The improved health and welfare of English bulldogs is dependent on these animals being bred to have more moderate physical features. A newly published study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has confirmed the extreme physical features of English bulldogs (i.e. shortened muzzles, folded skin, squat body) put the breed at increased risk of developing breathing, eye, and skin conditions. Using information collected from veterinary practices across the U.K., researchers examined the records of 2,662 English bulldogs and 22,039 dogs of other breeds. The data revealed English bulldogs were twice as likely to be diagnosed with at least one disorder as compared to other dogs, showing predispositions for 24 out of 43 (55.8 percent) specific disorders. Originally developed as a muscular and athletic dog, the English bulldog has since been bred to have a short (brachycephalic) skull, protruding jaw, skin folds, and squat, heavy build. Specifically, the dogs are more prone to: Skin fold dermatitis (38.12 times greater risk as compared to other breeds) “Cherry eye” (i.e. prolapsed nictitating membrane gland) (26.79 times greater risk) Mandibular prognathism (24.32 times greater risk) Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (19.20 times greater risk) In contrast, the breed was found to be at reduced risk as compared to other dogs for some other conditions, including dental disease, heart murmur, and flea infestation. “These findings suggest the overall health of the English bulldog is much lower than that of other dogs,” says the study’s author, Dan O’Neill, MVB, GPCert, PGCertVetEd, FHEA, PhD, FRCVS. “However, what is most concerning is so many of the health conditions English bulldogs suffer from, such as skin fold dermatitis and breathing problems, are directly linked to the extreme structure of their bodies that has been selectively bred for.” Researchers say redefining the breed standards of English bulldogs will help improve the welfare of these animals. Additionally, it may reduce the risk of the breed being banned on welfare grounds, as has happened in Norway and the Netherlands . “Given the continued popularity of the breed, the body-shape of typical English bulldogs should be redefined toward more moderate physical characteristics,” Dr. O’Neill says. Future research could compare the predisposition of disorders between English bulldogs with more moderate physical features compared to those with extreme physiques, RVC says. This will help assess potential welfare gains from breeding for less drastic characteristics. The findings have been published in Canine Medicine and Genetics. For more, click here.
