If you scour the globe and the Internet for a French Bulldog I'm sure you'll find several. There are many other people shopping and buying Frenchies too called Agents. These agents are people many dogs go through (brokering) before reaching the pet stores. Often times agents, find dogs frompuppy mill breeders. Importers that do not breed and ship several pups overseas to then be resold here in the US. These people make their money off reselling pups. Once the pups are sold is as far as their interest goes. They are not interested in you, just selling dogs and making money off of them.

Recently I found a person selling pups that posted signs on freeway off ramps. Quite frankly that really doesn't set right with me. First of all, I care about my dogs and do not consider them my source of income, but many people do. There are several importers with horrible track records of how they've sold unhealthy, genetically sick puppies then refuse to take your call. Even if your pup dies they are no where to be found and some even have law suits pending as a result.

Examples of some of these Frenchie puppy exploit, bottom feeders are:

Trisha Slack (Lake Elsinor, CA)
Bigbulldogs.com (Fallbrook, CA)

You can find this info in the July 2007 AKC Board Minutes http://www.akc.org/ab...

"The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Mr. Todd Howard, Fallbrook, CA, from all AKC privileges for ten years, effective July 9, 2007, and imposed a $2000 fine for non-compliance with AKC's record keeping and dog identification requirements, and
failure to complete proper chain of registration. (Multiple Breeds)" (Todd Howard imports Bulldogs and French Bulldogs from Hungary, selling them under the trade name BigBulldogs. com.)

"The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Ms. Brenda Moncrieff, Pine Grove, PA, from all AKC privileges for ten years, effective July 9, 2007, and imposed a $2000 fine for violation of the AKC's record keeping and dog identification requirements, pursuant to
Chapter 4, Section 7, of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline. (Multiple Breeds)" (Brenda and Evan Moncrieff import Bulldogs and French Bulldogs from Russia, selling them under the trade name BulldogRavine. com.)

"The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Mr. Evan Moncrieff, Pine Grove, PA, from all AKC privileges for ten years, effective July 9, 2007, and imposed a $2000 fine for violation of the AKC's record keeping and dog identification requirements, pursuant to
Chapter 4, Section 7, of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline. (Multiple Breeds)" (Brenda and Evan Moncrieff import Bulldogs and French Bulldogs from Russia, selling them under the trade name BulldogRavine. com.)

The Wrong Puppy provided information to the AKC concerning each of these importers which helped lead to the suspensions. The Wrong Puppy previously provided information to the AKC concerning importers James Slack, Patricia Slack and Andrea Karpati, all of whom have been
suspended by the AKC. The attorney, John Hoffman, has spent hundreds of hours working to protect the French Bulldog and Bulldog breed and puppy buyers against abusive importers who have defrauded buyers.

And... there are more.

In my opinion, breeders selling pups for huge amounts on the bases they've had top, winning champions does not attest to the health of their pups. It also does not ensure they are a good breeder to deal with. Typically their pups are no better or more, healthy then any conscientious breeder at almost half the price. That's why if you're not educated, take your time. Select a breeder you're comfortable with and build a relationship. You have no control over the quality of the pups if you don't know the breed and what to look for, no matter the asking price. Honestly, I've seen pups from $1,200.00 to $10,000.00. In this particular case I found the $1,200.00 dog healthier and more correct than the $10,000.00 dog. Here is a clue, if you're not breeding and not showing don't buy into the egotistical, price games between breeders as to whose dogs are worth more.

Breeders that tell you a particular color is worth more. Maybe to them, and maybe to take advantage of you. If you call up and say I want a fawn female with a black mask or a white puppy may cost you a bundle. Supply and demand and if you've got the money some breeders just name their price. On the other hand, people buy brokered puppies from pet stores for more money than most breeders ask. The flip side, importers buy multiple litters and several pups shipped from other countries and from puppy mills. Some sellers are looking to take advantage of new Frenchie enthusiasts. A pup shipped from Russia, for 3,000 US dollars is not a deal. There are plenty of local puppy breeders and ship only across the states for the same money or less.

A foreign breeder or an importer of pups for resale, won't help you after leaving with your pup. If you want a show prospect, the pups are so young when shipped, there's no way to tell. They have sligtly different standards and weight limits in other countries. It is a very big risk. Also to show or breed a foreign dog in the US you'll need an export pedigree. The dog then has to be registered in the US with the American Kennel Club (AKC). If you breed your dog in the US and are not registered with the AKC the pups won't be registered either. You have a better chance dealing with a local breeder and makes more sense.

Be aware of breeders with show contracts that require you must finish the dogs AKC champions EVEN if you have to hire a professional, handler to do it. What does that mean? The costs can be a lot more than you have in mind. Your dog may be gone for periods of time, but guess what you might enjoy it. Showing dogs is infectious (one exhibitor said) it is the competition, the anticipation and the sport of it all. Handlers present dogs for a price. To hire a handler ranges from $65 to $125.00 each day, just to show your dog. It cost more including group bonuses, a share of expenses and to keep your dog. Here is another idea - you can show your own dog too. That's right you don't have to hire a professional or be one and you can be involved in a fun weekend sport. Check the link "Showing Dogs" for more details.

NEWS FLASH! - This is a sensitive breed. They are companion dogs. Frenchies have good memories and pay-backs do apply. This breed is stubborn and will eventually own you. You may become frustrated finding this out, but some can fool you into thinking to jump through hoops for them, is what will make you happy.

Remember a French Bulldog is a long term financial and an emotional investment of your heart. Make sure this is the right breed for you and that you can be there for a new puppy. This wonderful breed can bring you many years of fun and laughter.