For those who have read our previous guide, we offered our experience in a simple purchasing guide to help prospective owners navigate the process of acquiring a French Bulldog puppy. Now, we have prepared a follow-up text aimed at helping these same individuals make informed choices when selecting a puppy. As emphasized previously, this guide is not intended for experienced breeders or owners, who do not require this type of assistance. While some “experts” may not fully agree with all the points outlined here, we believe it will be very useful for those who are less experienced.

The elements to consider, in order of importance, when selecting a French Bulldog are:

1. Health

2. Seriousness and competence of the breeder

3. Character

4. Structure

5. Color

6. Pedigree

7. Price

Health

Health is the top priority because no compromise should be made. A sick puppy not only brings suffering, lost time, and significant veterinary expenses, but insisting on health standards also encourages breeders to invest in raising healthy puppies while respecting the parents. No breeder can guarantee a puppy will never become ill, but responsible breeders significantly reduce the likelihood of genetic or hereditary conditions.

When evaluating a breeder, it is essential to ensure that the parents have been tested to prevent the transmission of genetic defects or diseases. These tests should be conducted by qualified veterinarians or authorized laboratories and documented in the sales contract as a guarantee that the puppy is not predisposed to these conditions.

Recommended tests include:

Veterinary Clinical Tests:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (assessment of potential luxations and their severity)

• Spinal X-ray (checks for hemivertebrae or butterfly vertebrae that may weaken the spine)

• Echocardiogram (assesses normal heart function)

Genetic Tests:

• HSF4 Hereditary Cataract (eyes)

• CMR1 Type 1 Multifocal Retinopathy (eyes)

• HUU Hyperuricosuria (urinary system)

• DM Degenerative Myelopathy (spinal cord) — optional

Breeders who do not perform these tests on their breeding stock cannot be considered reliable sources for healthy puppies. Experience or a pedigree alone is insufficient; these claims are excuses to avoid investing in health and quality.

Standard Care and Documentation

Puppies must also have received routine care, including:

• Deworming, recorded in the health booklet

• Vaccinations, typically at 50, 70, and 90 days; if not completed, the new owner must ensure they are administered

• Giardia screening, as this common parasite can easily infect puppies. Early treatment is straightforward, but if neglected, it can be difficult to eradicate

• Microchipping, as required by law; avoid sellers attempting to bypass this

Puppies should be delivered with a general health certificate from the breeder’s veterinarian. Upon delivery, it is recommended that your own veterinarian perform a general check-up and discuss any findings with the breeder if needed.

Breeder Competence

The second most important factor is the seriousness and competence of the breeder. A puppy is not an appliance—you cannot simply return it if something goes wrong. A responsible breeder guides you in all aspects of care, feeding, training, and health management, preventing unnecessary stress, costs, and wasted time. The support of a competent breeder is often worth at least half the price of the puppy.

To evaluate a breeder, research the breed, seek advice from experienced contacts, use social media and online resources, and investigate the breeder’s reputation. Observe how they talk about dogs—whether with passion and love or merely for financial gain. A responsible breeder will allow visits to the facility, show the mother and puppies, and discuss their living conditions. Importantly, the breeder will want to know about the environment where the puppy will live, ensuring the puppy goes to a suitable home. Avoid breeders who also operate commercially, as they are often less ethical and may hide poor conditions behind a seemingly reputable business.

Character and Temperament

The puppy’s character is crucial. You must ensure it matches your lifestyle and home environment. Experienced breeders can often predict temperament at 60 days based on both the puppy and the parents, identifying traits like energy levels, independence, or sociability. This information helps prevent future behavioral challenges.

Structure

A puppy’s physical structure is another key consideration. Only dogs conforming to breed standards can be considered true French Bulldogs. While all puppies are adorable, seeing the parents allows assessment of proportions and weight to predict adult structure. A puppy that does not meet structural standards may be a beloved pet but cannot be considered a purebred.

Color

There is ongoing debate about acceptable French Bulldog colors. While some argue that only standard colors (brindle, black and white, fawn, or all white) should be recognized, others accept non-standard or “exotic” colors. Laws vary by country, but a dog with the correct structural and behavioral traits should not be dismissed as a mixed breed. Color does not affect health, but precautions must be taken for specific pairings:

• Pure white or white around the ears: ensure the puppy is not deaf

• Pied (white with other color patches): avoid breeding with another pied dog

• Merle: never breed with another Merle to prevent deformities

Non-standard colors often have higher market value, but health and parental care should always take priority over color.

Pedigree

While a pedigree does not guarantee health, issuing one reflects the breeder’s care and responsibility, helping prevent inbreeding. Even non-standard colored puppies should have a pedigree from recognized associations to document parentage.

Price

Finally, price should never be the primary factor. Investing in a French Bulldog involves more than the initial purchase; raising a healthy and well-structured puppy is costly. If you cannot afford both purchase and potential health care, it is better to wait rather than risk poor outcomes.