Is a french bulldog the right breed for me?
If your first concern is the price, this is probably not the breed you should be looking into.
Why are french bulldogs so expensive?
Quality french bulldogs from healthy lines are NOT CHEAP!
There is a great deal of time, research, effort and expense involved in raising a french bulldog litter. It can cost around $5,000- $9,000 to breed, deliver, and raise a litter.
If you consider the initial investment for the breeder to buy a quality well bred female; this on average is anywhere from $5,000-$15,000!
Then you have the cost of raising that female on a quality diet, vet care, showing expenses, and supplies which in an average year that can add $2,000-$3,000.
When the female finally reaches breeding age you begin your search for the right stud. This can consume countless hours of researching pedigrees and healthy lines.
Once you find the right stud you pay another $2,000-$10,000 for a stud fee!
In MOST cases the stud is in another state or country. You then have to pay to have the semen shipped to you. If this is a state to state shipment the average cost is about $200 per collection and overnight shipment; and we always do two insemination's. If the semen is coming from another country it has to come cryogenically frozen and shipped in a cryo container which means you have to pay for the return shipping of that container, as well. Overnight cryo shipments from Europe are $1,000! If you are using frozen semen you have to have it surgically implanted in the female, that is another $400-$500!
When the female finally comes into heat you have to begin progesterone testing to determine when she will ovulate and can be bred. These tests run $80 each and they should be done every other day until peak levels are reached, that's another $300-$400. Once she is ready and you have your semen shipped to you the artificial insemination is another $150 per a.i.!
Then you wait four weeks to do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, that's another $70.
Now you have to purchase your supplies to prepare for your litter!
Puppy Incubators are $500 and up, you will need towels, bottles, heating pads, blankets (lots of them, it will be messy) medical supplies, milk replacement, puppy weight scale and the list goes on...
(you can add at least another $1,000 in supplies and food.)
Then comes the c-section, another $1,500 if it's scheduled during business hours. If your female needs a late night or weekend emergency c-section you can double that!
MOST frenchies do not deliver naturally and after all the time and money invested it is safer to not risk the life of the mother or her litter to "see if she can." Frenchies always need assistance from humans during labor as they have short flat faces and can have trouble tearing the sacks by themselves, not to mention puppies getting stuck! C-sections are the safest way to deliver for mom and her babies.
Some females will not have anything to do with the puppies once they are born, some are inexperienced in the matter and don't understand what to do with the pups, thus, countless hours are spent in assisting in raising the puppies.
You have to constantly watch the mother so she doesn't accidentally lay on one of her pups and suffocate it not even realizing it. The puppies need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock for the 1st couple weeks of their lives. This means you can kiss sleep goodbye for at least 2-3 weeks! If mom's milk doesn't come in or she isn't producing enough milk you will be hand feeding a litter of pups every 2 hours!
The average size of a french bulldog litter is only 2-4 puppies! So, after the breeder chooses who they are keeping there may only be 1-3 pups available for sale. If you do the math on what it cost to get that litter into the world and compare that to the amount of selling a couple of puppies you will see who is taking the bigger loss and why french bulldogs are so expensive!
At the end of the day the amount of time and money that is invested in PROPERLY raising and breeding frenchies is astronomical compared to the cost of buying a QUALITY puppy from a reputable breeder!
There is a great deal of time, research, effort and expense involved in raising a french bulldog litter. It can cost around $5,000- $9,000 to breed, deliver, and raise a litter.
If you consider the initial investment for the breeder to buy a quality well bred female; this on average is anywhere from $5,000-$15,000!
Then you have the cost of raising that female on a quality diet, vet care, showing expenses, and supplies which in an average year that can add $2,000-$3,000.
When the female finally reaches breeding age you begin your search for the right stud. This can consume countless hours of researching pedigrees and healthy lines.
Once you find the right stud you pay another $2,000-$10,000 for a stud fee!
In MOST cases the stud is in another state or country. You then have to pay to have the semen shipped to you. If this is a state to state shipment the average cost is about $200 per collection and overnight shipment; and we always do two insemination's. If the semen is coming from another country it has to come cryogenically frozen and shipped in a cryo container which means you have to pay for the return shipping of that container, as well. Overnight cryo shipments from Europe are $1,000! If you are using frozen semen you have to have it surgically implanted in the female, that is another $400-$500!
When the female finally comes into heat you have to begin progesterone testing to determine when she will ovulate and can be bred. These tests run $80 each and they should be done every other day until peak levels are reached, that's another $300-$400. Once she is ready and you have your semen shipped to you the artificial insemination is another $150 per a.i.!
Then you wait four weeks to do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, that's another $70.
Now you have to purchase your supplies to prepare for your litter!
Puppy Incubators are $500 and up, you will need towels, bottles, heating pads, blankets (lots of them, it will be messy) medical supplies, milk replacement, puppy weight scale and the list goes on...
(you can add at least another $1,000 in supplies and food.)
Then comes the c-section, another $1,500 if it's scheduled during business hours. If your female needs a late night or weekend emergency c-section you can double that!
MOST frenchies do not deliver naturally and after all the time and money invested it is safer to not risk the life of the mother or her litter to "see if she can." Frenchies always need assistance from humans during labor as they have short flat faces and can have trouble tearing the sacks by themselves, not to mention puppies getting stuck! C-sections are the safest way to deliver for mom and her babies.
Some females will not have anything to do with the puppies once they are born, some are inexperienced in the matter and don't understand what to do with the pups, thus, countless hours are spent in assisting in raising the puppies.
You have to constantly watch the mother so she doesn't accidentally lay on one of her pups and suffocate it not even realizing it. The puppies need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock for the 1st couple weeks of their lives. This means you can kiss sleep goodbye for at least 2-3 weeks! If mom's milk doesn't come in or she isn't producing enough milk you will be hand feeding a litter of pups every 2 hours!
The average size of a french bulldog litter is only 2-4 puppies! So, after the breeder chooses who they are keeping there may only be 1-3 pups available for sale. If you do the math on what it cost to get that litter into the world and compare that to the amount of selling a couple of puppies you will see who is taking the bigger loss and why french bulldogs are so expensive!
At the end of the day the amount of time and money that is invested in PROPERLY raising and breeding frenchies is astronomical compared to the cost of buying a QUALITY puppy from a reputable breeder!
Pet Puppies vs. Show/Breeding Quality Puppies
We get a lot of emails like this, " well, we want just a pet no breeding/showing" . Many people believe a "Pet Quality Puppy" is in some way inferior to a "Show Quality Puppy" and that could not be further from the truth. There really is no difference between a Pet or Show puppy, besides Conformation. Same amount of time, supplies, money, dedication and love has been invested to get that "Pet" puppy into this world. When people say, " I only want a Pet", it seems like they want to settle for the worst of the litter, which makes no sense, because there isn't a "worst of the litter". In all honesty, that Pet puppy might be the best one in the litter as far as personality and looks, it may just have a " cosmetic or conformation flaw" that would prevent it being titled as a Show Champion, but there is nothing inferior about the puppy. It could be something as minor as being a tad longer than what the judges like, or not having enough pigment, or a color that isn't accepted in the AKC show ring, We can't ever guarantee a pet puppy to be free of minor imperfections. The majority of "Show Quality Pups" are being sold as "just pets" anyway and are never shown. Show/Breeding Quality puppies are much more expensive due to the full breeding rights or show rights offered by the breeder to experienced show/breeding homes, and that is it. Whether "Pet or Show" all of our puppies are raised and treated equally!
What do I need to know about the french bulldog?
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Grooming and shedding: The Frenchie requires little in the way of grooming; a regular brushing of the coat and regular attention to teeth and nails is all it takes to keep them looking beautiful.
Please do pay extra attention to their wrinkled areas. Keep the areas inside their wrinkles clean to avoid the development of sores which can become easily infected and quite painful to the dog.
The Frenchie is a minimal to average year-round shedding dog.
Climate and environment: Frenchies prefer a cooler climate and, because they are brachycephalic (snub-nosed), great care must be given in hot weather, especially to make sure they do not overexert themselves as they are easily susceptible to heatstroke.
Behavioral aspects: The Frenchie was intentionally bred to be a companion animal; they are playful, amusing and have a natural curiosity about them. They are very lovable and sweet-natured dogs and are known to have a great sense of humor. They are very devoted to their person, love to please and amuse their person(s), and require a lot of attention and companionship; depriving them of the companionship and attention they so love will create a very unhappy Frenchie. Many people consider the Frenchie to be quite child-like in their behaviors and temperament and they've even been known to separate themselves from their owner or family in order to go sulk when they've been reprimanded or believe they've done something wrong.
The Frenchie is well-suited to apartment living; while they do enjoy and need regular walking, they are active indoors. They also enjoy the romping opportunities offered by having a backyard.
Behavioral aspects: The Frenchie was intentionally bred to be a companion animal; they are playful, amusing and have a natural curiosity about them. They are very lovable and sweet-natured dogs and are known to have a great sense of humor. They are very devoted to their person, love to please and amuse their person(s), and require a lot of attention and companionship; depriving them of the companionship and attention they so love will create a very unhappy Frenchie. Many people consider the Frenchie to be quite child-like in their behaviors and temperament and they've even been known to separate themselves from their owner or family in order to go sulk when they've been reprimanded or believe they've done something wrong.
Early socialization is an important part of any Frenchie’s early training; this will go far toward preventing them from becoming too much of a one-person dog, which occasionally happens in this breed.
The Frenchie is very intrigued by scents and you’ll find him snuffling all over the house and the yard, investigating what has gone on while he was not there. For this reason, always ensure your Frenchie is well harnessed and leashed when taking him out in public so that he doesn't have an opportunity to follow all those intriguing scents until he becomes lost. Don’t be at all surprised when he snuffles you after you've been out, too. He’s going to want to know where you've been and what you did!
Frenchies make excellent little watch dogs and will keep you alerted to what is going on outside the home.
For those of you who are more fastidious than others, it may be important to know that, while there are those that do not, many Frenchies do slobber and drool.
With children: Opinion is again somewhat divided on the issue of how well French Bulldogs do with and around children. There are those who claim they are so great with children that the kids can even dress them up and others who claim that Frenchies do best only with older children who have learned considerate dog handling and know not to tease.
With other dogs and animals: As with any dog, the Frenchie is going to be adaptable and compatible with other pets and animals if she has been socialized to other pets and animals from a young age. The more socialization with other pets and animals, the more she is going to be companionable with them.
It is not totally unusual for some male Frenchies to be dog-aggressive. And, again, early and consistent socialization will play a heavy roll in these types of behaviors, as will responsibly neutering your male.
Training and learning rate: The Frenchie is rated high in learning rate; low in obedience; and, low in problem-solving skills.
French Bulldogs can be a little hard-headed when it comes to training; however, a patient, consistent owner/trainer who uses calm but firm tones and a reward-system of training will find that the Frenchie will respond to training and will want to please such a gentle, caring owner/trainer. Using harsh training methods will almost guarantee you a Frenchie that not only will not obey, but one you will have made fearful of people, including yourself. Remember, they are very emotionally sensitive dogs.
Affinity to water: Because of the heavy, muscular build and the large head, the Frenchie is known NOT to be a swimmer, even though there are the few exceptions. Take necessary precautionary measures around swimming pools and ornamental ponds in your backyard and make sure she cannot fall into any deep water when you are out with her.
How noisy are they: French Bulldogs are not known to be barkers and do not have a high-pitched, “yappy” bark so often associated with small breed dogs.
Exercise: The exercise requirements of the French Bulldog are minimal. A good walk, a nice romp in the backyard, or even an extended play session inside the house will keep them exercised. The most important part of any exercise regime for a French Bulldog is to make sure, when walking or playing outdoors in warm or hot weather, he does not overheat and have a heatstroke.
Health issues: The most common health issues of the French Bulldog, in no particular order, are:
Anyone considering sharing their life with a French Bulldog needs to be aware that you can anticipate a lot of veterinary expense! It is very important to make sure you buy from a reputable breeder and NEVER buy from a pet store!
Grooming and shedding: The Frenchie requires little in the way of grooming; a regular brushing of the coat and regular attention to teeth and nails is all it takes to keep them looking beautiful.
Please do pay extra attention to their wrinkled areas. Keep the areas inside their wrinkles clean to avoid the development of sores which can become easily infected and quite painful to the dog.
The Frenchie is a minimal to average year-round shedding dog.
Climate and environment: Frenchies prefer a cooler climate and, because they are brachycephalic (snub-nosed), great care must be given in hot weather, especially to make sure they do not overexert themselves as they are easily susceptible to heatstroke.
Behavioral aspects: The Frenchie was intentionally bred to be a companion animal; they are playful, amusing and have a natural curiosity about them. They are very lovable and sweet-natured dogs and are known to have a great sense of humor. They are very devoted to their person, love to please and amuse their person(s), and require a lot of attention and companionship; depriving them of the companionship and attention they so love will create a very unhappy Frenchie. Many people consider the Frenchie to be quite child-like in their behaviors and temperament and they've even been known to separate themselves from their owner or family in order to go sulk when they've been reprimanded or believe they've done something wrong.
The Frenchie is well-suited to apartment living; while they do enjoy and need regular walking, they are active indoors. They also enjoy the romping opportunities offered by having a backyard.
Behavioral aspects: The Frenchie was intentionally bred to be a companion animal; they are playful, amusing and have a natural curiosity about them. They are very lovable and sweet-natured dogs and are known to have a great sense of humor. They are very devoted to their person, love to please and amuse their person(s), and require a lot of attention and companionship; depriving them of the companionship and attention they so love will create a very unhappy Frenchie. Many people consider the Frenchie to be quite child-like in their behaviors and temperament and they've even been known to separate themselves from their owner or family in order to go sulk when they've been reprimanded or believe they've done something wrong.
Early socialization is an important part of any Frenchie’s early training; this will go far toward preventing them from becoming too much of a one-person dog, which occasionally happens in this breed.
The Frenchie is very intrigued by scents and you’ll find him snuffling all over the house and the yard, investigating what has gone on while he was not there. For this reason, always ensure your Frenchie is well harnessed and leashed when taking him out in public so that he doesn't have an opportunity to follow all those intriguing scents until he becomes lost. Don’t be at all surprised when he snuffles you after you've been out, too. He’s going to want to know where you've been and what you did!
Frenchies make excellent little watch dogs and will keep you alerted to what is going on outside the home.
For those of you who are more fastidious than others, it may be important to know that, while there are those that do not, many Frenchies do slobber and drool.
With children: Opinion is again somewhat divided on the issue of how well French Bulldogs do with and around children. There are those who claim they are so great with children that the kids can even dress them up and others who claim that Frenchies do best only with older children who have learned considerate dog handling and know not to tease.
With other dogs and animals: As with any dog, the Frenchie is going to be adaptable and compatible with other pets and animals if she has been socialized to other pets and animals from a young age. The more socialization with other pets and animals, the more she is going to be companionable with them.
It is not totally unusual for some male Frenchies to be dog-aggressive. And, again, early and consistent socialization will play a heavy roll in these types of behaviors, as will responsibly neutering your male.
Training and learning rate: The Frenchie is rated high in learning rate; low in obedience; and, low in problem-solving skills.
French Bulldogs can be a little hard-headed when it comes to training; however, a patient, consistent owner/trainer who uses calm but firm tones and a reward-system of training will find that the Frenchie will respond to training and will want to please such a gentle, caring owner/trainer. Using harsh training methods will almost guarantee you a Frenchie that not only will not obey, but one you will have made fearful of people, including yourself. Remember, they are very emotionally sensitive dogs.
Affinity to water: Because of the heavy, muscular build and the large head, the Frenchie is known NOT to be a swimmer, even though there are the few exceptions. Take necessary precautionary measures around swimming pools and ornamental ponds in your backyard and make sure she cannot fall into any deep water when you are out with her.
How noisy are they: French Bulldogs are not known to be barkers and do not have a high-pitched, “yappy” bark so often associated with small breed dogs.
Exercise: The exercise requirements of the French Bulldog are minimal. A good walk, a nice romp in the backyard, or even an extended play session inside the house will keep them exercised. The most important part of any exercise regime for a French Bulldog is to make sure, when walking or playing outdoors in warm or hot weather, he does not overheat and have a heatstroke.
Health issues: The most common health issues of the French Bulldog, in no particular order, are:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome (breathing difficulties)
- Elongated Soft Palate
- Snoring (especially when overweight)
- Overheating/heatstroke (especially when overweight)
- Respiratory issues, including wheezing (especially when overweight)
- Eye problems
- Entropion (in-turned eyelids)
- Cherry Eye
- Glaucoma
- Juvenile cataracts
- Corneal ulcers
- inverted vulvas
- luxating patellas
- kinked, crooked, inverted tails
- Easily become overweight
- Flatulence
- Spinal issues
- Skin issues
- Allergies
- Cesarean section delivery of puppies due to puppies’ large heads
- Chondrodystrophic Dwarfism
Anyone considering sharing their life with a French Bulldog needs to be aware that you can anticipate a lot of veterinary expense! It is very important to make sure you buy from a reputable breeder and NEVER buy from a pet store!