French Bulldog

Breed Stats

Weight/Height:
18-28 pounds / 11-13 inches
Coat Type:
Short, smooth coat with a fine undercoat
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Affectionate, sociable, playful
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
10-12 years

Adopting a French Bulldog: An Overview

The French bulldog is one of the most popular companion dogs in today’s world. In fact, Frenchies as they are affectionately known, are the number one most popular dog breeds for the three years in a row, according to the AKC. With their playful temperament and affectionate nature that make them such love bugs, it is no wonder that this is the case. They are also an adaptable dog breed that suits the lives of countless individuals, couples, and families.

If you plan on adding a French bulldog to your life, you will have two options: you can either pay a breeder to purchase a Frenchie puppy, or adopt one. There are thousands of French bulldogs waiting for someone to take them to their forever home. However, those who choose the adoption route will need to do some research since Frenchies rarely end up in shelters, and when they do, they are adopted quickly.

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Still, contacting French bulldog rescues serving your area, local shelters, adoption centers, and browsing local listings can help you find a French bulldog for adoption. Depending on your preferences and luck, you can find your future best friend in just a couple of days, or wait for months. You can also get on adoption organizations’ waitlists to be among the first to know when they have a good match for you.

When you finally find a French bulldog to adopt, you will need to submit an application. This typically involves filling out an adoption application form and answering questions about your living arrangements, work, and lifestyle. Your answers to the application questions will ultimately determine whether you’re selected to adopt the French bulldog you’re interested in. There may also be home visits to finalize whether you’d be a good fit.

If accepted, expect to spend $300 to $800 in adoption fees. The exact amount depends on your location, the organization, and the age of the dog you want to adopt. Typically, Frenchie puppies and dogs under one year of age tend to have higher adoption fees than adults. Some shelters and rescues may also waive adoption fees for senior dogs or dogs with special care needs.

While it may seem high, the adoption costs are minimal compared to the cost of buying a puppy from a breeder which can range anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000. The purchasing fee is even higher for dogs with rare coats; for instance, fluffy Frenchies cost significantly more. All these summarize the typical adoption process for a French bulldog, but there’s more to these dogs that prospective owners should know.

Here’s more about the French bulldog to help you determine if this breed is a good choice for adoption, whether Frenchies are good for first-time dog owners, and finding the right French bulldog to adopt.

For Even More Information on French Bulldogs

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French Bulldogs For Adoption

How to Care for an Adopted French Bulldog?

French bulldogs are fairly high-maintenance dogs that require an involved owner to care for them, especially in the first few months. Providing the care a French bulldog deserves is particularly critical with adopted dogs as making the transition as smooth as possible is a must for their well-being and overall health.

Below, you will learn what it takes to care for an adopted French bulldog covering everything from health and grooming to exercise and training. Knowing these can help you set realistic expectations about adopting a French bulldog, ultimately helping you to make an informed decision.

Grooming

French bulldogs are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have minimal upkeep needs, only requiring weekly brushing using a rubber grooming mitt. They shed moderately year-round and slightly more during seasonal changes, so they aren’t hypoallergenic. Also, they only need bathing when dirty or develop an unpleasant smell. Besides this, Frenchies have basic grooming needs like ear cleaning, nail trimming, dental care, and face cleaning in between their wrinkles.

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Exercise

French bulldogs are playful dogs that are more athletic than they appear. They can play for hours and enjoy participating in family activities. Since exercise can serve as an excellent opportunity to bond with a newly adopted Frenchie, it should be prioritized in the early weeks. Aim for 30 to 45-minute walks in addition to playtime and mentally enriching activities like scent work and solving puzzles for a well-exercised Frenchie.

Health

French bulldogs have a long list of health issues they are prone to develop. Some of these include respiratory issues, elbow dysplasia, and joint problems. Take your Frenchie to regular vet check-ups to identify any health problems early on. Also, French bulldogs can’t tolerate heat well due to their brachycephalic face structure. If you live in a hot climate, take your French bulldog for walks early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat.

Training

Training is a must with any dog you adopt. Whether you’re getting a puppy, an adult dog, or even a senior Frenchie, it helps your newly adopted dog adapt to your lifestyle and establish house rules. When training a Frenchie, keep it gentle, consistent, and full of fun. These dogs don’t respond well to harsh corrections; always follow positive reinforcement training to train a French bulldog. Otherwise, you might risk all the progress you’ve made due to their sensitive temperament.

Socialization

Socialization is important with all dog breeds. Since a newly adopted French bulldog might be coming from a harsh background, they may not have received adequate socialization to understand that the world is full of friendly people and animals. Quick encounters with strangers, exploring new places, and playing with friendly dogs are excellent for this. Pair training with socialization to ensure your newly adopted French bulldog adapts to their new life as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Adaptation Period

Last but not least, the adaptation period is critical not just for a French bulldog but any adopted dog. Although Frenchies are good-natured dogs with a sociable temperament, you are a stranger in the first couple of days, and you must earn your newly adopted dog’s trust. The best way to do this is to establish a routine. By doing so, your newly adopted Frenchie will come to know what to expect, helping them adapt to their new life quickly.

Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a French Bulldog As Your First Dog?

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Adopting a French bulldog as your first dog can be a good move. However, it ultimately depends on your lifestyle. While French bulldogs are adaptable dogs that can fit into any person’s life, consider the care needs of these dogs mentioned above. If any of the above seems difficult to handle or feels like a chore, you might want to look for a low-maintenance dog.

It is also important for prospective French bulldog owners to understand that Frenchies are sensitive and thrive in homes where they feel loved. They are naturally affectionate dogs that need an owner to deeply bond with and feel content with simply knowing their owner is by their side.

Frenchies need an owner who provides the time and attention they need. A French bulldog likely won’t be the right dog if you intend to leave for work early in the morning and come home in the evenings, for example, even if you’re an experienced owner. These dogs require human attention, and without it, behavioral issues are likely to arise.

As a first-time dog owner, ask yourself if you have the time and dedication to accept a dog like the French bulldog into your home. If you’re even the slightest bit hesitant, the French bulldog likely isn’t an ideal choice. You should also weigh the pros and cons of this breed according to your lifestyle to determine if having a Frenchie will be a pleasant experience, or turn into a burden after a few weeks.

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With all this to keep in mind, the French bulldog is overall an ideal dog for first-time dog parents. Like all dog breeds, what the French bulldog offers must match the owner’s preferences and lifestyle. Therefore, Frenchies can be an ideal dog breed for novice owners who can dedicate a great deal of time to their dogs, especially in the first couple of weeks, regardless of experience.

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Adopt the Right French Bulldog for You

Adopting a dog is a journey that requires careful planning and consideration. This is critical with adopted dogs because many shelter dogs and rescued dogs come from difficult backgrounds, and moving from one home to another often results in devastation. Therefore, make sure to be firm with your decision and adopt the right French bulldog for you.

To find the right French bulldog, thoroughly research the dog you plan on adopting. The description you read online alone won’t be enough — meet the Frenchie you want to adopt in person and get to know their personality. This will also present an opportunity to ask questions about the dog. Learn as much as possible about the Frenchie’s health, background, and temperament to have an idea of what it would be like to have them as your next companion.

After getting your answers and spending enough time with the Frenchie up for adoption, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether you should move forward with the process. If you come to the conclusion that you’ve found the right French bulldog, begin the adoption process by submitting your application. 

As mentioned, the application typically involves filling out a form, but there might be specific requirements depending on the dog. For instance, the rescue or the shelter may require you to have another dog in the family if the Frenchie you want to adopt grew up around other dogs and feels uncomfortable without canine companions. Be prepared for requirements based on the individual needs of the Frenchie you want to adopt.

Overall, Frenchies are excellent companions that can bring endless joy to your life. Once you find your future furry friend, you will begin this wonderful chapter in your life. Along the way, there surely will be difficult days, but knowing that you’ve saved a life by opening your home is a rewarding experience like no other, making adopting a French bulldog totally worth the possible challenges.