The short version
- Choose health over color. Ask about breathing, spine, and heart testing on both parents.
- See the puppy and mother on a live call or in person before paying anything.
- Rare colors cost more, and a few need extra genetic care. Ask for DNA color results.
- Budget for vet care and insurance, not just the purchase price.
We raised French bulldogs alongside our English bulldogs for years, including our chocolate tweed merle sire, Raider. Frenchies are wonderful companions, and their popularity means there are both excellent breeders and a lot of people cutting corners.
Health first, color second
French bulldogs are prone to breathing problems, spine issues, and allergies. When you talk to a breeder, ask:
- Have both parents been checked for airway problems? Some breeders use a formal breathing assessment.
- Have the parents had spine, hip, or heart evaluations?
- Has either parent needed airway surgery?
- How does the mother breathe after a short walk?
A puppy from well-tested parents with open nostrils and quiet breathing at rest is worth more than any coat color.
About rare colors
Blue, lilac, chocolate, merle, and tweed Frenchies are popular and priced higher. Color itself doesn't make a dog healthy or unhealthy, with one important exception: breeding two merle dogs together can cause serious eye and hearing problems in puppies. A responsible merle breeder never pairs two merles and can show you the parents' DNA color results. Our French bulldog colors guide explains the genetics in plain English.
Questions to ask every breeder
- What health testing have both parents had, and can I see the results?
- Can I see the parents' DNA color reports?
- Can I meet the puppy and mother, live?
- What does your written health guarantee cover?
- How many litters has the mother had, and at what ages?
- Will you take the dog back if I can't keep it?
Price and scams
Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a French bulldog from a careful breeder, with rare colors costing more. See why French bulldogs are so expensive for where that money goes.
Frenchie scam red flags
- A "rare color" puppy far below normal prices
- No live video call, only photos
- Payment requested by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer
- Shipping-only sales with surprise fees for crates, insurance, or vaccines
Getting ready
French bulldogs overheat easily, so plan for a cool indoor space and a harness instead of a collar. Book the first vet visit before pickup, and set up pet insurance while your puppy is young and healthy.