Breeding French Bulldogs can be very challenging due to some unique factors - and we’re here to make it easier for you.

Breeding Standards

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has established a set of general standards for French Bulldogs. One of the most notable standards is the strict prohibition of any alterations, except for the removal of dewclaws (which we do NOT recommend!). Any deviation from this rule will result in disqualification from being recognized as a genuine French Bulldog.

The AKC guidelines further specify that French Bulldogs typically have a height ranging from 11 to 13 inches and must not exceed a weight limit of 28 pounds. In addition to these criteria, the AKC recognizes specific standard colors for French Bulldogs, which include:

1. Brindle Frenchie

2. Brindle with White Markings Frenchie

3. Cream Frenchie

4. Fawn Frenchie

5. Fawn with White Markings Frenchie

6. Fawn Brindle Frenchie

7. White Frenchie

8. White and Brindle Frenchie

9. White & Fawn Frenchie

DESIRED COAT COLORS:
The American Kennel Club French Bulldog Breed Standard disqualifies rare coat colors. These colors, often referred to as FAD (Fawn And Dilute), can include but are not limited to:

1. Blue coats in French Bulldogs - blue Frenchie, blue pied Frenchie, blue fawn Frenchie, blue brindle Frenchie, and so on.

2. French Bulldogs with tan points - examples include black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie, among others.

3. Trindles - These are French Bulldogs with brindle in their tan points.

4. All-black French Bulldogs - those without any trace of brindle are also quite rare.

5. Merle coats in French Bulldogs - such as merle Frenchie, fawn merle Frenchie, blue merle Frenchie, and more.

6. Chocolate Frenchies - including chocolate Frenchie, choco pied Frenchie, choco fawn Frenchie, and so forth.

Pregnancy & Birth

While natural mating is typically the preferred and cost-effective method for breeding most dog breeds, the case is different when it comes to French Bulldogs. Due to their unique physical characteristics, including small hips and an oversized head, natural mating can be challenging, if not downright impossible for them. For those reasons, when it comes to breeding French Bulldogs, artificial insemination is the safest and the most effective method.

A contributing factor to the relatively high cost of French Bulldogs is the expense associated with their birth. For Frenchies, a Caesarean section (C-section) is commonly deemed the safest method of giving birth.

A C-section entails surgical intervention to deliver the puppies, which becomes necessary when a natural vaginal delivery would pose a significant risk to the mother, the puppies, or both. The inherent challenge lies in the puppies' oversized heads and the dam's narrow pelvis, making natural birth a risky endeavor.

CYCLE OF A FRENCHIE DAM
Understanding your female's reproductive cycle is crucial for effective breeding management. The reproductive cycle of a dam is divided into four main stages:

1. Proestrus: This phase is marked by a bloody vaginal discharge and swelling of the vulva. It’s approximately nine days during which the female attracts males but is not yet ready for breeding.

2. Estrus: Following proestrus, estrus lasts about nine days. This is the fertile period when the female is receptive to breeding. Notably, ovulation typically occurs within the first 48 hours of this phase.

3. Diestrus: Also known as the "pregnancy" stage, diestrus spans about 60 to 63 days. During this period, the reproductive tract is under the influence of the hormone progesterone. Whether the dam becomes pregnant or not, diestrus occurs. If pregnancy occurs during estrus, diestrus continues until the dam gives birth. However, false pregnancy is also a possibility during this stage, where the dam may exhibit signs of pregnancy despite not being pregnant.

4. Anestrus: This is a quiescent period lasting three to four months, characterized by no sexual activity. During anestrus, the female is not receptive to breeding.

PREGNANT? HOW DO YOU KNOW?
Following the estrus phase, it's essential to observe your dam for potential signs of pregnancy. These signs may manifest as an increase in appetite, weight, or nipple size, although these indicators alone are not conclusive.

As mentioned earlier, it's important to note that a dam can exhibit signs of pregnancy without actually being pregnant. A veterinarian can provide confirmation through methods such as ultrasound, X-ray, or abdominal palpitation around the 28th day.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, engaging in discussions with the vet becomes crucial to understand the specialized care required for breeding a French Bulldog. This includes learning how to recognize emergency situations that demand immediate medical attention. Moreover, discussions with the vet should encompass details about the dam's labor process and what to anticipate post-birth.

PREGNANCY DURATION:
Similar to other dog breeds, French Bulldogs follow a typical pregnancy duration ranging between 58 to 68 days, with the average period being around 63 days from the moment of conception—approximately two months in total.

In the days nearing delivery, you may observe changes in your dam's behavior, such as a decrease in appetite and the initiation of nest-building behavior in preparation for the impending birth.

Around 24 hours following a drop in her temperature, your dam is likely to enter the initial stage of labor. During this stage, the cervix dilates, creating an opening in the birth canal for the puppies to pass through. Signs of this stage include panting, straining, restlessness, and a potential drop in body temperature to 99 degrees or lower. This phase is succeeded by actual abdominal straining and the commencement of the birthing process.

It's crucial to note that, as previously mentioned, natural birth is not recommended for French Bulldogs due to their unique anatomical challenges, including breathing difficulties and the combination of small hips with larger puppy heads.

LITTER SIZE:
In contrast to other dog breeds that can have larger litters, French Bulldogs typically have a more modest number of puppies.

When engaging in the breeding of French Bulldogs, the expected litter size typically falls within the range of 3 to 5 puppies. While it's rare, there have been instances where French Bulldogs have given birth to as many as 7 puppies.

Due to their naturally petite size, a smaller number of littermates can contribute to better conditions for the developing puppies inside the womb.

It's essential to emphasize that unless you are a certified and experienced breeder, breeding French Bulldogs is not advisable. The potential complications associated with inexperienced breeding not only pose risks to the female but may also result in avoidable birth defects for the puppies.