if you're thinking about it, get a Frenchie!