Responsible French Bulldog breeders strive to produce both a quality dog that exhibits the historical structure of a French Bulldog, and a healthy dog...thereby improving quality of life and longevity.
Every breed registered with AKC, has what is known as a “Standard of the Breed”. This standard was approved by a ⅔ majority vote of the membership and is recognized by FBDCA as the “Only standard by which French Bulldogs should be judged”. The purpose of a breed standard is to help insure breed type.
FBDCA works closely with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in providing breeders with statistical analysis, Education and resource databases related to French Bulldogs as well as comparative analysis with all other dog breeds. In 2016 over 1300 health tests on French Bulldogs were submitted to OFA to be added to the breed’s database. This provides specific information for breeders to make more informed breeding decisions in order to reduce the incidence of inherited disease. OFA also provides breeders with a vast selection of educational resources.
OFA also assists FBDCA in collecting test results in new health areas to help research studies funded by FBDCA. FBDCA supports the AKC Canine Health Foundation by distribution of research information to FBDCA members and funding research grant requests in areas that affect the French Bulldog breed.
OFA currently has several Databases for French Bulldogs that have been health tested and evaluated to help breeders to make good sound breeding decisions that improve the overall health and longevity of the breed.
For example, in 2009, French Bulldog research was started by the Animal Health Trust to identify the gene responsible for Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts, HSF-4. The initial research data revealed 24% of all French Bulldogs tested, carried at least one copy of the gene. FBDCA members
responded to the problem. They DNA tested their dogs, and used the test results in making breeding decisions which has reduced the occurrence of the HSF-4 gene to less than 2% improving the health of the breed!
The use of health testing information in making breeding decisions has improved the French Bulldog’s general health enabling them to excel in performance activities and increasing their longevity by 30% over the past ten years. FBDCA is currently seeing French Bulldogs live to be over 14 years of age.
A combination of breeding to the Standard of the Breed and performing important health testing helps to ensure, not only a beautiful dog, but a healthy one.
The standard of the breed is available on this site, please avail yourself of the opportunity to read though it to insure you understand French bulldog type. We also offer breeder referral, and education about the breed.
When speaking with a breeder; ask to see their health testing results or refer to OFA’s website and look for their kennel name. This will help to insure that you are dealing with someone who is actively working to protect the breed. We want you to enjoy this wonderful breed for many years to come.