French Bulldogs for less than 2K: Beware of Bull

I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again! If the price is too good to be true, it is! Please don't fall for scams! No one is going to sell you a french bulldog for $400 or give it away free if you pay shipping! Don't do it! I’m not going to say its impossible to get a french bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder for less than 2K, it can happen, however its highly unusual and not the norm. I would ask a lot of questions, see where the puppy has been raised and absolutely see the parents and where they live. FaceTime, FaceTime, FaceTime!! It is very expensive to raise a litter of French Bulldog puppies and if the price doesn’t reflect that, I would ask yourself, why?

With the rise in popularity of French Bulldogs there is going to be a rise in unethical breeding practices of some "breeders". Health and quality of life aren’t taken into consideration for the dogs they own or puppies they raise. Unsuspecting families are just thinking they are getting a great deal from those breeders. Potential owners also don’t understand why "that puppy" is so cheap and mine are more expensive. All breeding programs are not equal!

I’m not writing the breeding cost to shame anyone or make anyone feel bad for questioning, because I love what I do and don't mind someone asking, why the expense!?! I wouldn’t be a breeder if I didn't love it! I would also pick an easier breed if I didn't love french bulldogs! Being able to hand over a puppy to their new family is so exciting! I don’t mind spending extra money to make sure my dogs and puppies are as well taken care of and ready for new homes as possible. I take pride in my puppy program because such care is given to each and every one of my dogs and puppies. I just want to share what goes into a litter and what normal costs are to help potential new Frenchie owners make the best decision for their family.

Cost Breakdown for 1 Litter:

• Health testing for genetic and other defect (depending on level of testing) - $300-1000+
• Health Testing prior to each litter breeding - $300-500
• Progesterone testing - $80 per test and it usually takes 3-4 tests
• Stud Fee - $2500-$4500
• AI depending on type – $300-$600+
• Ultrasound - $150
• Whelping supplies - $600+
• C-section - $1500-$4000+ if emergency
• Puppy health check and vaccines - $100+ per puppy for each visit (may have 1-4 visits depending on age of puppy at pick up)
• Microchip - $60 each puppy

Keep in mind this doesn’t account for the cost of at least 2 weeks off work (not leaving the house for those 2 weeks, not for special events, vacations, appointments, groceries, not leaving for anything), drive time and gas for breedings and multiple vet visits (at min. 5), the living space used up in your home for whelping and animal stuff (incubator $2500, whelping pen, cleaning supplies, pen when pups get larger, pads, blankets, supplements for mom, puppy pack and food to go home) the cost of buying and keeping puppy parents (food, yearly vaccines, flea and tick, toys, blankets, boarding when gone from the home for any length of time). You may buy or keep a breeding dog for two years and then you realize they aren’t breeding quality or unable to breed. You may breed and it not take or you only have 1 or 2 babies. You may breed and loose mom or puppies or both. There’s so much more…. Breeding is emotionally and financially taxing.

So, what do you do if you still want a Frenchie, but dont have 3-6k? Keep in mind the purchase of the dog is only the first financial set back. There are also medical expenses, emergencies, food, flea/tick preventative, toys, treats, cages, beds, boarding, etc. However, there are a couple ways you may be able to find a french bulldog cheaper. Take a look at french bulldog rescues or adopting a retired frenchie from a reputable breeding program. Some breeders also offer guardian home options periodically. Guardian homes are trusted families that house and care for a dog for the breeder. The dog can still be used by the breeder for a couple of breedings or stud service for a set time period. After the set time or breedings are finished, the dog is spayed or neutered and is completely your dog. This is a big commitment in time and emotion from both parties so make sure you're ready and choose the breeder wisely you work with (and have a contract). Lastly, there is good old saving up! It’s really hard! “I want, what I want, when I want it!” -me. That’s what I did for my first frenchie (that and talk my husband into spending that much money on a dog). I wanted a french bulldog for years and years and years before I actually was able to get one. I looked at rescuing, but years ago you didn't really see any french bulldogs in rescues. The breed specific rescues wouldn't adopt to me because I didn't live close enough. Thats when I went the route of saving. It may be the longer route to frenchie ownership, but it may be the most beneficial option for your family. You can choose a knowledgeable breeder and raise and love your puppy your own way from start to finish! You will have your pup for lots of years, so you can make sure your puppy is off to the best start at life right from the beginning!