We recently connected with Sarah O’callaghan and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to change the stigma of dog breeding and to be a community advocate for the French Bulldog Breed.

Many people associate dog breeders with unethical breeding programs also known as backyard breeders. They picture wire kennels full of filth, tons of dogs living in unsanitary living conditions, full of feces and fleas. They think of disfigured dogs and people just breeding for a profit and not caring about the dogs.

Many people also when they hear French Bulldogs thing very expensive , over priced and full of health problems.

Both of these myths simply are not true for a Breeder that truly loves the French Bulldog breed, does extensive health and genetic testing, and hand selects each breeding dog from French Bulldog Breeders that have the same ethical breeding practices as myself and what I believe.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Welcome to 402 Frenchies! I’m Sarah O’Callaghan, the owner. I am a Nebraska + Texas based breeder that provides superior health, structure, and temperament to the French Bulldog breed. My focus is on breeding exotic colors while still preserving the American Kennel Club structure guidelines. I strive to provide the best quality dogs who are well socialized and have loving temperaments. All of my dogs are raised in-home and are American Kennel Club registered, pedigreed, and 4-panel health cleared through selective breeding and DNA testing.

Not only do I pride myself on breeding healthy, fun loving Frenchies but I work doggedly to educate the community on the breed’s specific care requirements and proper nutrition. I also focus on giving back to the community, from buying my Frenchies’ food and treats from local businesses to working with local farmers for fresh produce and eggs. As a firm believer in safe ethical breeding practices, I speak out against unethical breeders and work closely with local rescues.

I always grew up around dogs and my mother and grandmother use to show dogs. My mother passed the love for dogs to me and I remember as a child I would go through pages of dog breeds and learned about each different breed, origin, and breeding purpose. I fell in love with the French Bulldog breed, their goofy clown like personality, and just how truly amazing they are with kids and being a family dog. I was drawn to the snorting and gemlin noises they made.

I think what sets me apart from other breeders is that all of my frenchies live and are raised in my house in my living rooms. My frenchies sleep in our beds and relax on our couches. I pride myself on not having alot of dogs in concrete wire kennels , in a facility in a aluminium barn. My breeding dogs are my pets first. Breeding is just a hobby for me because I love the breed and want to share the breed with other people. I also pride my self on the nutrition I feed my dogs and being conscious on the food I am feeding them so that they live healthier longer lives by incorporating raw diets and fresh fruits and veggies to incorporating bone broths and goats milk to help my dogs get the best nutrients possible.

How did you build your audience on social media?

How I built my social media present online was I started following people that had the same interests as me as well as interacted with other influencers. I was not afraid to reach out and ask for features nor was I afraid to pay for ads that I set in my monthly budget. I also would go to popular places around town and into local business that would post photos of my dogs on their social media sites in their businesses. I also got involved in local rescue work and donations again which I would budget for. I also just simply went to dog friendly events and would talk to people and handout marketing material such as business cards.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

To obtain a French Bulldog with full breeding rights you are looking about having to spend 7,000-10,000 per dog. In order to build the initial capitol to start purchasing dogs was to save monthly amounts until I could afford one so on and so on. Then once I bred I would take that capital and reinvest by buying another . Its all about budgeting and having patience. You do not just want to rush in and buy the first dog you see or buy the cheapest dog you see. It’s about patience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.402frenchies.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/402frenchies
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/402frenchies
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@402frenchies

Image Credits

Daniel P. Muller (The image of me and the two dogs)

402 Frenchies (For all the rest)