Question 1

What makes a responsible dog breeder?

Accepted Answer

A responsible breeder prioritizes health, temperament, and breed welfare over profit. They perform breed-appropriate health testing (such as OFA hip and elbow evaluations, BAER hearing tests, and DNA panels), maintain clean and humane conditions, socialize puppies, provide health guarantees, and are willing to take a dog back at any point in its life. They are transparent about both parents and will encourage you to visit.

Question 2

What health testing should a dog breeder do?

Accepted Answer

Health testing requirements vary by breed. For French Bulldogs, responsible breeders should test for hip dysplasia (OFA), spine (IVDD), tracheal hypoplasia, and hereditary cataracts at minimum. Results should be verifiable through the OFA public database at ofa.org. TheLaineyProject verifies health testing documentation before listing any breeder in our directory.

Question 3

What questions should I ask a dog breeder?

Accepted Answer

Ask to see OFA or genetic health test results for both parents. Ask whether you can visit the facility and meet the dam. Ask how they socialize their puppies. Ask what their return policy is if you can no longer keep the dog. Ask for a veterinarian reference. Any breeder unwilling to answer these questions or allow a visit should be avoided.

Question 4

How is TheLaineyProject's breeder directory different from other directories?

Accepted Answer

Every breeder in our directory has been manually reviewed by TheLaineyProject. We verify health testing documentation and veterinarian references before any listing goes live. Breeders cannot pay to be listed. We accept applications but only publish verified breeders — unverified applications remain in draft until our review is complete.

Responsible Breeder Directory