Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, comprehensive health testing is our top priority. All our breeding dogs undergo extensive genetic testing including:

• DNA testing for hereditary conditions (DM, JHC, HUU, CMR1, etc.)
• OFA hip and spine evaluations (or PennHIP for hips)
• Cardiac examinations by board-certified cardiologists
• BOAS screening for brachycephalic airway syndrome
• Patella evaluations
• Eye examinations by ophthalmologists

We believe in transparency and provide all health test results to prospective families. We only breed dogs who pass all health clearances with good or excellent ratings.

Socialization is crucial for developing well-adjusted Frenchies. Our comprehensive socialization program includes:

• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from days 3-16
• Daily handling and interaction with multiple people
• Exposure to various sounds (household noises, music, traffic)
• Different textures and surfaces for paws to explore
• Interaction with other fully vaccinated, healthy adult dogs
• Crate training foundation starting at 6 weeks
• Basic potty training with outdoor and indoor options
• Car ride acclimation

We also implement Puppy Culture protocols to ensure our puppies are confident, curious, and ready for their new homes.

Our veterinary protocol includes comprehensive preventive care:

• Vaccinations: DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza) given at 6, 8, and 12 weeks
• Bordetella: Intranasal vaccination at 8 weeks
• Rabies: Administered at 12-16 weeks (as required by law)
• Deworming: Pyrantel at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, followed by fenbendazole protocol
• Fecal examinations: Two negative fecals before going home
• Flea and tick prevention: Appropriate for age and weight
• Microchipping: ISO-compliant microchip with lifetime registration

You'll receive detailed vaccination records and a schedule for future boosters.

Every puppy goes home with a comprehensive care package:

• Complete health records and vaccination history
• Written vaccination and deworming schedule
• Microchip registration information and tag
• AKC registration papers (limited or full, depending on agreement)
• 3-4 day supply of current food with feeding instructions
• Soft toy with littermate scent for comfort
• New collar and small leash
• Comprehensive 50+ page care guide covering nutrition, training, health, and grooming
• Emergency contact information and 24/7 support hotline
• Information about pet insurance options
• Photos and information about both parents

We also include access to our private Facebook group for ongoing support and community with other NoJoke families.

Absolutely! We stand behind the health of our puppies with a comprehensive guarantee:

• 2-year genetic guarantee: Against life-threatening congenital conditions
• Hip and spine guarantee: 24 months against severe hip dysplasia or spinal issues
• Eye and cardiac guarantee: 24 months against inherited eye diseases and cardiac defects
• BOAS-related issues: 12 months coverage for severe breathing difficulties

The guarantee requires maintaining proper diet, weight, and follow-up care as outlined by your veterinarian. We also provide lifetime breeder support - we're here for the life of your Frenchie, not just the first few weeks.

If any covered condition is diagnosed within the guarantee period, we will work with you and your veterinarian to provide appropriate compensation or replacement options.

Our puppies are priced based on quality, conformation, and breeding potential:

• Pet Quality (Limited AKC): $3,500 - $4,500
• Show/Breeding Quality (Full AKC): $4,500 - $6,500
• Specialty Colors: May be priced higher (though we don't breed for rare colors)

What affects pricing:

• Bloodlines and health testing results
• Size and conformation quality
• Gender (females typically cost more)
• Training and socialization completed

All prices include comprehensive health testing, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and our health guarantee. We accept cash, certified check, and can arrange financing through approved partners.

We absolutely welcome visits! Meeting your potential puppy is important for both you and us. Here's what you need to know:

• Minimum age: Puppies can be visited starting at 6 weeks of age
• Scheduling: Visits are by appointment only - we don't allow drop-ins
• Duration: Typical visits last 30-60 minutes
• Group sizes: Limit 4 people per visit to avoid overwhelming puppies
• What to bring: Comfortable clothing you don't mind getting puppy teeth marks on!

We follow strict biosecurity protocols to protect our dogs and puppies:

• All visitors must remove shoes or wear booties
• Hands must be washed/sanitized before handling puppies
• If you've been around other dogs, please shower and change clothes before visiting
• No visits if you've been around sick dogs within 48 hours

We're located in Houston, TX, and happy to provide directions and local accommodation suggestions for out-of-state families.

We use a transparent and fair waitlist system:

1. Application: Complete our detailed puppy application (helps us match the right puppy to your lifestyle)
2. Phone consultation: We'll schedule a call to discuss your expectations and answer questions
3. Deposit: $500 deposit to secure your spot (refundable until breeding is confirmed)
4. Priority ranking: Deposits are ranked by date received within each litter
5. Litter notifications: When breeding occurs, all waitlist families are notified
6. Puppy selection: You choose your puppy in priority order at 7 weeks old (after temperament testing)
7. Remaining balance: Due at 8 weeks when puppies go home

If a planned breeding doesn't produce puppies or you pass on a litter, your deposit remains on the waitlist for the next available litter. Typical wait times are 6-18 months depending on demand and breeding schedule.

We maintain communication throughout the wait period with updates, photos, and health testing results of breeding dogs.

Yes, we offer several transportation options to make getting your puppy home as smooth as possible:

• Local pickup: Always welcome at our kennel in Des Moines, IA
• Ground transport (within 500 miles): $1.50 per mile, door-to-door service
• Long-distance ground: We work with trusted, insured pet transport companies (typically $800-$1,200)
• Flight arrangements: Cargo or cabin options depending on airline policies
• Meet-halfway: For moderate distances, we can arrange to meet at a central location

For all transport arrangements:

• Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and current on vaccinations
• Health certificates required for any transport over state lines
• We always use climate-controlled vehicles/airlines
• Transportation costs are separate from puppy price
• Adult dogs require additional time for adjustment (minimum 10 weeks old)

We want your puppy's journey home to be safe and stress-free. We're happy to recommend the best option based on your location and preferences.

The first week is an exciting but potentially overwhelming time for both you and your puppy. Here's what to expect:

Days 1-3: Adjustment Period

• Your puppy may be nervous, whiny, or seem unsure
• They might not eat or drink normally at first
• Sleep may be disrupted as they adjust to new sounds and environment
• Accidents are normal - be patient and consistent with potty training

Days 4-7: Settling In

• Personality should start showing as confidence grows
• Eating and drinking patterns normalize
• Play behavior emerges as they feel more comfortable
• Bonding with family members begins

What to focus on:

• Establish a consistent routine for meals, play, and sleep
• Begin basic training (sit, name recognition)
• Continue socialization in a controlled way
• Monitor eating, drinking, and bathroom habits
• Lots of gentle, positive interactions

We'll provide you with detailed first-week guidelines and are available 24/7 for support. Most puppies are fully settled within 7-10 days, and the bond you'll develop is worth the initial adjustment period!

Nutrition is crucial for healthy development. We feed our dogs and puppies a premium, veterinarian-recommended diet:

Our Current Recommendation:

• Puppy food: Large breed puppy formula until 12-18 months
• Adult food: High-quality kibble with controlled fat content
• Brands we trust: Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, or Orijen

Why Large Breed Puppy Food?

• Controlled calcium and phosphorus levels for proper bone development
• Optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1.2:1 to 1.4:1)
• Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
• Lower fat content to prevent rapid growth that can stress developing joints

Feeding Schedule:

• 8-12 weeks: 3-4 meals per day
• 3-6 months: 3 meals per day
• 6-12 months: 2 meals per day
• 12+ months: 2 meals per day (transition to adult formula)

Your take-home packet will include specific brand recommendations, feeding amounts based on expected adult weight, and a transition schedule if you choose to change foods later. We recommend mixing new food gradually over 7-10 days.

Fresh water should always be available, and we discourage free-feeding to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate breathing issues in French Bulldogs.

Yes, all our breeding dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), and many also hold additional registrations:

• AKC: All breeding stock is AKC registered with verified pedigrees
• Additional registries: Some dogs are also registered with UKC (United Kennel Club)
• Health registries: OFA and PennHIP certifications are submitted to appropriate databases

Puppy Registration Options:

• Limited Registration (Pet homes): Cannot be used for breeding or showing. Can participate in AKC companion events like obedience, agility, and rally.
• Full Registration (Show/Breeding): Unlimited breeding and showing rights. Only available to approved show/breeding homes after thorough evaluation.

Registration papers are included in your puppy's take-home package. For full registration, there's typically an additional fee, and breeding contracts outline specific responsibilities and requirements.

We believe in maintaining breed standards and only breeding AKC-registered French Bulldogs that exemplify the breed's characteristics and temperament.

Life can be unpredictable, and we understand that circumstances sometimes change. We're committed to ensuring none of our puppies ever end up in shelters or unsuitable homes.

Our Lifetime Return Policy:

• No questions asked: If you can no longer care for your Frenchie, we will take them back
• No time limits: This applies for the entire life of the dog
• Responsible rehoming: We carefully screen potential new families to ensure good matches
• Financial considerations: While we don't offer refunds, we work to minimize financial hardship during difficult times

What we provide:

• Safe haven for returned dogs while we find new homes
• Complete health evaluation and any necessary medical care
• Behavioral assessment and training if needed
• Careful screening of potential adopters
• Transition support to help both dog and new family adjust

We've successfully rehomed several dogs over the years, and most adapt beautifully to their new families. While we hope this situation never arises, knowing you have this safety net can provide peace of mind.

We also maintain an active network of previous puppy families who may be interested in adding another Frenchie to their homes.