Are you considering bringing a furry bundle of joy into your life? A French Bulldog pup could be your perfect choice! Frenchies are beloved for their charming personalities and distinctive looks, making them one of the most popular small dog breeds.  In fact, in 2023 they became the most popular dog breed in the U.S. based on AKC data, overtaking the Labrador Retriever that had held the top spot for three decades.

But before you rush into adopting or buying one, it’s essential to know how to choose the perfect Frenchie that will fit seamlessly into your life.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through selecting the ideal French Bulldog puppy.

Researching Reputable Breeders

Now that you’re excited about the prospect of bringing a French Bulldog pup into your life, starting your journey on the right foot is crucial. Finding a responsible and reputable breeder is one of the first steps in choosing the perfect Frenchie pup.

At BlueHaven French Bulldogs, we ensure that all our puppies are bred through ethical practices, come from sweet and healthy parents, and are vet checked to ensure their good health.

Tips for Identifying Reputable Breeders:

• Ask for Recommendations: Ask your friends, family, local veterinarians, breed clubs, and fellow French Bulldog owners. Personal experiences and referrals can lead you to trustworthy breeders.

• Online Research: Use reputable online resources and directories to find breeders who have been in the business for several years, breed only Frenchies, and have received consistently high reviews from past clients.

• Visit Breeder Websites: Review breeder websites for information about their breeding practices, health testing, and the environment in which their puppies are raised.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Puppy Mills: Avoid breeders who operate puppy mills, where dogs are kept in inhumane conditions and bred solely for profit. Only buy a French Bulldog from a reputable breeder.

• Lack of Health Records: Reputable breeders will have DNA tested each of their breeding males and females to ensure they are free of the common genetic defects.  They will also have each of their puppies vet checked by a reputable vet who is experienced with Frenchies, and they will make sure each puppy is up to date on all meds and vaccinations and will provide these records with each puppy that is placed.

• Too Many Litters: Be cautious if a breeder has excessive litters with a female or has multiple breeds available simultaneously. This could indicate a lack of focus on proper breeding.  Almost all Frenchies require C-sections, so three is the average number of litters that a female French Bulldog will have.

• Lack of Transparency: Reputable breeders are transparent about their practices and should be open to answering your questions.  They should not hesitate to meet you in person.  Don’t expect them to allow you to go through their kennel, but they should not hesitate to meet with you and show you some of their puppies and adults.

Visiting the Breeder when possible

Now that you’ve done your initial research and identified a few potential breeders, the next step is to visit them in person, if they are within reasonable driving distance. Visiting the breeder’s facility or home is an invaluable opportunity to assess the living conditions, meet puppies, and gain a deeper understanding of the breeder’s practices.

Why Visit them In-Person?

1. Assessing the Environment: A visit allows you to evaluate the cleanliness and overall environment in which the puppies are raised. Puppies growing up in a clean and caring setting are likely to be healthy and well-adjusted.

2. Meeting the Puppies: Meeting the puppies in person allows you to observe their behavior, temperament, and socialization. It’s an opportunity to interact with them and see if you connect with a particular puppy.  When it is not possible or practical to visit a breeder in person, a video of the available puppies is invaluable in helping you determine the quality of the puppies and if there is potentially a good fit for you.

3. Interacting with the Breeder: During your visit, you can engage in meaningful conversations with the breeder. This is the time to ask questions about their breeding practices, the parents of the puppies, and their overall philosophy regarding French Bulldog breeding.

What to Look for During Your Visit:

1. Cleanliness: The breeder’s premises should be clean and well-maintained. This is indicative of their commitment to the well-being of their dogs.

2. Socialization: Observe how the puppies interact with each other and with people. Well-socialized puppies are more likely to become confident and adaptable adults.

3. Health and Records: Ask the breeder for health protocols for their puppies and for records if appropriate. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with comprehensive records of vaccinations, deworming, and veterinary visits.

4. Breeder’s Knowledge: Gauge the breeder’s knowledge about French Bulldogs. They should be well-informed about the breed’s unique characteristics, health concerns, and specific care requirements.

Be Prepared with Questions:

Make a list of questions that you would like to ask the breeder during your visit. Inquire about the parents’ health record, the breeder’s experience, and the steps they take to ensure the well-being of their puppies.

Meeting the Parents

When possible or practical, meeting the parents of the French Bulldog puppy you’re considering is important in your decision-making process. Just as understanding the breeder’s practices is essential, meeting the parents offers valuable insights into your potential puppy’s future health, behavior, and temperament.  If it is not possible or practical, a reputable breeder will provide videos of the parents so that you can see them in action, which will help give you a better idea of what your puppy may eventually become regarding size, structure, health, and temperament.

What to Look for During Your Visit?

1. Interaction with Humans: Observe how the parents interact with people, especially the breeder and you. They should be social, approachable, and well-behaved.

2. Health and Appearance: Take note of the parents’ overall health, appearance, and energy levels. They should be well-groomed, maintain a healthy weight, and exhibit vitality.

3. Temperament: Pay attention to their behavior around other dogs and animals. Look for signs of aggression, anxiety, or excessive shyness, as these traits can be passed on to their offspring.

4. Breeder’s Transparency: The breeder should willingly introduce you to the parents and openly discuss their health and temperament. Be cautious if the breeder seems hesitant or evasive.

Assessing Puppy Health and Behavior

As you continue your journey to choose the perfect French Bulldog puppy, evaluating their health and behavior is a critical step. Ensuring that your future furry companion is in good health and possesses a temperament that aligns with your lifestyle is of utmost importance. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Evaluating Overall Health:

Physical Examination:

• Start by conducting an overall health checkup of your French Bulldog pup. 
• Check whether there are signs of good health, like clear eyes, clean ears, and a shiny coat.
• See if there are any unusual lumps, bumps, or skin issues.

Vital Signs: Pay attention to the puppy’s vital signs, including their breathing rate, heart rate, and body temperature. While you may not have professional equipment, observing these signs can provide general insights into their health.

Appetite and Hydration: Ensure the puppy is eating well and staying hydrated. A healthy puppy should have a good appetite and be willing to drink water.

2. Observing Behavior and Temperament:

• Interaction with Siblings: Observe how the puppy interacts with their littermates. Playfulness and social behavior are positive signs. Shyness or aggression may indicate behavioral issues.

• Interaction with You: Spend time interacting with the puppy one-on-one. Assess their response to new people and environments. A well-adjusted puppy should be curious and willing to explore.

• Handling and Touch: Gently handle the puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth to see how they react. This will give you an idea of their grooming and vet care tolerance.

3. Ask for Behavioral History:

Ask the breeder about the puppy’s behavior and any observations they’ve made. A responsible breeder should be able to provide insights into the puppy’s temperament and behavior within the litter.

4. Health Records:

Inquire about the puppy’s health records. Ensure that the breeder will provide comprehensive health records, including vaccinations, deworming, and any past veterinary visits.

Conclusion

These tips can help you identify a high-quality French Bulldog puppy that is right for you. However, before you bring your fur buddies to your home, prepare a small, cozy space for them at your home. It is a crucial step in ensuring their safety and comfort.

Begin by puppy-proofing your living space, removing potential hazards, and securing any items that could harm your curious companion. Gather essential supplies, including a cozy crate, high-quality puppy food, toys, and grooming tools. Designate a safe and comfortable area where your puppy can play and rest, and plan for consistent house training routines.

Visit BlueHaven French Bulldogs to acquire a charming and healthy French Bulldog puppy. We produce high-quality Frenchies in all of their glorious colors. Contact us now to learn more.