French Bulldogs are known for their laid-back and loving demeanor. They are loyal and adorable. In fact, they were named the 4th most popular pet in 2020 by the American Kennel Club.
If you’re in search of a new furry family member, French Bulldog rescues are a great option. Continue reading to learn all about adopting Frenchies: reasons to adopt, how to find healthy French Bulldog rescues, questions to ask before adopting, choosing the right pup for you, reputable shelters to adopt from, and tips for bringing your new fur child home.
About French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs originated in England in the 1800s and have become quite the sought-after pooch in many places, including the United States, the UK, and England. They are friendly, alert, and quite easy to care for, with the exception of several possible health issues. They are stocky, small in size, and have distinct bat-like ears. The average Frenchie weight is 18-28 pounds, depending on several factors, including their gender. They are known to be excellent apartment dogs since they are small, quiet, and require little exercise.
Reasons to Adopt a French Bulldog
Many people prefer to purchase their Frenchie from a breeder, and there are valid reasons behind this. But adopting a dog can be just as fulfilling, and French Bulldog rescues can make excellent pets.
While there are a number of reasons to adopt a Frenchie, here are the top 3.
1. Adopting saves a life.
As tough as it is to hear, about 6.5 million pets enter U.S. animal shelters, and 1.5 million are euthanized each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). When you adopt, you are giving an adorable Frenchie a second chance at having a loving family and home.
2. Adopting can be more affordable.
Typically, French Bulldog rescues have already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed. This saves on some costs for you. Usually, French Bulldog rescues cost under $1,000, while French Bulldogs from a breeder can be a bit more pricey.
3. French Bulldog rescues can be exceptional pets, too.
Many dogs that are in shelters are there because of a human and not because there’s an issue with the dog itself. There’s a very high chance that you will find a Frenchie to adopt that is charming, full of love, and ready to be a part of your family.
How to Find the Healthiest French Bulldog Rescues
One reason why there are quite a number of French Bulldog rescues is that many Frenchies have several health problems, as mentioned above. This appealing pup has been bred for many years to look a certain way, and this has taken a toll on their health. Not only can this be stressful for a pet owner, but it can be financially exhausting. Because of this, families may choose to give their French Bulldog up.
Fortunately, there are responsible breeders, so there are some Frenchies with fewer health issues than others. If you’re looking into French Bulldog rescues, having pet insurance is an option worth checking out, and this could be said for any new pet.
High-quality rescue centers will inform you of any health problems that they’re aware of. If you are in contact with a rescue center that doesn’t seem to be aware or says that the Frenchie you’re interested in is in perfect condition, you may want to continue looking. Most French Bulldogs have health concerns to a degree, like Brachycephalic Syndrome (BOS), due to their short muzzle causing them to have difficulty breathing at times.
While the health of French Bulldog rescues is something to be cautious of, you can certainly find a fantastic furry companion at a rescue center.
Questions to Ask a Rescue
While many rescues will ask you various questions to make sure you are fit to adopt one of their pups, you should also ask questions to ensure you find a Frenchie that’s as healthy as can be and that your potential new pup is a good match for you and your family.
Before you find a specific Frenchie, here are some useful questions to get answers to.
- What is the process for adoption?
- Is there an option for a trial adoption period?
- Do you test your rescue dogs for socialization skills, and how?
- Do you test your rescue dogs’ personalities, and how?
- Do you allow your rescues to be introduced to current pets and family members?
- If I adopt from you, are there any support services provided?
- What happens if I adopt and it doesn’t work out? Do you accept pets back?
Once you’ve got your eye on a specific Frenchie, here are more questions you may want answers to.
- What’s its rescue story? How and when did it get here?
- Has it been adopted before? If so, why was it brought back to the shelter?
- Are there any known medical issues?
- Are there any noted behavior issues?
- How old is it? Is it spayed or neutered?
- Which vaccines have been given, and what are the dates?
- Has it interacted with other animals, and what was its reaction?
- Has it been around children, and what was its reaction?
- Has it ever bitten a human or another animal?
- Is there a record of abuse?
- How does it walk on a leash?
- What are its eating habits? (i.e., type of food, how often it eats, is it a picky eater)
- Has it had any training? What command words does it know?
- Is it trained to use a collar/harness/leash? What kind does it use?
- Has it lived indoors? Is it house-trained?
- Where does it sleep at night? Is it crate trained?
- What potty schedule has it been on?
- How does it adjust to a new environment?
- Does it travel well in a car?
- Are they used to an outdoor fenced-in area? How does it behave outdoors?
- Is it known for escaping or running off?
- Does it have any favorite toys?
While there are many possible questions to ask and more that may come up, getting answers ensures that you have a good grasp on the Frenchie you could be bringing home. Getting a surprise pup has more of a potential of not working out, and an ideal situation is one where you get a healthy, happy rescue that will be a proper furever fit for your family.
A high-quality rescue center will be more than happy to answer your questions to the best of their ability. If they aren’t willing to or don’t seem to have any answers, it may be best to move on and check out other rescues.
If you do choose to go down the route of purchasing a French Bulldog from a breeder, there also are specific questions to ask a breeder.
The Process for Rescuing a French Bulldog
Once you’ve decided that adopting a new furry family member is what you want to do, there’s a process. Even though there are tons of dogs waiting for a home, it takes time and effort to adopt one.
High-quality animal shelters carefully match their pets with new owners to ensure they go to a loving home that can properly provide and make sure the Frenchie doesn’t end back up in a shelter.
Most animals rescue centers will have a similar adoption process for potential Frenchie owners:
- Submit an application for adoption.
- Participate in an interview (this is where you can also ask questions) and meet rescue Frenchies.
- If you pass the interview and you find a pup that’s a good match, you may owe an adoption fee (anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to under one-thousand dollars, far less than purchasing from a breeder).
Questions to expect to answer when interviewing to adopt your new furry companion:
- What is your home situation like? How many family members? How many children? Are there other pets?
- What kind of home do you live in? (i.e., apartment, house, etc.)
- What prior experience do you have with pets? Do you have other pets at the moment?
- What is your work situation like? Do you have the financial means to adopt a Frenchie? What are your work hours like? How much will you be home with your new pooch?
- What is your lifestyle like? Are you active? Do you often go on vacation? Are you often at home?
- What do you know about caring for pets? Are you knowledgeable about training, feeding, grooming, and properly exercising French Bulldog rescues?
- What knowledge do you have when it comes to rescuing a dog? Why do you want to adopt? Are you aware of how a rescued pup may differ from one you purchase from a breeder?
While the interview process can take some time and may feel a bit personal, it’s out of good intentions and well worth it if you’re approved to become a Frenchie parent. Excellent animal shelters ask a lot of questions and may even check references to ensure that you are going to be the pet parent that one of their French Bulldog rescues deserves.
Keep in mind that you also want to make sure the specific animal rescue center is where you want to adopt from and that the pet you choose is right for you. To do so, you’ll want your own set of questions answered.
How to Choose the Best French Bulldog Rescue
Choosing a French Bulldog rescue that is just right for your family and one that you click with is essential. It’s safe to say that all French Bulldogs are absolutely adorable. But there’s more to this charming breed. You need to make sure the one you bring home gets along well with your family, has the personality and activity level that you’re looking for, and has a level of health for which you’re prepared for.
As previously mentioned, there are a number of pups waiting for a home. Those least likely to be chosen to join a new family are seniors, dogs with disabilities, and dogs with bad health. If you have the ability to provide what one of these pooches may need, consider being their chance. If you aren’t able, it’s perfectly fine to adopt a young and healthy Frenchie.
Once you start meeting new pups and learning more about them, you’ll know which one’s stolen your heart and which one you’re able to care for properly.
Where to Get French Bulldogs Rescues
When adopting a French Bulldog rescue, you want to carefully select where they are coming from. Top-notch rescue centers precisely care for and protect their pups and carefully choose responsible owners.
There are many options for French Bulldog shelters, and doing your research and reading reviews will help you choose the best one.
Here are several reputable options:
- French Bulldog Rescue Network
- French Bulldog Second Chance Rescue
- Chicago French Bulldog Rescue
- ASPCA (a Humane Society with adoptable dogs of all breeds)
While this is only a short list of creditable options, there are likely shelters near you where you can find your furever pet.
Tips for Bringing a Rescue Frenchie Home
Once you’ve made the very exciting choice of which French Bulldog rescue you’re going to provide a home and love to, you’ll need to prepare the following:
- Dog-proof your home. Make sure there are no areas your new pup can escape. Cover trash bins, put chemicals up high, and put away items that you don’t want to be messed up or shouldn’t be chewed. Make a space for your new pup to sleep and play.
- Purchase supplies that your new dog will need (bed, food, toys, collar, leash, etc.)
- Stay calm. While you’ll be filled with enthusiasm when you get to bring your pup home, you want them to enter a relaxed environment. This will help them feel comfortable and experience a smooth transition.
- Be ready to cuddle. French Bulldogs don’t require much exercise. They love to get attention and simply hang out in your lap or curled up at your feet.
All dogs have different wants and needs. Be flexible and patient with the new transition. For example, some pups need a crate for security or house training, and others may have health issues to be aware of.
In Conclusion
As many may say, ‘adopt, don’t shop.’ If adopting is what you choose, French Bulldog rescues can truly be excellent options. By following this guide, you can be well on your way to an unmatchable companionship with one of the most delightful pets out there.