Group 9 · Companion dogs
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a compact, funny and affectionate companion dog with bat ears that feels at home in the city. The breeding programme of Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen also pays attention to BOAS and the breathing of the parent dogs.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Franse Bulldog by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 heart examination
- 1 kneecap examination
- 1 other examination
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (7)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM)
Examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- MRI
-
Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
X-ray Once from 2 years
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: lateral (C1 to Cd1 must be assessable)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital heart disease (auscultation)
Heart examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Franse Bulldog, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM), Chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Congenital heart disease (auscultation). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Eye disorders. According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A French Bulldog needs moderate exercise: a few walks a day and playing together are enough. In warm weather, plan walks for the cooler parts of the day. Its short coat is easy to look after, and the folds in its face should be kept clean and dry.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The French Bulldog is a true people dog that likes to stay close to its owner and does not like being left alone for long. It is playful and funny, but can be stubborn, so short, cheerful training sessions work best. With this popular breed, looks often play a big part. So do not go for the shortest possible muzzle or an eye-catching colour, but for a breeder who has the examinations of the breeding programme carried out and is honest about the breathing of the parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
