HEALTH TESTING

There are two types of testing for inheritable disorders:

phenotype testing (based on a dog’s actual anatomy/physiology) and genotype testing (chemical analysis of the dog’s DNA that can detect a recessive gene even in a “carrier” whose phenotype is normal).

​

At this time, there are DNA genotype tests for more than 30 canine genetic diseases. Unfortunately, the most important medical conditions in French Bulldogs are not among these hence why additional testing is required.

 

Frenchies most common and serious health problems are… 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)… 

 

In general, the "classic" French Bulldog DNA Health Panel is usually referring to the following four tests: DM, HUU, JHC IVDD CMR1 and PRA.  If you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder and they cannot provide you with details of the parent's basic four panel tests, you might want to swipe left.  This is considered the BASIC entry level test and while your puppy doesn't need to be clear of all copies of these genes, you definitely don't want to have two copies of the same disease.  If the breeder hasn't tested the actual puppy or litter, they should at the very least be able to show you clearance by parentage (it's not that hard).  Saying things like "I've been breeding for 10 years and have never had a problem" or" their parents are clear" but they can't provide a copy of the health tests is a huge red flag.

​

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is the only one that is not part of the breed

• Hyperuricosuria (HUU) :"Hyperuricosuria is an inherited disorder characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the urine that can lead to the formation of bladder/kidney stones.

• Juvenile Hereditary Cataract (JHC) Juvenile hereditary cataracts are an inherited form of cataracts that commonly cause blindness in dogs by clouding the lens of the eye and affecting both eyes symmetrically. 

• Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1) Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 is an inherited eye disease characterized by areas of retinal detachment. The disease does not typically lead to blindness or vision deficits.

• Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) This is more common in French Bulldogs and is the main reason we spine score our dogs. as once effected they can use the use of their hind legs and get full paralysis. 

• Cone Rod Dystrophy (PRA) is short for progressive retinal atrophy. It is the name for a group of inherited eye diseases affecting over 100 different breeds causing mid age blindness.

 

Tested vs. Clear

Make sure you know the difference between a statement like "Health Tested" vs. "Health Tested Clear". One statement means the dog has actually been tested and that's awesome. But make sure ask what the results were... tested doesn't mean clear and clear doesn't mean tested. Trust, but verify.

​

These tests are not mandatory to breed pedigree French bulldogs....

HOWEVER! we believe it is an absolute must and hold ourselves to the highest standard and will not breed from our French Bulldogs who fail their testing.  The only way to better the breed is to avoid funding breeders who refuse to do ethical breeding! Find a breeder you can trust with the future of your new family member. One who health tests.

​