French Bulldog: Breeder selection and lines

When choosing a French Bulldog, verify the named records and the issuing scheme before relying on a breeder's description. Treat the record as background information, not proof of how this individual dog will respond. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.

What to verify before choosing

French Bulldog's recommended parent-club health tests is recorded as ['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']. Here, that matters because it identifies a record to verify, not a diagnosis of the dog in front of you.

Read the record, not the promise

  1. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine.
  2. Keep the recommended parent-club health tests in view (['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
  3. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.

Walk away or pause if

Do not proceed on verbal assurances when required records are missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent.

References

Height: 11-13 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height

Weight: under 28 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight

Life expectancy: 10-12 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy

Grooming: The Frenchie's short coat sheds minimally. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will help to remove shed hair and keep him looking his best. Brushing promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to help keep it healthy. A Frenchie's facial folds should be kept clean and dry.…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy

Exercise: A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day should provide enough exercise to keep the French Bulldog in shape. Frenchies enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and rally. As a flat-faced breed, however, they are prone to breathing difficulties and should never be allowed to exert themselves in hot or humid…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy

Training: Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations will help him develop into a well-adjusted adult. Puppy training classes serve as part of the socialization process, promote good behavior, and help the owner learn to recognize and correct bad habits. Frenchies have big…
AKC page Training > official section copy

Official breed description: The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world's most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description

Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club

Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/French_Bulldog-6-18.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard

Use the tools

Turn a question into a closer look