So, I’d been mulling it over for a while, this idea of getting another dog. My last furry companion, a bouncy Labrador, lived a good long life, but the puppy stage nearly did me in. This time, I thought, I’m going for an adult. Specifically, an adult French Bulldog. I’ve always loved their quirky personalities and those bat ears. Seemed like a solid plan. Famous last words, right?
Diving into the Search
First thing I did was fire up the old computer. Typed “adult french bulldogs for sale” into the search bar and braced myself. And wow, the internet did not disappoint in terms of sheer volume. Pages and pages. Some looked like professional breeders, others were more… casual, let’s say. I even stumbled across a few rescue sites that had adult Frenchies, though they often called it an “adoption fee” rather than a sale, which felt a bit better, to be honest.
I started making a mental checklist of what I was looking for, and what I was definitely trying to avoid. My previous dog came from a very reputable breeder, a long time ago, and it was a straightforward process. This felt different. It felt like navigating a minefield sometimes. You’d see these adorable photos, but then the description would be super vague, or the price would make your eyes water. I’m talking, like, used car prices for some of these dogs.
The Ups and Downs of Looking
Let me tell you, it was a real rollercoaster. I’d get my hopes up seeing a dog that looked perfect, then I’d email or call, and something would just feel… off. Maybe they were too pushy, or couldn’t answer basic questions about the dog’s health history. And health, with Frenchies, that’s a big deal. I learned that pretty quick. You can’t just assume they’re all problem-free, especially an adult who might have been through a bit already.
I spent a lot of time sifting through listings. Some were clearly from people who just couldn’t keep their pet anymore – job changes, moving, allergies, the usual sad stories. You felt for them. Then there were others that seemed more like businesses, churning out puppies and then selling off the adults when they were done breeding. That didn’t sit right with me, not at all. I wasn’t looking for a “used breeding dog,” I was looking for a companion.
I must have spoken to at least a dozen different people. Here’s a little list of the kinds of questions I started asking every single time:
- Why are you rehoming this dog?
- What’s their temperament like with kids/other pets/strangers?
- Can I see their vet records? All of them.
- Are they spayed/neutered?
- What food are they on?
- Can I meet the dog in person, preferably in their current environment?
You’d be surprised how many sellers got defensive about some of these. That was always a huge red flag for me. If they weren’t transparent, I was out. No discussion.
What I Learned in the Trenches
This whole process really opened my eyes. Finding an adult Frenchie for sale isn’t just about picking one you like the look of. It’s about due diligence. Lots of it. I realized that a lower price wasn’t always a bargain if it meant potential health issues down the line. And a higher price didn’t always guarantee a healthy, well-adjusted dog either.
I learned to trust my gut. If a situation felt weird, it probably was. I remember one person who kept changing their story about why the dog was available. First, it was allergies, then a move, then something about the dog not getting along with their cat they suddenly remembered they had. Yeah, I backed away from that one slowly.
Patience, I discovered, was key. It wasn’t something I could rush. I really wanted to make sure I was making the right decision, not just for me, but for the dog too. Bringing an adult dog into your home is a big commitment, and they deserve a place where they’ll be understood and cared for properly, especially if they’ve had a rough start or a previous home that didn’t work out.
In the end, after a lot of searching, a lot of phone calls, and a few dead ends, I did actually find a wonderful adult Frenchie. It wasn’t through some fancy website, but more through a friend of a friend who knew someone looking to rehome their beloved pet due to a genuine, unavoidable life change. It took time, and a bit of luck, but it felt right. And that, I think, is the most important part of this whole journey. It has to feel right.
