Extremely discouraged... It seems impossible to find a reputable breeder in my area.

[Jesse Jhaj]

Hey all,

For the past 6 months I've been searching for a reputable breeder in my area (Los Angeles, CA). I have searched every single possible website and am constantly encountered withe either:

- puppy mills
or
- "backyard breeders"

I cannot seem to find a breeder that isn't doing this for pure profit. I want to find a breeder that has carefully managed an amazing bloodline of frenchies. Price doesn't really matter to me at this point, I just want to FIND one!

I did find 2 or 3 breeders that do this, but they haven't had litters for a long time (one of them hasn't since 2008!). I contacted a reputable breeder recently. He informed me that he would not have any puppies for at least a year. He also informed me that "the internet is the worst place to look for a french bulldog."

Am I missing something? Is there a special super secret place I should be looking? Why is this so hard?

I thought responsible breeding was something that was highly encouraged... If that's the case, why is it so difficult to find a good breeder?

Sorry if my post comes across as frustrated... this search has been going on for months and it seems fruitless.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[2bullymama]

Sad but true.... hopefully, someone in your area will know a breeder and can give you some info

 

[Tgirl]

Have you looked for dog shows nearby? That may be a good place to visit and talk with people showing Frenchies. Have you looked at the French bulldog club of america? They should have a breeders listing.

 

[Jakeyjake]

It can be very discouraging...What about trying to find a Frenchie meet up in your area? You could attend and talk to owners 1st hand.

 

[Mavis]

For sure, supply does not meet demand. Before happening on Bambi, I did tons of searching and concluded the same thing. The "reputable" breeders do not breed often enough to produce many puppies, especially when they only have an average of three per litter. Keep searching. You may have to travel a bit to get one. We fell into Bambi when I innocently asked the breeder if they had any "older adults." She said they happened to have a female who they were retiring in a month after she finished nursing her last litter. I thought this breeder took excellent phyiscal care of their dogs, however, they were more like livestock. When we left with Bambi, my husband asked if they would miss her and they said, "no," they could really get emotionally attached to them because they would just eventually leave. I can't judge - this woman was an expert on the breed including nutrition, health and they were very well cared for physically. I was just happy to be able to get one - Bambi is healthy, happy, crate trained and wonderful. Keep searching and you will prevail.

 

[Fosta Mama]

Hi Jesse. First, let me commend you on striving to purchase a pup from a reputable breeder, rather than a backyard breeder, puppymill, or pet store. So many just don't know or don't care where their puppy comes from. Getting a pup can be an impulse item, as who can resist an adorable Frenchie puppy?

Check with the French Bulldog Club of America for members. Visit a local dog show. I know of a couple of southern CA breeders I can suggest (I can private message you if you wish) but they are probably ones you already know about.

It takes a lot of time and money to breed and show Frenchies. A lot of effort into researching lines and particular dogs to bring out the best in a planned litter.

For me, I choose to adopt. But I can definitely see the allure of a healthy, well bred puppy! It is very tricky to weed out breeder sometimes. Most show breeders do not need to advertise online. They have waiting lists even before planned breedings are done.

Best of wishes to you in your quest! Your puppy, or puppy-to-be, is out there somewhere!

 

[Alice Kable]

Good luck to you. In a few years (when my EB Ruggles passes) I too will be in search of a good Frenchie breeder.

 

[davidh]

Go to dog shows in your area and talk to show breeders, plus you can find some in your area on French Bulldog club of America's web site. fbdca.org.

 

[shortstuff]

I know the struggle! My fiance and I looked for well over a year and a half before Bisou fell into our laps, and he had looked on his own before we started dating. I can't give many pointers because we got insanely lucky to have gotten a healthy, well-bred puppy out of some very special (and sketchy) circumstances. Everyone here has given some great input about dog shows and meetup groups, and I'd also add looking out of state or at least out of area. We live in San Diego and broadened our search to Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona and ended up driving to Vegas to get her. If you'd be interested in a rescue, I'd highly recommend FBRN.

I know it's hard not to get discouraged; I spent many a tearful night after getting attached to what seemed to be a sure thing only to have it fall through. The family we got Bisou from even turned us down after days of negotiating, but were convinced we were the right family once they saw how dedicated we were. Keep at it and you'll find the perfect Frenchie for you!

 

[mhuinker]

Have you looked for dog shows nearby? That may be a good place to visit and talk with people showing Frenchies. Have you looked at the French bulldog club of america? They should have a breeders listing.

Very good advice! Great place to find a decent breeder. That is how we found the breeder we adopted from (we adopted adults) and we love them!! You also might want to consider looking out of state, or possibly different area (maybe San Diego)?
Good luck with your search and glad to hear you are being careful and responsible!