Going to go look at this puppy tomorrow, what to check?

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Here’s a healthy looking pup around the same age.

I really appreciate all the help and the replies! after discussing it with my wife we have decided to not even go see the puppy tomorrow. will do more research and find a proper breeder or maybe even consider a different breed. I don't want to rush into a decision that will cause heart break later on. thanks!

Do not buy that puppy

Don’t do it. Puppy looks sick (dome head, eyes pointing in different directions) and parents look like they’re poorly cared for.

The dog on the left has an awfully crusty nose, his nails look like they haven’t been trimmed in months and he has weird bumps on his coat (likely allergies considering the tear stains, there is a genetic component to allergies and the puppy already has tear stains). The dog on the right has better nails and nose, but the tear stains are awful and why is she covered in flies?

Has also a short snout. The head seems a bit funny (skull size) Would be careful.

Please check this picture of when we went to check for the puppy.

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Puppy looked healthy, had a decent snout. Both parents where there, some of his unsold/not yet collected brothers and sisters where there. Very friendly breeder (was their first nest of puppies). We thought we knew what we where doing

We thought we bought a healthy puppy.

Guess what, almost everything grew except his snout. In the meantime we have spent thousands on Vet Bills (Cherry Eyes, Pallette surgery) as we where ignorant and not get insurance.

We really love him and we can afford all the additional cost involved.

Before I was reluctant about „hobby breeders“, nowadays I would really look for a very good/reputable breeder and if I need to wait 1 or 2 years for a puppy, than I would just wait. A French Bulldog is a delicate and sensitive dog in many ways (food allergies, breathing problems, spine issues etc.)

I would say check the puppy out, but once you are at the breeder you fall in love and all of the above is immediately forgotten and you could be confronted in the end with a lot of additional costs. So be sure you can afford the vet costs, proper food etc.

Looks like the puppy has hydrocephalus. I would definitely pass.

This puppy is very far from breed standards, I’d be curious to see what a dna test would come up with because there’s other breeds in there than frenchie. Please do not buy that pup.

No, I would ABSOLUTELY NOT buy that puppy. Their hind legs look off. Eyes too far apart and dome head are very concerning-look up Hydrocephalus. As for the parents, the dad looks like he has skin issues with those bumps? His nose and snout are extremely short. And whoever those breeders are, I'd say they are POS and only in it for the money because they are breeding 2 non-standard colors (I'd bet my paycheck with absolutely NO health or genetic testing)The dogs are dirty-both have tear stains, dad has a crusty nose and unclipped nails, and why in the hell is there a leash around the mom's neck and not a harness? If your wife is adamant, meet them at a vet and have the pup and parents checked and see if they will give you a 1 year health guarantee.

I hate to say this, but I would run. I would not even move forward with looking at this dog in person at the risk of you falling in love with it and making the poor decision to purchase from this broker. There are a lot of red flags for this puppy:

• You referenced a broker. Definitely not a good sign and means you will probably have limited information about the actual breeders which is unfortunately a quite intentional part of the puppy mill trade
• The puppy is far from breed standard. Eyes are asymmetrical, snout is off, legs look odd and the coloring is a fad color that’s notorious for irresponsible breeding. You should really only purchase from a breeder that exclusively breeds colors that are the breed standard.
• The mama does not look healthy. She also has fad colors and her tear stains/chin redness indicate she is not being properly cared for.

I know it’s hard to walk away from an adorable looking puppy, but you need to think about the long-term ownership implications. Do you want to spend the next few years watching a dog experience miserable health complications while you incur thousands of dollars in veterinary costs? Take the time to research the breed standard and reach out to reputable, responsible breeders. I promise the wait will be worth it.

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This is for reference! My puppy was the runt and we rescued him, notice his head is much smaller. I’m not sure but that puppy’s head looks oddly big and almost concerning. The dad in the picture looks unhealthy as well. I would be careful!!!

This puppy has hydrocephalus and has hip problems. Its adorable and will love you but has problems that it will not grow out of, unfortunately.

Don’t over pay you can can 100% get a purebred healthy for under 3k

Completely off standard, awful structure and it is from a backyard breeder. Frenchies do not naturally come in this colour. Run 🚩

The merle in frenchies is not natural its mixed in with another breed. These are poorly bred and the people you are gonna buy from are back yard breeders. Do NOT buy from these people.

Just even very basic things about the breeding pair says a lot about the breeders that is NOT positive. Look at the nose on the stud, look at the tear stains on poor mama dog. Just simple regular care and upkeep things without going into breeding practices and breed standards are already big red flags. Hard pass for so many reasons but just on a basic level please pay attention to how breeders care for their own.

Looks like a fivehead.. confirm if the breeder had Mama undergo a c-section or forced a "natural" birth to save money and probably give the poor pup brain damage

Disclaimer: I rescued a fivehead Frenchie and he has neurological issues. The differences between him and my youngest pup who I got from a reputable breeder is absolutely wild (much love to my rescue boy tho 💙)

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My boy when he was around that age. He was the runt of the litter and still much healthier than this pup. Please avoid this breeder.

Yikes. No, just no. This thing looks awful.

Please make sure she can hear. Especially since that baby has blue eyes. My Margie is deaf and we didn’t know til after we fell in love with her.

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Head shape is way off. Too much fluid deep in the brain. Can cause brain damage or death. Very very sad.

Would stay away from Merle unless you wanna pay tens of thousands in healthcare

Respectfully… not only is that pup not up to breed standard, it does not look like it was bred very well (could be very costly in the long-run). *urging caution

That's not a dog, that's 1 to 2 years of vet bills and heart ache. I speak from experience.

A simple 'litmus test': Ask the breeder who they insure their dogs with, and ask them to arrange the first month's cover for that puppy. That eliminates the 'existing conditions' clause, as well as minimum time insured exclusions. Any reputable insurer would welcome the new business, and the first month's premium is peanuts compared to the cost of that pup, the breeder should be eager to offer the cover. Any hesitation should be treated as a massive red flag, run away and find another breeder.

You need to not look at the dog and start looking at the people who are breeding the dog how often they breed and how they treat their animals. Unfortunately people who breed dogs that look like this know people just want them for the look and don’t worry about making them healthy well-rounded dogs that are well cared for.

None of these dogs are breed standard.

Merle is a birth defect

See if there’s a slim mouse named “Pinky” lurking around him 😂

I'd highly recommend having a good look at rescuing a frenchies. There are a lot of them born with cleft pallets that are given up by their breeders. I have two foster fail frenchies that are "designer colours". Both have clefts, and both have great lives. Most clefties have better breathing once they are adults. Can confirm that this pup looks like it could have hydro. Trust me, ya don't want to see the later stages of hydro. It's fucked! Poor little babies

THIS IS NOT A HEALTHY FRENCHIE. NOR IS IT ETHICALLY BRED. DO NOT BUY.

Doesn't look healthy to me. Looks frail and spindly and is wonder about hydrocephalus, which they are prone to. Expect lots of medical bills. These are the most over bred dogs right now and there are tons of them being dumped in shelters due to medical issues and vet costs.

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Another example of a well-bred puppy. I think Franklin was around 6 weeks when we went to visit

It hurts my heart so much to say it but don’t go for it. The only way to end inbreeding and unethical breeding is to stop giving it money. It may take time but you could rescue a frenchie and it’s much better.

This baby definitely doesn’t look healthy. That said, she still deserves a loving and safe life. These pups have to go somewhere, and if you’re in a position to give the care required (which would be a lot) then go for it. I would if I could.

Is this a reputable breeder? Did you do research on them?

The poor parents look emotionally broken!! Those are not happy dogs! Or loved dogs or cared for dogs. I also commented below, but I had to post again once I really took a look at the parents. My heart breaks for them. Those breeders are monsters!

I have had many breeds over 4 decades and never had any problems because I did a lot of research before buying a pup. Go with a proper breeder if you are set on having this breed of dog but I would recommend you stay away from them, a friend has two young adult dogs and are now having trouble with them (fits). I have had Boxers in the past too and have you thought about having another one, they are the best dogs to have...!🥰

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My boy around the same age. Something seems off about that puppy’s head. Looks like they have hydrocephalus

Educate yourself on the breed. Use google. It works. I'd run in the other direction because those adults ARE NOT French Bulldogs! They are monstrousities.

Breed standard.. The puppy above does not conform at all. Not every dog will be exactly as the breed standard dictates, but some veer so far from it that alarm bells should ring. Looking at the parents, I’d say the breeders are only interested in non standard colour puppies because they think people will pay more for them. The only way to stop this happening is to not buy these puppies!

Poor baby.

Poor, poor little pup, breeder should be strung up 😡🤬😡

Also... It really doesn't even look like the parents are well taken care of. Run away! This makes me so sad.

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This is a healthy 3yo Frenchie bred to standard. See the difference? That poor baby girl has hydrocephalus, something’s wacked with her eyes and she is going to have bad orthopedics.

Please don’t

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That’s how they should look

Back legs look bowed, looks like it’s going to be really small by the look of that apple head. Looks under weight usually puppies are fat. Just looks sickly. I wouldn’t by it .

Pup looks rough, but still needs a home.

This question is so tough ‘cause I know what people are saying but the dog exists, it’s here, and it needs to be loved and cared for…perhaps she is fine!

My one turned out with some behavioural issues and in retrospect I should have seen it in the mother (clearly overexcitable but I was blind to it) but at least we’ve been blessed with good health thus far (thank god) and tbh I wouldn’t change her for the world even with her issues…

See pic of mine at about 9 weeks for reference but bear in mind she was the largest of the litter (she is very tall)

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Check insurance prices, follow through with insurance purchase. Lovely dogs, but allergies, IVDD, short snout etc. Eat at the bank account and heart.

Poor, little precious one. She looks a bit underweight and her eyes seem a bit odd, also. Her cranium seems a bit large. If u decide to buy her, know that the medical bills may stack up. But if u are prepared for that, then give the best life she can have. Paris at 5 months.

Dunno where you are located but if you are interested in rescuing, I volunteer for a rescue)where I got 1 of the dogs I have now. Message me and maybe I can help you find a rescue!

Legs dont look right, head looks too big, eyes too far apart, ask to see parent registrations etc. bloodwork, genetic tests, etc. im pro every dog needs a home …..so maybe you can get a discount if you fall in love with it. Where are you? I know a few good rescues, they deliver too

looks sickly

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My Merle guy the day I brought him home, 8 weeks old. He’s 3 and a half now and he’s had quite a few issues. Pancreatitis, inter-digital cysts (cysts between the toes), anal gland issues. The vet told me Merle’s are prone to gastrointestinal issues. We’ve been able to get all his stuff under control though. No people food a low fat prescription food, sea salt foot soaks and betagen spray + Mal-a-ket shampoo, and regular anal gland expression. But I wouldn’t trade him for the world.

I would steer clear tbh.it does look mildly hydro but I am most concerned about its hind legs. Looks like it’s got something going on with the hips as well as its patella.

Not to mention the ears look a bit inflamed.

I’m not against non standard colors, there are good breeders with them but this one I would avoid to save yourself the heartache and vet bills.

I have bought 2 frenchie puppies from a breeder that was friend of family, even though the breeder claimed they had clean bill of health I still had them checked out by a vet that is experienced with the breed, one of my pups is Merle, both very healthy with 0 issues, breathing is all good etc, and I gave good insurance for them both just in case something happens, frenchie are the best 😊😊

I’d honestly avoid Merle or any “fancy” colors due to more potential health issues. Also this baby looks pretty wall eyed. Not that it isn’t adorbs and deserving of a loving home, but don’t pay top dollar.

That pup looks so unhealthy

Totally agree it looks unhealthy. We had a litter last year (turns out they can breed naturally whoops) here are photos from our litter when we started looking for homes, we had 8 Merle’s and it was a huge litter of 9 (c-section of course)! This was our first litter and we had planned for it later down the road but parents had different plans. Parents were akc dna tested and the puppies were vetted at every mark and dewormed every week or two with the best food. Never breeding again and everyone is fixed now OMG the work. And if you notice the snouts, everyone had good open nares and just slightly longer snouts and and grew up beautifully (just over a year old now) no surgeries or issues.

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Honestly this is what my boy looked like at the time I got him. Long story short I do not regret it at all. He is 2 years old now and although he does have a few health issues(skin) he is one of the best dogs I’ve ever owned. Super chill and has such distinct personality traits compared to my others. The first vet we took him to though he was a hydro puppy, but couldn’t confirm it. Second vet(which is now his primary) just thought he was the runt and needed some growing to do.

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Back legs look a little wonky. Have them meet u at a vet and have them do a checkup. Beautiful color

The head looks a bit off to me.

Looking for legit frenchie breeders that don’t charge 5k plus for fad colored frenchie

Idk man I wouldn't pay over 500 for it. But knowing breeders they will charge you 5k+ .

That puppy looks like it's got hydrocephalus. They are breeding two dogs with non-standard coat colors, and this is one (of many) costs. That poor little thing probably doesn't have long in this world, and they are still trying to sell it. Makes my heart hurt. They are the most popular breed right now, but at what cost??

This is breaking my heart. I see the issues and just want to take this puppy home and give it all the love in the world and spoil it. It deserves the happiest life possible given the hand it seems to have been dealt.

Curious..how much are they asking...I bet a lot

Spine.

While sweet and adorable regardless worry about future problems wishing for a good loving caring affordable home for this angel maybe expensive and heartbreaking as well have to know it’s a reputable breeder

That puppy does not like healthy, I'm sorry. please find another breeder.

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This was my puppy around 5 months, his ear was an injury from falling down the stairs when he was too excited.

Oh my everlasting god. She’s a genetic disaster. Make sure you get platinum plated insurance if you take her. She is in no way up to breed standards. Nor are her parents. How much are they asking?

Looks like my Pup!!

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Merle dogs have a lot of health problems. They say not to breed two Merle dogs due to the likelihood it could be deaf or blind. I have a Merle dog and she was given to me. I have some issues myself w my dog but mostly severe allergies. But I would have probably not chosen a Merle- although they are cute as pie. Just get health insurance because don’t know what health problems it may have and health insurances do not reimburse pre-existing conditions.

Hmmm how old is this puppy? For reference my 8 week old pup looked like this.

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And then grew into this (see reply )

The tear stains alone on one of the parents tells me a lot about the breeder.

That poor pup definitely has hydrocephalus. Tell him to give that baby to a rescue so he will be cared for. I work with a bulldog rescue if that scumbag breeder is willing to surrender.

No please do not purchase this puppy. Everyone already covered the risk of Merle, droopy eyes etc. But the puppy is holding its legs like a prime candidate for a back disorder in life as the puppy grows. This little one will set you up for heart break.

the parent dogs look like they aren’t taken care of at all!! you’d be saving that poor little dog if you got it!!! if you want $$ info dm me.

I’m not an expert but something is off. His right eye for instance.

I would not buy her. Her head looks like it is hydrocephalic. I am so sorry.

Merles can often be blind or deaf! Make sure to check for that

As someone who has a Merle frenchie, if you’re wanting to get a pup that meets breed standards do not get merle.

I love my little girl and she’s extremely healthy and happy, but there are SO many potential issues that come along with merle pattern in addition to it not being a breed standard pattern. Anyone who is breeding merle pups isn’t concerned about breed standards.

Your bank account. Put your seatbelt on for the vet bills. Make sure you’re financially ready for it.

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My babies, babies.

She looks very small in that picture. Very similar markings to our piglet.

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Poor dog. I hope it receives the care it needs.

Do not buy this puppy, mixing Frenchie's with a Merle gene is a veterinary disaster waiting to happen. If you do it, pet insurance is a must.

Longer snout, bigger nostrils, ask about hereditary back problems.

NOOOOOOO

OP, any update?

Such a gorgeous baby! I may advise you to get pet insurance immediately. Merle bullies, especially Frenchies, can have more genetic issues that can cost you a ton of money later on. But they are sooooooo cute!! 😍😍

The parents

I was highly skeptical of buying a French Bulldog when my now-wife, then girlfriend, told me she loved them and wanted one someday. I felt it was likely unethical to promote the ongoing existence of animals with so many health issues, let alone ones that appeared to struggle to breathe.

So I went down a massive rabbit hole on Frenchies and found that it is VERY hard to find a reputable or reliable breeder in the US. Not saying they don't exist, just that they are hard to find and hard to vet.

We ended up purchasing a dog from a breeder in Hungary named Tom Kings Kennel. They have a massive Facebook group, which helped me vet them and see how people's experiences were with the dogs. Everyone seemed to have a healthy dog, so we pulled the trigger and got one.

We now have a 2.5 year old Frenchie who is *knock on wood* extremely healthy and has really good body structure. He hasn't ever had any breathing issues, he has longer/taller legs than most Frenchies you see and has a longer body, too. The vet tells us he's a healthy, strong boy and that we made the right choice.

This isn't an ad for this particular breeder, although they are wonderful, but more of a caution to really, really do your homework.