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A GUIDE TO PURCHASING A FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPY






This simple guide is intended to help first-time buyers navigate the often overwhelming options when considering the purchase of a French Bulldog. It is based on the experience of breeders and private owners who have faced this decision both recently and in the past.
The first rule is: never buy from a pet store or a commercial seller. Many sellers present themselves as breeders but often are not, or only partially so. It is strongly recommended to visit the breeding facility in person, meet the mother of the puppies, verify that she is indeed the mother, and assess that the dogs are kept in hygienic and healthy conditions, both physically and mentally.
A store or commercial seller cannot provide information on how the puppies were raised, whether they received proper care and attention, if they were separated too early from their mother, if the parents were treated well, or if the parents were tested to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases or hereditary defects. Lack of these precautions can result in puppies that do not reflect the breed standard and may develop serious health or behavioral issues, sometimes even leading to premature death or severe adult-onset diseases.
It is important to remember that purchasing a puppy is not just a transaction—it is welcoming a new family member. Illness in a dog brings significant emotional and practical challenges. Moreover, if you love dogs and believe they deserve respect, it is essential not to support intensive, profit-driven breeding practices that exploit the parents.
Certification of the parents for reproduction is another critical aspect. Only a small number of breeders invest in this essential verification. Even healthy parents may carry genes for certain diseases that, if present in both parents, can produce affected puppies. Veterinary and laboratory testing is required, and recommended tests for French Bulldogs include:
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Patellar Dysplasia
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Spinal Conformity
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Echocardiogram
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Hereditary Cataract (genetic test)
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Multifocal Retinopathy (genetic test)
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Hyperuricosuria (genetic test)
Regarding pedigrees, often a topic of debate, it is important to clarify that a pedigree does not guarantee health. Some pedigrees list tests conducted on the puppy’s progeny, but without genetic verification of the parents, there is no certainty that the document accurately reflects the puppy’s ancestry. Nonetheless, it is advisable to acquire puppies with a pedigree. Responsible breeders provide pedigrees for all puppies to prevent close inbreeding if they are later used for reproduction. Even puppies of colors not recognized by national standards may have pedigrees issued by other official organizations.
Many believe that buying a puppy from a private family that bred their beloved dog at home is a good choice because of the love and care provided. However, love alone does not ensure healthy puppies. Unplanned or inexperienced breeding puts the mother at risk and can compromise the puppies’ health, especially if the parents are not certified for reproduction. Additionally, after purchase, you may be left without professional guidance for raising and caring for your puppy. A good breeder’s years of experience often surpass general veterinary knowledge and can save time, effort, and expenses in addressing potential issues. The support of a knowledgeable breeder often outweighs the initial cost of the puppy itself.
Other important considerations include:
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Ensuring that puppies have received all standard care treatments during their development:
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Deworming to eliminate parasites (must be recorded in the health booklet)
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Vaccinations: first at around 50 days, second at 70 days, third at 90 days. If the last vaccinations were not administered because the puppy is collected earlier, you will need to complete them. (All must be recorded in the health booklet)
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Giardia screening: often overlooked, though a common parasite that can become resistant and debilitating. If not done by the breeder, have it checked when bringing the puppy home.
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Ensuring that the puppy has a microchip, as required by law. Some dishonest sellers may attempt to sell a puppy without a chip—refuse this practice.
We hope these guidelines will help you make an informed and responsible purchase. Remember: price should never be the primary factor. The puppy’s health and the well-being of its parents are far more important.
By Paolo Claudio Rossini fondatore AA Allevatori Arcobaleno
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