Why does a French Bulldog cost so much?
There are many factors that play a role in determining what your new puppy costs. However, price is largely determined by the investments which are necessary for producing a litter in the first place. In addition to the money, work, and time put into raising a health and socialized litter of puppies, other factors also play a role in the cost including DNA, color, pedigree, and structure. To get a clear understanding of what it takes to produce a healthy litter of French Bulldog puppies, I have broken down the costs below:
Our foundation female: $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-$5,000, shipment of semen $600, implantation $500, c-section $1,500-$3,000, food & supplement costs until pups go home $500+, vaccinations, dewormer, antibiotics, flea/tick prevention $500. Litter exam $260, 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, 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.
I have purchased a breeding male from un-associated lines with the intention to add genetic variability to my own lines for $13,000 Euros- who I ended up neutering and selling to a pet home due to not meeting my personal standard for health and quality. The original breeder never gave me a refund or replacement puppy. It was a complete loss for me, and his story is not the only one. I do not breed unhealthy dogs, and I have taken so many personal losses to ensure this. This is one reason why a healthy puppy from me costs what it does.
My physical labor is also a resource that I pour into every dog and every single litter. I do not hire help or have employees pick up dog poop for me. I do everything myself. Perhaps the most over looked aspect by potential puppy customers- yet the most valuable thing that no amount of money can ever get back is the time invested. Some people spend their life earning money in front of a computer, at a construction site, healing people, growing food, etc I have spent my life nurturing the breeding program that I have today. It is literally my lifes work, and I am so proud of the dogs that I have now. So please respect my nearly decade of dedication to excellence.
All of this being said, 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 the program and into improving the breed. Period.
What is FULL vs LIMITED AKC Registration?
AKC is the abbreviation for American Kennel Club, the registry that authenticates the ancestry, pedigree, and purity of our lines. On the application which is associated with your puppy I specify whether the puppy is allowed to breed (FULL) or not (LIMITED) by blacking out a code on the application. Almost all of my puppies go to pet homes, which means they will come with a spay/neuter contract and no breeding rights. I do not give registration papers to my pet home families until proof of spay/neuter is presented- this is to help prevent my precious lines from being abused by unethical backyard breeders who lie in order to obtain breeding rights and registration on a dog that I didn’t approve.
Can I Have Breeding Rights?
I am very picky with the puppies that come home with breeding rights. Do not be surprised if I ask for photos of where the puppy will be kept, where you plan to whelp future litters and how the puppies will be kept, if you have any knowledge or experience in breeding, how many dogs you have, Facetime/skype calls, and many more questions before feeling comfortable with allowing one of my French Bulldogs leave me with the intention to breed. In addition to this, a breeding quality French Bulldog with FULL AKC registration starts at $10,000.
Even after all this I might say no! It is not my intention to hurt anyone’s feelings. Rather I intend to preserve my years of tireless work. I do not want my lines to be misused or any dog to be abused. I expect that those individuals who have my dogs with breeding rights have the same moral code and respect for animal welfare as I do. I do this to ensure my babies do not end up in puppy mills, over-bred or neglected. My Frenchies are my family, beloved companions and treated that way first and foremost. I truly love them with all of my heart, and do my absolute best to keep them safe and out of the wrong hands. I would rather sell my puppies at the pet home price and know that they will live a comfortable live on a soft bed and loving family than to have an extra $2,000 for breeding right and worry that my poor dog will live its life on a wire bottom kennel with no love or socialization.
Are French Bulldogs suitable for family life & children?
Yes! In fact, my two young children have lived in harmony with our Bulldogs since their birth. However it is very important to know that young children should never be left alone with puppies as its too easy to hurt a young fragile puppy even unintentionally. Children must be taught proper handling of a puppy and be under supervision when playing with your new puppy. French Bulldogs are a affectionate, gentle breed and are excellent playmates and therapy dogs. Even small apartments are suitable homes because Frenchies are low energy and don't require much room to be happy. French Bulldogs are however heat and cold sensitive, so they must be kept indoors and in a temperature regulated environment, not outside! French Bulldogs have been bred specifically for companionship and they require a lot of human interaction to stay happy, so a family or one loving and invested individual is perfect and necessary.
How can I reserve/purchase a French Bulldog puppy?
First and foremost, I ask that anyone interested submits my online puppy application first. Once I get a chance to review your application (this usually takes, 1-3 business days) then I will be in contact with you. If you are worried that someone will reserve the puppy you want, then please call and leave a voice mail or text me on my cell phone to let me know that you sent in my application and are anxious to hear back! 503 349 3944. Once I review your puppy application and determine that your home will be suitable for one of my French Bulldog puppy’s, then you can send your non-refundable $1,000 deposit. Washington State residents are subject to 9% sales tax. In addition to the deposit, I require that you read my contract, and email a signed copy to me at the same time the deposit is sent in. Once I have the deposit and contract, then the hardest part.. waiting for your new baby to reach at least 8 weeks old before coming home. Your puppy must be paid for in full at the time they leave my home. I do not take payments.