Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheyanne Oakes.
Hi Cheyanne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Dogs have always been a part of my family and ancestors. Long ago my Barbareño Chumash and Apache ancestors always had dogs by their side. Well, I am no exception, because I am completely obsessed with dogs. I love all animals but dogs are my favorite, especially the French Bulldog Breed.
It all started when I was home at my farm (yes, I farm chicken eggs and rescue special needs small animals like rabbits and Guinea pigs to give them sanctuary for the rest of their days.) and first wanted a French Bulldog. Something about them just screams Totally amazing! When I brought my very first French Bulldog home. I became instantly obsessed and deeply in love with this spectacular breed. I immersed myself into a French Bulldog world, living every day side by side with my BFF and then I added more into our pack!
Two years ago, I started Frenchies on the Hill to create the best and healthiest French Bulldogs! It’s been quite a journey of ups and downs, but never one single regret. I am in this to better the breed and not contribute to the many rampant issues within it. I believe it is my calling to improve this gorgeous dog breed from the inside out. I would love to transform the way people feel about dog breeding and erase the stigma, there are very ethical, responsible, and caring dog breeders out here.
I choose to not only genetic health test my dogs but also go through OFA certifications and beyond. Every day for me is tending to my free-range chickens, and small animals, caring for my French Bulldogs, and raising my young child. I am living a dream come true, but that dream comes with lots of hard work and responsibilities.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The first bump in our road was when I got very sick last September 2021, I should have been hospitalized but I refused because I wanted to be home for my dogs, farm animals, and family.
Even though I was so weak and ill questioned if I was going to make it alive another day. I fought tooth and nail to stay home and maintain my everyday schedule with my dogs, or at least close to the schedule. Even if my dogs were sleeping on the bed with me all day while I was recovering.
They didn’t mind, but the main thing was, that I was there for them. Taking them on their potty breaks while I was battling double pneumonia was like dragging a blimp with no air across the Rocky Mountains, but I prevailed! I finally got better, and they were with me every step of the way. I’ll never forget the comfort they gave me through one of my darkest times.
My second major bump in the road was when my upcoming stud did not pass OFA hips. As positive as I am it was disappointing because I had such confidence he would pass with flying colors. I didn’t let the disappointment linger for too long and flipped it into a positive. I thought to myself “This is why in-depth testing is so important” a Perfect example in front of me. Now I “use” my stud who didn’t pass as an example to educate.
His legacy will not be young ones but will be to help others learn why testing is so critical. Lastly a major Obstacle I face living in a rural area is everything is far away. I drive between 1.5 and 4 hours to get special testing done on my dogs. But I would drive around the world if I had to because to me my dogs deserve nothing less.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Frenchies on the Hill LLC?
I am all about making a difference in the French bulldog breed’s health inside and out. My journey has been very slow but for the right reasons as this is something you never want to rush. Whether it be learning about puppy reading or waiting for a dog to mature to be able to test, rushing into the breeding world is never a good thing. We specialize in bettering the French Bulldog breed by testing in depth for each of our dog’s health. This sets us apart from other breeders that don’t.
We go above and beyond and do the OFA optional testing as well! It is very expensive to test combined with the already occurring expenses of each dog and their needs. Sometimes I drive hours to get an optional but recommend test for one of my dogs. My hope is to encourage other breeders who truly care about their breed to go ahead and do the testing no matter how scared they are of the results. I would like to restore faith put into people about breeders because there are ones who pour their whole heart and soul into what they do. Truly bettering their breed.
I am so proud of the standards I hold myself to. I would not sleep at night if I didn’t do the testing and could possibly be contributing to the rampant issues in the French Bulldog breed. It can be disappointing for a non-passing test result.
If my dog has a non-passing result they will never breed and simply get neutered or spayed no matter the money spent. My dogs are family first and live right along my side in my home. They are my every day, my priority just as if they were my children. We do full panel genetic health testing as well as OFA.
OFA testing, we complete before breeding: (they would need to pass all + genetic health testing and NO allergies)
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- CAER Eyes
- Tracheal Hypoplasia
- Advanced Cardiac
- Spine
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Good Dog has been my biggest resource for educational courses, information, and support in the dog breeding world. They have given me the support to be my best and encourage me to keep doing better for my dog breed.
“We believe that transparency and accountability can give good people the power to make a difference, and by creating a place where well-informed prospective owners can meet dedicated, vetted breeders, shelters, and rescues, we’ll help put an end to inhumane, unethical, deceptive practices.” -Good Dog
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frenchiesonthehill.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchiesonthehill/
- Other: https://www.gooddog.com/breeders/frenchies-on-the-hill-llc-tennessee
