Choosing a Frenchie Breeder

Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Good Breeder of French Bulldogs

1. They keep the dogs in the home and as part of the family – not outside in kennel runs or in the garage/outbuildings. Check that the area where the puppies are kept is clean and that the puppies themselves look clean
2. They have French Bulldogs that appear happy and healthy. The dogs are alert, excited to meet new people and don’t shy away from visitors
3. A good dog breeder will encourage you to spend time with the puppy’s parents – or at least the mother – when you visit. They want your entire family to meet the puppy and are happy for you to make more than one visit
4. They breed only one, or maximum two, types of dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs or Boston Terriers, and they are very familiar with the breed standards
5. French Bulldogs can have genetic weaknesses. Check that the puppy has wide nostrils and clean eyes with no discharge and that he or she does not seem breathless. A good breeder will explain the extra care a French Bulldog needs. Ideally, they will have OFA certificates (or equivalent in countries outside the US, such as BVA certificates in the UK) to prove that both parents are free from genetic defects. The requirements for minimum health screenings in the US have been defined as covering the heart, patella (knee cap), thyroid and hip dysplasia. If no health certificates are available – and these are optional – check what health screening has been done
6. Responsible French Bulldog breeders should provide you with a written contract and health guarantee and allow you plenty of time to read it. They will also show you records of the puppy’s visits to the vet, vaccinations, worming medication, etc and explain what other vaccinations your puppy will need
7. They feed their adults and puppies high quality ‘premium’ dog food or possibly a raw diet – a good diet is especially important for French Bulldogs. A good breeder will give you guidance on feeding and caring for your puppy and will be available for advice even after you take your puppy home
8. They don’t always have puppies available, but will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter
9. They don’t over breed their females. A French Bulldog bitch should not have her first litter until at least two years old. Some vets think back-to-back breedings are acceptable for some breeds (i.e. a litter every heat cycle), but good Frenchie breeders will only allow a maximum of one litter a year from their females, and then only perhaps three in a female’s lifetime. Frenchies are hard to breed and raise, and breeding from older females can be detrimental to their health
10. And finally … good French Bulldog breeders want to know their beloved pups are going to good homes and will ask YOU a lot of questions about your suitability as owners. DON’T buy a puppy from a website or advert where a PayPal or credit card deposit secures you a puppy without any questions

Puppies  are warm-blooded, living, breathing creatures and you need to make sure that the one you select will be suitable. A good breeder will, if asked, provide references from other people who have bought their puppies; make sure you call at least one before you commit. They will also agree to take a puppy back within a certain time frame if it does not work out for you, or if there is a health problem.

Healthy, happy puppies and adult dogs are what everybody wants. Taking the time now to find a responsible and committed breeder with well-bred French Bulldog puppies is time well spent. It could save you a lot of time, money and heartache in the future and help to ensure that you and your chosen puppy are happy together for many years.

French Bulldog puppy on beach – French Bulldog Handbook

French Bulldog puppy on the beach –
French Bulldog Handbook