A new documentary, Pierre’s Tale, explores the health problems faced by French Bulldogs, a breed that has risen in popularity due to social media and celebrity influence. Produced by television and radio presenter Mariclare Carey-Jones, the film is based on her own experience with her French Bulldog, Pierre, who passed away in 2023.
Mariclare, a lifelong dog lover from Cardiff, initially chose the breed for its personality but later discovered the serious health issues linked to its extreme physical traits. She hopes the documentary will raise awareness of the welfare problems associated with French Bulldogs and discourage people from purchasing them.
Teaming up with South Wales-based charity Hope Rescue, Mariclare is set to showcase the film at festivals across Europe, including the S.O.F.A. Wildlife Awards.
“Seeing the pain and suffering my gorgeous boy Pierre went through because of his breed meant I had to speak out,” she said. “French Bulldogs are the funniest, sweetest little dogs with huge personalities, but people need to know about the massive health issues they face too.”
Mariclare advises against buying a French Bulldog. She said, “Don’t do it. If you care about dogs, do not buy a French Bulldog. If you really want a Frenchie, then get a rescue, and even then, make sure you know about the problems they can face and make sure you have enough money set aside to pay for any and all the medical care they might need.”
Hope Rescue has seen a sharp rise in the number of brachycephalic breeds arriving at its centre. Between 2022 and 2024, the charity took in 150 French Bulldogs, a 200% increase from the previous three years. Many of these dogs suffered from breathing, skin, ear, eye, and joint issues due to extreme breeding practices.
Hope Rescue CEO Vanessa Waddon said, “We’re thrilled that Mariclare came to Hope Rescue, as a leading voice in animal welfare in South Wales, to endorse her film and support her in advocating for dogs like Pierre. This film is incredibly honest, compelling and heartbreaking.”
The charity has encountered severe cases, including Fred and Barney (main image), two abandoned French Bulldogs found in Coity, South Wales. Fred, deliberately bred to be hairless, suffered from painful skin conditions but was successfully rehabilitated and adopted, though he requires lifelong medication.
Barney, however, had severe hip, spine, and breathing problems and was unable to eat properly. After veterinary consultation, he was put to sleep on welfare grounds.
Vanessa added, “We would like to see the concept of innate health built into breeding legislation, particularly into the assessment process during licensing inspections.”
She pointed to a tool created by Dr Dan O’Neill of the Royal Veterinary College and the UK Brachycephalic Working Group, which helps assess a dog’s ability to live without suffering from conditions linked to extreme conformations.
Both Hope Rescue and Mariclare hope Pierre’s Tale will encourage discussions about responsible dog ownership, improved legislation, and the role of social media in promoting unhealthy breeding trends.
The documentary is available to watch on Mariclare’s website and the Hope Rescue YouTube channel, with updates on its film festival journey shared via Hope Rescue’s social media channels.
