How I Chose My Frenchie

FrenchBulldogCare: This is another story from Zoe. We thought it would be great to include how she chose her Frenchie as we realize many of our readers will be going through the same process. Zoe gives a lot of detail and even shares a table of Pros and Cons that helped her decide on a Frenchie. This can be a great exercise for anyone to do for any dog. Enjoy!

It all started one quiet Sunday evening. I was curled up on the couch, halfway through a bowl of pad Thai from my favorite spot, “Bangkok Bistro,” and half-watching The Office reruns. I’d been thinking about getting a dog for months. Ever since my aunt Rachel adopted her French Bulldog, Bella, three years ago, I’d been obsessively scrolling through dog adoption sites, looking for the perfect pup.

Aunt Rachel loved her Frenchie, and Bella was everything you’d expect—playful, loyal, and quirky. Still, I wasn’t sure if a Frenchie was right for me. So, I did what most of us do: I started researching. Articles, YouTube videos, IG posts, the werks!

First, I weighed the pros and cons. I even made a table to keep my thoughts straight:

Pros	Cons
Small size – perfect for apartment life	Prone to health issues, especially breathing
Loyal and affectionate	Can be stubborn when training
Doesn’t need much exercise	Expensive breed to adopt
Good with kids and other pets	Not ideal for hot weather
Low grooming needs	High risk of separation anxiety

The cons gave me pause. I work from home most of the time, but what about when I need to travel for work? And the health issues—I’d read enough to know Frenchies, with their flat faces, were prone to breathing problems and other concerns. Not to mention, they’re expensive. I found breeders charging anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 for a purebred French Bulldog. Rescue prices were better, but still, it wasn’t a small investment.

That’s when I called Aunt Rachel. I needed her insight. “Is it worth it?” I asked. “Frenchies have so many issues, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for the responsibility.”

Rachel, always practical, said. “Zoe, every dog comes with its challenges. Bella had some health scares, sure, but the love and companionship are worth every penny. If you’re ready to commit, it’ll be one of the best decisions you make.”

Her words lingered. I knew she was right, but I wasn’t ready to jump in just yet. I had more research to do, particularly around the type of Frenchie I wanted. I learned that male and female French Bulldogs can differ slightly in temperament.

Females are often said to be more independent, while males can be more affectionate and clingy. After thinking about it, I decided a male Frenchie would be the best fit for my life—I wanted a snuggle buddy, not just a companion.

Then there was the color debate. French Bulldogs come in a wide variety of colors—fawn, brindle, cream, and more. I was drawn to the blue-gray Frenchies, but quickly learned that they’re not only more expensive (sometimes upwards of $6,000), but can also carry more health risks. Ultimately, I decided on the classic black coat—less risk and still absolutely adorable.

The final step was finding the right Frenchie. I started looking at rescue organizations and reputable breeders around Denver. After a week of searching, I found him—Shaggy, a black French Bulldog with an adorably squished face and a backstory that tugged at my heart. Shaggy was two years old, surrendered by his previous owner who could no longer care for him. His adoption fee was $2,500—not cheap, but far less than going through a breeder.

I couldn’t stop staring at his photo. That night, I met up with my friend Lily for dinner. Over spicy green curry at Sweet Basil Thai, I showed her the pictures of Shaggy.

“He’s perfect, Zoe,” Lily said between bites. “I can already see you two snuggling on the couch.”

I smiled, but still felt nervous. “What if I can’t handle it? What if I’m making a mistake?”

“You’ve thought this through more than anyone I know,” she reassured me. “You’ve already made your list, called your aunt, and read everything out there. You’re ready.”

A few days later, I submitted the adoption application. The wait was nerve-wracking, but I was approved within 48 hours. That weekend, I drove to meet Shaggy in person. The second he waddled over to me, snorting and wagging his little nub of a tail, I knew he was mine.

The first month with Shaggy wasn’t without its challenges, but choosing him was the best decision I’ve ever made. Every time I look at his wrinkled little face, I’m reminded that sometimes, a little research—and a lot of love—are all you need to find the perfect companion.

-Zoe