Selecting a breeder?

[Drew DiPietro]

I will be a first time owner and I've been looking for a Frenchie on Oodle for a while now. My budget is somewhat small (i.e. ~$500) andI fear that most reputable breeders are out of reach. I'm now at the point where I'm ready to visit some breeders so my dilemma is how to vet those that are worth visiting from who I should avoid. What questions should I be asking breeders before considering a visit? Are there any tips for making sure my puppy will be safe from long-term health issues? And what should I be looking for in the parents to ensure a good and even temperament? I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[Tgirl]

Hmmm I honestly don't think you are going to get a quality puppy for $500. The ones I have looked at are around $4000 to $4500. You may be able to find an adult? A rescue maybe? You do have to keep in mind that often the cost of the dog is just a drop in the bucket compared to what it costs to care for them. They are a high maintenance breed that could cost a good deal if they end up with some of the common Frenchie problems. You have to be prepared for that as well.
There is some good information here.. http://frenchbulldognews.com/content.php/16-French-Bulldog-Puppy-Buying-Tips

 

[lkclark]

I'm afraid that $500 might not serve you very well in search of a well-bred Frenchie pup.

Perhaps you could check out some rescues or even retired dogs.

In Southern California, the general price of reputable breeders runs at around $2-4k, not including those who tout so-called "rare" or "exotic" colors (6k+).

 

[FrenchieDante]

Anyone trying to sell you a frenchie for $500 is a scam! If they are offering you a pup for anywhere under $1500 it is probably too good to be true. And $1500 is even pushing it.

 

[MaplesMommy]

I agree. Unfortunately there is no way you can get a healthy ,good quality pup for $500. Like the other said usually its between 2500$ and $3500. They are an expensive breed!
Defintely check out the French Bulldog Rescue Network though as I know their adoption fee is around your budget.
Also keep in mind,that caring for an animal costs a lot of money. I think before anybody gets a pet you should ask yourself if that pet gets sick tomorrow do I have enough money to give him the care and treatment he needs? If you can't then I would recommend waiting a little longer until circumstances have changed.

 

[lkclark]

I agree. Unfortunately there is no way you can get a healthy ,good quality pup for $500. Like the other said usually its between 2500$ and $3500. They are an expensive breed!
Defintely check out the French Bulldog Rescue Network though as I know their adoption fee is around your budget.
Also keep in mind,that caring for an animal costs a lot of money. I think before anybody gets a pet you should ask yourself if that pet gets sick tomorrow do I have enough money to give him the care and treatment he needs? If you can't then I would recommend waiting a little longer until circumstances have changed.

Exactly. Ontop of his purchase price, we spent an additional $700 or so on supplies + puppy veterinarian visits.

 

[Cbrugs]

I agree with all the other posts. You are not going to get a Frenchie puppy for $500 but you can perhaps rescue an adult for that much. However, there is more to the cost of a Frenchie (or any other dog/pet) than the purchase cost. Jax is a little over a year old and has many environmental allergies and I spent over $600 for the allergy test, exam, first round of allergen serum and he is now on allergy shots and a monthly pill. Plus there is the regular vet visits which can add up. I think a lot of Frenchies are given up because of medical problems and the owners don't have the money to spend on them.

 

[MaplesMommy]

Exactly. Ontop of his purchase price, we spent an additional $700 or so on supplies + puppy veterinarian visits.

Thats another good point. Just to get the 'starter kit' as in leash,collar,dishes,toys,dog bed,crate,pee pads,treats etc can and will cost you at least a few hundred. And then a few weeks later you need to buy a new collar cause the old one doesnt fit anymore,new toys cause the old ones have already been destroyed,new pee pads cause he still has some accidents. And then food and vet check ups and god forbit an emergency vet visit with xrays and all the 'good' stuff. Thats a lot of money. Our first familydog got terribly sick after a couple weeks of having him home. Nobody thought hed survive and he stayed at the vet hospital for over a week. He survived but unfortunately he stayed rather sick his entire life and got bitten by 2 dogs and then cut in the ear by a vet when they changed his bandage..it was hard for all of us. And I mean emotionally. Over his 7 year life his vet bills summed up to over 10,000€ which is about 18,000$. (i think). We loved him and never would have imagined giving him away but you just never know. Be prepared to spend this kind of money.
Please dont get me wrong, I am not trying to discourage you! French Bulldogs are an awesome breed and I totally understand why you want one but maybe write down how much you can afford monthly and how much you can put aside and safe for an emergency.

 

[MaplesMommy]

To answer your questions and to get back to the topic :
When you visit a breeder defintely have them show you the parents and ask questions about their health (see health record if possible or ask if you can call the vet and ask them) and their temperament/personality.
A good breeder shows his dogs succesfully and (or at least) has them testes on genetic disorders etc.

Ask to see where the puppies are being kept and make sure its all clean and the mom appears to be in good shape.

Never ever meet in some parking lot and buy the puppy from a trunk.
Always ask for references and defintely let your gut feeling decide.

 

[Alice Kable]

I agree with all above, $500 is not going to buy you a Frenchie puppy. Another suggestion is to check shelters for a Frenchie mix puppy.

 

[davidh]

Everyone is right, you will not get a pup for $500.00 unless it is from a rescue. No reputable breeder will ever sell a Frenchie on Oodle or Craigslist, only scamers and puppy mills sell their pups there. If you can not pay more than that, then you need to look at a rescue Frenchie. Plus you need to consider the money it will take to buy them a quality food and their regular maintenance.