French Bulldog & Pug Physical Health Testing
Physical Health Testing for French Bulldogs and Pugs
DNA testing is important, but it is only one part of responsible breeding. A DNA report can tell us about known inherited disease markers, parentage, colour, coat type and genetic diversity. It cannot tell us how well a dog breathes, moves, recovers from exercise, handles heat, carries weight, gives birth, or functions in everyday life.
That is why physical health testing matters so much for French Bulldogs and Pugs. These are brachycephalic companion breeds, so responsible breeding has to look beyond paperwork and assess the whole dog.
At Le Epitome Kennels, our physical health approach considers breathing, nostrils, airway function, patellas, hips, spine, movement, eyes, heart, skin, ears, teeth, jaw, body condition, temperament, heat tolerance and reproductive function.
Our formal health testing system is being progressively strengthened across the programme. Some checks are already part of our routine puppy, veterinary and breeding review process. More formal assessments, including patella grading, hip assessment, Respiratory Function Grading and imaging where appropriate, are being implemented as dogs mature, enter breeding consideration, or reach breeding age.
The aim is not to claim that any breeding programme can remove all risk. The aim is to make better breeding decisions, avoid preventable problems where possible, keep proper records, and stand behind the puppies we place into New Zealand homes.
At Le Epitome Kennels in Waikato, New Zealand, health testing does not stop at DNA. DNA results help us understand inherited disease risks and carrier status, but they cannot tell us how a dog breathes, moves, recovers after activity, uses its rear end, carries its body, or copes with normal daily life. This page explains the physical health checks we use alongside DNA testing in our French Bulldog and Pug breeding programmes, including BOAS and respiratory function grading, patella assessment, spine and hemivertebrae awareness, hips, heart, trachea, movement and overall structural soundness.
Why Physical Health Testing Matters
While DNA testing is an important part of responsible breeding, it cannot assess how a dog is physically built or how it functions in daily life. In French Bulldogs and Pugs, many of the most important health questions are structural and functional rather than purely genetic.
Physical health testing looks at the dog itself. It helps assess how the dog breathes, how the spine is formed, how the patellas track, how the rear end moves, how the heart sounds, how the eyes sit, and whether the dog is comfortable in normal activity.
This matters because a dog can have excellent DNA results and still have physical traits that should affect breeding decisions. A clear DNA profile does not prove that a dog has good airway function, sound knees, strong movement, normal spinal structure or suitable conformation.
For brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, responsible breeding needs both genetic information and physical assessment. DNA testing helps identify inherited disease risks and carrier status. Physical health testing helps assess real-world function, comfort and structural soundness.
This page explains the main physical health areas we monitor in our French Bulldog and Pug breeding programmes, what each condition means, how it can be assessed, and how those results should influence responsible breeding decisions.
BOAS and Respiratory Function Grading
BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. It is a breathing condition that can affect short-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs.
BOAS is not something that can be cleared by a DNA test. It is a physical and functional issue involving the dog’s airway, including the nostrils, soft palate, throat and upper airway. A dog may have clear DNA results but still have restricted breathing, poor heat tolerance, slow recovery after exercise, or other airway concerns.
The Respiratory Function Grading scheme was developed by The Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge and is used for Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs. In New Zealand, Dogs New Zealand supports the Respiratory Function Grading scheme, with assessments carried out by trained veterinary assessors.
Respiratory Function Grading gives breeders and owners a more structured way to assess breathing function. Dogs can be assessed from 12 months of age, and breeding dogs should be reassessed periodically because BOAS can change over time.
At Le Epitome Kennels, breathing health is treated as a core part of breeding suitability. We consider nostril openness, resting airway noise, exercise tolerance, heat tolerance, recovery after activity, veterinary findings, and formal Respiratory Function Grading where available and appropriate.
Our formal RFG use is being implemented progressively as dogs reach the right age and stage for assessment. This sits alongside our day-to-day observations, ordinary veterinary checks, and breeding review process.
The Difference Between Frenchie/Pug Sounds and Breathing Problems
French Bulldogs and Pugs can be expressive dogs. Many make soft snuffles, grumbles, snores and little talking sounds as part of ordinary breed character. Not every sound is automatically a health problem.
The important question is whether the dog is comfortable and functional.
A healthy, comfortable dog should be able to rest quietly, sleep without obvious distress, move around the home comfortably, play in short sensible bursts, recover normally after activity, and breathe without persistent effort.
Breathing signs that should not be dismissed as “just normal for the breed” include heavy airway noise at rest, open-mouth breathing while resting, repeated gagging or choking, poor heat tolerance, slow recovery after mild activity, collapse, blue or purple gums or tongue, or a dog that cannot settle because of breathing effort.
For breeding decisions, we look beyond whether a dog is attractive or breed-typical. We pay attention to comfort, function, recovery and resilience. A French Bulldog or Pug should still be able to live well as a dog, not simply look correct in photos.
Choosing a Brachycephalic-Experienced Vet
French Bulldogs and Pugs are not assessed properly by looking at them like ordinary long-nosed breeds. Their health review needs to take brachycephalic structure seriously, especially breathing, nostrils, soft palate, heat tolerance, eyes, skin folds, spine, patellas, body condition and anaesthetic risk.
A brachycephalic-experienced vet understands the difference between breed-typical features and genuine welfare concerns. They are more likely to notice early airway restriction, poor recovery after activity, narrow nostrils, recurring eye irritation, unstable patellas, spinal warning signs, and the effect that extra weight can have on breathing and movement.
For breeding dogs, we value veterinary assessment that is practical, specific and decision-useful. A general statement that a dog “looks healthy” is less helpful than clear notes on breathing, nares, heart, eyes, patellas, movement, spine, hips, skin, teeth, bite, body condition and any follow-up required.
For puppies, our pre-sale veterinary checks are an important early screen, but they are not the same as later adult breeding assessments. Some structural and functional traits become clearer as a dog matures. That is why retained dogs and breeding candidates may need further assessment as they grow and approach breeding age.
The aim is not to medicalise every dog. The aim is to use the right veterinary input at the right stage, so breeding decisions are based on function, welfare and evidence rather than appearance alone.
How BOAS Is Assessed
BOAS cannot be properly assessed from a DNA report. It needs physical assessment of the living dog.
Assessment may include:
listening to the dog’s breathing at rest
observing breathing after movement or exercise
checking recovery time
assessing nostril openness
reviewing airway noise, snoring and sleep comfort
considering heat tolerance and activity tolerance
veterinary examination
formal respiratory function grading where available
Respiratory Function Grading, often shortened to RFG, is a recognised assessment framework developed by the Royal Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge. Dogs New Zealand describes the scheme as assessing French Bulldogs and Pugs for BOAS. The Cambridge BOAS resources describe grades from Grade 0, clinically unaffected, through to Grade III, severe BOAS and clinically affected.
How We Use Breathing Assessment in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, breathing is treated as a functional health trait, not as an afterthought. We do not rely on colour, pedigree or DNA results to tell us whether a dog breathes well.
For breeding dogs and retained prospects, we consider how the dog breathes in ordinary life: at rest, during activity, in warm weather, during recovery and during normal handling. We use formal RFG assessment by an experienced brachycephalic veterinarian and we use that information to guide breeding decisions.
A dog with significant breathing compromise should not be treated as breeding quality simply because it has attractive colour, good type or clear DNA results. Breeding decisions should favour dogs that can breathe, recover and live comfortably.
What Buyers Should Ask
Buyers should ask breeders how they assess breathing, not just whether the puppy has been vet checked.
Useful questions include:
Have the parents been assessed for BOAS?
Have the parents had respiratory function grading or RFG-style assessment?
Do the parents breathe quietly at rest?
How do they recover after activity?
Do they tolerate normal warm weather management?
Have any dogs in the line needed airway surgery?
Can the breeder explain what they are doing to improve breathing over time?
A responsible breeder should be able to discuss breathing openly. Avoid anyone who dismisses BOAS as irrelevant, treats noisy breathing as normal, or focuses only on colour while ignoring airway function.
Nostrils, Soft Palate, Trachea and Airway Structure
Breathing health in French Bulldogs and Pugs is not determined by one feature alone. The airway is a system. The nostrils, nasal passages, soft palate, throat tissue, larynx and trachea all affect how easily air can move in and out of the dog.
Nostril Openness
Nostril openness is one of the easiest airway features for a buyer to see. Very tight or pinched nostrils can make airflow more difficult, especially during activity, warm weather or excitement.
Open nostrils do not guarantee perfect breathing, but they are a positive feature. Restricted nostrils, especially when combined with heavy airway noise or poor recovery after activity, should be taken seriously.
In our breeding programme, nostril openness is part of the overall respiratory picture. We look at how the dog appears, how it breathes, and how it functions in real life.
Soft Palate and Throat Tissue
The soft palate is the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. In brachycephalic breeds, the soft palate can sometimes be too long or too thick for the shortened skull shape. This can partially obstruct airflow and contribute to snoring, snorting, gagging, noisy breathing or poor recovery after activity.
This is not something a breeder can fully assess by looking at the dog from the outside. A veterinarian may suspect soft palate involvement from the dog’s breathing pattern, noise and clinical signs. In more serious cases, airway examination or specialist veterinary assessment may be needed.
For breeding purposes, the practical question is not just whether the dog looks good. It is whether the dog breathes comfortably and recovers normally in ordinary life.
Trachea and Airway Size
The trachea is the main airway carrying air to and from the lungs. Some brachycephalic dogs can have a narrower trachea, often discussed as tracheal hypoplasia. A narrow trachea can make breathing harder and may worsen the effect of other airway restrictions.
Tracheal size cannot be assessed properly from a standard DNA report or a photo. Where there are concerns, it requires veterinary assessment and, in some cases, imaging.
How We Use Airway Information
At Le Epitome Kennels, airway health is assessed in layers. We consider visible features such as nostril openness, but we also look at the dog’s breathing noise, comfort, heat tolerance, recovery after activity and veterinary feedback.
A dog with attractive type or colour is not automatically suitable for breeding if the airway function is poor. For French Bulldogs and Pugs, responsible selection means favouring dogs that can breathe, recover and live comfortably as companion animals.
Hemivertebrae, Spine and Tail Structure
Hemivertebrae are malformed vertebrae. Instead of forming as a normal rectangular block, one or more vertebrae may develop in an uneven, wedge-shaped or butterfly-like shape. This can affect the alignment of the spine and is seen more often in screw-tailed and brachycephalic breeds, including French Bulldogs and Pugs.
Hemivertebrae are not all the same. Some are incidental findings and may never cause obvious clinical signs. Others can contribute to spinal curvature, pressure on the spinal cord, pain, weakness, abnormal movement or neurological signs. The seriousness depends on where the malformed vertebrae are, how many there are, how severe they are, and whether the dog shows symptoms.
Why Spine Health Matters in French Bulldogs and Pugs
Spine health matters because these breeds are compact, heavy-bodied and often have shortened or curled tails. The spine, rear end, hips, patellas and movement all work together. A dog with spinal discomfort or abnormal vertebral structure may show subtle changes before obvious lameness or pain is seen.
Signs that may need veterinary assessment include:
weakness in the rear legs
wobbling, dragging feet or poor coordination
reluctance to jump, climb or move normally
pain when touched along the back
abnormal curvature of the spine
sudden lameness or collapse
loss of bladder or bowel control
unexplained change in gait or posture
Not every spinal concern is hereditary. Trauma, falls, jumping from height, vehicle accidents and other injuries can also cause spinal damage. When reviewing health history, it is important to separate traumatic injury from inherited or structural risk where the evidence allows.
How Hemivertebrae Are Tested For
Hemivertebrae are identified by imaging, usually spinal x-rays. In more complex cases, a veterinarian may recommend CT, MRI or specialist review, especially if the dog has neurological signs or there is concern about spinal cord compression.
A spinal x-ray may help show:
whether malformed vertebrae are present
where they are located
whether there are multiple affected vertebrae
whether the spine has abnormal curvature
whether further veterinary interpretation is needed
Imaging must be interpreted in context. A radiographic finding on its own does not always tell the full story. The dog’s movement, comfort, age, symptoms, physical examination and veterinary advice all matter.
DVL2, Screw Tail and DNA Markers
Some DNA panels may include DVL2 testing, which is associated with the screw-tail phenotype seen in breeds such as French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. This can be useful information, but it should not be treated as a simple pass or fail for spinal health.
A DNA marker can help breeders understand part of the genetic picture, but it does not replace physical assessment or imaging. A dog may carry a breed-relevant marker and still appear clinically sound. Equally, a dog without a particular marker is not guaranteed free of all spine or movement risk.
For this reason, we treat DNA information, tail structure, spinal imaging, movement and veterinary findings as separate pieces of the same health picture.
How We Use Spine Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, spine and movement are part of breeding suitability. We watch how dogs move, how they carry their rear end, whether they appear comfortable, and whether any spinal, tail or neurological concern appears in the dog or its close relatives.
Where there is concern, we may use spinal x-rays, veterinary assessment or specialist advice before making breeding decisions. Mild incidental findings in a comfortable, sound-moving dog are different from severe malformation, pain, weakness or neurological signs.
A dog showing significant spinal pain, neurological signs, poor mobility or serious structural concern should not be treated as breeding quality simply because it has good colour, strong pedigree or clear DNA results.
What Buyers Should Ask
Buyers should ask breeders whether they monitor spine and movement, especially in French Bulldogs.
Useful questions include:
Do you monitor hemivertebrae and spinal structure?
Have any dogs in the line had spinal symptoms or IVDD-type issues?
Do you separate traumatic injuries from suspected inherited issues in your records?
Have retained breeding dogs had spinal x-rays where indicated?
Do you monitor puppy movement before placement?
Have any related puppies shown rear-leg weakness, wobbling or neurological signs?
A responsible breeder should be willing to discuss spine health openly. The goal is not to pretend the breed has no spinal risks. The goal is to understand those risks, record them honestly and make better breeding decisions over time.
Patella Luxation and Knee Soundness
Patella luxation means the kneecap does not track properly in the groove of the knee joint. Instead of sitting securely in place, the kneecap can slip in and out of position. This may happen occasionally in mild cases, or more frequently in more serious cases.
Patella issues are seen in many small breeds, including French Bulldogs and Pugs. They matter because the knees affect comfort, movement, rear-end strength and long-term mobility. A dog with poor patellas may skip, hop, limp, move awkwardly, avoid using one leg properly, or develop pain and compensation through the hips, back or other leg.
How Patella Luxation Is Assessed
Patellas are not assessed by DNA testing. They require physical examination by a veterinarian. The vet palpates the knee joint and checks whether the kneecap stays in place, can be moved manually, or luxates on its own.
Patella luxation is usually graded from Grade 1 to Grade 4:
Grade 1:
The kneecap can be manually moved out of place but returns to position. The dog may show little or no obvious sign.
Grade 2:
The kneecap may move out of place more easily and may stay out temporarily before returning. Some dogs show intermittent skipping or lameness.
Grade 3:
The kneecap is out of position much of the time but can be manually replaced. Movement is often affected.
Grade 4:
The kneecap is permanently out of position and cannot be manually replaced. This is a serious structural issue.
Why Puppy Checks Are Useful but Not the Whole Story
A puppy can be checked for obvious patella concerns before leaving for a new home, but young puppies are still developing. Their joints are loose, their muscles are immature, and much of their skeletal structure is still soft and forming. For that reason, grading patellas in a very young puppy can be useful as a screening tool, but it should not always be treated as a final lifetime diagnosis.
Minor Grade 1 or Grade 2 patella findings in a young puppy may improve as the puppy grows, strengthens and develops better muscle control. These cases should be recorded, monitored and reassessed as the dog matures. They are not automatically a reason for immediate surgery, especially if the puppy is comfortable, active and not showing pain or significant lameness.
Grade 3 or Grade 4 findings are more serious and usually require prompt veterinary guidance. If the kneecap is out most of the time, cannot remain in place, or the puppy is painful, lame or moving abnormally, then medical or surgical intervention may be appropriate.
Buyers should be cautious if surgery is recommended for a very young puppy with only a mild Grade 1 or Grade 2 patella finding and no major clinical signs. In that situation, it is sensible to ask clear questions, understand why surgery is being recommended, and consider a second opinion from a veterinarian experienced with small-breed orthopaedics.
The key question is not just “what grade was written down today?” It is whether the puppy is painful, whether movement is affected, whether the issue is improving or worsening, and what reassessment shows as the dog matures.
How We Use Patella Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, patella findings are recorded and used in breeding decisions. Grade 0 or Grade 1 results are preferred. A Grade 2 result requires caution, veterinary advice and careful consideration of the whole dog and any related line history.
Dogs with Grade 3 or Grade 4 patella luxation, painful movement or significant functional impairment should not be used for breeding. A rare colour, attractive type or strong pedigree does not outweigh a serious knee problem.
We also look for patterns. One isolated concern may be managed differently from repeated patella issues appearing across related puppies, a sire line or a dam line. Repeated patterns trigger closer review.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Have the puppy’s patellas been checked by a vet?
Have the parents’ patellas been assessed?
Has either parent shown skipping, lameness or rear-leg weakness?
Have any related puppies needed patella surgery?
How does the breeder record and respond to patella issues?
Would a dog with a serious patella grade remain in the breeding programme?
Patella health is one of the areas where responsible breeding needs both veterinary assessment and honest record keeping. The goal is not to pretend patella luxation never occurs, but to identify it, record it and avoid breeding decisions that increase the risk over time.
Hips, Rear-End Strength and Movement
Hip and rear-end structure affect how a dog stands, walks, runs, turns, sits, climbs and carries its body. In French Bulldogs and Pugs, rear-end soundness matters because these are compact, heavy-bodied breeds where the hips, knees, spine and muscles all work together.
Hip concerns may include hip laxity, poor socket fit, uneven movement, weakness, discomfort or reduced mobility. Some dogs may show obvious signs such as lameness or difficulty getting up, while others may show more subtle signs such as bunny-hopping, stiffness, reluctance to jump, uneven rear-leg use or poor drive from behind.
Why Movement Matters
Movement tells us things that a DNA report cannot. A dog may have a clear inherited disease panel but still move poorly because of structure, joint development, muscle weakness, spinal discomfort or patella issues.
For breeding purposes, we are not looking for extreme athleticism. French Bulldogs and Pugs are companion breeds, not working sheepdogs. But they should still be able to move freely, carry their weight comfortably, play normally, recover after activity and live without avoidable pain.
Good movement is also a useful early warning system. If a dog consistently moves awkwardly, protects one leg, struggles to rise, avoids normal activity or shows weakness through the rear end, that should be recorded and assessed rather than ignored.
Natural Whelping and Rear-End Function
Our preference for natural whelping also keeps rear-end and pelvic function in focus. A dam that can carry, labour, whelp and recover well is showing us something about practical physical soundness that cannot be measured by DNA alone.
Natural whelping does not prove that a dog has perfect hips, and it does not replace veterinary assessment or imaging where appropriate. However, over generations, selecting for females that can move well, carry comfortably, whelp safely and recover strongly helps keep breeding decisions connected to real-world function rather than appearance alone.
For us, reproductive soundness is part of physical health. A breeding programme should not only produce dogs that look good; it should also preserve dogs that can function well as dogs.
How Hips and Mobility Are Assessed
Hip and mobility assessment begins with observation. We look at how the dog walks, stands, turns, sits, rises, plays and uses its rear end. Veterinary examination can assess pain, range of motion, gait, joint stability and whether further imaging is needed.
For puppies, the pre-sale vet check can identify obvious concerns, but young puppies are still developing. Their bones, joints and muscles are not mature, so early checks are screening checks rather than final breeding assessments.
For retained breeding prospects, hip and mobility assessment should be repeated as the dog matures. Formal hip assessment, hip scoring, PennHIP or other recognised imaging may be used where appropriate, usually later than the puppy stage when the skeleton is more developed and the result is more meaningful.
How We Use Hip and Movement Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, we consider rear-end strength, hip comfort and movement as part of breeding suitability. A dog does not need to be built like a racing greyhound, but it should be comfortable, balanced and functional.
A dog with poor movement, painful hips, significant weakness or abnormal gait should not be used for breeding without proper veterinary review. Where a concern is minor, unclear or developmental, the dog may be monitored and reassessed before any breeding decision is made.
We also look at patterns across related dogs. One injury or one awkward puppy stage is not the same as repeated hip, movement or rear-end weakness appearing across a line. If similar concerns appear in related puppies, siblings, parents or progeny, that information should influence future pairings.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Has the puppy had a basic hip and mobility check before leaving?
Do the parents move freely and comfortably?
Have any related dogs had hip, rear-end or movement issues?
Does the breeder watch puppy movement before placement?
Are retained breeding dogs reassessed as they mature?
Does the breeder use imaging or specialist assessment where there is concern?
Good breeders should be able to talk about movement honestly. The aim is not to claim that every dog is perfect, but to show that mobility is being watched, recorded and used in breeding decisions.
Natural Mating, Natural Whelping and Functional Breeding Health
Physical health is not only about airways, patellas, hips and spine. Reproductive function also matters. A breed should not only look good, test well on paper and photograph beautifully; it should still be capable of doing the basic biological things dogs are meant to do.
In French Bulldogs and Pugs, this matters because reproductive difficulty can become normalised if breeders stop treating it as a health signal. Mating ability, fertility, pregnancy comfort, labour, pelvic structure, maternal instinct, milk supply, puppy survival and recovery after whelping all tell us something about the physical soundness of the dog and the direction of the breed.
Why Natural Function Matters
Natural mating and natural whelping are not just old-fashioned ideals. They are useful indicators of functional health.
A dog that can mate naturally, carry comfortably, whelp safely and recover well is showing practical physical capability. A dam that mothers confidently, feeds her puppies well and recovers strongly after a litter is giving us information that cannot be found on a DNA report.
This does not mean veterinary intervention is wrong. Artificial insemination, assisted delivery and caesarean sections can be necessary, appropriate and sometimes life-saving. The welfare of the dam and puppies always comes first.
However, if a breeding programme depends on intervention every time, that should raise serious questions about what is being selected for. In plain English: if humans have to handle all the dating, all the midwifery and all the emergency logistics forever, eventually we need to ask whether the dogs are still doing their share of the paperwork.
How We Assess Reproductive Health
Reproductive health is assessed over time. It is not a single test.
We consider whether the dog can mate naturally, whether pregnancy is carried comfortably, whether labour progresses safely, whether assistance was needed, whether a caesarean section was required, how well the dam recovered, and how well she cared for her puppies.
We also record the reason for any intervention. An emergency caesarean, a planned caesarean, a one-off complication and repeated whelping difficulty are not all the same thing. Context matters.
How This Guides Our Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, we prefer natural mating and natural whelping where it is safe and appropriate. We use veterinary care when needed, but we do not ignore repeated reproductive difficulty.
A single assisted birth or caesarean section does not automatically mean a dog is unsuitable for breeding. But repeated difficulty, poor recovery, poor maternal behaviour, fertility problems, or a pattern of intervention across related dogs should influence future breeding decisions.
For us, reproductive soundness is part of health. A breeding programme should not only produce dogs that look good; it should preserve dogs that can function well as dogs. If we want these breeds to have a future, we have to breed for dogs that can help carry that future. These breeds should not need a full human support crew just to keep existing.
Eye Health in French Bulldogs and Pugs
Eye health is an important part of physical health testing in both French Bulldogs and Pugs. Because these are short-faced breeds, their eyes can sit more prominently than in longer-nosed dogs. That can make the eyes more exposed to irritation, injury, dryness, corneal ulcers and eyelid-related problems.
This does not mean every French Bulldog or Pug will have eye problems. Many live comfortably with clear, healthy eyes. But eye health should be monitored carefully because small issues can become painful quickly if they are missed or left untreated.
Common Eye Concerns in Brachycephalic Breeds
French Bulldogs and Pugs can be more prone to eye concerns such as corneal ulcers, dry eye, irritation from facial folds, eyelid abnormalities, pigmentary changes, cherry eye and injury from rough play, scratching or environmental hazards.
Pugs in particular are known for their large, expressive eyes, which are part of their charm, but that same eye shape means owners and breeders need to be sensible. A beautiful eye should also be a comfortable, functional eye.
Warning signs that need veterinary attention include:
squinting
excessive blinking
rubbing the face or eyes
redness
cloudiness
discharge
swelling
visible injury
sudden change in eye appearance
keeping one eye closed
signs of pain or light sensitivity
Eye problems should not be ignored or treated casually at home. Corneal injuries can become serious quickly, and early veterinary treatment can make a major difference.
How Eye Health Is Assessed
Eye assessment starts with ordinary observation and veterinary examination. At puppy checks, the vet can look for obvious eye abnormalities, injury, irritation, discharge, eyelid problems or signs that the eye is not sitting comfortably.
In breeding dogs, eye health should be reviewed over time. A one-off injury is different from repeated ulcers, chronic dry eye, eyelid issues or inherited/conformational problems appearing across related dogs.
Where there is concern, further testing may include fluorescein staining for corneal ulcers, tear testing for dry eye, pressure testing, or referral to a veterinary eye specialist.
How We Use Eye Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, eye health is recorded as part of our physical health programme. We consider eye shape, comfort, injury history, veterinary findings, repeated problems and any patterns appearing in related dogs or puppies we have bred.
A minor traumatic injury does not automatically make a dog unsuitable for breeding. However, repeated ulcers, chronic eye disease, significant eyelid problems, poor eye placement or specialist concern should influence breeding decisions.
For Pugs especially, eye health carries extra weight because the breed’s eye shape is such a recognisable feature. We want expressive eyes, but not at the expense of comfort, function or long-term welfare.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Have the puppy’s eyes been checked by a vet before leaving?
Have the parents had any history of eye ulcers, dry eye or eyelid problems?
Are there any known eye issues in related dogs?
Does the breeder record eye injuries separately from inherited or recurring eye problems?
What signs should a new owner watch for at home?
Does the breeder encourage prompt vet care for squinting, cloudiness or eye pain?
A responsible breeder should take eye health seriously without frightening buyers unnecessarily. The goal is simple: bright, comfortable, functional eyes, and owners who know when an eye issue needs prompt attention.
Heart Health and Cardiac Checks
Heart health is part of responsible physical health testing in French Bulldogs and Pugs. Most puppies and adult dogs will have a normal heart check, but murmurs and other cardiac findings can occur in any breed and should be recorded properly.
A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard when a veterinarian listens to the heart with a stethoscope. Some murmurs in young puppies can be innocent and may resolve as the puppy grows. Others may indicate an underlying heart condition that needs further investigation.
Why Heart Checks Matter
Heart health matters because the heart affects energy, growth, exercise tolerance, anaesthetic risk and long-term wellbeing. A dog with a significant cardiac issue may tire more easily, cough, struggle with activity, fail to grow normally, collapse, or be at increased risk during surgery or stressful events.
In brachycephalic breeds, heart and breathing health should also be considered together. A dog that already has respiratory compromise should not also have an ignored cardiac concern. Breathing, circulation, recovery and heat tolerance all connect in the real dog.
How Heart Health Is Assessed
Heart assessment usually begins with auscultation, where the veterinarian listens to the heart during a physical examination. Puppies should have their heart checked before leaving for their new home, and breeding dogs should continue to have heart findings recorded during veterinary reviews.
If a murmur is detected, the next step depends on the grade, age of the dog, clinical signs and veterinary advice. Some mild puppy murmurs may be monitored and rechecked. Persistent, louder or concerning murmurs may require further investigation such as a cardiac ultrasound, specialist review or other veterinary testing.
Signs that may need veterinary attention include:
fainting or collapse
coughing
tiring quickly
poor growth
weakness
blue or pale gums
difficulty exercising
breathing difficulty not explained by airway structure alone
a murmur that persists beyond puppyhood
How We Use Heart Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, heart findings are recorded as part of our health programme. A normal heart check is reassuring, while any murmur or cardiac concern is treated as information that may affect sale, monitoring or breeding decisions.
An innocent puppy heart murmur is not the same as confirmed heart disease. Context matters. However, a persistent murmur, significant cardiac diagnosis or specialist concern should be taken seriously before any dog is considered for breeding.
A dog with unresolved or significant cardiac disease should not be used in a breeding programme simply because it has desirable colour, type or pedigree. Heart health is part of the whole-dog picture.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Has the puppy’s heart been checked by a veterinarian?
Was any murmur detected at the pre-sale vet check?
If a murmur was detected, what grade was it and what follow-up was recommended?
Have either parent or related dogs had known heart issues?
Does the breeder record cardiac findings in their health records?
Would the breeder use a dog with a significant heart condition for breeding?
A responsible breeder should be able to explain whether the puppy’s heart was checked, whether anything was found, and what follow-up is appropriate if a finding exists. The goal is not to alarm buyers, but to make sure heart findings are recorded, understood and managed properly.
Skin, Ears, Allergies and General Robustness
Skin and ear health are important in French Bulldogs and Pugs because both breeds can be prone to irritation, fold issues, ear infections, paw licking, itching and environmental or food sensitivities. These issues are not always dramatic, but they can have a major effect on comfort and quality of life if they become chronic.
A healthy companion dog should not need constant medication, repeated vet visits or ongoing treatment simply to remain comfortable in its own skin. Occasional irritation, a one-off ear infection or a minor skin flare can happen in any dog. The concern is when issues are repeated, severe, difficult to manage, or appear across related dogs.
Common Skin and Ear Concerns
French Bulldogs and Pugs may experience issues such as facial fold irritation, tail pocket irritation, itchy paws, ear infections, hot spots, dermatitis, yeast overgrowth, allergic skin disease or sensitivity to diet and environment.
Pugs often need particular attention around facial folds and eyes. French Bulldogs may need careful monitoring around ears, paws, belly skin, tail pockets and any tight folds. In both breeds, excess weight, poor hygiene, unsuitable diet, moisture trapped in folds and environmental allergens can make skin problems worse.
Warning signs include:
repeated scratching or chewing
paw licking
red or inflamed skin
greasy or smelly coat
recurring ear infections
head shaking
discharge from ears
tail pocket odour or irritation
raw skin in folds
hair loss
repeated rashes or sores
How Skin and Ear Health Is Assessed
Skin and ear health is assessed through observation, handling, grooming, veterinary examination and health history. A single snapshot is useful, but patterns over time are more valuable.
For puppies, the pre-sale vet check can identify obvious skin, ear or fold concerns. For breeding dogs, we also consider adult history: whether the dog has repeated flare-ups, chronic ear infections, ongoing itch, persistent allergies, or issues that require regular veterinary treatment.
Where needed, veterinary assessment may include ear examination, skin cytology, allergy investigation, diet review, medication trials or specialist referral.
How We Use Skin and Allergy Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, skin and ear history is recorded as part of the whole-dog health picture. A one-off issue does not automatically make a dog unsuitable for breeding, especially where there is a clear environmental trigger or minor temporary cause.
However, chronic allergies, repeated ear infections, recurring dermatitis, severe fold irritation or ongoing medication needs should influence breeding decisions. These issues affect welfare and can also create a significant burden for owners.
We also look for patterns across related dogs. If similar skin, ear or allergy problems appear repeatedly in siblings, parents, progeny or related lines, that is more important than one isolated case.
General Robustness
General robustness means how well a dog copes with ordinary life. A robust French Bulldog or Pug should maintain good body condition, recover well from normal activity, tolerate routine handling, have stable digestion, maintain healthy skin and coat, and not constantly sit on the edge of needing intervention.
This does not mean expecting these breeds to behave like farm dogs or endurance athletes. It means selecting for companion dogs that are comfortable, resilient and manageable in normal New Zealand homes.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Has the puppy had any skin, ear or fold irritation?
Have the parents had recurring allergies or ear infections?
Do related dogs have a pattern of skin or allergy issues?
What diet has the puppy been raised on?
Does the breeder record skin and ear issues over time?
Are fold, ear and skin problems treated as breeding information, or dismissed as normal?
A responsible breeder should not pretend skin and allergy issues never happen. The important thing is whether those issues are noticed, recorded, managed and used to guide future breeding decisions.
Dental, Jaw and Bite Health
Dental and jaw health are part of physical health testing in French Bulldogs and Pugs. Both breeds have shorter skulls and compact mouths, which can increase the risk of crowded teeth, retained baby teeth, uneven tooth placement, gum issues, jaw misalignment and bite problems.
An undershot bite is the breed standard in both breeds and is not automatically a health concern. The breed standards calls for a scissored underbite, where the lower jaw sits slightly in front of the upper jaw and the teeth meet and touch when the mouth is closed. The important question is whether the mouth is functional. A dog should be able to eat comfortably, close its mouth reasonably, avoid trauma from misplaced teeth, and live without ongoing pain or repeated dental problems.
Common Dental and Jaw Concerns
French Bulldogs and Pugs may have crowded teeth, rotated teeth, retained puppy teeth, missing teeth, uneven wear, jaw asymmetry, soft tissue trauma from misplaced teeth, or dental disease developing earlier than expected.
Some bite variation is breed-typical. However, severe malocclusion is different. If teeth are digging into the gums, roof of the mouth or lips, or if the dog struggles to eat, chew, hold food or close its mouth comfortably, that is a health and welfare issue rather than just a cosmetic feature.
Warning signs include:
difficulty eating or chewing
dropping food repeatedly
bad breath beyond normal puppy breath
bleeding gums
retained baby teeth
teeth pressing into soft tissue
excessive drooling
mouth pain
reluctance to chew
obvious jaw asymmetry
swelling around the mouth or face
How Dental and Bite Health Is Assessed
Dental and bite assessment starts during the puppy stage. At the pre-sale veterinary check, the vet can assess the puppy’s mouth, teeth, bite and jaw development. This check can identify obvious concerns before the puppy leaves for its new home.
Because puppies are still growing, dental development should continue to be monitored. Adult teeth come through later, and some issues are not fully visible at eight weeks. Retained baby teeth, crowding and bite changes may become clearer as the dog matures.
For breeding dogs, dental and jaw structure should be considered as part of the whole-dog review. A mild breed-typical underbite is not the same as a severe bite fault that affects comfort or function.
How We Use Dental Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, bite and dental development are recorded as part of our health programme. We look at whether the mouth is functional, whether the dog eats comfortably, whether there are signs of soft tissue trauma, and whether similar issues appear in related dogs.
A dog with a severe functional bite problem should not be used for breeding simply because it has desirable colour, coat, type or pedigree. Where a concern is minor, developmental or cosmetic only, it may be recorded and monitored.
As with other health traits, patterns matter. One retained baby tooth or minor dental issue is different from repeated jaw or bite problems appearing across related puppies or breeding lines.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Has the puppy’s mouth, teeth and bite been checked by a vet?
Is the bite considered functional?
Are there any teeth pressing into the gums, lips or roof of the mouth?
Have either parent or related puppies had significant bite or dental issues?
What should the buyer watch for as the adult teeth come through?
Does the breeder record bite and dental development in retained dogs?
A responsible breeder should be able to distinguish between a normal breed-typical bite and a bite problem that affects comfort or function. In these breeds, the goal is not a long-nosed mouth; it is a healthy, functional one.
Weight, Body Condition and Heat Tolerance
Weight and body condition have a major effect on the health of French Bulldogs and Pugs. These breeds are compact, solid dogs, but they should not be allowed to become overweight. Extra weight increases pressure on the airways, joints, spine, heart and skin folds, and can make heat tolerance worse.
A healthy French Bulldog or Pug should feel solid, but not round. You should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure, see some body shape from above, and see that the dog can move comfortably without carrying excess weight.
Why Weight Matters in Brachycephalic Breeds
In short-faced breeds, extra weight is not just a cosmetic issue. It can make breathing harder, increase panting, reduce exercise tolerance, worsen snoring, place extra strain on knees and hips, and increase the risk of overheating.
A dog that is too heavy may appear lazy or unfit when the real issue is that its body is working harder than it should. Keeping these breeds lean is one of the simplest and most practical ways to support long-term health.
This is especially important in New Zealand summers. French Bulldogs and Pugs should not be exercised heavily in heat, left in warm vehicles, pushed through distress, or expected to cope like longer-nosed working breeds.
Heat Tolerance and Recovery
Heat tolerance is closely connected to breathing, weight, fitness and overall structure. A healthy dog should be able to cope with normal daily life, but brachycephalic breeds need sensible management in warm weather.
Warning signs include:
excessive panting
noisy or laboured breathing
weakness or wobbliness
slowing down suddenly
difficulty recovering after mild activity
vomiting or gagging after exertion
red, blue or pale gums
collapse
distress that does not settle quickly with rest and cooling
Heat stress can become serious quickly. Owners should avoid exercising French Bulldogs and Pugs during the hottest part of the day, provide shade and water, use air conditioning or fans where needed, and treat overheating signs as urgent.
How We Assess Body Condition
Body condition is assessed by looking at the dog and by handling the dog. We consider weight, shape, muscle tone, rib coverage, waist, movement, breathing effort and general comfort.
For breeding dogs, body condition matters before mating, during pregnancy, after whelping and during recovery. A dog that is overweight, underweight or poorly conditioned may need to be held from breeding until its condition is corrected.
For puppies, growth should be steady rather than excessive. A puppy should be well-fed and thriving, but not pushed into being heavy for the sake of looking chunky.
How We Use Weight and Heat Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, weight, body condition and heat tolerance are recorded as part of our wider health programme. A dog that struggles badly with normal warmth, has poor recovery, or cannot maintain healthy condition without difficulty needs careful review.
We do not deliberately stress-test dogs in heat. That would be unsafe and unnecessary. Instead, we observe how dogs cope in ordinary daily conditions, how they recover after normal activity, and whether any concern appears repeatedly over time.
Good breeding decisions should favour dogs that are not only attractive, but also comfortable, resilient and able to live well in normal New Zealand homes.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
What body condition should this puppy be kept in?
How much exercise is appropriate in warm weather?
What heat warning signs should I watch for?
Do the parents recover well after normal activity?
Has the breeder noticed any heat intolerance in the line?
What feeding and weight-management advice is provided after pickup?
A responsible breeder should be honest about heat management. French Bulldogs and Pugs are not heat-proof dogs, but with good breeding, lean condition and sensible ownership, they can live active, happy companion lives.
Neurological Signs, IVDD and Back/Neck Health
Neurological health is closely connected to spine, movement and overall function. In French Bulldogs and Pugs, warning signs involving the back, neck, legs, balance or coordination should always be taken seriously.
Not every neurological sign is inherited. Some problems can be caused by injury, trauma, infection, inflammation, disc disease or other medical causes. However, because these breeds can have breed-related spinal and neurological risks, any concerning sign should be recorded and assessed properly.
IVDD and Disc-Related Risk
IVDD stands for intervertebral disc disease. It involves the discs between the vertebrae of the spine. When a disc degenerates, bulges or ruptures, it can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This may cause pain, weakness, wobbliness, dragging feet, difficulty walking or, in severe cases, paralysis.
French Bulldogs are one of the breeds where disc and spine issues deserve particular attention. Pugs can also experience spinal or neurological problems, so back and neck health should not be ignored in either breed.
Some DNA panels include CDDY/CDPA or related markers that may be associated with disc degeneration risk. These results can be useful, but they are not a complete spinal-health answer. A DNA result does not tell us whether a dog is currently painful, mobile, strong, injured or clinically affected.
Warning Signs Owners Should Watch For
Back, neck or neurological concerns may show as:
yelping or pain when picked up
reluctance to move, jump, climb or play
a hunched back or stiff neck
dragging toes or scuffing nails
wobbling or poor coordination
weakness in the rear legs
sudden lameness
loss of balance
collapse
seizures
sudden blindness or disorientation
loss of bladder or bowel control
These signs should not be ignored or treated as normal breed behaviour. Sudden weakness, paralysis, severe pain, collapse or loss of bladder or bowel control should be treated as urgent.
How Neurological and Back Concerns Are Assessed
Assessment starts with observation and veterinary examination. A vet may assess pain, reflexes, coordination, gait, limb strength, spinal comfort and whether the signs suggest a neurological or orthopaedic problem.
Where signs are serious or unclear, further investigation may include x-rays, CT, MRI, specialist referral, blood testing or other veterinary workup depending on the case.
Good records matter. A dog that injures itself jumping from a vehicle or falling from furniture is not the same as a dog showing repeated unexplained neurological signs. Separating trauma from suspected inherited or structural risk helps breeders make fairer and more accurate decisions.
How We Use This Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, neurological signs, back pain, neck pain, weakness, abnormal gait and confirmed IVDD-type issues are recorded as health information. A breeding dog showing unexplained neurological signs should be held from breeding until properly assessed.
A confirmed serious neurological or spinal condition may mean the dog should be removed from breeding. Repeated similar concerns in related dogs, siblings or progeny should trigger a wider line review.
The aim is not to panic over every stumble or minor injury. The aim is to notice meaningful patterns, act on serious warning signs, and avoid breeding decisions that increase risk over time.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Have any dogs in the line had IVDD, back pain, weakness or paralysis?
Have any related puppies shown neurological signs?
Does the breeder record injury and trauma separately from suspected inherited issues?
Are puppy movement and coordination checked before placement?
Are breeding dogs held or reviewed if neurological signs appear?
What back and neck safety advice is given to puppy buyers?
A responsible breeder should treat back, neck and neurological concerns seriously. In these breeds, movement, comfort and coordination are not optional extras. They are part of long-term welfare.
Pug Neurological Health and PDE/NME Awareness
Pugs have one important neurological condition that buyers should be aware of: Pug Dog Encephalitis, also known as PDE, or necrotising meningoencephalitis, often shortened to NME. This is a serious inflammatory brain disease that can affect Pugs and is usually progressive.
PDE/NME is not the same as a back injury, IVDD or a simple seizure event. It is a neurological disease involving inflammation of the brain and nervous system. It is uncommon, but serious enough that responsible Pug breeders should understand it, record relevant information and use available testing carefully.
What PDE/NME Can Look Like
Clinical signs can vary, but may include:
seizures
wobbliness or loss of coordination
abnormal behaviour
circling
head tilt
weakness
sudden blindness
collapse
neck pain or discomfort
confusion or disorientation
progressive neurological decline
Any seizure, sudden blindness, collapse or unexplained neurological sign should be treated seriously and assessed by a veterinarian.
How PDE/NME Is Tested For
PDE/NME is not diagnosed by a simple visual check. A dog with concerning neurological signs may need veterinary examination, blood testing, neurological assessment, imaging, specialist referral or other diagnostic work depending on the case.
There is also DNA testing available for PDE/NME susceptibility in Pugs. This type of test is best understood as a risk test, not a perfect prediction. A higher-risk result does not mean the dog will definitely develop the disease, and a lower-risk result does not guarantee that neurological disease can never occur.
For breeding, the value of the DNA test is that it helps breeders make more informed decisions. It should be used alongside the dog’s health history, family history, neurological signs, progeny outcomes and genetic diversity.
How We Use PDE/NME Information in Breeding Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, Pug neurological health is part of our wider health-recording approach. Where PDE/NME DNA status is available, it is recorded and considered when planning Pug pairings.
We do not treat a risk test as the whole answer. Removing every dog with a risk marker without considering the wider gene pool could narrow genetic diversity, which may create other problems over time. The more responsible approach is to record the result, avoid high-risk combinations where possible, monitor lines carefully and take any neurological sign seriously.
A Pug with confirmed serious neurological disease should not be used for breeding. Repeated neurological concerns in related dogs should trigger a wider review of the line.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
Does the breeder understand PDE/NME in Pugs?
Are Pug breeding dogs DNA tested for PDE/NME risk where available?
Has the breeder recorded any seizures or neurological issues in related dogs?
Does the breeder distinguish between trauma, IVDD, seizures and suspected inflammatory brain disease?
How would the breeder respond if neurological signs appeared in a related puppy?
Is neurological history considered before repeating a mating?
A responsible Pug breeder should not frighten buyers unnecessarily, but they should be willing to discuss PDE/NME honestly. The goal is informed breeding, careful record keeping and a sensible balance between reducing risk and protecting the long-term genetic health of the breed.
Temperament, Confidence and Stress Resilience
Health is not only physical. Temperament, confidence and stress resilience are also part of welfare. French Bulldogs and Pugs are companion breeds, so their ability to live comfortably in a normal home matters just as much as how they look or what their DNA profile says.
A well-bred companion dog should be able to bond with people, settle in a household, recover from new experiences, tolerate ordinary handling, travel safely, and adapt to normal family life. Puppies do not need to be fearless or perfectly trained before they leave, but they should show healthy curiosity, recovery and social development.
Why Temperament Matters
Temperament affects quality of life for both the dog and the owner. A dog that is constantly fearful, highly reactive, difficult to handle or unable to settle may experience ongoing stress. That stress can affect feeding, training, sleep, social behaviour, veterinary care and general wellbeing.
Some temperament traits are influenced by early environment, handling and socialisation. Others may have a genetic or family-line component. Responsible breeders should consider both.
In our view, temperament is not separate from health. A physically sound dog should also be mentally and emotionally suitable for life as a companion animal.
How Temperament Is Assessed
Temperament is assessed by observation over time. We watch how puppies respond to handling, people, household sounds, other dogs, new objects, feeding routines, toileting routines and ordinary daily activity.
Useful signs include:
curiosity
willingness to interact
ability to recover after being startled
normal play behaviour
appropriate confidence
ability to settle
tolerance of gentle handling
steady development as the puppy matures
No puppy is expected to be perfect. Puppies can be noisy, silly, clingy, dramatic, sleepy, bold or cautious depending on age and stage. The important question is whether their behaviour is within a healthy range and whether they are developing in a way that suits their future home.
How We Use Temperament in Breeding and Placement Decisions
At Le Epitome Kennels, temperament is considered in both breeding decisions and puppy placement. We do not select breeding dogs on appearance alone. Confidence, stability, mothering behaviour, stress tolerance and suitability as a companion all matter.
If a dog shows severe anxiety, aggression, poor recovery, poor maternal temperament or repeated stress-related concerns, that information should affect breeding decisions. If similar temperament concerns appear across related puppies or related lines, that should trigger closer review.
Temperament also helps guide placement. The right puppy for a busy home with children may not be the same as the right puppy for a quieter home, an older owner or a first-time dog owner. Good matching is part of responsible breeding.
What Buyers Should Ask
Useful questions include:
How are the puppies raised and handled?
What kind of household sounds and routines are they used to?
How does the breeder assess confidence and temperament?
Does the breeder help match puppies to suitable homes?
Have the parents shown stable companion temperaments?
Would the breeder keep using a dog with serious anxiety or aggression in the breeding programme?
A responsible breeder should care about temperament as much as appearance. The aim is not just to produce beautiful French Bulldogs and Pugs, but dogs that can live happily, confidently and safely as companions.
How We Use Physical Health Results in Breeding Decisions
Physical health testing is only useful if the results actually influence breeding decisions. At Le Epitome Kennels, health information is not collected just to tick a box. It is used to decide whether a dog should be bred from, held for further review, paired only with a suitable mate, retired from breeding, or placed as a companion only.
Not every finding has the same meaning. A minor one-off issue, a traumatic injury, an early developmental concern and a repeated pattern across a line should not all be treated the same way. Context matters.
We Look at the Whole Dog
A breeding decision is never based on one result alone. We consider DNA results, physical structure, breathing, movement, patellas, spine, hips, heart, eyes, skin, reproductive history, temperament, veterinary feedback and what we know from related dogs and puppies already placed.
A dog may be excellent in some areas and need caution in another. That does not automatically make the dog unsuitable, but it does mean the information must be recorded and used intelligently.
Severity and Function Matter
The seriousness of a health finding depends on both the grade and the effect on the dog. A mild finding in a comfortable, functional dog may be monitored. A severe finding that causes pain, breathing difficulty, poor mobility, neurological signs or poor recovery is much more serious.
For example, a minor patella note in a young puppy is not the same as a painful Grade 3 or Grade 4 patella. A quiet snuffle is not the same as laboured breathing at rest. A one-off eye injury is not the same as repeated ulcers across related dogs.
Good breeding decisions require judgement, not panic and not denial.
Patterns Across Lines Matter
One isolated issue does not always mean a line is unhealthy. Dogs can injure themselves, puppies can develop unevenly, and ordinary health issues can occur in any breed.
However, repeated similar issues across related puppies, siblings, parents, grandparents or repeated matings are different. Patterns matter because they may suggest a line risk that needs to influence future breeding decisions.
This is why record keeping is so important. Buyer updates, veterinary findings, puppy checks, litter notes and adult health reviews all help build a clearer picture over time.
Possible Breeding Outcomes
Depending on the finding, a dog may be:
suitable for breeding
suitable only with a carefully selected mate
monitored before any breeding decision is made
held from breeding until veterinary review is complete
retired from breeding
placed or sold as companion-only
removed from the breeding programme entirely
This approach allows responsible breeding decisions to be made with nuance. The aim is not to remove every dog with any minor imperfection. The aim is to avoid breeding from dogs with serious welfare concerns, avoid repeating known risks, and make steady improvement over time.
Health Comes Before Colour
Colour, coat, pedigree and type are all part of breeding, but they do not override health. A rare colour or valuable line does not make a dog breeding quality if the physical health picture is poor.
For us, the priority is to produce French Bulldogs and Pugs that are beautiful, yes, but also comfortable, functional, stable and suited to life as companion dogs.
What Buyers Should Ask Any French Bulldog or Pug Breeder
French Bulldogs and Pugs are wonderful companion dogs, but buyers should take health questions seriously. A breeder should be able to explain what they test, what they observe, what they record, and how health information affects their breeding decisions.
A simple statement such as “vet checked” or “health tested” is not enough on its own. Buyers should ask what that actually means.
Questions About Breathing and BOAS
Useful questions include:
How do you assess breathing in your breeding dogs?
Have the parents been assessed for BOAS or respiratory function?
Do the parents breathe comfortably at rest?
How do they recover after normal activity?
Have any dogs in the line needed airway surgery?
Do you work with vets who understand brachycephalic breeds?
Questions About Structure and Movement
Useful questions include:
Have the parents’ patellas been assessed?
Have any related dogs had patella surgery?
Do you monitor hips, rear-end strength and movement?
Do you check puppies for obvious mobility issues before they leave?
Have any dogs in the line had spinal symptoms, IVDD, weakness or paralysis?
Do you use x-rays or specialist assessment where there is concern?
Questions About Eyes, Skin and General Health
Useful questions include:
Have the puppy’s eyes, heart, mouth, skin and movement been checked by a vet?
Have the parents had recurring eye ulcers, dry eye, allergies or ear infections?
Are skin and allergy patterns recorded across related dogs?
What diet has the puppy been raised on?
What health issues should a new owner watch for at home?
Will the breeder provide guidance after pickup if concerns arise?
Questions About Reproductive Health
Useful questions include:
Can your dogs mate naturally where appropriate?
Do your females whelp naturally where safe and suitable?
How often do you use caesarean sections?
Do you record why veterinary intervention was needed?
Do you retire females after repeated difficulty or poor recovery?
Is reproductive soundness treated as part of health?
Questions About Records and Transparency
Useful questions include:
Do you keep health records on your breeding dogs?
Do you record buyer-reported health outcomes from puppies you have bred?
Do you distinguish between traumatic injuries and suspected inherited issues?
Do you update breeding decisions when patterns appear?
Are you willing to explain both the strengths and risks of the breed?
Can you show relevant health information in a way buyers can understand?
A responsible breeder should not be offended by sensible health questions. The best breeders are not the ones who claim there are no risks. They are the ones who understand the risks, track them honestly and make better decisions because of what they learn.