English Bulldog health testing guide
Bulldogs face more breathing, heart and joint problems than most breeds, which makes English Bulldog health testing before breeding essential. The Bulldog Club of America recognizes seven OFA and DNA screenings in its Ambassadors for Health program. This VerifiedStuds guide explains each one and what we require.
Test
How it is done
Notes
Heart
OFA congenital cardiac exam
Echocardiogram preferred by the club
Patellas
Hands-on vet exam of the kneecaps
Final result at 12 months
Trachea
X-ray read by a veterinary radiologist
Dog must be 12 months or older
Hips
OFA X-ray
Final result at 24 months
Elbows
OFA X-ray
Final result at 24 months
Thyroid
Blood test registered with OFA
Repeat periodically
Hyperuricosuria (HUU)
DNA test
Any age
A Bulldog stud earns the Verified Health badge with an OFA cardiac exam, patella exam and tracheal evaluation, plus a recent negative Brucellosis test. In addition, the profile shows hips, elbows, thyroid and HUU when the owner uploads them, so buyers can see which studs go further.
Tracheal hypoplasia means a windpipe narrower than normal, which adds to the breathing trouble flat-faced dogs already have. OFA certifies a dog as normal when a radiologist finds the trachea normal in size and shape and its lumen ratio is 2.0 or more. As a result, each dog comes back normal, equivocal or hypoplastic.
Hyperuricosuria makes dogs prone to bladder and kidney stones. A DNA test shows whether a dog is clear, a carrier or affected. Therefore, pair a carrier only with a clear mate so no puppy inherits the condition.
Canine brucellosis causes infertility and pregnancy loss and can spread to people. The AKC advises testing stud dogs every 6 to 12 months and females before each breeding. Because owners often ship Bulldog semen, also make sure the stud's test is current on the collection date.
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What health tests does an English Bulldog need before breeding?
At minimum an OFA heart exam, patella exam and trachea X-ray, plus a negative Brucellosis test. In addition, the club recommends hips, elbows, thyroid and HUU DNA.
At what age can a Bulldog's trachea be tested?
OFA requires the dog to be at least 12 months old at the time of the X-ray.
Is an echocardiogram required for the heart test?
OFA accepts other cardiac exams, but the Bulldog Club of America prefers an echocardiogram.
Can a Bulldog that carries HUU be bred?
Yes, to a mate that tests clear. As a result, none of the puppies inherit the condition.
What is the Ambassadors for Health award?
It is the Bulldog Club of America's recognition for dogs with published results, from Bronze for three of the seven tests to Diamond for all seven.
Sources: Bulldog Club of America health awards, AKC on canine brucellosis.
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