Article: French Bulldog Puppy Buying Tips

bullmama · Apr 27, 2013

You can view the page at http://frenchbulldognews.com/content.php/16-French-Bulldog-Puppy-Buying-Tips

Alice Kable · Apr 27, 2013

Excellent information! Spend time researching the breeder; buying from a good breeder is money well spent.

davidh · Apr 27, 2013

Some great info.

FindBehr · Jul 31, 2013

So, I was looking at a breeder that claimed they had "Rare" puppies– WARNING SIGN. I was curious how much a "rare" puppy cost and the price was between $2,000- 4,000. $4,000 seemed way too high for any kind of puppy. What kind of prices can I expect from a reputable breeder?

2bullymama · Jul 31, 2013

FindBehr said:
So, I was looking at a breeder that claimed they had "Rare" puppies– WARNING SIGN. I was curious how much a "rare" puppy cost and the price was between $2,000- 4,000. $4,000 seemed way too high for any kind of puppy. What kind of prices can I expect from a reputable breeder?

$2,000 - $3,000 is about right

Alice Kable · Aug 3, 2013

I live in Oregon and the going rate for a Frenchie puppy is $3,000 to $3,500 from what I've seen in WA, OR, and ID.

winginit66 · Sep 26, 2013

How can breeders have AKC registered blue puppies if that is not a recognized color in the standard?

mhuinker · Oct 3, 2013

I agree with winginit66 -- I don't understand that! I've seen the rare colors being offered by breeders and they state they are AKC registered!

Debra · Oct 3, 2013

Good article!

Kris Thomas LaBounty · Oct 15, 2013

I just saw a video someone posted for Frenchies that were stolen in a home robbery. The young breeder said they were very rare, blue :-O She claimed the pups were worth $3K. Blue is not an AKC recognized color and why would it cost $3K without papers? I always look for a breeder who has occasional litters and owns dogs they show and finish. I'll pay $3K for that. I looked and looked for an older French Bulldog before purchasing our puppy. I couldn't even get anyone to return E-mails to me and we had an ideal situation being a retired husband and work from home wife, early 60s, homeowner with fenced yard. It wasn't until months later that I was able to find multiple rescue groups. I used FB and "friended" people who I saw raised FBDs and now have the resources I needed a year ago. In my research I found Frenchies from good reputable breeders to be priced $2500 to $3500. I've seen them priced higher but what is available at that price is certainly as quality as those priced higher. I have seen many fine rescues available that were surrendered for reasons that seem to be consistent with many French Bulldogs, aggression and allergies. My pup had both so it seems a rescue or older dog would be the right thing to do. I love my boy and he's turned out to be a real gentleman but not without work so I am all for the rescue or older dog. This was a great read for choosing a puppy but I hope more people will adopt.

blushy · Sep 15, 2014

mhuinker said:
I agree with winginit66 -- I don't understand that! I've seen the rare colors being offered by breeders and they state they are AKC registered!

We have a blue pied frenchie who is AKC.

We have her litters papers too.

Her mom was blue brindle, AKC says she's white with brindle markings.

Not sure how that works, we got her spayed and opted to not even worry about registering her, but her picture as a puppy and her litter are on the registration forms.

My bigger question is those few sites who sell "rare" frenchies for $10,000-15,000+ That are no where close to breed or AKC standard. As they are extremely cute, but I consider $5,000 over priced most of the time.

mhuinker · Sep 16, 2014

blushy said:
We have a blue pied frenchie who is AKC.

We have her litters papers too.

Her mom was blue brindle, AKC says she's white with brindle markings.

Not sure how that works, we got her spayed and opted to not even worry about registering her, but her picture as a puppy and her litter are on the registration forms.

My bigger question is those few sites who sell "rare" frenchies for $10,000-15,000+ That are no where close to breed or AKC standard. As they are extremely cute, but I consider $5,000 over priced most of the time.

I don't doubt they ARE registered with AKC, my wonderment comes in as to "why" they are if they are not a "recognized" color. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful and I love them! I just hate that there are breeders out there breeding JUST for the rare color and for nothing more than money, and unfortunately, that is a majority of the rare color breeders, at least from what I've seen and looked at myself.

I wonder if blues are registered with AKC because they are being submitted as "white with brindle markings" (aka Pied), which is an "allowed" color.... maybe that is how they (breeders) are getting around it..... I have not idea. :glare:

blushy · Sep 19, 2014

mhuinker said:
I don't doubt they ARE registered with AKC, my wonderment comes in as to "why" they are if they are not a "recognized" color. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful and I love them! I just hate that there are breeders out there breeding JUST for the rare color and for nothing more than money, and unfortunately, that is a majority of the rare color breeders, at least from what I've seen and looked at myself.

I wonder if blues are registered with AKC because they are being submitted as "white with brindle markings" (aka Pied), which is an "allowed" color.... maybe that is how they (breeders) are getting around it..... I have not idea. :glare:

Since my pups mom is solid "blue brindle" that is probably exactly what they do...

Mavis · Feb 22, 2016

We are not in the market for a new frenchie yet but probably within the next 3-4 years we will have a second one. I have been doing some research and have found two breeders about 4-5 hours away that appear to be reputable. Neither will ship and both have a very extensive application and insist on a phone screening. My only problem is I would be afraid to ask some of the questions above for fear of offending a breeder. I am such a wimp and too trusting, however, for frenchies, the demand far outweighs the supply, and I am afraid someone is going to think we are too aggressive. Thoughts?

Jakeyjake · Feb 22, 2016

I wouldn't think a reputable breeder would be offended by you asking questions. They would most likely be happy that you have done research and are taking the time to find out as much information as possible. You are simply being a responsible buyer.

Squishy Walnuts · Feb 23, 2016

Jakeyjake said:
I wouldn't think a reputable breeder would be offended by you asking questions. They would most likely be happy that you have done research and are taking the time to find out as much information as possible. You are simply being a responsible buyer.

I agree. Reputable breeders will expect a lot of questions. Before we decided on a Frenchie I went to a rotti breeder and ended up spending 2 hours visiting and asking questions. I was almost invited over for dinner. lol! Ask as many questions as you want. If a breeder does not want to answer then I would walk away.

WeeDex · Feb 26, 2016

Squishy Walnuts said:
I agree. Reputable breeders will expect a lot of questions. Before we decided on a Frenchie I went to a rotti breeder and ended up spending 2 hours visiting and asking questions. I was almost invited over for dinner. lol! Ask as many questions as you want. If a breeder does not want to answer then I would walk away.

Same! We were with the breeder for almost 2 hours, as well as emails and phone calls beforehand. I took a list of questions! And he said he would be worried when people don't ask questions. If they're decent, they won't mind one bit.

Cbux99 · Dec 24, 2016

Great post,
Can anyone recommend a reputable breeder in or near the Nj area?
Happy holidays.

stasbreyt · Dec 31, 2019

Kris Thomas LaBounty said:
I just saw a video someone posted for Frenchies that were stolen in a home robbery. The young breeder said they were very rare, blue :-O She claimed the pups were worth $3K. Blue is not an AKC recognized color and why would it cost $3K without papers? I always look for a breeder who has occasional litters and owns dogs they show and finish. I'll pay $3K for that. I looked and looked for an older French Bulldog before purchasing our puppy. I couldn't even get anyone to return E-mails to me and we had an ideal situation being a retired husband and work from home wife, early 60s, homeowner with fenced yard. It wasn't until months later that I was able to find multiple rescue groups. I used FB and "friended" people who I saw raised FBDs and now have the resources I needed a year ago. In my research I found Frenchies from good reputable breeders to be priced $2500 to $3500. I've seen them priced higher but what is available at that price is certainly as quality as those priced higher. I have seen many fine rescues available that were surrendered for reasons that seem to be consistent with many French Bulldogs, aggression and allergies. My pup had both so it seems a rescue or older dog would be the right thing to do. I love my boy and he's turned out to be a real gentleman but not without work so I am all for the rescue or older dog. This was a great read for choosing a puppy but I hope more people will adopt.

blue is now AKCrecognized color. i just register my pup AKC web site and there was option for blue color

Dmccarthy56 · Jul 12, 2020

My daughter connected with local breeder that we have met twice. Seemed very conscientious and helpful with our questions so made a deposit. Will actually get the puppy Jul 15. Have done tons of research on potty training and being new parent. Have had cat for several years but first puppy. Have found out French bulldogs are popular but expensive. Paying over $5000 for this puppy.