This Is The New Big Rope French Bulldog

A Big Rope French Bulldog is one of the rarer breeds of French bulldogs. Being a smaller and more chunkier version of the French bulldog, they retain the same smooth short haired coat as the standard Frenchie. The defining feature of this breed, and where they get their name from is a fold just on the top of their nose that looks like a rope. This feature can vary in size and shape with some big ropes having a more defined rope than others. They also appear to have extra wrinkles as well. Apart from these slight physical differences they are similar in all other ways to the standard French bulldog. They share the same bat like ears, body shape, personalities and health issues.

9 personality traits that make the big rope French bulldog breed special

It really is easy to fall in love with the Frenchie. And the Big Rope is no different. With their charming personality and playful spirit they make a beautiful companion or family pet.

Here are the top 9 personality traits that make this breed special:

Big Rope French Bulldog side view
  1. Affectionate
    One of our favourite things about the Frenchie is their extraordinarily affectionate nature & love of cuddles on the couch. Having been bread to be companions means it is super important form them to feel part of your pack. Typically females are more affectionate than males but both genders do enjoy their cuddles. Frenchies really love attention and will follow you around the house (quite often getting underfoot!)  This closeness, is what most of us love about our Frenchies, and why they are such a popular breed.
  2. Sociable
    French Bulldogs are known for their sociable nature and enjoy not only being around you but other dogs as well. Both friendly and outgoing,they love making new friends and meeting new people wherever they go!
  3. Playful
    Frenchies definitely have a playful side and enjoy playing games with you, fetch or tug-of-war are two favourites. Surprisingly they are also quite skilled at hide and seek. I guarantee you will be surprised with their clever hiding spots!
  4. Stubborn
    Yes, the French Bulldog can be quite stubborn at times, making training them quite challenging. With a mind of their own they will often do what they want to do rather than what you want them to do.
  5. Loyal
    Loyal to a fault, your Frenchie will do whatever it takes to protect you.  Forming strong bonds with their family they will be very protective.
  6. Independent
    Yes, despite their loving nature, Frenchies are also independent dogs that enjoy spending time alone. They are content lounging around the house and do not require a lot of exercise.
  7. Calm
    Frenchies have a clam and laid back personality, being relaxed in nature and not overly energetic. Perfectly suited to apartment life or a small home, they do not require large spaces to be happy.
  8. Intelligent
    French Bulldogs are a really smart dog breed that are quick to learn new things. If it wasn’t for their stubborn side they would be a dream dog to train.
  9. Quiet
    For some owners the best trait of the Frenchie is their quiet nature, meaning no barking. While they will bark to let you know of potential dangers they are not know to be noisy dogs.
big rope french bulldog puppy on new owners lap sleeping

How much does a big rope French bulldog cost?

The cost of a French Bulldog can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the dog’s age, pedigree, and location. From our research the Big Rope French Bulldogs are more expensive than the standard breed and a purebred big rope Frenchie can be anywhere up to $18,000. This was the most expensive puppy we found.  It is important to note that as a relatively new breed they are not readily available, so some breeders might be inclined to overcharge due to increasing popularity.

Generally, when you buy a dog from a breeder you will be required to pay a deposit to reserve your puppy. This is typically done to make sure you are serious about buying your puppy, and to hold the puppy until it is ready to go to its new home.

The deposit amount generally varies from breeder to breeder but is generally in the range of $500 – $1500.  It is usually a % of the total cost of the dog. For example, a breeder may require a 25% deposit to reserve a puppy, with the remaining balance due when the puppy is ready to be picked up.

Why are big rope frenchies so expensive?

Purebred dogs can be pretty expensive, and Frenchies are no exception. They’ve become super popular in recent years, which means breeders have waiting lists a mile long and can charge some pretty steep prices for their pups. And to top it off – Frenchies are actually pretty hard to breed, which can make them even harder to come by. As the big rope is a relatively newly introduced variant of the French Bulldog there are even less of them available and they are even harder to breed.

Adding to the cost of a Frenchie is the fact that they are prone to a few health issues, like breathing problems, skin allergies, and hip dysplasia. Good breeders do health screenings on their dogs and only breed the healthy ones without any genetic issues, but that extra work can add to the cost of the puppies.

I know French Bulldogs can be pretty pricey, but it’s super important to make sure you’re buying from a good breeder who really cares about the pups. Those pet stores and online sellers might not have the best interests of the dogs in mind. So, look for breeders who are part of breed clubs and can give you references and health certifications. You don’t want to end up with a sick pup or support a sketchy breeder, so do your research and make sure you’re getting your fur baby from a legitimate source!

Do big rope frenchies have breathing problems

Like any flat faced dog the big rope Frenchie is prone to breathing problems. The breathing problems can range from moderate to severe with the most serious cases requiring surgery.
There is actually a name for a flat faced dog – “brachycephalic” and a severe breathing disorder that frenchies can suffer from is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) where they cannot breathe normally.

What is it that causes the breathing issues?

Frenchies as we know have short facial bones. But they also have the same amount of facial tissue as dogs with normal muzzle lengths. This means, there’s too much tissue inside their mouth and not enough space for it all.

But that’s not all – these brachycephalic dogs also have narrow nostrils, which can lead to even more breathing problems for our beloved Frenchies. You have probably noticed that their nostrils are barely visible – That’s because they have a hard time getting enough air, which can lead to overheating and trouble coping with hot weather.
If your Frenchie suffers from exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, snoring, wheezing, or difficulty breathing they may have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

While BOAS cannot be cured, there are medical and surgical treatments that can help manage the condition and improve the dog’s quality of life. It’s important to note that prevention is key, and owners of brachycephalic dogs should work closely with their Vet to manage the condition and minimize its impact on their frenchies health.

big rope french bulldog side profile on white background blue eyes

10 other most common health problems for big rope Frenchies

  1. Allergies
  1. Skinfold dermatitis
  2. Pyoderma
  3. Otitis externa (ear infections)
  4. Conjunctivitis or pink eye
  5. Cherry Eye
  6. Heat stroke
  7. Patella luxation
  8. Hip dysplasia
  9. Intervertebral disc disease

1.Allergies

just like any other dog, French Bulldogs can experience allergies . However frenchies are genetically more prone  to chronic allergic conditions like food or environemental allergies. These can be triggered by various factors like pollen, dust mites, mold, or even food. Symptoms can range from scratching, biting, and licking of the skin, to sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your furry Frenchie, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your vet. They can diagnose and treat your dog’s allergies with appropriate medications such as antihistamines or steroids. Additionally, your vet may suggest changes to your dog’s diet or environment to help minimize exposure to potential allergens.

2. Skin Fold Dermatitis

One of the most common issues that Frenchies can face is something called Skin Fold Dermatitis, which can happen in those cute folds on their faces, as well as in other areas like their armpits, neck, and vulva.

So, what should you look out for? If you notice your pup scratching, biting, or itching around those folded areas, that could be a sign of Skin Fold Dermatitis. You may also see redness or sores developing on the affected skin. It’s important to keep an eye on this and seek help from a vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

3. Pyoderma

Another common skin problem Frenchies can experience is called ‘pyodermas’, which can happen when a cut or scratch in their skin fold becomes infected. The good news is that pyodermas can easily be treated with topical or oral antibiotics from your veterinarian.

To spot pyodermas, look for signs like itching around the wounded area, redness, hair loss, and crusting or pus discharge from the wound. To prevent skin fold dermatitis and pyoderma, it’s important to clean and dry your Frenchie’s skin folds regularly and carefully with pet-approved products.

4. Otitis Externa

We love the Frenchie for their adorable flat faces, but this look cause issues, including smaller ear canals. Unfortunately, this means that Frenchies are unable to naturally clean their ears, which can lead to ear infections or otitis externa.

Some symptoms of ear infections to look out for include excessive scratching of the ear or head shaking, redness or scratches inside the ears, and excess wax when cleaning the ears.

To prevent ear infections, it’s important to keep your Frenchie’s ears clean and dry and to know how to clean frenchie ears using pet approved products.

5. Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye

Frenchies flat faces make them more susceptible to developing conjunctivitis or pinkeye. Pink eye can be caused by allergies, irritants or a condition known as dry eye. In addition, their large and prominent eyes make them more prone to scratches and ulcers.

You should keep an eye out for signs of conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers in your Frenchie, such as:

  • Swollen red eyes with discharge
  • Irritation with they eyes, pawing squinting or blinking

To prevent these eye conditions, it’s important to keep your Frenchies’ eyes clean and avoid exposing them to irritants like dust or sand. Your veterinarian can provide you with tips on how to properly clean your Frenchie’s eyes and how to identify potential eye problems.

6. Cherry Eye

As a French Bulldog owner, it’s important to be aware of the condition known as cherry eye that can affect our furry friends. This condition occurs when the third eyelid gland protrudes, appearing as a pinkish mass in the corner of the eye, resembling a cherry.

Cherry eye can be caused by weakened connective tissue that is responsible for holding the gland in its normal position. It can occur in one or both eyes, and is more common in younger dogs.

While cherry eye is not life-threatening, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and vision problems for our Frenchies. If you suspect that your Frenchie has cherry eye, it’s crucial to take them to the vet for evaluation and treatment. The typical treatment involves surgical correction to reposition the gland and strengthen the connective tissue to prevent future occurrences.

7. Heat Stroke

The beautiful flat face of the Frenchie is actually the reason why they are more susceptible to heatstroke than other dog breeds.
Their breathing difficulties caused by their long soft palate and stenotic nares make it hard for them to cool down, making them more susceptible to heat stress and heatstroke.

To keep your Frenchie safe in hot and humid weather, it’s important to keep them in a cool or air-conditioned space. Keep an eye out for signs that your furry friend may be experiencing heat stress or heatstroke, such as excessive panting, blue or bright red gums, vomiting, diarrhea, or convulsions.

If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately move your Frenchie to a cooler area and run cool (not cold) water over their body, particularly the back of their head and neck. It’s also important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.

8. Patella Luxation

Like many small dogs, Frenchies are more likely to experience luxating patellas. This is when the knee cap or patella slips out of its groove in the front of the stifle (knee) joint.

If you notice your Frenchie occasionally skipping or experiencing abnormal hindlimb movement or sudden hindlimb lameness, it may be a sign of patella luxation. Fortunately, surgery can be a very effective treatment by deepening the groove where the patella sits. If left untreated, patella luxation can lead to osteoarthritis from the repeated damage of the patella to the inside lining of the joint.

9. Hip Displasia

If you own a French Bulldog, it’s important to know that they are prone to a genetic condition called Hip Dysplasia. This occurs when the ball and socket hip joint does not develop properly, leading to joint deterioration over time. While genetics play a role, environmental factors such as obesity, excessive growth, and exercise can also contribute to the progression of this condition.

Keep an eye out for these symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in your Frenchie:

  • experiencing difficulty standing up, reduced activity, or bunny hopping movements, these could be signs of hip dysplasia.
  • Experiencing pain or sensitivity in the hip area.

• Having difficulty climbing stairs or jumping up.

To prevent the progression of Hip Dysplasia, it’s important to avoid over-exercising and overfeeding your Frenchie as a young pup, and to maintain a healthy diet and weight throughout their life. By taking these precautions, you can help your Frenchie live a healthy and happy life free from the discomfort and pain of Hip Dysplasia.

10. Intervertebral disc disease

Frenchies unfortunately are more likely to develop Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This condition happens when the discs between their vertebrae bulge into the spinal cord space, causing pain, nerve damage and even paralysis.

Keep an eye out for these signs that your Frenchie may be suffering from IVDD:

  • Reluctance to move, dragging or knuckling of the paws
  • Arched or hunched posture is hunched or arched, distress when picked up or even touched
  • Sudden paralysis or loss of bladder/bowel control

To prevent the progression of IVDD, it’s important to keep your Frenchie at a healthy weight and avoid letting them jump on and off furniture. And if you notice any signs of paralysis, don’t wait – take them to a vet as soon as possible.

old french bulldog lying on lounge wearing diaper looking tired

What is the lifespan of a big rope Frenchie?

On average, Frenchies live for between 9 to 14 years. However, the oldest Frenchie I have heard of lived to a ripe old age of 18 years!

Like all of us, a Frenchie’s lifespan can be influenced by many factors:

  • genetics
    breeding practices can affect a dog’s lifespan, so it’s important to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs.
  • environmental factors
    exposure to toxins, extreme temperatures, and other hazards can have a negative impact on a Frenchie’s health and lifespan. You can help protect your Frenchie by providing them with a safe and healthy environment.
  •  lifestyle choices
    diet and exercise play a crucial role in a Frenchie’s overall health and longevity. Feeding your Frenchie a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and providing regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related health issues that may shorten their lifespan

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care are also essential for maintaining a Frenchie’s health and detecting potential health issues early on. Vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and other routine preventative measures can help keep your Frenchie healthy and extend their lifespan.

The Big Rope French Bulldog is a charming breed that shares a lot of the same traits and genetic issues as the frenchie. With their distinctive appearance, playful personalities, and affectionate nature, they make just as wonderful a companions as the french bulldog does albeit a little bit more of an expensive option!

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