French Bulldogs Are Flooding Shelters—What to Know Before Adopting One

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has announced that for the third year in a row, the French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed (then comes our hungry buddies, Labs and Golden Retrievers). They’ve been climbing the ranks since 2014, when they were the 14th most popular breed — in 2021, they were the runner-up, and they’ve been in the number one spot since 2022.

It’s easy to see why people love these pups. They’re adorable, they barely shed, and they’re a whole lot quieter than many other small dog breeds (we’re looking at you, Chihuahuas). But the demand for Frenchies has consequences. Their sought-after status has created a surplus of breeders, many of whom aren’t up to ethical standards.  

“With backyard breeders, there’s no health testing; they’re not putting any thought process into the breeding,” says Ashley Pedersen, founder of Space Coast Frenchie Rescue in Palm Bay, Florida. “It’s all about money; it is not about the dogs. It’s just creating puppies for profit. And when those puppies have issues, they surrender them to rescues.”

While this makes it a lot easier to find a French bulldog at a shelter, there is a lot you should know about this breed before you choose to adopt one.

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Breeders are the root of the problem

Pedersen herself used to be a French Bulldog breeder, though certainly not of the backyard variety. After witnessing widespread unethical practices among many other breeders, she created Space Coast to help out the dogs left behind.

Space Coast has taken in hundreds of Frenchies, many of whom were dumped off by amateur breeders unsatisfied with their “product.” She remembers one instance when a breeder reached out to the group for a meet-up in Miami. “He handed us five dogs in a parking lot. All with major issues,” she says.

Due to their popularity, Pedersen explains that French Bulldog breeding has created the illusion of a get-rich-quick scheme. “Backyard breeders are spending 10-plus grand on a dog because they’re getting roped in by other backyard breeders who are like, ‘If you buy this dog for $10,000, you’re going to make all this money from breeding it.’ So, it’s really a vicious cycle,” she adds.

Another issue is that many breeders tend to focus on specific and superficial traits without considering the health consequences. Leigh Siegfried, founder of Opportunity Barks Behavior Training in Philadelphia, explains that French Bulldogs have developed several rare coat colorations over time that breeders see as particularly desirable.

Unfortunately, this can influence how groups approach their breeding without paying much attention to health. The results are never pretty. “When you breed for a select trait, you basically skew the genetics — you skew everything, really. You’re moving further and further away from natural selection, and you’re moving towards a less hearty dog in general,” Siegfried adds.

The fault goes beyond breeders

While negligent breeders are clearly the Big Bad in this situation, they’re not the only culprits here. Pet parents are buying dogs from these breeders, therefore reinforcing the demand. They’re also returning them to shelters when they are eventually faced with the true responsibility of caring for a Frenchie with specific health needs.

“The result: overbreeding, inbreeding — and because of unregulated breeding practices, unscrupulous breeders have taken advantage of the situation. Well-meaning owners often end up purchasing these pups at what looks like bargain prices, paying $1,000 versus $5,000, only to realize they have made a mistake,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, veterinarian and founder of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic.

It’s a stark reminder that French Bulldogs are not accessories to be flaunted but family members who are living creatures to be cared for. These dogs can present unique challenges, the responsibility of which should not be lost on potential pet parents. So, if you’re considering introducing a Frenchie into your life — ideally by adopting from a shelter like Space Coast — here are a few things to keep in mind before signing up for the commitment.

What to know before adopting a French Bulldog

Frenchies have a heightened risk of several health conditions.

For starters, both Siegfried and Dr. Osborne note that French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin allergies. As a brachycephalic breed, their nostrils are also quite narrow, which can further compromise their respiratory system. Pedersen adds that many struggle with an elongated soft palate, meaning the roof of their mouth is too long for the length of their mouth. This can result in breathing problems, when the additional length begins to block the entrance to the windpipes at the back of the throat, also known as brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Despite this, the most alarming risk is likely intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It’s a condition concerning the dog’s spinal cord and surrounding nerves that can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and even paralysis if ignored. Frenchies are especially prone to IVDD largely due to their unique body structure. Specifically, if a French Bulldog has a short back and tiny tail, they’ll be at an increased risk of IVDD. Beyond that, Dr. Osborne confirms that sensitive stomachs and intestinal issues are similarly common in the breed. 

As a result, vet bills can pile up.

When your dog is faced with such a laundry list of medical concerns, vet visits will naturally add up (here’s your reminder to get pet insurance). To be clear, this is a generalization and not a definitive expectation. Pedersen’s own French Bulldog rarely makes unexpected trips to the vet according to the founder. Pedersen confirms he generally only needs routine yearly checkups for vaccines and shots.

But a lot of these health concerns do arise when dogs are irresponsibly bred. So, there is always a risk that the Frenchie you’re adopting was a product of such misguided practices and will require considerable aid. You can, of course, inquire about medical history prior to signing the papers, but not all issues will be immediately present.

Not to mention, if these dogs are being dumped off by careless breeders who see them as nothing more than damaged goods, you wouldn’t exactly expect them to include a detailed breakdown of their health. Siegfried agrees that not every Frenchie will inherit all of these medical concerns, but when they’re the result of poor breeding practices, issues can arise.

“Generally speaking when you get a dog with a limited gene pool, you are always opening yourself up to the potential for more health issues due to the fact that you don’t have natural selection working in your favor,” she explains.

These dogs might not support the most active lifestyle.

Don’t get me wrong: This could certainly track as more of an advantage for some. If you’re someone who prefers the slow-paced lifestyle of a pup who can’t necessarily get a lot of exercise, rescuing a Frenchie may be for you. But for others who like to adventure with their dogs, the lacking physical abilities of many Frenchies can be a real complication down the road. And this extends into the household, as well. “They’re small, so just being able to go up and down the steps at times, depending on how old they are, can be a physical limitation,” Siegfried says.

She does clarify that some French Bulldogs are talented at jumping up and down like little goats (you’re welcome for that image). Still, their small frame will be a limitation for many. And as cute as it is, Pedersen warns that too much jumping around, even just in the home from couches or beds, can potentially lead to IVDD.

And if you’re a beach lover or fan of water sports, it’s probably best to look elsewhere for a poolside companion. “Swimming is a no-no. Frenchies just sink,” Dr. Osborne warns. This is all compounded by the fact that French Bulldogs have a proclivity to overheating, especially if they have any respiratory issues. Dr. Osborne says prolonged exposure to humid temperatures and climates above 75 degrees should be avoided for the breed.

Of course, like any dog, Frenchies still need exercise. But the methods of doing so will require a lot of engagement on your part. “Don’t underestimate that these guys need exercise but again, you don’t want them overheating,” Siegfried says. She recommends regular games of fetch, tug, or essentially any activity where the pup’s drive can be nurtured and fulfilled in a controlled environment.

They’re great dogs for the right people.

None of this is meant to outright deter you from rescuing and adopting a French Bulldog. As someone who’s around them all day, Pedersen can attest to the fact that they make great pets. “They love their people, and they want to be with their people. The number-one reason for owning a Frenchie is definitely their personality,” she confirms.

It’s not their fault that they were brought into this world under questionable circumstances, especially those born at the hands of backyard breeders. But these dogs aren’t for everybody. If you’re looking for a less active pup to hang around the house with all day, a French Bulldog could be perfect for you — granted you have the funds (a call again for pet insurance!) to deal with potentially frequent trips to the vet.