Buying a bulldog puppy in California? Read this first.
We bred English and French bulldogs in Southern California for 15 years. We don't sell puppies anymore, so we can tell you plainly how to find a healthy one, what it really costs, and what to have ready before you bring it home.
Before you pay a deposit
Five checks we'd want every buyer to make.
- See the puppy live. A video call or a visit, with the mother on camera. Photos alone prove nothing.
- Ask for health testing on both parents, including airway and heart checks, not just a vet visit for the puppy.
- Get a written contract that spells out the health guarantee and what happens if something goes wrong.
- Never pay with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers to someone you haven't met. Those are the classic puppy-scam methods.
- Line up insurance and a vet before pickup day, so the first checkup is covered.
I'm looking for a puppy
Where to look, what a fair price looks like, and the red flags that mean walk away.
- English and French bulldog buying guides
- How to judge a breeder
- What bulldogs really cost
Start with the buying guide
I already have a bulldog
The care that matters most for this breed: skin folds, heat, weight, and vet bills.
- New owner checklist and shopping list
- Skin and wrinkle care
- Choosing pet insurance
Open the new owner checklist
Guides owners read most
Written from years of whelping, raising, and placing bulldogs, and updated for owners today.
French bulldog guides
Frenchie owners deal with a different set of questions: colors, prices, breathing and backs.
Plan for the vet bills before you fall in love
Bulldogs are wonderful and expensive. Flat faces, skin folds, and a stocky build mean more vet visits than most breeds, and some problems need surgery. Insurance only helps if you buy it before a condition shows up.
What a good bulldog plan covers
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Common bulldog health costs to plan for
- Airway problems from the flat face, sometimes needing surgery
- Skin fold infections and allergies
- Cherry eye and other eye conditions
- Hip, elbow, and spine problems
- Most bulldog litters are born by C-section, if you ever breed
Made by us
Single-ingredient treats we fed our own bulldogs
Pawlistic Treats is our own brand: air-dried, one-ingredient treats like beef liver, salmon, and duck feet. We're telling you up front that we make them, so you can decide for yourself.
Common questions
Do you still sell English or French bulldog puppies?
No. We stopped breeding and no longer sell puppies or offer stud service. This site now shares what we learned so you can find a healthy puppy from someone else. Start with our English bulldog buying guide.
How can I find a reputable English bulldog breeder?
Look for a breeder who health-tests both parents, lets you meet the puppy and its mother, answers questions about airway and skin problems honestly, and gives you a written contract with a health guarantee. Our guide on choosing a breeder lists the questions we'd ask.
How much does an English or French bulldog cost?
From a health-focused breeder, expect to pay several thousand dollars, and more for rare colors. The purchase price is only the start: bulldogs often cost more in vet care than other breeds. See why bulldogs are so expensive.
How much exercise does an English bulldog need?
Less than most dogs, but not none. Short, easy walks and play spread through the day work well. Bulldogs overheat quickly because of their flat faces, so skip exercise in the heat of the day and watch for heavy, noisy breathing.
Is pet insurance worth it for a bulldog?
For most owners, yes, if you buy it while your bulldog is young and healthy. Conditions that appear before coverage starts are usually excluded. Our insurance guide explains what to look for.