This is the hill I will die on. If you own a French Bulldog, you should not be walking them on a collar. Period. End of discussion.
I know, collars are cute. You can get them with rhinestones or bow ties. But for a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, a collar catch-22: It looks good, but it is physically dangerous.
The Unique Anatomy of the Frenchie Neck
French Bulldogs look tough. They have thick necks and muscular shoulders. But functionally, their airway is a fragile straw. Many Frenchies suffer from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome). Their trachea (windpipe) is often narrower than a standard dog's, and their soft palate is longer.
When you attach a leash to a collar and the dog pulls, all that pressure goes directly onto the trachea. It can cause:
- Tracheal Collapse: A terrifying condition where the windpipe flattens, making it impossible to breathe.
- Increased Intraocular Pressure: Believe it or not, pulling on the neck increases pressure in the eyes, which is bad for a breed prone to eye issues (cherry eye, ulcers).
- Choking/Gagging: If your dog sounds like they are hacking up a lung after a walk, it’s not "allergies." It’s neck trauma.
Enter the Harness: The Life Saver
A well-fitted harness moves the pressure points away from the neck and onto the strongest parts of the dog: the chest and shoulders. It is a game changer for walkability and safety.
How to Choose the Right Harness
Not all harnesses are created equal. You need something specific for the potato body shape (barrel chest, thick neck, short body).
1. The Y-Front Design
Look for a harness that forms a "Y" shape on the chest. This sits below the neck and allows the shoulders to move freely. Avoid harnesses that go straight across the chest horizontally—these restrict leg movement and can alter their gait over time.
2. Wide + Padded
Thin straps cut into the skin. Frenchies have short fur and sensitive skin. Wide, padded straps distribute the force evenly and prevent chafing in the armpits (a common Frenchie hot spot).
3. The Front Clip Option
If your Frenchie is a puller (and let’s be honest, they are basically tiny tractors), get a harness with a D-ring on the CHEST, not just the back. When they pull, the front clip spins their body around toward you. It physically prevents them from generating forward momentum without choking them.
4. Breathability
Frenchies overheat if they think too hard about running. A massive, thick tactical vest might look cool, but in the summer, it’s a heat trap. Look for mesh materials or minimal coverage designs that let the body heat escape.
The "Naked" Rule
While harnesses are essential for walks, take them OFF inside. Leaving a harness on 24/7 mats the fur, causes skin irritation, and is a snag hazard. Let that potato be naked when they are lounging.
Switching to a harness is the single easiest thing you can do to extend your Frenchie's life and improve their comfort. Throw the collar in the trash (or just use it for ID tags), and strap them in safely.
Stay weird,
- Sophie 🐾
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