EDUCATION

The BCA was formed in 1890 utilizing the English Standard. In 1896 a Standard was adopted by the Bulldog Club of America. It was revised in 1914 to declare the Dudley nose a disqualification. In 1976, in the AKC Bulldog Breed Standard, the "Dudley Nose" disqualification was redefined as a "brown or liver colored nose". The Standard was reformatted in 1990 with no changes in wording. In 2016, the coat and eye colors and coat patterns were better defined.  Historically it is said Bulldogs were created in 13th Century England.  The Modern AKC Bulldog Breed Standard demands healthy, pacific and strong dogs.

Q:  WHY DO BREEDERS CONTINUE TO BREED BULLDOGS IF THEY HAVE HEALTH ISSUES: 

It is a myth that the Bulldog is inherently unhealthy by virtue of its conformation.  Good breeders use healthy dogs in their breeding programs.  This has proven time and again by Bulldogs excelling in performance and conformation events and passing various health clearances. Anyone who breeds dogs has to make informed decisions to prevent health issues in their lines, regardless of whether they are pure-bred or mixed breeds.  The puppy buyer's best chance of getting a healthy dog is to buy from a breeder who is a member of the national breed club, like the Bulldog Club of America, and who tests their dogs for health issues.  This is one of the reasons the BCA encourages participation in the AKC's Breeder of Merit Program.  Breeders who have this recognition, perform these screenings on their dogs prior to breeding. 

Q:  WHAT ARE OKCBC MEMBERS AND OTHERS DOING TO IMPROVE BULLDOG HEALTH??

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) is a centralized health database for dogs, jointly sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).  The CHIC database contains results from the health screenings that responsible breeders incorporate into their breeding programs, as well as a DNA respiratory to support research efforts. 

BCA recommended testing includes OFA evaluations for Patellar Luxation, Congenital Cardiac Disease and Tracheal Hypoplasia.  In order to pass a cardiac evaluation , an exam by a board-certified cardiologist is suggested and use of an echocardiogram is preferred.  However,  an auscultation by your own vet is acceptable.  Health tests appropriate for bulldogs can be found on the CHIC website. 

Q:  WHAT ABOUT THE RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS WE HEAR ABOUT? 

These are issues that are easily managed with intelligent breeding choices.  Many bulldogs live a life free of breathing and related problems. A bulldog should be able to breathe freely.  In describing the ideal nose of a bulldog, the official Bulldog Standard states "The nostrils should be wide, large and black..." Further, "the general appearance and attitude should suggest great stability, vigor and strength."  

Bulldogs are not necessarily heat intolerant.  What can kill a bulldog is hyperventilation due to stress or nervousness.  Open nostrils and a normal sized trachea are key in good respiratory health in any brachycephalic breed. 

Q:  IS IT TRUE BULLDOGS HAVE TO HAVE C-SECTIONS INSTEAD OF GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY? 

Bulldogs, like most breeds, can and do whelp naturally.  Unfortunately, 24 hour vet care is not available everywhere.  Breeders often choose to plan a c-section as  a precautionary measure in hopes to avoid any possible complications.  

Q:  BULLDOGS DO NOT SEEM VERY ATHLETIC.  DO THEY HAVE MOVEMENT ISSUES?

This is another myth.  Bulldogs are very athletic!  A quick search on you tube will result in many. videos of bulldogs that are surfing, skim boarding, skate boarding, swimming, running, jumping and rough housing.  Bulldogs are not a sporting or working breed and should not be expected to have the same kind of stamina.  All bulldogs should be maintained at proper weight and fed quality, healthy food. 

Q:  DO BULLDOGS HAVE SKIN ISSUES?

A bulldog meeting the Standard for the breed would have a coat that is  "smooth and glossy" with soft skin, and its coat color would be "pure and brilliant."  Just like people, some dogs, purebred and mixed breeds, have allergies.   Sometimes food is the culprit.  At other times, environmental issues play a role.  Even with wrinkled skin, the bulldog will have a healthy coat if the owner pays attention and properly cares for the dog. 

Q:  WHY IS THE BULLDOGS LIFESPAN SHORT?

While no formal lifespan studies of Bulldogs have been conducted in the U.S., anecdotally, we hear of bulldogs living into their teens.  There is no valid scientific data in the U.S. to support some of the stastistics quoted in the media that bulldogs have a short life span.  Any bulldog reference in the U.S. lists the average lifespan to be 10 years. 

Q: WHY ARE VET BILLS SO HIGH WITH THIS BREED? 

This question is complex.  Vet fees are determined by. many factors.  Most well-bred dogs will have lower vet bills.   Poorly bred bulldogs will more likely have health problems than a bulldog breeder that uses health testing results to make informed decisions.  Unfortunately, many bulldogs are bred by those who are not knowledgeable about the breed and do not have historica, in depth knowledge about their ancestors.