Despite their notorious respiratory complications and physical challenges breeding naturally, Frenchies are more popular than ever before.

Though they still trail behind the nation’s most popular breed, the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldogs are now the sixth most popular breed in America. In addition to the dog’s hefty sale price, invasive surgical procedures are typically required to maintain aesthetics and quality of life.

Surgeries are stressful and can amount to thousands of dollars, so why do we continue breeding them? Are these dogs a symbol of social status or do we have the media to blame for its allure?

Larry Mantle speaks with  the president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles and a French Bulldog breeder to debate the ethics of breeding the trendy canine.

Guests:

Madeline Bernstein, President, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA)

Marika Zoll Ph.D, Co-owner and breeder, French Bulldogs LA, and clinical psychologist with extended education in animal genetics and animal behavioral psychology