Choosing a Breeder
When deciding on a breeder, it is important to do your research. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of both the parents and their puppies. This includes extensive health testing, such as OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) evaluations to screen for breed-related structure issues. French Bulldogs are recommended by the OFA to be evaluated for Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation. This gives puppies the absolute best chance of prevention for these issues. It is actually rare to find a French Bulldog breeder that does this testing, because around 30% or more of tested Frenchies, fail - meaning they have hip dysplasia. No dog should be bred to suffer with hip and back problems their whole life.
Ethical breeders also perform genetic screening for their breed, there are hereditary diseases that can be passed on to puppies. These diseases do not typically show themselves when puppies go to their new homes. Selective breeding pairs compatible dogs together avoid puppies having any breed diseases. These same genetic screenings can also tell us what colors our French Bulldogs will produce!​
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French Bulldogs are a Brachycephalic breed, meaning short skull and flattened face. Unfortunately, a lot of current French Bulldogs are bred even when their nostrils are small and their palettes are narrow, which leads to breathing problems and even surgery! Monarch French Bulldogs selects dams and sires with wider nares to give them and their puppies the absolute best quality of life. When selecting dogs for our program, we believe health is more important than color.
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Finding a Breeder Checklist
When selecting a breeder, you are trusting them to care for their dogs and puppies. You are trusting them to hand over that rolly polly frenchie in optimal health. That is why there are a few things you should verify.
How many litters?
Each dog breed is different, but the general rule is a maximum of four litters. And only after they have been cleared by a veterinarian, and have received proper health testing. Dogs have their first litter around 2 years of age.
Pet Stores
Do not buy a puppy from a Pet Broker or a Pet Store. In the majority of cases, you will receive little information on the puppy's background, or a fake story. Pet Stores may seem like a good choice, plenty of breeds to choose from after all, but the background on the puppies is absent and they are prone to parvo or other illness.
Health Testing
Ask about OFA and genetic testing, ask where you can view the results. Most of the time, a breeder without proper health testing is going to avoid those questions. Majority of French Bulldog breeders ignore OFA testing, some will do genetics only.
Conversation
Talk to breeders, even if its over text or email. Ask questions. A good breeder is willing to educate and share information with potential puppy owners. When you get a puppy, keep in contact with your breeder.