Hairless dog found straying highlights worrying trend

A hairless dog found straying in the grip of winter is now happy, warm and loved.

French bulldog Dobble, one, had no fur other than on his head and paws when he was picked up by the dog warden in December.

Vets believe he was bred this way, with his case indicative of a cruel and worrying trend for hairless pets – the first litter of hairless French bulldogs in the UK were reportedly born in 2022.

Dobble arrived at our Burford rehoming centre at the turn of the new year, after spending seven days at a council pound over Christmas and then a brief time with another charity in Wales.

Despite precautionary mite treatment and medicated baths, none of Dobble’s hair grew back – confirming fears that he was born this way, more than likely at a backyard breeding facility.

For Dobble, this leaves him prone to skin conditions for life. He will always need to wear a dog-friendly SPF during warm and sunny weather, and a coat or jumper in colder temperatures to keep him safe.

He’ll also need regular moisturising baths to prevent his skin from drying out and pores from blocking.

As French bulldogs are what’s known as a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, Dobble is also susceptible to a range of other health conditions, including breathing difficulties.

Blue Cross has long campaigned for an end to the horrendously bad breeding of brachycephalic pets.

This includes calls for better legislation around online pet sales as well as a ban on using flat-faced animals in advertising campaigns that further fuel the over-popularisation of unhealthy breeds.

Despite Dobble’s sad ordeal and the cruel impact that irresponsible breeding has had on him, he remains a happy, bright and affectionate boy.

His carer at Burford says: “He’s an affectionate fellow and loves nothing more than spending time with his favourite people and having lots of fuss.

“He enjoys walks in the sunshine to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors but is reluctant to go out in the rain or snow – this is likely due to his lack of fur, so he needs to be persuaded with a warm coat. Otherwise, it’s back to the sofa for cuddles.”

And after less than two weeks in our care, Dobble found an understanding family to adopt him.