[Crystal-Joy]

Hello everyone,

We have a French Bulldog (not a standard one, he is larger, about 29 lbs.) and he makes a lot of noise when he gets excited. He snorts really loud and it sounds like he is snarling but he really isn't. It's just because of his short snout. We have had people be scared of him at first because they thought he would bite them because of how he sounded, but within minutes of us explaining and them giving him a chance they realized he is a very gentle dog.

I was wondering if his snorting noises might negatively impact our home study. Would it help if we got a letter from a vet explaining that his noises are due to his snout and that he is not vicious?

Thanks for any advice!

[emtb79]

I think having you explaining just like you did to people coming over that it is how your dog sounds I think would be just fine.

[SupaModel]

We had a Frenchie too! His name was Jack and passed away 2 yrs ago I think most people know that bull dogs sound like that when they breath. If SW is not fimilar then I would explain just like you did here.

[linda512]

I think it will be fine. My dog (lab/pit mix) was a puppy for my homestudy. I told the social worker I had a dog, she of course, said she was allergic, but would be fine if the dog stayed away from her. Well, you know how that goes. The dog tried to eat the food I had out, then I just kept giving her treats to keep her away from the social worker. I thought maybe that would negatively impact her opinion of my future parenting skills but it was all fine!
Remember, the social worker is really on your side. She/he wants to help you and should only tell you if she thinks your expectations are not realistic or if there is a real issue in your home.
Good luck! Adoption and being a mommy rock!

[Crystal-Joy]

Thanks everyone! That is a huge relief. My husband was worried that we would have to get rid of him and that would have broken our hearts!

I am also glad to hear that the social worker will be on our side with everything. I have read that social workers are looking for ways to rule you IN, not out, which also a huge relief!

Thanks again.

[Cjmeck]

I would just print something off the internet to show the HS social worker. I thought this was just common knowlegdge about certain breeds, but good to have just incase.
Edit: I also wanted to add that when we adopted our DD, we had a rottweiler (who sadly died 3 months ago...). I think the SW was definitely paranoid about him just based on his breed. But in a matter of seconds, he won her over. Most SW are totally on your side and only see the positives in your life.

[jcm]

We have two Pugs, and a foster Pug who really snorts up a storm. The SW was little put off by the noise at first, but definitely warmed up. It was funny to see her reaction when they all settled in, and the snoring began. We don't even notice it anymore, so when someone new comes over it's interesting to see their reactions....almost always good.

Good luck to you!

[CAToso]

We have a 65 pound boxer who both looks and sounds intimidating, but he's a total puppy and just wants to love everyone. I offered to kennel him when the social worker came for our visit, but she said that (a) she wanted to see him and how we interacted with him and (b) when she comes back for post-placement visits, she better not find him chained in the back yard, because he's part of our family too. (And he totally is!)

[aclee]

We had three loud very active dogs for both of our homestudies. A 70 pound insane black lab, a 65 pound lab mix who barks when the wind blows, never mind when someone comes in the house (he barks till he can smell them) and a 30 pound corgi who thinks he's a German Shepard and has to protect the family.

We had no problems at all. We didn't kennel them, or crate them when the social worker was there, we just gated them in the kitchen so she could get in the door. She was able to see that they calm down once they know the person is ok.

That dog is part of your family (I feel) so the social worker should meet it, and understand how it adds to your family dynamic.

[loveajax]

I don't think the snortiness will even be an issue at all....All we had to show for our dog was that he was properly vaccinated.

I'll never forget when our SW came over for our home visit. I swear she weighed 90 lbs soaking wet. We kept our enormous (140 lb) Bernese Mountain dog in our basement....well, of course she went down there and he was excited and came running up on her...I thought he was going to knock her over!!

That is a big French bulldog, isn't it? They are so cute.

[DannieAS]

I used to have a Boston Terrier and he used to snort a lot as well. But only cuz he wanted to play. Just explain. I love my short snouted dogs. I've had Boxers, and Bostons.

This chihuahua of mine is the first long snouted dog I've ever had....love her to death, but honestly I would love to have a Boxer again. What wonderful animals.