About South Prairie Frenchies: Dedicated Breeders in Arcola, Illinois.
We're Harvey and Mary, family-run breeders in Arcola, IL. Every puppy is raised with daily care and family involvement.
Our Story — How We Started Our Ethical Breeding Program.
We are a French Bulldog breeder located in the flat country of Illinois where there are fields and fields of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Many families also raise livestock and produce their own vegetables. We enjoy where we live as it is our goal to live a nice, quieter, slower pace of life. Our family, My wife Mary & Two Daughters Hannah & Cheryl & I work together raising and caring for our dogs. It is our favorite time of day as a family when it comes to the socialization of our puppies and playing with the parents in the home or out in our yard. It was said that during my growing up years that I had a way of spoiling our family pets and loved spending all my time with them. I always made sure they had the greatest care. This passion has carried with me into adulthood and it is the same with our current pets as well.
It was in 2008, as a teenager that I discovered a passion for raising puppies. I picked a Boston Terrier for my first dog because I liked their personality, confirmation traits such as the flat muzzle and bulldog looks. It was and still is a great joy to watch them grow. I especially enjoy the first days their eyes begin to open and they begin to steady themselves and finally walk. We also really enjoy socializing and playing with them. Spending every day with puppies is amazing therapy for today's hustle and bustle. We're not just a French Bulldog breeder, we're your future Frenchie's first family.
In 2015 my life was changed forever when I married my wife. She has been an amazing partner and we have grown to share many of the same passions. My wife is amazing with our dogs and is the one to care for them during the day. It is always sad for us to see a puppy leave our home to another but it is a greater joy knowing they are strong, happy, healthy, and going to a loving trustworthy family. We always enjoy seeing the pictures and stories that come back from our puppies forever homes as well. Our two daughters Hannah & Cheryl have really shown an amazing interest when it comes to playtime with our puppies. Instead of carrying dolls around they will each grab a puppy for their entertainment and show so much love which really helps.
In 2016 through a friend we discovered and fell in love with the French Bulldog breed. We couldn't resist their fun-loving personality and well-built confirmation. Since we brought our first puppies home to raise we have always been focused on raising the bar for confirmation (short ears, short muzzle, blocky build) and genetic profile. Raising the French Bulldog breed comes with a special set of challenges but those challenges can not contend with our love and dedication to the breed. We have some adults with both standard and more rare colors such as blue merle, blues, and chocolate. It's always exciting for us to see what colors will come about from our breeding program and we are always researching how to improve.
At the forefront of our minds is always the health and wellbeing of our pets. We have environmental controlled housing with temperature adjustment capabilities and air quality filtration. We also have outdoor play areas dedicated to each individual and we socialize with them daily. Our vet makes weekly visits to do health checks so we can be confident each of our pets is at peak health. We routinely visit breeder seminars to take advantage of the latest research and stay up to date on health and wellness standards. It is ultimately our goal though to exceed the standards for raising puppies and seek to raise the happiest healthiest pups that we can. Our pets are fed only top quality grain free dog food, supplements, and immune boosters.
In our focus on health, we are working toward having all our adult dogs OFA tested, certified, and clear of any genetic disorders. Be sure to look through and read about the history and health care suggestions for the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier that is provided here on our site. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to meeting you.
Blessing from us at South Prairie,
Harvey & Mary Miller
Why we do this
Our goal with every litter is the same: happy, healthy puppies and families who are genuinely ready for a lifelong companion.
"There is nothing quite like the steady companionship of a good dog by your side."
We do the hard work — so they're ready
Every litter follows the same structured path before going home.
Whelped in a clean, climate-controlled whelping area and monitored closely.
Daily handling and developmentally appropriate exposure — sounds, surfaces, people — building a confident, calm adult.
Weaning is complete, and puppies are starting to learn to go potty outside.
Well-adjusted, confident, and vet-cleared — ready to give unconditional love and steadfast comfort.
A small, home-centered program in Arcola, IL
Located near Arcola, IL, South Prairie Frenchies is family-run, where every puppy is raised inside the home — not in a kennel. Our property is where our dogs live, play, and grow alongside our family, giving them a strong foundation of comfort and real-life experiences from day one.
We proudly welcome families near and far. Because our program is intentionally small, visits and placements are scheduled in advance through our waitlist.
Health first — always
Every breed we raise comes with its own known health considerations, and we take them seriously. We are intentional about our dam and sire pairings, and both parents complete health screening before any litter is planned.
Frequently asked questions
Every home needs a companion
See who's available now, or join the waitlist for an upcoming litter. We love getting to know prospective families — phone and FaceTime introductions welcome.