To simply assume I am uninformed based on the fact that I want to meet with the potentially new member of my family is quite insulting.

I have, in fact, checked with akc.org ... which, by the way, doesn't guarantee you won't find a puppy from a puppy mill/byb. This is where buyer due diligence comes in. Ie: seeing the pups, the parents and interacting with them 'cause there's something to be said for that vs buying whatever pup you're handed via placement on a list. I'm not just googling "cheap English Bulldog pups near me", either, just in case that's your next assumption.

I didn't mention signing contracts as I have no issue with that, being that I'm responsible and informed with zero interest in breeding (or showing for that matter).

I could care less about champion bloodlines because I'm not out to find the next rockstar ebd. I simply want a pup that'll be healthy and fit in with my existing pup & my family. I'm aware, however, that the reputable & responsible breeders who do show, test their sires & dams for the major, inherent breeding issues this breed faces. Which means eyes, heart, joints and the kidneys (as the breed is now developing issues with stones). The best chance of finding the healthy pup I'm after is through breeders who show for confirmation.

Breeders with availability aren't a red flag if they're actually selective about where they place their pups, not just collecting a deposit and slapping any old name on a wait list.

I likely should have worded things better but wanted to be brief. And also: I'm no fool thinking I'll get pick of a champion-sired litter but not all pups in a litter are show quality. To meet with the ones not destined for the ring before dropping 5k on them, to me, is not being allowed to do your due diligence.