The French Bull Dog Club of America is truly committed to continuously promoting the health and welfare of the French Bulldog breed. For the last 120 years, the FBDCA has focused on maintaining the breed standard, by encouraging and promoting quality in the breeding of purebred French Bulldogs, aimed at good health, conformation, and temperament. In addition, the club strongly advocates the proper cleanliness and care of the breed; protects and advances the interests of the breed; and encourages sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and companion events.
All FBDCA Members are required to agree to abide by the club’s governing documents (i.e., Constitution, By-Laws, and Code of Ethics), which contain the information highlighted above, in addition to maintaining the best possible standards of canine health; to only use dogs for stud and bitches for breeding that are in good health and free from communicable diseases and disqualifying genetic faults; and to breed to the American Kennel Club standard.
French Bulldog Health Information
(i.e., information, resources, testing, registries, etc.)
The most common and serious health problems currently among French Bulldogs include the following:
- Spinal Conditions (vertebral malformations, disc disease),
- Brachycephalic Syndrome (breathing problems associated with short faced structure),
- Allergies (atopy, food allergies), and
- Orthopedic Conditions (hip dysplasia, luxating patellas).
As the AKC Parent Club for the French Bulldog breed, the FBDCA is working to make breed health information readily available. This page was created to provide current and prospective French Bulldog owners and breeders with access to important, applicable, and educational health information, testing, and resources. As a result of the clubs due diligence in providing such education and resources, we have seen great improvement in the health of French Bulldogs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CANINE HEALTH REGISTRIES/DATABASES
& FRENCH BULLDOG HEALTH TESTING BY CLICKING HERE
Health Clinics
Each year at our National Specialties, the FBDCA offers health clinics for some of the health issues that French Bulldogs should be tested for, such as patella screening, Baer testing (when possible), cystinuria testing, and echocardiograms.
Health Research
Additionally, the FBDCA has sponsored research on issues that French Bulldog breeders and owners may encounter. In 2016, the FBDCA donated $2,500 to support each of the following research projects for health concerns that affect the French Bulldog:
- Intralymphatic Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis
- The Genetics of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in West Highland White Terriers
- Identifying the Genetic Basis of Fetal Anasarca in Bulldogs/Canines
- Pulmonic Stenosis in Bulldogs
- Granulomatous Colitis (funding request from Dr. Simpson)