Epic French Bulldogs

27/08/2025

Researching Breeders: How to Make an Informed Choice

Choosing to add a dog to your life is a big decision. Whether you decide to adopt from a rescue or purchase from a breeder, the most important step is doing your homework. Understanding the difference between ethical breeders and irresponsible breeders can help ensure that you bring home a healthy, well-adjusted dog—and that you support practices that benefit dogs long-term.

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Why Purpose-Bred Dogs Exist

Purebred dogs did not come about by chance. Over centuries, humans carefully developed breeds for specific purposes:
• Herding dogs to manage livestock
• Hunting dogs to assist in providing food
• Guarding and working dogs to protect property and people
• Companion breeds to provide comfort and partnership

Each breed has unique physical and behavioral traits suited to its purpose. These traits are preserved and maintained by dedicated preservation breeders, who work under codes of ethics established by their National Breed Clubs.

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What Responsible Breeders Do Differently

Ethical breeders go far beyond just “producing puppies.” They:
• Screen breeding dogs for genetic diseases common to the breed
• Prioritize temperament and soundness so puppies grow into stable companions
• Raise puppies in a clean, socialized environment that prepares them for life in homes
• Stand behind every puppy for life, meaning they will take back or rehome any dog they produce if the owner cannot keep it

Importantly, responsible breeders are not contributing to the number of dogs in shelters. Their puppies are placed thoughtfully, and they remain accountable for every dog they produce.

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Where Rescue Dogs Come From

Many of the dogs in rescues and shelters are not there because of responsible breeders. Instead, they come from:
• Backyard breeders who produce puppies without health testing, pedigree knowledge, or planning
• Profit-driven breeders who view puppies as quick cash rather than living beings
• Trendy crossbreeds (“doodles” or non-standard colors) bred to meet market demand, often without regard for health or temperament

These breeders rarely provide support after the sale. Once money changes hands, the new owner is on their own. This cycle contributes heavily to shelter populations.

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Rescue vs. Breeder: Both Are Valid Choices

There is no single “right” path. Adopting a rescue can save a life, while purchasing from a responsible breeder helps preserve breed integrity and predictability. What matters most is that you:
• Research the breed’s needs (energy, grooming, health)
• Research the breeder or rescue organization
• Ask questions and look for transparency

⚠️ Note: Just as there are irresponsible breeders, there are also disreputable rescues. Some operate more like businesses than true animal welfare organizations. Always investigate before committing.

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How to Start Your Search

A reliable first step when looking for a specific breed is to connect with the National Parent Club for that breed. These clubs maintain breeder referral lists, health resources, and education about breed characteristics.

To find one, simply search:
• “[Breed Name] Club of America”
• “[Breed Name] Parent Club”

From there, you can access ethical breeders who adhere to a code of conduct, as well as valuable resources about the breed.

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Final Thoughts

Bringing a dog into your family is a lifelong commitment. Choosing where your dog comes from is just as important as choosing which dog. By doing your research—whether you adopt or buy—you not only set yourself up for success, but you also support the people and organizations working for the good of dogs everywhere.

04/07/2024

24/04/2024

Fad color GReeders be like…

23/01/2024

I love this bad girl.

04/01/2024

Don’t Buy A Dog From Me
( What reputable breeders want you to know)

If you want to buy a dog and walk away, don’t buy one from me. If you want to pick a puppy because it came to you when you sat down or gave you a cute look, don’t buy one from me. If you don’t want to take my recommendations on what food to feed or what is best for the health and well being of the dog, after years of experience, don’t buy a dog from me.
If you just want a puppy NOW, because you need it for a Christmas gift or to be in Senior Pictures, don’t buy one from me. If you never plan to update me on how the dogs is doing or send a picture once in a while, don’t buy a dog from me.
If you want a dog to live in the backyard, run loose on a farm and never share time in the house with your family, definitely don’t buy a dog from me. If you want a lawn ornament, you can buy one made of cement or plaster, not much care needed.
However, if you want a puppy that has parents with health testing, that was socialized, loved and made a priority from the day it was born. A puppy who’s temperament and activity level has been carefully chosen to fit your lifestyle. A puppy selectively and purposefully bred to the standard set forth by our breed club, then maybe you do want to buy a dog from me.
If you want a breeder who will at anytime in the dogs life take them back, no questions asked. A breeder who is there 24/7 for you and your dog for questions and concerns and will work hard to help you resolve any issues. Then you might want to buy a dog from me.
If you want a breeder who loves each puppy/dog with all her heart, considers you part of the family and will laugh or cry with you at any time. Well then we might be a match.
Reputable breeders should never be lumped in with puppy mills, backyard breeders or those who broker dogs. A reputable breeder will be able to provide clearances, a five generation pedigree, an explanation as to why they bred the two dogs. While most of the time they will make little or no money. What money they might get is reinvested Into the dogs one way or another.
A reputable breeder knows their dogs, and can realistically tell you what to expect and when. They can guide you toward veterinarians, training facilities and products that will benefit your dog.
A reputable breeder will be your friend, a guiding hand and a strong shoulder.
So whatever choice you make, make it with the best interest of the dog in mind and if that’s not your plan….. then don’t buy a dog from me.

Author unknown but I'm sure LOTS of ethical/reputable/Preservation breeders feel the same.
💥💥💥French Bulldogs

31/12/2023

Male or female?
I get asked this question quite a bit from people looking for a well bred puppy.

“What is the difference between a male dog and female dog?? Which one do you think makes a better pet?”

MALE vs. FEMALE: Does a male or a female make a better pet for you and your family?

It’s not uncommon for people to believe that a female dog will make a better pet. We get a lot of calls for people wanting that “special little girl”. For whatever reason they don’t think that females will exhibit “alpha” behaviors like hu***ng and/or marking. A lot of people think that females are more passive and friendly and that they don’t take part in fighting over dominance, which could NOT be farther from the truth. If you check out the structure of dog packs, the females determine the pecking order and rule the roost. The result of that behavior is that the females become more stubborn, independent, and territorial than the males. These females are much more intent on exercising their control by participating in that “alpha” behavior like hu***ng. Most fighting will usually break out between two females.

Males tend to be more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and even more demanding of attention. The males are very attached to their owners, tending to be more dedicated, reliable and less temperamental. They are more sociable, more accepting of other pets, playful for years, and take quicker to children. Most boys are easily motivated by treats/food, words of praise and are so eager to please that training actually becomes easier. Their playful nature, however, can make males more easily distracted. The boys are more likely to act silly and more puppy-like, always wanting to play games, no matter what their age. The boys are fun-loving until the day they die, whereas girls tend to be more standoffish and dignified the older they get.

Neutered males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as marking and lifting their legs or hu***ng. Once the testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors will disappear if they ever existed.

So before making your decision on that age old dilemma of male vs. female, hopefully this will give you some helpful info to think about.

22/12/2023

Merry Christmas from Dick and Sue and all of the Epic Frenchies!