1. Frenchies Are Not All the Same
The internet likes to make Frenchies look like predictable little clowns who only do cute things and sleep most of the day.
Reality?
Frenchies have huge individual differences:

• Some are confident extroverts who want to lick the entire world.
• Some are anxious, environmental-sensitive dogs who shut down easily.
• Some have very strong opinions about food, toys, or space.
• Some are medical-needs kids with zero impulse control.
• Some are deeply sweet but come from difficult mill backgrounds that shaped how they trust.

Just because a Frenchie breed description says they are “easygoing,” doesn’t mean every Frenchie got the memo.

2. Social Media Only Shows the Highlight Reel
Frenchies online never seem to shed, bark, resource guard, scream at the vacuum, or express… other opinions.

But your home won’t be a curated TikTok.

Real Frenchies:

• Snort, fart, scream, and make noises that alarm your neighbors
• Can be stubborn and dramatic
• May have anxiety, reactivity, or fear-based quirks
• Require boundaries, structure, and training
• Often need higher-than-expected medical care (BOAS, allergies, spines, etc.)

​When adopters choose a dog based only on the online stereotype, the mismatch can be huge — and the dog pays the price.

3. Many Frenchies Come With a Backstory
Especially mill dogs.

They may:

• Never have lived in a home
• Be scared of normal household noises
• Overwhelm easily
• Need time to decompress
• Struggle with leash walking or handling
• Have learned survival behaviors that don’t disappear on day one

​A dog’s history shapes their personality just as much as their breed.

4. This Is Why We’re Honest — Sometimes VERY Honest — in Our Facebook Posts
BBR doesn’t sugarcoat.
We don’t do “perfect dog” marketing.
We don’t create a story that sets the adopter up for disappointment or sets the dog up for return.

You’ll see us talk about:

• Shyness
• Goofiness
• Drama
• Medical needs
• Boundary issues
• Things they love and things that will absolutely stress them out

​Our job is to show who they really are — not who the Internet says they should be.
And when adopters choose a dog whose real personality aligns with their lifestyle, expectations, and capacity, that’s when you get the magic: stable, lasting placements and dogs who finally get the homes they deserve.

5. What You Should Look For When Choosing a Frenchie

​Instead of relying on generalized online advice, focus on:
✔ Their actual temperament (as described by the rescue)
✔ Their medical needs
✔ Their energy level
✔ Their history
✔ How they do with kids, dogs, cats, and chaos
✔ Whether their quirks match your home
✔ Whether you have the time and patience for their specific needs

Choosing a dog based on looks or breed assumptions leads to mismatches.
Choosing based on personality leads to success.

6. Frenchies Are Wonderful — When You Understand What They Really Are
They’re hilarious.
They’re loving.
They’re expressive little goblins with giant hearts and unexpected depth.
But they’re not plug-and-play pets.

Frenchies feel big feelings in small bodies, and that can create real behavior challenges if adopters aren’t prepared. Many are anxious by nature — and anxiety can absolutely show up as fear-based reactivity or aggression. It’s not that they’re “mean.” It’s that they’re scared, overwhelmed, or unsure how to process the world they’re living in.

“Little Dog Syndrome” is very real, too. When a small dog is accidentally allowed to make all the decisions, they quickly learn to guard, demand, or push boundaries. Structure, routine, and calm leadership help them feel safe — and safe dogs behave better.

Adopting a Frenchie means embracing who they actually are, not the Internet version. Some are goofy. Some are cautious. Some are spicy when anxious. Some need confidence-building and decompression. That’s the real landscape of the breed, especially in rescue.

And that’s why at BBR, we will always be transparent, honest, and sometimes brutally descriptive — because the truth keeps dogs in homes, not back in rescue.
And we’ll be the first to say: we don’t always get it perfect, but we try our hardest every single time.

Every week, we receive messages from families asking why our adoption policies often exclude homes with children under 8.

​We get it — bulldogs are adorable, hilarious, and incredibly lovable. They seem like the perfect family companion.

But here’s the truth most people don’t see:

We receive numerous surrender requests every single month for bulldogs with anxiety, reactivity, or aggression — and the majority of those cases involve incidents with young children.
​That is the reality of rescue.
And it’s why our policy is firm.

Bulldogs Are Great. Toddlers Are Great. Together? Not Always Safe.
Bulldogs are a breed with big feelings and very specific boundaries. Many of the dogs we take in come with:

• chronic pain issues
• unpredictable startle responses
• resource guarding tendencies
• touch sensitivity
• trauma or unknown histories

These dogs don’t arrive as blank slates — they come with layers.

Meanwhile, toddlers (and young kids in general) are:

• loud
• unpredictable
• constantly moving
• face-huggers
• fallers
• boundary-unaware
• unable to read subtle canine warning signs

Even adults misinterpret dog behavior. Expecting a 2-, 3-, or 4-year-old to do better simply isn’t realistic.

When those worlds collide, here’s the heartbreaking reality:
Dog gives 19 warnings.
Child misses all 19.
Dog reacts.
Life changes forever — for both.

“But We Want a Puppy So We Can Raise It Our Way!”
Ah yes… the classic argument.

People often believe that starting with a puppy means they can “shape” the dog into the perfect child-friendly companion.

Here’s the inconvenient truth:

**Puppies don’t grow into the dog you want.

They grow into the dog they are.
Genetics >>> your intentions.**

You can train them, socialize them, and surround them with toddlers tugging cheeks or 15 other dogs…and one day, around 12–18 months, they wake up an adult and decide what they will and will NOT tolerate.

That’s when we see:

• resource guarding
• intolerance of chaos
• protectiveness
• sensitivity to touch
• avoidance behaviors
• snapping when startled
• “I don’t like being hugged anymore” moments

This is precisely the age when the surrender emails start pouring in.

No amount of training or early exposure can change genetic wiring, pain sensitivities, or breed tendencies.  And not one single bulldog has ever been desensitized into loving toddler energy.

The Hardest Part: What Happens After a Bite
​When a bulldog bites a child — even once — the outcome is almost always devastating:

• the child is injured
• the family is traumatized
• the dog is returned, labeled aggressive
• and sometimes, difficult life-changing decisions need to be made.

Nobody wins.
Especially not the dog.
​
We will not knowingly place a bulldog into a situation where this is the likely outcome.

So Yes — Our Policy Is Clear and Non-Negotiable
We do not adopt bulldogs into homes with children under 5.

Not because we dislike kids.
Not because we think your toddler is uniquely problematic.
Not because we don’t trust your parenting.

​But because our responsibility is the safety of both the dog and the child — and the data doesn’t lie.

We refuse to set a family or a dog up for a preventable tragedy.

When Your Children Are Older…
We’re absolutely happy to reassess your application when the time is right.
Plenty of bulldogs thrive in families with respectful, dog-savvy older kids.
​
But until then, this line is firm — because it protects everyone involved.

Final Word
We know policies like this aren’t always what people want to hear.
But rescue isn’t about convenience or making everyone happy.
It’s about doing the right thing — even when that decision isn’t popular.
​
And keeping bulldogs (and children) safe will always be the right thing.

What Is IVDD?
IVDD happens when the discs between the vertebrae (the “shock absorbers” of the spine) degenerate, bulge, or rupture.
​
When that happens, the disc material presses on the spinal cord — which can cause pain, weakness, loss of coordination, or in more severe cases, paralysis.
Bulldogs are predisposed to IVDD because of their body structure.
Their genetics, cartilage makeup, and compact backs make their spinal discs more likely to age prematurely or rupture suddenly.

Signs of IVDD to Watch For
IVDD can come on slowly… or out of nowhere like a lightning strike. Common signs include:

• Sudden crying out in pain
• Arched back
• Reluctance to move, jump, or climb
• Wobbly walking or “drunk” gait
• Toe dragging or knuckling
• Hind-end weakness
• Trembling or shaking
• Loss of bladder control (in severe cases)

​If you ever see sudden paralysis or inability to walk, it’s an emergency.
Immediate vet care matters — every hour counts.

What Causes IVDD in Bulldogs?
​Bulldogs don’t get IVDD because someone let them jump off the couch once.
The real causes are:

• Genetics
• Early disc degeneration
• Obesity (adds stress to the spine)
• High-impact activities
• Age
• Poor-quality breeding

Even perfectly cared-for bulldogs can develop IVDD — it’s in their DNA.

How IVDD is Diagnosed
Your vet may start with:

• Physical and neurological exams
• X-rays (to rule out other issues)
• MRI (gold standard for diagnosing disc herniation and determining severity)

For surgical cases, a neurologist or specialty center is usually involved.

Treatment Options: One Size Does NOT Fit All

1. Conservative Management
Used for mild to moderate cases:

• Strict crate rest (usually 4–6 weeks)
• Pain medications
• Anti-inflammatories
• Muscle relaxers
• Laser therapy
• Acupuncture
• Controlled physical therapy
• Harness (never a collar)

This approach can work beautifully… if rest is taken seriously.

Where Do Steroids Fit Into IVDD Treatment?
​For many bulldogs experiencing an IVDD flare-up, steroids can play a major role in reducing inflammation around the spinal cord. When a disc bulges or herniates, swelling is what causes much of the pain and neurologic deficits — and steroids are often one of the fastest ways to bring that inflammation down.

​While veterinarians determine when steroids are appropriate, they’re commonly used in:

• Sudden, painful flare-ups
• Dogs who aren’t surgical candidates
• Cases where rapid inflammation reduction is needed
• Dogs who have responded well to previous steroid protocols

​And anecdotally?
Many bulldog owners — including within BBR — swear by steroids for managing mild to moderate episodes. They can make a dramatic difference in comfort and mobility when used correctly.

A typical course may include:

• A loading dose for several days
• A slow taper over 1–2 weeks
• Strict rest throughout the process

Steroids should never be combined with NSAIDs without veterinary oversight.

​Bottom line:
Steroids aren’t a cure, but they can be an extremely effective tool during flare-ups and may prevent progression when used appropriately.

2. Surgery
​Used for dogs with:

• Significant neurological loss
• Rapid progression
• Severe pain
• Paralysis

Surgery removes the disc material pressing on the spinal cord. Recovery can be excellent — many dogs walk again, even if they arrived unable to use their back legs.

3. Mobility Support / Long-Term Management
​Some dogs never regain full mobility and may need:

• Wheelchairs
• Drag bags
• Diapers
• Support harnesses
• Ongoing physical therapy

These dogs can still have incredible quality of life — we see it all the time.

How BBR Approaches IVDD
​Because bulldogs are so prone to IVDD, BBR sees cases regularly. Our approach includes:

• Working closely with neurologists and specialty hospitals
• Fast action when symptoms appear
• Honest quality-of-life assessments
• Education for fosters and adopters
• Tailored care plans
• Matching mobility dogs with prepared, supportive families

Many adopters are surprised to learn that dogs with previous IVDD episodes or even partial paralysis can still live joyful, active lives with the right setup.

BBR Tips for Managing IVDD at Home
These are the most common, practical tips we give bulldog families:

1. Ramps are your best friend.
Use ramps or pet stairs for couches, beds, and cars. Jumping is the enemy.

2. Keep your bulldog at a healthy weight.
Every extra pound adds unnecessary strain to the spine.

3. Stop the zoomies before they start.
Short bursts of wild excitement can trigger a flare-up.

4. Use a harness, never a collar.
Pressure on the neck affects the spine.

5. Avoid slick floors.
Area rugs = your bulldog’s best grip support.

6. Crate rest means actual rest.
No “just a quick snuggle on the couch.”
Rest is treatment.

7. Watch for early signs.
A wobbly step, a wince, hesitation to jump — early action prevents emergencies.

8. Know your emergency plan.
Have your nearest ER or neurologist saved in your phone before you need one.

9. Keep medications on hand if your vet approves.
Some families managing chronic IVDD have standing steroid or pain protocols.

10. Don’t panic. Bulldogs don’t.
​Once their pain is controlled, they push forward fearlessly. Follow their lead.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power
​IVDD is a serious condition, but with fast recognition, proper treatment, and informed care, bulldogs with IVDD can — and do — live incredibly full, happy lives. At BBR, we’re committed to supporting these dogs every step of the way, whether that means surgery, conservative management, mobility aids, or long-term care planning.

How Our Roots in Rescue Took Shape
BBR didn’t appear overnight. Its foundation was built long before the name existed — through years of experience in animal welfare, hands-on rescue work, and a deepening understanding of the unique needs of English and French Bulldogs.

Before BBR, bulldogs were already part of the work being done. There were early rescue efforts, collaboration with another bulldog rescue during its formation, and plenty of practical lessons learned along the way. As time went on, it became clear that there was a growing need for an organization that could support both English and French Bulldogs with consistency, structure, and breed-specific expertise.

When differing visions and priorities emerged — particularly around expanding support to French Bulldogs — it created the natural moment to branch off. That separation made space for what would eventually become Buckeye Bulldog Rescue: a rescue built around high standards, transparent processes, veterinarian-guided care, and a commitment to brachycephalic breeds as a whole.

What began as scattered rescue efforts evolved into a cohesive mission.
And that mission is what continues to guide BBR today.

The Volunteers Who Built This With Us
​Rescue has never been a calm, linear, predictable operation.
It’s emotional.
It’s exhausting.
It changes people.

Over the years, we’ve seen volunteers come and volunteers go — some stay for a season, some stay for a decade, and some stay until their hearts need a break. Every one of them left fingerprints on this organization. Every one played a role in getting bulldogs safely where they needed to be.

​BBR was built on that kind of devotion — the kind that shows up at midnight for an emergency intake, or bottle-feeds a puppy, or drives three hours for a bulldog with wheels for legs and eyes that need their own budget line.
Nothing about this work is simple, but the people who have stood with us have been extraordinary.

The Medical Relationships That Anchored Us
One of the biggest reasons BBR has been able to grow — and grow responsibly — is because of the veterinary partners who have stood with us year after year.
​
We work almost exclusively with trusted clinics who know our dogs, our protocols, and the unique chaos that bulldogs bring to a waiting room:

• VCA Sawmill
• VCA Findlay
• VCA Westerville
• Mill Run Veterinary Clinic

​And when our bulldogs need specialists (which is… often), we turn to teams who understand the urgency and complexity of brachycephalic health:

• MedVet
• The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center
• Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital

​These clinics and specialists have become more than providers — their staff have become family.

They’ve held our hands through emergencies, squeezed us into impossible schedules, cried with us when a dog didn’t make it, and celebrated with us when a bulldog who wasn’t supposed to survive… did.
Consistency saves lives.

These partnerships have given our dogs exactly that.

The Relationships That Quietly Save Lives Behind the Scenes
Over time, BBR has built trust not just with shelters and vet clinics, but with communities that aren’t always easy to access — including Amish breeders.

Ohio is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the country, which also means it contains some of the highest concentrations of commercial breeding operations. Many bulldogs in these systems have limited options once they are no longer useful for breeding, and without established rescue partnerships, their futures can be uncertain.

It’s a slow, relationship-based process.
It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without respect and reliability.

But through years of showing up, being consistent, and proving that we handle their dogs with care and discretion, we’ve earned the ability to take in bulldogs who are no longer useful for breeding, who wouldn’t have had many options otherwise.

These aren’t always simple intakes.
Some of these dogs arrive undersocialized, scared, medically fragile, or simply “done” in a system that sees them as tools.
​
But BBR sees them as individuals — deserving of warmth, safety, and a new chapter.
That trust has allowed us to intervene in moments where a dog’s entire fate could change based on who answers the phone.

Shelter Partnerships That Changed Everything
Another pillar of BBR’s growth has been the relationships we’ve built with shelters across the region. Over the years, many of them have come to rely on us for the tougher cases — the medical cases, the behavior cases, the unexpected intakes, and the dogs who simply have no other options.

They reach out because they know we show up.
We don’t cherry-pick.
We don’t walk away when a dog is inconvenient.
We commit.

These partnerships continue to be a core part of how BBR makes an impact every single day.

Growth Comes With Gratitude… and Lessons
As BBR grew beyond what I ever pictured, something else happened:
People started noticing how we do what we do.

Our structure.
Our processes.
Our standards.
Our medical protocols.
Our adoption practices.
Our documents, our procedures, our way of doing rescue responsibly.

Some people admired it.
Some people benefited from it.
And a few… tried to duplicate it.

Pieces of our work have been copied, borrowed, “inspired,” or outright lifted over the years. That comes with being a leader in a space where the stakes are high and emotions run hotter than bulldogs in July.

But here’s the truth:
​
You can replicate forms. You can swipe ideas. You can mimic language.
What you cannot copy is our heart, our culture, our history, or the thousands of bulldogs whose lives shaped who we are.

BBR isn’t just a rescue.
It’s a legacy built through tears, triumphs, losses, midnight transports, vet bills taller than we are, and the unshakeable belief that these dogs deserve everything.

Where We Stand Now
From a handful of bulldogs a year to a rescue pipeline that never really pauses — BBR has become one of the most experienced, longest-standing bulldog rescues in the country.

And we’re still here because of one thing:

The bulldogs.

They’re why we start over every morning.
They’re why we’ve grown to meet demand.
They’re why we continue to set the standard for bulldog rescue — and why we continue to do this work with dedication, heart, and more snorts than sanity.
​
This journey hasn’t always been easy. But it has always been worth it.
And we’re nowhere near done.