Finnegan - French Bulldog Dog for Adoption in Blaine, Minnesota

Meet Finnegan, aka Finn!

Finn came to us as a newborn on St. Patrick’s Day due to his cleft palate. He was hand-raised and tube-fed until he was old enough to wean onto puppy kibble, and he has adapted beautifully. Today, Finn eats regular kibble and drinks from a normal water bowl just like any other pup!

Because of his cleft palate, Finn should never be given wet food or sticky foods like peanut butter that could become lodged in his cleft and create an aspiration risk.

While many cleft puppies do wonderfully, they can have an increased risk of certain medical issues, particularly upper respiratory infections and aspiration pneumonia. Sneezing, nasal discharge, and occasional bloody noses can occur as cleft dogs naturally clear their nasal passages. However, coughing, excessive or colored discharge, lethargy, or changes in behavior should be evaluated promptly by a veterinarian.

Some cleft dogs may also need occasional help keeping their cleft clean. If food or another object becomes lodged and cannot safely be removed at home, veterinary care may be needed.

As with any dog born with a congenital condition, there is also the possibility of additional congenital issues appearing later in life. We do our best to fully vet our puppies and disclose all known concerns before adoption, but adopters should be prepared for the possibility of more frequent veterinary care and higher-than-average medical expenses throughout Finn’s life. Finn’s adopter should have an established relationship with a veterinarian they trust and be comfortable advocating for his unique needs.

Now that we got all the serious stuff out of the way, let’s talk about Finn!
Finn is a sassy, curious, energetic little Frenchie with a big personality packed into a small body. He’s sweet, silly, loves being involved in whatever is going on, and has absolutely no problem letting you know when he thinks he’s being left out.
Like most puppies, Finn is still learning his manners. His particular approach to making dog friends sometimes involves barking directly in their faces when they aren’t paying enough attention to him. We’re working on teaching him that this is, in fact, rude. In the meantime, he’ll need tolerant canine friends who aren’t easily offended by his lack of personal boundaries.

A few things Finn’s future family should know:

Dogs: Finn enjoys other dogs, but his play style and communication can be a little obnoxious. Any resident dogs should be tolerant and comfortable with puppy antics while Finn continues working on his manners.

Kids: Finn has been around children and does well with them, but he can still be mouthy as well as have a bit of frenchie-tude. We think an older, dog-savvy kid home would be the best fit.

No shared walls: This one is a must. Finn has a LOT to say and is happy to say it loudly. For the sake of everyone's future neighborly relationships, Finn needs a home without shared walls.

Potty training: Still a work in progress! His future family should be prepared to continue working on this with consistency and patience. Our fellow Frenchie people probably aren't shocked by this one.

Crate: Finn is crate trained, but if he knows you're home and thinks he's missing out, he may loudly object to his imprisonment. He has also shown some guarding behavior around his crate when the door is closed. We are actively working on this, and his adopter will need to continue that training so it doesn't become a bigger issue as he gets older.

Medical: Finn’s cleft palate will always require a little extra awareness. His adopter should be comfortable following his food restrictions, recognizing potential respiratory concerns, and seeking veterinary care when needed. His cleft is not scary (trust me we own two with clefts as well!) but most cleft palate puppies THRIVE - in fact there is a whole community we can connect you with to help navigate any cleft questions!

Most importantly, Finn is a very sweet little guy who is ready for a family of his own. He may come with a few extra instructions and some classic Frenchie quirks, but he also comes with a whole lot of personality, entertainment, and love.
Finn is looking for someone who understands that puppies take work, Frenchies can be weird, and sometimes the best dogs come with a slightly longer instruction manual.

Adoption fee is $500
Adoption applications available at rpaw.org

The French Bulldog, known for its iconic bat like ears, charming personality, and compact yet muscular build, is a beloved companion dog breed. Originating in France, these affectionate and adaptable dogs are ideal for apartment living due to their relatively low exercise needs. Their distinctive wrinkled face and snub nose make them instantly recognizable, while their playful and sociable nature endears them to families and singles alike. French Bulldogs are known for their loyalty, affection, and gentle temperament, making them a popular choice for dog lovers worldwide.