There are few things worse than a puppy, especially one sold to a hopeful pet home, which is then diagnosed with a genetic disease or heart condition that could have been prevented.
Today's breeders have far more tools available to them than in past years and a simple swab can reveal whether or not your dogs are carriers of a disease or physical condition that can be managed up front, BEFORE they are bred.
This doesn't mean they can't be suitable for breeding, but that as a breeder it is up to you to carefully select their partners. Also, having two copies of a genetic marker doesn’t automatically mean the dog will develop a disease.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!
VET CHECKED simply means, checked by a vet. This usually happens at the time of microchipping and puppy vaccines. The vet will listen to heart and check the overall wellbeing of the puppy.
HEALTH TESTED means the dogs have undergone a series of agreed upon tests to help identify their suitability for breeding. This is with the aim of promoting and producing healthier puppies.
Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the FRENCH BULLDOG NZ
Test Name Test Type Frequency
Eye Certificate Annual Optional Yearly
Hip Dysplasia Mandatory X-ray Lifetime
DNA Hereditary Cataract (HC) Optional Lifetime
DNA - Profile Certificate Lifetime
BOAS Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrom Yearly
Hemivertebrae Mandatory X-ray Lifetime
Patella Luxation Certificate Mandatory Yearly
Spine and Hip x-rays for adults prior to breeding & DNA testing for adults and puppies if required
In line with the breed standard, it is not recommended to breed from any dog exhibiting severe respiratory distress.
In the French Bulldog we may face two significant structural bone problems – Hemivertebrae and Hip Dysplasia.
Hemivertebrae - current breed median 14.00 (February 2022)
These are vertebrae that have not developed properly and as a result of being misshapen, can result in instability of the vertebral column (the back). When the back is unstable, pinching of the spinal cord and disc protrusion can occur. Many brachycephalic and/or screw tail breeds have hemivertebrae, with French Bulldogs having a high incidence.
Hip dysplasia - current breed median 15 (February 2022)
X ray for hip dysplasia prior to breeding: X rays should be submitted and scored.
Hip dysplasia can be a problem in the breed and we need to screen for this. The most common issues are shallow sockets and loose ligaments.
For breeding purposes spine and hip x rays should be taken when the dog is over 12 months of age.
IMPORTANT NOTE: THE XRAY SCREENING OF ADULTS CAN ONLY BE CERTIFIED BY A QUALIFIED RADIOGRAPHER. A GENERAL PRACTITIONER IS NOT QUALIFIED TO READ OR SCORE THE XRAYS. THESE ARE OFTEN SCORED INTERNATIONALY.
We highly recommend PD Pet Insurance, click the link below to get the best quote