[Animals] The growing demand for the French bulldog is aggravating the condition of their breed

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Due to its characteristics, the French bulldog is one of the dogs that can suffer the most from health problems, warn experts
The flat snout, the flattened face, the pointed ears and its size are just some of the factors that have positioned the French bulldog as one of the most po[CENSORED]r dogs. There are also those who see in this breed a peculiar grace that distinguishes them.

This has been reflected in a high demand in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain. To give a better angle on the size of this situation, just look at the latest record of the most po[CENSORED]r breeds according to the American Kennel Club. In this list, the French bulldog ranks second.

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Given that each year it seems that the breed is better positioned, studies around the French bulldog have sought to know in greater detail what exactly their health condition is. Unfortunately, these works have only shown that this canine breed is one of the most at risk due to its delicate situation.

French Bulldog: The Cost of Po[CENSORED]rity
Contrary to what the name suggests, the origin of these dogs is not only linked to France, but also to the United Kingdom. Its official recognition came in 1906, when the Kennel Club added this dog to its listings. Since then, the breed has been positioning itself as one of the most requested by owners.

The French bulldog, due to its physical characteristics, is part of the brachycephalic dogs. This refers to the fact that these are breeds with a different skull than the rest. Among what distinguishes them are the soft palate, short nasal bones and reduced orifices, small head and flattened face.

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A first study on this matter was carried out by a group of scientists from the Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom. The results were based on data collected from 2,228 French bulldogs at 304 different clinics. These were published in Canine Medicine and Genetics.

This research work found that the French bulldog has a strong tendency to develop certain health problems. Scientists noted that ear infections, diarrhea and conjunctivitis are among the most common ailments. On the other hand, due to its physical characteristics, this breed can also suffer from respiratory and skin problems.

The second study, from the same institution, highlights the problems detected at the beginning. This time the researchers compared 2,781 French bulldogs with 21,850 non-French bulldogs. They took as a reference the 43 most common ailments in both groups of dogs. The result showed that the first group was more affected due to their body composition.

“EXTREME BODY TRAITS SUCH AS FLAT FACE AND LARGE EYES, WHICH ARE OFTEN PERCEIVED AS ‘PRETTY’ OR ‘NORMAL’ FOR THE BREED AND, WORRYINGLY, ‘DESIRABLE,’ PROMOTE HEALTH PROBLEMS,” RESEARCHERS MENTION FOR ANIMAL’S HEALTH.

The task is to raise awareness about this problem
For the second study it is essential to carry out research that helps the race. The health risks of these dogs is a reality that must be taken into account. What is achieved with works like the one developed by these researchers is a greater awareness of how these animals are living.

Measures have already been taken in this regard. A BBC documentary called Pedigree Dogs Exposed made many people aware of the problems with brachycephalic breeds. This prompted the UK Kennel Club to do special reviews of these dogs. In addition, in 2016, a petition signed by more than 40,000 veterinary professionals led to the creation of a group focused on improving the health of these animals.

“SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE INFLUENCE OF CELEBRITIES HAVE REALLY BOOSTED THE PO[CENSORED]RITY OF FRENCH BULLDOGS IN RECENT YEARS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THEIR ‘CUTE’ CHARACTERISTICS CAN MASK A LOT OF HEALTH PROBLEMS, WHICH MAY REQUIRE EXPENSIVE TREATMENT. THERE IS GROWING CONCERN IN THE VETERINARY PROFESSION THAT MANY OWNERS ARE NOT AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS WHEN THEY DECIDE TO BRING A FRENCHIE INTO THE FAMILY,” JUSTINE SHOTTON, PRESIDENT OF THE BRITISH VETERINARY ASSOCIATION, WARNS ANIMAL’S HEALTH.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/bulldog-frances-una-de-las-razas-con-mayores-riesgos-de-salud/