Buying a French Bulldog Puppy

What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.

Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog.

Brachycephalic (short faced) breeds frequently have serious health problems due to their body and head shape: eyeproblems due to large protruding eyes; skin folds causing inflammation, infection and soreness, narrow nostrils causing breathing difficulties; excess flesh in throat & narrow windpipe causing breathing & swallowing problems; spinal deformities causing pain; difficulties coping in hot weather & exercise intolerance. Dogs with wider nostrils, longer noses, thinner necks and longer tails are less likely to have these health problems.

French Bulldog Puppy

Essential Documents

  1. Heath Certificates (both parents)
  2. Signed AWF Puppy Contract
  3. KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Microchip Registration Certificate
  5. Temporary Pet Health Insurance
  6. Vaccination Certificate

A Good Breeder Will:

  1. have socialised and habituated the puppy
  2. provide a supply of food
  3. provide a blanket smelling of Mum
  4. follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Official Health Schemes

  • KC/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)
  • assesses nostril size, respiratory noise and function
  • BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)

Other Diseases

No current health scheme or DNA test available.

  • BOAS
  • brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome – serious breathing difficulties
  • Corneal ulceration
  • painful and slow-healing ulcers on surface of eyes
  • Dystocia
  • problems giving birth
  • Luxating patella
  • abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness
  • Skin inflammation and allergies
  • |
  • Spinal deformities including hemivertebrae and screw tail (abnormal tail bones)
  • can be associated with pain and loss of function

  • Increased risk of Elbow Fractures as puppies

DNA Tests Relevant to Breed

  • Hereditary cataract

Other Tests

  • Putnam scoring for patella luxation
  • Heart testing
  • Spine X-rays and evaluation

Further Information

Puppies that are mostly or entirely white have a higher risk of deafness.

The French Bulldog club of England runs a Health Scheme at bronze, silver and gold levels. All levels require a basic health check and RFGS.
Gold level recommends eye screening & requires all other tests listed here.

The French Bulldog Club of England Website

Return to Breed Health Information List