How to Adopt a French Bulldog in New York

French bulldogs are rapidly becoming one of the most popular breeds in the United States. These funny little companion animals are great family dogs, but they also do well with solo individuals or a couple looking for a pup full of personality. French bulldogs are well-suited to life in New York, as these dogs don’t do the best in very warm environments, and they can easily adapt to small or large living spaces.

If you are considering adopting a French bulldog in New York, it’s important that you learn all you can about this breed and how to care for them properly. Below, we give you an overview of the French bulldog breed, in addition to information on how to adopt one of these fun-loving and loyal dogs.

What Are French Bulldogs Like?

French bulldogs initially originated in England around the 1800s before they grew incredibly popular in France. These small companion dogs have always been loving and loyal friends to their owners, and you can expect your French bulldog to have a big personality. While these dogs are affectionate and playful, they can also be quite stubborn; your French bulldog may have a mischievous streak that leads to them engaging in bad behaviors around the home unless you train them properly.

You can expect your French bulldog to want to spend most of their time at your side, and these dogs love to go on adventures as long as they have plenty of time for breaks and you keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t overheating. French bulldogs are prone to having sensitive stomachs, which is something you should keep in mind as you think about caring for your pup.

What Is a French Bulldog’s Temperament? The French bulldog has an overall good temperament, and these dogs are friendly, sociable, and loving to their families. Your French bulldog is unlikely to be wary of strangers, and they will enjoy getting love from whoever offers it to them. These dogs are usually down for playtime whenever, even though they aren’t the most athletic of dogs, and they enjoy going on adventures with their owners. French bulldogs can be a very stubborn breed, and it is hard to make these dogs do anything that they don’t want to do. You may find that training your French bulldog is a lengthy process, and you will need lots of patience as you teach your dog basic obedience and socialize them.

How Active Are French Bulldogs? French bulldogs are a moderately active breed, but their small size means that their exercise requirements aren’t too extensive. You can expect to take your dog on two to three moderate walks each day, and you should make sure that you keep an eye on their breathing and overall heat levels. As a flat-faced breed, French bulldogs can face challenges when it comes to exercise, and you shouldn’t overdo their exercise and playtime routines. These dogs also need some mental stimulation, as this keeps their minds sharp and ensures they won’t engage in destructive behaviors out of boredom. Puzzle toys with high-value treats inside and regular training sessions can keep your French bulldog happy and healthy. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are French Bulldogs?

French bulldogs are generally considered small dogs, though some of these dogs can be on the larger end of this scale. Your French bulldog will stand between 11 and 13 inches tall when measured to the shoulder, and they will weigh between 18 and 28 pounds on average. Usually, male French bulldogs are a bit larger than females of this breed.

What Are a French Bulldog’s Grooming Needs?

French bulldogs have minimal grooming needs, as the coat of this dog is short, straight, and smooth. You will need to brush your dog a few times a week to ensure that you remove loose fur, and you can expect your French bulldog to shed lightly year-round. You can take your pup to a professional groomer every few months for a spa day, including getting their nails trimmed and ears cleaned. Other than this, you can bathe your French bulldog as necessary.

Keep in mind that this breed can be prone to skin allergies and irritations, so routine baths are a good idea to help you spot any issues and keep your dog feeling good.

What Are Common French Bulldog Health Issues?

French bulldogs are prone to certain health issues due to their genetics, and this dog breed is flat-faced, which can often lead to significant breathing issues. French bulldogs can overheat in hot weather, and these dogs shouldn’t exercise too intensely, as it can cause respiratory distress.

Other common French bulldog health issues include:

• Cherry eye
• Allergies, including skin allergies
• Luxating patellar
• Hip dysplasia
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

You should also keep in mind that this dog breed is prone to having a sensitive stomach; you may find that your French bulldog needs special food or supplements throughout their life to prevent digestive upset.

What Is a French Bulldog’s Lifespan?

On average, your French bulldog will live to be between 10 and 12 years old. Regular veterinary care in addition to a good diet, lots of exercise, and mental stimulation can help your dog live a long and happy life.

Are French Bulldogs Good With Other Animals or Kids?

French bulldogs may be good with other animals, but these dogs tend to prefer to be the star of the show. This breed has a high prey drive, so they aren’t a good match for homes with small animals such as hamsters. Some French bulldogs and cats may get along in certain circumstances, especially if raised together, but other dogs, especially larger dogs, might not be a good fit for your French bulldog. However, this depends on the personality of your French bulldog and other animals in your home.

French bulldogs can get along with children, as long as the children are older and know how to interact with your dog properly. Playing too rough or not respecting your French bulldog’s space can lead to accidental injuries for children and your dog, or generally bad feelings between your dog and children.

Are French Bulldogs Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

French bulldogs are not the best choice for first-time dog parents. These dogs are loving, loyal, and intelligent, but they can also be very stubborn and a struggle to train. Your French bulldog will have a big personality and a mind of their own, and this breed does come with significant health issues. As first-time dog parents, owners might find this breed overwhelming and expensive to deal with, not to mention a test of their patience.

That being said, if you understand the French bulldog’s care needs and both the pros and cons of this dog, you may be able to adopt one as your first dog. Just make sure that you are prepared to do what it takes to help your French bulldog thrive.

How Do You Adopt a French Bulldog in New York?

Adopting a French bulldog in New York can be somewhat of a challenge, as these breeds typically need to be purchased from a breeder. However, there are French bulldog rescues in New York that aim to place French bulldogs in need into loving homes. You may be able to adopt either a younger or an older French bulldog, depending on the dogs available.

Your first step for adoption is to research local shelters and rescue organizations near you. You may need to look outside of your immediate city to see which organizations nearby might have available dogs.

Once you find a suitable adoption organization, you can submit an adoption application and speak to staff about completing any required identification or pre-adoption steps. Every organization has a different process for adopting, so make sure you understand the steps you need to complete at your chosen rescue.

After you have been approved to adopt your French bulldog, you can pay the adoption fee, complete any last adoption steps, and bring your new dog to your New York home.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a French Bulldog in New York?

In general, it is cheaper to adopt a French bulldog in New York than it is to purchase a puppy from a breeder. You can expect to pay anywhere between $250 and $750 for a French bulldog in the state. This range in price depends on the availability of dogs, the age of the dog, and any specific genetic factors.

French bulldogs are rarer to come across in rescues, which is what makes them slightly more expensive to adopt than other breeds.

How Should I Train a French Bulldog?

French bulldogs should only be trained with positive and reward-based training. This type of training allows you to build a bond with your dog and makes training a more enjoyable experience than if you use negative aversion methods. French bulldogs are a notably stubborn breed, and positive training is the only type of training that will work on them. Aversion methods may result in fear and anxiety that contribute to poor behaviors and a lack of a bond with your dog down the line.

You can use our online dog training courses to get started with basic obedience training for more advanced training when your French bulldog is ready for it.

Find the Right French Bulldog in New York for You

French Bulldogs are lovable, active, and funny dogs that can fit well into any family unit. These dogs are known for their stubborn streak and fun-loving personality, and they can brighten up your day, no matter where you live in New York. We recommend consulting with French bulldog rescues near you to find the right French bulldog to bring home and make your new best friend.