Health & Testing
French Bulldog Health Testing: What Buyers Must Know
French Bulldogs are wonderful companions, but the breed has specific health considerations every buyer should understand. Here's what responsible French Bulldog breeders test for.
February 25, 2024 · 8 min read
Why French Bulldog Health Testing Is Critical
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds in the world — but it's also one of the most health-affected. Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, spinal anatomy, and certain hereditary conditions mean that breeding decisions have enormous consequences for the resulting puppies' quality of life. Responsible breeders take this seriously. Here's what testing you should expect and demand.
BOAS — Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
BOAS is the most significant structural health concern in French Bulldogs. Dogs with severe BOAS struggle to breathe, overheat easily, and may require surgical correction. Responsible breeders evaluate breeding dogs for BOAS severity and prioritize selecting dogs with functional airways. The BOAS Functional Grading system is increasingly used by ethical breeders to score breathing function before breeding.
Spinal Health — IVDD and Hemivertebrae
French Bulldogs are predisposed to spinal conditions including Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and hemivertebrae (malformed vertebrae). Responsible breeders screen breeding dogs with spinal radiographs (X-rays) and select against severely malformed spines. Dogs with mild hemivertebrae may still lead healthy lives, but those with severe structural issues should not be bred.
Eye, Cardiac, and Hearing Testing
- Eye examination by a board-certified ophthalmologist — screens for hereditary cataracts and other conditions
- Cardiac evaluation — congenital heart defects occur in some lines
- BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) hearing test — especially important in piebald and merle French Bulldogs, which carry higher deafness risk
DNA Testing for Hereditary Conditions
DNA testing is the gold standard for French Bulldog breeders. A single panel tests for degenerative myelopathy, hereditary cataracts, and dozens of other conditions. It also evaluates coat color genetics — critical information when breeding for specific colors, some of which carry hidden health risks if doubled up incorrectly.
What to Ask a French Bulldog Breeder
- Can you share DNA test results for both parents?
- Have the parents been evaluated for BOAS? What grade?
- Are spinal X-rays available for the parents?
- Do you have OFA or CAER eye certification?
- What does your health guarantee cover, and for how long?
- Can I speak with families who have purchased from you previously?
Our Standards at Star Struck Puppies
We DNA test all French Bulldog parents, evaluate airways before breeding, and back every puppy with a written lifetime genetic health guarantee. We're transparent about our test results and happy to share them with any family considering one of our puppies. Health is never an afterthought — it's the foundation of everything we do.