How much does a French Bulldog cost and why? I think it will help to understand the upfront cost when breaking down my personal investments into my dogs, my program and my vision.
To start off, I purchased my foundation female (a chocolate brindle girl) for $8,000 plus the cost of regular vet visits, food, supplements, toys, crate, leashes, collars, genetic and health testing, etc.
The following costs apply to each litter, progesterone testing $300-$600, stud fee $2,000-$6,000, shipment of semen $600, implantation $500, c-section $1,500-$3,000, food & supplement costs until pups go home $1000+, vaccinations, dewormer, antibiotics, flea/tick prevention $1000. Litter exam $120, any additional/unexpected expenses
Then there are things not absolutely necessary, but really nice to have for example a DSLR camera and multiple lenses for taking photos $4,000, a progesterone machine $5,000, incubator $2,000, professional whelping pen $2,000, oxygen concentrator $250, nebulizer $50, many other various medical equipment, props, outfits, multiple washable toys, new blankets, and the list goes on and on.
After all of these investments, I cannot tell you how many times we have had a litter of one, or a failed pregnancy altogether. My dogs require my time and involvement 24/7/365, no holidays, no time off, and when there are newborn babies you better believe I don't sleep for days on end. If I DO have the rare chance to go out and practice a bit of self-care, I have to plan weeks or months in advance to make sure I have a dog sitter and baby sitter ready.
Most ethical breeders don't set out to make a fortune on selling puppies. If any money is made at all, its invested right back into my beloved dogs and into improving this amazing breed.
NW Frenchies Lilac French Bulldog Puppy
NW Frenchies Lilac French Bulldog Puppy
NW Frenchies Lilac French Bulldog Puppy
We all love Frenchies but few people truly understand what is involved genetically in these exaggerated traits that we find so aesthetically pleasing. There is a reason why Frenchies have weak immune systems, loose hips, joint and spine issues. Most people know that dwarfism in humans causes a lot of medical issues but we forget that in French Bulldogs, we are selectively breeding a dog with dwarfism. And yes, that comes with some health issues which are considered “normal” for the breed.
French bulldogs are expensive to own and to breed. My fear is that due to over breeding, puppy mills, and breeding poor examples of the breed, the price of these dogs will drop to the point that people who buy them truly can’t afford a Frenchie, and the vet expenses that are common in this breed. These dogs will be dumped in shelters when the owners can’t afford the mounting medical expenses.
Selling this breed for cheap to everyone is not only setting up the new owners for failure but you are also setting the dog up for heartache and suffering. When people ask me for a “cheap” French Bulldog, I explain there is no such thing. They are not cheap to breed, to feed, to house, and to care for medically.
Breeders (especially first-time breeders) need to understand why our breed is costly. French Bulldogs have micromelic achondroplasia (dwarf breed), Brachycephalic (flat faced breed), and a mutation for tail shorting. Those are big words that come with challenges that require special care and added expenses.
There is no getting a “cheap Frenchie” so take the time to educate yourself, new breeders and buyers. This breed is not for everyone. Invest in a well bred dog and with a knowledgeable Breeder who will offer you a lifetime of “ Frenchie technical support” so they will help guide you in the challenges that come with owing this breed. I hope this post was helpful in explaining why French Bulldogs cost so much. Sending my hugs and my love.