Facts & Info
Are rescue French Bulldogs good with children?
Many rescues are surrendered because they have not done well with children in the past. These dogs do not make good pets for families with children. Some French Bulldogs, on the other hand, are marvelous with children.
Will my rescue French Bulldog get along with my cat?
Some French Bulldogs have a high prey-drive, which means that they enjoy chasing, catching and killing smaller or weaker animals, including cats. Some French Bulldogs enjoy the company of cats, and some ignore cats. If you have cats, be sure the dog you are considering has lived safely with cats, or is responding well to foster cats in its foster home.
Will my rescue French Bulldog be friendly with my other dog(s)?
There can be a great deal of same-sex aggression among French Bulldogs, especially among the females. Some French Bulldogs are very dominant, and should not be placed with other dogs. French Bulldogs’ sociability varies, so be sure to carefully read the bio of the dog which interests you, to see whether or not the dog would be a good choice for your home.
Will my rescue French Bulldog bark very much?
A neglected dog barks for attention. A spoiled dog barks to make demands. Excessive or non-barking should be noted in their description.
Will my rescue French Bulldog be friendly with my family, friends and neighbors?
Most French Bulldogs enjoy the company of people. Occasionally, a rescue French Bulldog will come into our care who is very fearful of people and requires special care and a long rehabilitation and socialization. Generally, these rescued French Bulldogs are placed in very dog-savvy homes.
Do rescue French Bulldogs bite?
Most well socialized French Bulldogs do not bite under ordinary circumstances. Sadly, not all our rescues have been well socialized. Dogs with a history of aggression towards other animals, but are good with people, are placed in single pet homes, with full disclosure of their animosity towards other animals. Dogs who have bitten people are carefully evaluated, both by their foster homes and by professional behaviorists or skilled dog trainers. One of the most difficult tasks we face is to decide whether or not a dog can be safely placed in an adoptive home. These dogs are either euthanized (in the most extreme cases) or are carefully placed with experienced parties after they have been determined to be safe in their foster homes.
Where do rescue French Bulldogs come from?
Every imaginable source! Families or owners who can no longer care for their dogs for any reason surrender their pets to us. Some are breeder retirees who are ready for lives as pets. Some are puppy mill dogs who have never known life outside a cage. Some are strays or owner surrenders pulled from animal shelters or humane societies. Some dogs are victims of abuse or neglect and are turned over to us by authorities.
Are rescue French Bulldogs healthy?
Most of FBRN’s money is spent ensuring the French Bulldogs who are adopted from FBRN go in good health and good condition. To the best of our knowledge and ability, we will always share any long term concerns and advise our adopters of any possible requirements their rescue might have. Each adoptive family will receive a copy of their dog’s available health records.
Will my rescue French Bulldog snore?
Your French Bulldog will probably snore and make a whole host of other fascinating noises, ranging from a noise that sounds suspiciously like purring all the way up to the infamous “Frenchie death wail”. Being a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs may have stenotic nares (small nostrils) or tracheal stenosis (narrow windpipe) that increase the sounds your French Bulldog makes when sleeping, after strenuous exertion, or in the heat.
Will my French Bulldog do well in the heat?
NO, French Bulldogs overheat quickly because of their extremely short noses and inability to effectively cool the air they breathe. Frenchies must NEVER be left in cars unattended even on “cool” days. Walk or exercise your French bulldog only in the cool of the morning or late evening in the warm months, not in the heat or sun of the day. Never tie your Frenchie out in the sun, and provide shade and water if your Frenchie is outdoors with you while you are gardening or entertaining on sunny days. Watch for excessive panting or signs of distress, and act quickly to lower your dog’s temperature if he gets too warm: a tepid shower bath, cool washcloths, and a trip to the vet.
Click here to read about Frenchies and heat safety.
Can French Bulldogs swim?
NO. French Bulldogs sink like stones. If your Frenchie is going to be near water, he should wear a lifejacket or have constant supervision.
I‘d like to buy a French bulldog from a breeder, but I’m not sure what to look for and what to avoid. I have heard that lots of websites are just covers for puppy brokers who import dogs from Europe that are sick and not socialized. How do I know who is a good breeder and who is not?
This is a great question. Websites can be very deceptive, and folks who want a pet Frenchie but have no background in the breed can be easily tempted by flashy sites and cute puppy pictures! Here’s a list of red flags to watch for when you are looking at a website:
Puppy Miller/ Backyard Breeder/Dog Broker website RED flags
(If two or three of the red flags below appear during your puppy-seeking process, whether on the website or during discussions with the breeder…RUN!)
1. If they accept PayPal or credit cards online on their website…..RUN!
2. If they demand a non-refundable deposit from you……RUN!
3. If they do not proudly show photos and pedigrees of their dogs on their site…….RUN!
4. If they do not do any health testing of their dogs……..RUN!
5. If they show pictures of scared, skinny, little, pathetic-looking puppies……RUN!
6. If they can not, or are unwilling to provide veterinary or puppy purchaser references for you…….RUN!
7. If they do not offer a health guarantee that covers the health of that puppy for at least one year………RUN!
8. If they do not belong to any dog clubs, breed organizations, etc……RUN!
9. If they try to pressure you to buy a puppy in any way…………RUN!
10. If they don’t show their dogs in any true dog sport activities (conformation, obedience, etc.)….RUN!
11. If they say they will ship “WORLDWIDE” anywhere, at any time………RUN!
12. If they don’t question you as thoroughly as if you were adopting a human infant………RUN!
13. If they have many dogs available at all times, and also many other breeds of dogs for sale on their website……RUN!
14. If they are offended when you ask them about any of the above mentioned items….RUN!
Now that you know what the red flags are, you can go to the French Bulldog Club of America website and check out the list of breeders who belong to the national club. There might be someone near you who will be willing to talk to you about French bulldogs and their special needs and limitations. Do not expect to be able to buy a puppy this week, next month or off the shelf for a Christmas present! French bulldogs are, unfortunately, the latest trendy dog in a long and shifting history of trendy breeds. If you are serious about wanting a healthy, well bred, even-tempered companion you should be prepared to wait several months, and if you are hoping for a dog from a specific breeder, perhaps longer. It is unlikely that you will experience instant gratification as you search for your Frenchie. Purchase in haste, repent (and pay vet bills, behaviorist bills, and trainer bills) in leisure. Whatever you do, resist the impulse to buy a French bulldog from a pet store! Pet stores are “stocked” by puppy mills and backyard breeders whose first concern is profit, not health, not temperament, and not the well-being of the breeding “stock.”
How will my rescue French Bulldog be different from one I could acquire from a breeder?
Some rescue French Bulldogs face a range of challenges, from temperament to health problems, which you should not see in a dog from a reputable breeder. Some rescue French Bulldogs will not meet the breed standards for confirmation. Many of FBRN’s rescue French Bulldogs are adult or even elderly dogs, rather than the puppies or young dogs you might acquire from a breeder.
Some rescue French Bulldogs ARE well-bred dogs, bred by reputable breeders, who – through the death or misfortune of their owners, death or misfortune of their breeders, or just plain bad luck – find themselves in rescue. While FBRN makes every attempt to reunite these dogs with their breeders, this is not always possible, and in some instances, the breeders in question even recognize and appreciate FBRN’s ability to find excellent homes for their dogs. Many of FBRN’s rescue French Bulldogs are, in fact, AKC champions. There’s no difference between a rescue French Bulldog and a French Bulldog from a reputable breeder in terms of the pleasure they’ll bring to your life, and the laughter and affection they’ll inspire.
What if my rescue French Bulldog doesn’t work out with my family?
If you choose not to or are unable to keep your adopted French Bulldog, your adoption contract states that you agree that FBRN shall have the option to assume ownership of your adopted French Bulldog. You should notify FBRN promptly if you choose not to or are unable to keep the dog. If FBRN elects to exercise its right of first refusal, you will, for no additional consideration, return the dog to FBRN. If you suggest a possible alternative placement for your adopted dog, the prospective owner will have to be approved by FBRN.
Will my rescue French Bulldog bond to me and my family?
French Bulldogs are people dogs. They are bred to be companions and they do best in the constant company of people. It is rare that a French Bulldog cannot bond with a family regardless of how old he may be or his previous experiences.
I’ve never had a French Bulldog before, what are they really like?
Most French Bulldogs make wonderful companion dogs. French Bulldogs like to play, nap, snuggle and be involved in what you are doing. Like all breeds, individual dogs within the French Bulldog breed vary in their activity levels, their gregariousness, and their intelligence, but by and large, French Bulldogs are very lovable, clownish happy dogs.
However, due to their cleverness and strength of character, problems may arise. Many dogs have been surrendered to FBRN for behavioral issues, object guarding, aggression towards other animals, jealous or possessive behavior. Much of this behavior will evaporate when the French Bulldog in question is not allowed to run the household.
Will my rescue French Bulldog need lots of exercise?
That depends on the age and health of your dog. Please remember not to exercise your French Bulldog in the heat of the day. Temperatures of 75 and above can impair your dog’s ability to cool itself adequately, and may result in a stroke or even death.
What do French Bulldogs eat? French Bulldogs eat a variety of diets, and your foster home will tell you about what your new French Bulldog has been eating.
Can I change my rescue French Bulldog’s name?
Yes, you can. Sometimes, it’s even advisable to change a French Bulldog’s name to give him a fresh start.
How can I find a good French Bulldog vet?
Your foster home may be able to help with this, but you can also call a reputable breeder in your area and ask for a recommendation. It’s particularly important to use an experienced vet with brachycephalic breeds when it comes to surgery and joint and spinal issues. Many of our adopters are fortunate to live within distance of a University veterinary school, and they have had very good luck there.
Social media is a good source for information on local vets in your area–check local dog groups or even local Frenchie lovers groups if you live in a large-ish metropolitan area. If you belong to a Frenchie Meet-up group, that’s another good place to get advice. Do you know if there’s a French bulldog club in your area? It’s likely they can steer you toward favored vets in your region.
More Questions?
CONTACT US! We are all French Bulldog enthusiasts and are happy to share information about our breed.