French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are among the sweetest and charming little dogs. However, indiscriminate breeding has resulted in a breed that is genetically prone to a myriad of anatomic disorders – a breed with likely the most possible genetic abnormalities of all breeds. So, we often advise new owners to start a savings account as well as obtain health insurance ASAP (many will not cover genetic disorders).

1) most Frenchies have one of several anatomic abnormalities associated with the respiratory tract, BOAS – Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. They can have a single abnormality, or a constellation of signs, many which require surgical correction. Uncorrected BOAS can lead to respiratory failure and even heat stroke.

2) IVDD – InterVertebral Disc Disease caused by a malformation of one or more vertebra. According to some statistics upwards of 45% of Frenchies will develop symptoms – leg weakness, and/or, unfortunately, paralysis. Compare to 25% of Dachshunds being affected.

3) skin diseases, ranging from mild to severe, usually requiring lifelong treatment after multiple diagnostics.

4) skin fold dermatitis- inflammation and infection of the skin of face, within skin folds. They frequently require surgery to decrease the severe fold.

5) chronic recurrent ear infections.

6) hip dysplasia and luxating patellas.

7) cherry eye – enlargement and prolapse of the gland of the 3rd eyelid, requiring surgical replacement.

8) dental disease due to the shortened lower jaw.

Compact jaws cause overcrowding, leading to plaque buildup and periodontal disease.

9) Gastrointestinal Issues: they are prone to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food intolerances, and hiatal hernias.

10) because of BOAS they are considered high-risk candidates for anesthesia, requiring extra caution during surgeries.

11) Brain tumors – Frenchies get a high rate of brain tumors at a young age. Their short nose makes them more likely to develop pituitary gland tumors and glial cell tumors. A Swedish study published by PLOS Genetics in 2015 identified the French bulldog among four breeds with an elevated risk of developing glioma, the most common form of malignant primary brain tumors in humans and dogs.

12) Heart base tumors – Due to chronically low oxygen, Frenchies often develop tumors near their heart. A study of heart base tumors published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology in 2019 revealed heart base tumors occur commonly in older brachycephalic dogs. Effective treatment options are limited to either surgery for removal of the pericardium or radiation therapy. Among the study’s 27 dogs treated with toceranib [the only dog-specific anti-cancer drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration], the overall median survival time was just over two years.

13) Colitis – Young Frenchies have a greater risk than other breeds of developing Granulomatous colitis, indicating a presence of invasive E. coli, which is often treated with fluoroquinolone antimicrobials and can fortunately induce lasting clinical remission. Colitis is severe and chronic diarrhea.

14) increased risk of humeral fracture – Research conducted by the University of London Royal Veterinary College and shared in 2020 identified French bulldogs as eight times more likely to suffer an elbow fracture than cross breed dogs. Dr. Dan O’Neill, a senior lecturer at the RVC and co-author of the research paper said, “The UK is currently in the midst of a population explosion of French Bulldogs. While these dogs may seem very attractive to own, they have many intrinsic health issues.”

15) Pulmonic stenosis – An inherited congenital heart defect, pulmonic stenosis is commonly found in certain dog breeds, including French bulldogs. A study of 66 French bulldogs published in the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology in 2018 concluded “Pulmonic stenosis in FBs is commonly severe and complex, with … a high incidence of pulmonary trunk hypoplasia and cardiac death.” In the study, the median survival time after diagnosis was less than three years. Cardiologists at Cummings School commonly perform balloon valvoplasty and stenting on Frenchies.