Health status and disease prevalences in French bulldogs in Germany: insights from a survey-based study

Abstract

The French bulldog has recently become one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, Germany, and the USA. Known for its brachycephalic facial structure, characterized by a short muzzle and flat nose, the breed is predisposed to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and other health concerns, including gastrointestinal, dermatological, and orthopedic conditions. These conditions are distressing for affected dogs and present significant challenges for their owners and healthcare providers. A survey targeting French bulldog owners in Germany was conducted to investigate the general health and prevalence of health problems in French bulldogs. Owners provided general information about their dogs, including sex, coat color, weight, height, neuter status, and overall health. Additionally, detailed health histories focused on specific organ systems—such as respiratory, dermatological, orthopedic, neurological, gastrointestinal, ocular, and behavioral conditions—were collected. Responses were obtained for 574 French bulldogs, 499 of which were alive and 75 deceased at the time of data collection. Of these dogs, 49% were female and 51% male; the median age was 4 years. The most commonly reported abnormalities or diseases included tail malformations (98%), diagnosed or presumed hypersensitivities/allergies (52%), otitis externa/media (36%), stenotic nares (35%), pseudopregnancy (33%), dystocia (30%), elongated soft palate (26%), hemivertebrae (25%), conjunctivitis (22%), underbite (21%), Giardia spp. detection in fecal samples (20%), skin fold dermatitis (20%), dental calculus (19%), and intervertebral disc herniation (18%). Having a shorter nose (Fig. 3 a + b) was significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to conditions such as hypoplastic trachea, hemivertebrae, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and breathing abnormalities, including snoring, persistent respiratory noises, heat intolerance, and episodes of dyspnea. Among deceased dogs, the leading cause of death was cancer (47%), with various tumor types diagnosed. The average age at death was 8.3 years. This study reveals that a significant proportion of French bulldogs is affected by conditions involving the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract. These findings highlight that efforts for ethical breeding practices, owner education, and breeding regulations continue to be critical for improving the health of the French bulldog breed. Such measures are an important means to reduce disease prevalence and improve the long-term health and welfare of the breed.