Perception of health problems in French bulldogs and attitudes toward BOAS grading among Danish owners
A new Danish study published in [Journal Name] sheds light on French bulldog owners’ perceptions of their pets’ health—particularly regarding brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)—and their attitudes toward BOAS grading as a potential solution. While most owners acknowledged the breed’s health challenges, many still viewed their own dogs as exceptions, highlighting a persistent disconnect between general breed concerns and individual pet experiences.
French Bulldogs: A Beloved but Problem-Prone Breed
French bulldogs rank among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, prized for their affectionate nature and distinctive appearance. However, their shortened skulls (brachycephaly) contribute to severe respiratory issues, collectively known as BOAS, alongside other common health problems like allergies, spinal disorders, and skin conditions.
Despite veterinary efforts to promote healthier breeding standards, progress has been slow. One proposed solution is BOAS grading, a scoring system that evaluates breathing function to guide breeding decisions. But for this to work, owner demand for healthier dogs must align with scientific recommendations—a challenge underscored by this new research.
Key Findings from Danish French Bulldog Owners
The study surveyed 452 French bulldog owners in Denmark, asking about:
Common health issues in their dogs
Perceptions of breed health vs. their own dog’s health
Willingness to reacquire or recommend the breed
Awareness and opinions on BOAS grading
1. Widespread Health Problems—But Owners See Their Own Dogs as Healthier
The most reported health issues were:
Allergies (36.7%)
Breathing problems (29.6%)
Back problems (19.0%)
56% of owners believed French bulldogs are less healthy than other breeds overall.
Yet 64% considered their own dog healthier than average—only 8% said theirs was less healthy.
Owners whose dogs had breathing problems were more likely to report snoring while awake (p<0.001), heat intolerance (p<0.001), and wheezing (p=0.005).
2. Health Problems Influence Future Ownership Choices
The more health issues an owner experienced, the less likely they were to:
Get another French bulldog (p<0.001)
Recommend the breed to others (p<0.001)
3. Strong Support for BOAS Grading—But Will It Change Breeding Demand?
Two-thirds (66%) of owners had heard of BOAS grading.
Around 80% viewed it positively, agreeing it should be mandatory for breeding dogs.
Most also said they would prefer a puppy from BOAS-graded parents in the future.
The Paradox: Awareness vs. Action
While the findings suggest strong theoretical support for BOAS grading, real-world adoption may face hurdles:
Cognitive Dissonance: Owners often recognize breed-wide issues but see their own dog as an exception—a phenomenon seen in other brachycephalic breeds.
Emotional Attachment: Despite health problems, many owners remain deeply attached to the breed’s personality and appearance.
Market Pressures: If non-graded puppies remain cheaper or more available, demand may not shift enough to drive industry-wide change.
What This Means for Breed Health Improvement
Education Campaigns: Veterinarians must emphasize that even "healthy-looking" French bulldogs may suffer internally from BOAS.
Breeding Reforms: Widespread BOAS testing and transparency in breeding programs could help shift buyer preferences.
Policy Changes: Some countries have already restricted extreme brachycephalic breeding—Denmark and others may need stricter regulations if voluntary measures lag.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain
"This study shows that owners are aware of the problems and support solutions in principle," says [Lead Author]. "But translating that into actual demand for healthier dogs will require stronger advocacy, breeder accountability, and possibly regulatory action."
For now, French bulldog popularity remains high—but as health concerns grow, the future of the breed may depend on whether owners, breeders, and policymakers can align good intentions with meaningful change.
Read full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1605505/abstract
