frenchie breeder | Johnson House Bullies | French Bulldogs

A Well Bred French Bulldog Puppy vs a Poorly Bred Frenchie Pup

JohnsonHouseBullies — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 05:33:11 +0000

| Johnson House Bullies |

When you begin searching for the perfect French Bulldog, it is easy to be overwhelmed by cute photos and “rare” color claims. However, there is a vast difference between a puppy that has been thoughtfully produced and one that is the result of cutting corners. At Johnson House Bullies, we believe that a well-bred Frenchie is an investment in your family’s future happiness.

Understanding the distinction between high-quality breeding and backyard setups is essential for any prospective owner. This guide breaks down the physical, social, and professional markers that separate a top-tier Frenchie from a poorly bred one to help you make an informed choice.

Physical Structure and Conformation

The most visible difference between a well-bred and a poorly bred Frenchie is their physical build. A quality Frenchie puppy is bred to adhere to a specific type that ensures they are sturdy, mobile, and functional.

The Well-Bred Profile

Compact and Muscular: A quality Frenchie should have a cobby appearance: thick-set, muscular, and heavy-boned for its size.

The Roach Back: One of the hallmarks of the breed is a slight arch over the loin (the roach back). This isn’t just for looks, it’s a sign of proper spinal structure.

Square Head and Bat Ears: The head should be large and square with ears that stand naturally erect by 8-12 weeks.

Red Flags in Poorly Bred Puppies

Long or Lanky Frames: Puppies that look thin, have long legs and long muzzles, or lack muscle definition often lack the substance the breed is known for. Note that this is not the lanky stage you may hear Frenchie breeders talk about. This long lankiness can be spotted early on.

Sway Backs: A sagging topline often indicates weak core structure and can lead to mobility issues as the dog ages.

Temperament and Social Foundations

A French Bulldog’s personality is its greatest asset. While genetics play a role, the way a puppy is raised in its first two months determines its lifelong temperament.

The Well-Bred Puppy: At Johnson House Bullies, our puppies are raised underfoot on our nine-acre farm. They are exposed to household noises, various floor textures, and human touch from day one. A well-bred puppy is curious, seeks out human interaction, and bounces back quickly from new experiences.

The Poorly Bred Puppy: Puppies raised in cages, outdoors in kennels, or in isolated sheds often miss critical socialization windows. These pups may be overly fearful, tremble when touched, or exhibit small dog syndrome (aggression or excessive barking) because they haven’t been taught how to exist in the human world.

Rare Colors and Genetic Expertise

Rare colors and coats like Lilac Tri, Isabella, Merle, and Fluffy have taken the Frenchie world by storm. However, rare does not always mean quality.

Feature	Well-Bred Rare Color	Poorly Bred “Fad” Color
Coat Quality	Shiny, thick, and healthy-looking.	Thin, patchy, or prone to dry spots.
Genetic Knowledge	Breeder can explain “dilute” genes and avoid dangerous pairings (such as merle-to-merle).	Breeder uses rare as a marketing buzzword without understanding the genetics.
Focus	Color is the icing on the cake of a structurally sound dog.	Color is used to hide poor structure or lack of pedigree.

At Johnson House Bullies, we specialize in these unique shades and coats, including Fluffy Frenchies and Rojo French Bulldogs. But we never sacrifice the dog’s structure for a coat color. A poorly bred Frenchie is often marketed solely on its color to distract from its physical faults.

Living Conditions and Environment

A reputable breeder is proud of where their dogs live. If a breeder refuses to show you where the puppies are kept, take it as a major warning sign.

The Johnson House Difference: Our puppies live in a climate-controlled environment designed to feel like a home. They have access to clean, safe play areas where they can develop motor skills.

Red Flags: Strong odors, crowded cages, or a lack of climate control are indicators of a puppy mill or backyard breeder. Frenchies cannot regulate their temperature well. If they are kept in a hot or unventilated area, their health is at immediate risk.

Professionalism and Lifetime Support

Buying a puppy should be the start of a lifelong partnership with your breeder.

Documentation: A well-bred pup comes with AKC or ABKC registration papers, a clear pedigree, and a professional contract. A poorly bred pup often comes with excuses like the papers are in the mail or I didn’t register this litter.

The Interview: A good Frenchie breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask them. They want to ensure their puppies are going to the right homes. A poor breeder only cares about the deposit.

Support: We provide a starter care package and lifetime advice. If you have a question about training or feeding five years from now, we are here to help. A backyard breeder will often disappear as soon as the cash changes hands.

Making the Right Choice

Finding a healthy, happy Frenchie requires looking past the price tag. While poorly bred puppies are often cheaper upfront, the lack of structural integrity and early socialization can lead to significant emotional and financial stress later.

By choosing a breeder who focuses on the total dog (structure, temperament, and environment) you ensure that your French Bulldog will be a joyful, well-adjusted member of your family for years to come.

To help you vet a breeder effectively, here is a professional checklist. A quality breeder, like those we aim to be at Johnson House Bullies, will answer these questions without hesitation. If a Frenchie breeder becomes defensive or vague, it is a clear sign to look elsewhere.

The Quality Breeder Interview Checklist

Focus Area	Questions to Ask	What to Look For (The Quality Standard)
Environment & Early Life	“Can I see where the puppies are raised?”	Puppies should be in a clean, climate-controlled indoor area. At our farm, they are raised underfoot to ensure they are adjusted to the sounds of a busy home.
	“What kind of socialization have the puppies had so far?”	Look for exposure to different floor textures, household noises (vacuum, TV), and interaction with people of various ages to build confidence.
Pedigree & Registration	“Are the parents AKC or ABKC registered, and may I see the pedigree?”	A quality breeder knows their lines. A 3-generation pedigree shows you the history and consistency of the bloodline.
	“Will I receive the registration application at pickup?”	Never accept “I’ll mail it later”. Official registration papers should be ready and provided the moment you pick up your puppy. If there is a delay in the breeder receiving the litter registration (which can happen), the breeder will have proof of registration, which they can show upon request.
Structural Integrity	“What are the structural strengths and weaknesses of the sire and dam?”	No dog is perfect. A great breeder can explain why they paired two dogs, such as: “The sire has a perfect topline, and the dam adds the bone substance we wanted.”
	“At what age do your puppies’ ears typically stand?”	They should prioritize the “bat ear” standard. A quality breeder understands the physical development milestones of the breed.
Contracts & Support	“Do you have a Return to Breeder clause?”	This is the #1 sign of a responsible breeder. They should mandate that the dog must come back to them if you can no longer care for it, keeping it out of shelters.
	“What kind of after-care support do you provide?”	Look for a starter care package (like our Johnson House Bullies kit) and a commitment to offer feeding and training advice for the life of the dog.
Logistics & Safety	“How do you handle long-distance transportation?”	Prioritize safe, climate-controlled options like flight nannies or professional pet transporters.

The post A Well Bred French Bulldog Puppy vs a Poorly Bred Frenchie Pup appeared first on Johnson House Bullies | French Bulldogs.

The Importance of Health Testing and DNA Testing for Frenchie Breeders

JohnsonHouseBullies — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:32:48 +0000

| Johnson House Bullies |

At Johnson House Bullies (JHB), we take pride in breeding high-quality, healthy French Bulldogs. One of the most important aspects of responsible breeding is conducting health and DNA testing. These tests help ensure that our Frenchies, whether lilac and tan, chocolate and tan, or platinum, are bred with the utmost care and knowledge. This article will cover the importance of health testing and DNA testing for French Bulldog breeders like us at Johnson House Bullies, highlighting why these steps are essential for producing healthy Frenchie puppies for sale.

What is Health Testing?

Health testing refers to a series of examinations conducted to assess the physical well-being of breeding dogs. These tests screen for a variety of health conditions that can affect the breed, ensuring that only healthy dogs are used in breeding programs. For Johnson House Bullies, health testing is a critical part of our commitment to producing strong and healthy French Bulldogs.

French Bulldogs are prone to specific health issues due to their unique structure, such as respiratory problems, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. Health testing helps identify these problems early, allowing breeders to avoid using dogs with underlying issues in their breeding programs. By conducting these tests, Johnson House Frenchies are bred with a clear understanding of their health status, reducing the risk of passing on genetic disorders to the next generation.

What is DNA Testing for Genetic Conditions?

DNA testing goes a step further than general health testing by screening for genetic conditions that might not be immediately visible in a dog’s physical health. These tests analyze the dog’s DNA to detect any hereditary conditions that could be passed on to offspring. This is an essential part of ensuring that Johnson House Frenchies are not only healthy today but will remain healthy throughout their lives.

For French Bulldogs, DNA testing can screen for several common genetic conditions, including:

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This condition affects the spinal cord and can lead to paralysis. Dogs with a genetic predisposition to DM can be identified through DNA testing.

Hereditary Cataracts: This test checks for the gene that causes hereditary cataracts, which can lead to vision impairment or blindness in affected dogs.

Hyperuricosuria (HUU): A genetic disorder that leads to the formation of bladder stones, HUU can be identified through DNA testing and managed accordingly.

Cystinuria: Another condition affecting the urinary system, cystinuria is a metabolic disorder that can cause bladder stones.

At Johnson House Bullies, we prioritize DNA testing to ensure our Frenchie puppies are free from these and other hereditary conditions. This testing allows us to breed only the healthiest dogs, maintaining the integrity and quality of our French Bulldogs.

DNA Testing for Physical Traits

In addition to health and genetic condition testing, DNA testing also allows Frenchie breeders like Johnson House Bullies to identify specific physical traits in French Bulldogs. This includes coat colors and patterns, which are often desirable among Frenchie enthusiasts. At Johnson House Bullies, we specialize in breeding lilac and tan Frenchies, chocolate and tan French Bulldogs, lilac and tan merle Frenchies, and platinum Frenchies. DNA testing ensures that we produce Frenchies with the exact traits that our clients are looking for.

Testing for Coat Colors

French Bulldogs come in a variety of beautiful coat colors, and DNA testing allows breeders to predict and plan for specific colors in their breeding programs. Some of the coat colors that can be identified through DNA testing include:

Chocolate: A rich, brown color that is often highly sought after. DNA testing can determine if a dog carries the gene for chocolate coat color.

Blue: This refers to a diluted black color that gives the dog’s coat a silvery or grayish-blue hue. DNA testing can confirm whether a dog carries the gene responsible for this color.

Lilac: A diluted version of the chocolate color, lilac Frenchies have a soft, silvery coat. DNA testing ensures that dogs with the lilac gene are correctly identified.

Isabella: A rare, diluted form of the chocolate gene, isabella Frenchies have a light beige or fawn coat. DNA testing helps breeders ensure that dogs carrying the isabella gene are accurately identified.

Platinum: A unique, almost white coat color, platinum Frenchies are highly coveted. DNA testing can help confirm whether a dog has the genetic makeup for this striking color.

At Johnson House Bullies, DNA testing helps us produce chocolate and tan, lilac and tan, and lilac and tan merle Frenchies. This testing allows us to provide our clients with puppies that have the colors they desire, while still ensuring that these dogs are healthy and free of genetic defects.

Testing for Coat Patterns

In addition to color, French Bulldogs also have various coat patterns that can be identified through DNA testing. These patterns include:

Merle: A unique pattern that features patches of lighter and darker colors throughout the coat. DNA testing helps breeders identify whether a dog carries the merle gene, allowing them to breed for this striking pattern.

Tan Points: This refers to distinct tan markings that appear on certain areas of the dog’s body, such as the chest, face, and legs. DNA testing can identify the presence of the tan point gene, which is highly desirable in French Bulldogs.

Fluffy (Coat Length): Fluffy Frenchies have a longer, soft coat that gives them a unique and adorable appearance. DNA testing helps breeders determine whether a dog carries the gene for this longer coat, allowing them to produce Fluffy Frenchies.

At Johnson House Bullies, we use DNA testing to ensure that our lilac and tan, chocolate and tan, and lilac and tan merle Frenchies carry these specific markings. This testing helps us provide clients with Frenchies that meet their preferences in terms of both color and pattern, while still maintaining a focus on the health and well-being of the dog.

Why Health and DNA Testing Matter at Johnson House Bullies

At Johnson House Bullies, we believe that health and DNA testing are critical components of responsible breeding. French Bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their unique appearance and lovable personalities, but they also come with specific health risks that can be passed down through generations. By performing thorough health and DNA testing, we ensure that our Frenchie puppies for sale are not only visually stunning but also healthy and free from genetic disorders.

Our commitment to health testing allows us to detect any potential issues early, preventing them from being passed on to future litters. Meanwhile, DNA testing enables us to breed for specific physical traits like coat color and pattern, ensuring that each puppy meets the highest standards of both health and appearance. Whether you’re looking for a lilac and tan Frenchie, a chocolate and tan French Bulldog, or a platinum Frenchie, Johnson House Bullies has the expertise and knowledge to provide you with a top-quality dog.

Essential for Reputable French Bulldog Breeders

Health and DNA testing are essential tools for any responsible French Bulldog breeder, and at Johnson House Bullies, we take this responsibility seriously. From screening for genetic conditions to ensuring that our Frenchies carry the desired coat colors and patterns, we use these tests to produce the best French Bulldogs possible. If you’re looking for Frenchie puppies for sale, you can trust that Johnson House Bullies prioritizes health, quality, and integrity in every litter. Whether you’re interested in lilac and tan Frenchies, chocolate and tan French Bulldogs, or lilac and tan merle Frenchies, we are here to provide you with a healthy, beautiful, and loving companion.

The post The Importance of Health Testing and DNA Testing for Frenchie Breeders appeared first on Johnson House Bullies | French Bulldogs.

Why Do French Bulldogs Have Small Tails?

JohnsonHouseBullies — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:30:54 +0000

| Johnson House Bullies |

French Bulldogs are a distinctive breed known for their charming appearance, and their tails, or lack thereof, contribute to their unique character. Here are factual reasons behind the small tails or absence of tails in French Bulldogs:

Selective Breeding

Frenchies were selectively bred for specific traits, including their compact size and distinctive appearance. Over generations, breeders favored dogs with shorter tails or naturally bobbed tails. This led to the prevalence of this trait in the Frenchie breed.

Historical Purpose

Frenchies were initially bred as companion dogs rather than working breeds. Unlike some other breeds that required tails for specific tasks, Frenchies did not have a functional need for longer tails. The lack of a historical working purpose contributed to the trend of smaller tails in the breed.

Genetic Factors in French Bulldogs

Genetics play a pivotal role in the size and appearance of French Bulldog tails. The presence of specific genes, such as the T gene (responsible for taillessness), can result in variations in tail length. Breeders may intentionally select for these genes to maintain certain aesthetic qualities in the breed.

Frenchie Health Considerations

The Frenchie is classified as a brachycephalic breed, characterized by its short and compact skull. This conformation extends beyond the head to their overall build, including their tails. A shorter tail is advantageous in minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort, particularly in the French Bulldog with its compact hindquarters. This consideration reflects responsible breeding practices that prioritize the health and well-being of the breed. By aligning the tail length with the breed’s physical characteristics, breeders aim to mitigate potential health issues associated with longer or more prominent tails in French Bulldogs.

Aesthetic Appeal of the Frenchie Tail

The appearance of French Bulldogs, including their tail characteristics, is a result of a balance between functionality and aesthetic preferences. The small tails or taillessness in French Bulldogs contribute to their overall charm and have become a defining feature of the breed.

The Adorable French Bulldog Fanny

In summary, the small tails or lack of tails in French Bulldogs is a product of intentional breeding practices, historical purpose, genetic factors, and considerations for the health and aesthetics of the breed. Understanding these factual aspects adds depth to our appreciation of the unique characteristics that make French Bulldogs such beloved companions.

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