Health Testing and Structure Standards

In early 2010, we lost our beloved English Bulldog Zeus to an elongated soft palate surgery gone wrong.  The loss of Zeus was painful.  It opened our eyes to the issues within the breed.  A health centric, genetic based approach was needed to breed a better bulldog.  Bruiser Bulldog breeding program zeros in on the major health issues of the breed.  The following health metrics are not a comprehensive list of our health screenings rather common focus areas that leverage health improvements.  All adult bulldogs that participate in our breeding program must be screened and pass these health requirements.

Primary: Respiratory, Eye Conditions, Orthopedic, Skin

Secondary: Heart Conditions, Gastrointestinal

Respiratory Issues – Correcting the one big problem

The most problematic health issue within the bulldog breed is respiratory problems. Bulldogs famously suffer from breathing issues that hinder their ability to function on an everyday basis.  Many bulldogs are at risk of suffering from heat stroke and overheating due to their inability to breathe properly.  

Soft Palate

A significant contributor of English Bulldog respiratory issues is the shorter snout and excessive face wrinkles developed within the show club breeding standards the past 30 years.  Extreme facial features within the breed standard have led to correlated breathing issues within the breed.   

The heavily wrinkle bulldog typically will have a shorter snout that turns upward towards the forehead. This creates numerous issues, the first being elongated soft palate obstruction. The shorter snout creates surface area issues.  Less space within the skeletal structure forces the soft palate towards the trachea/larynx area and obstructs airflow. Soft palate obstruction can cause gagging, throwing up recently eaten food, constant gurgled breathing, and reduced air flow especially during times of high activity.

Soft Palate Screening: We screen all of our parents for proper soft palate length.  Soft palate issues are complex and proper understanding of each bulldog requires manual endoscopic analysis as well an audio scoring when the bulldog is stressed or undergoing rigorous exercise.  We have developed a palate grading system to better understand each bulldog’s condition. 

Trachea Width

 A narrow or hypoplastic trachea also contributes to respiratory issues.  The trachea or air passage that transports oxygen to the bulldog’s lungs can be prohibitively narrow thus restricting proper airflow.  

Trachea Screening: A radiograph is the gold standard for tracheal examination.  We screen all of our adults for narrow tracheas and use the commonly accepted tracheal index score.  TI = Trachea diameter / thoracic inlet height = Trachea Index     

Stenotic Nares

Stenotic nares reflect the narrowing, collapse or blockage of the nasal passages.  This physical impairment causes the bulldog to mouth breathing which causes irritation of the larynx and trachea.  Stenotic nares are significantly less critical than the palate and trachea scoring.  This does not mean it should be ignored.  We appreciate bulldogs with wide flared nostrils

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Stenotic Nares Screening Chart

This chart demonstrates what proper nares look like.  All of our adult bulldogs are graded and screened for this metric.  

BOAS 3 Minute Exercise Test – Grade 0 to III

Respiratory function is complex.  It is the combination of several vital functions working together – palate, nares, trachea, tongue, glottis and larynx.  One of the most comprehensive scoring metrics is the BOAS exercise test.  Many bulldogs do not display true respiratory function until exercise induced stress is considered.  The BOAS test requires visual and audio examination before and after 3 minutes of exercise to properly understand how a bulldog responds to exercise induced stress.  All of our bulldogs are examined and screened based on these scoring metrics.   

Observations: Respiratory issues in English Bulldogs cannot be understated.  They are the single most common ailment that creates a myriad of health issues within the breed.  We strive to breed a bulldog with a lighter wrinkle and set and extended snout.  We have intentionally moved away from Bulldog show standards and extreme breeding practices that require a heavy nose rope, flat face and reduced surface area in the snout region.  While these bulldogs have captured the affection of the general public, the health risks that they represent cannot be understated.  

 

Eye Issues

Understanding Bulldog Eye Issues: A Matter of Structure and Genetics

Before diving into specific conditions, it’s important to understand why bulldogs are particularly susceptible to eye problems. Much of this vulnerability stems from their distinctive facial structure:

  • Brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy: The shortened skull of bulldogs places their eyes in a more exposed position, making them vulnerable to injury and irritation.
  • Facial wrinkles: Traditional bulldog wrinkles, especially when excessive, can create friction against the eyes or trap moisture and bacteria.
  • Prominent eyes: Bulldogs have relatively large, round eyes that protrude somewhat from their sockets, increasing their exposure to environmental irritants.
  • Eyelid structure: The shape and positioning of bulldog eyelids can predispose them to various disorders.

Most common eye issues that we screen for

Cherry Eye

Prolapse of the third eyelid, more than just environmental.  There are certain genetic ties that drive this issue

Entropion

Rolling inward of the eyelid.  Typically found in the bottom eye lid, this uncomfortable issue is most commonly found in extreme bulldogs with heavy facial wrinkles. 

Distichiasis

Occurs when extra eyelashes grow from abnormal positions. These displaced eyelashes grow inward towards the eye and cause irritation.

Ectopic Cilia

Ectopic cilia are perhaps the most insidious of eye conditions affecting bulldogs because they can be difficult to detect while causing significant discomfort. Unlike distichiasis, where abnormal eyelashes grow from the lid margin, ectopic cilia emerge through the conjunctiva (the tissue lining the inside of the eyelid), growing directly toward the cornea.

Observations: The statistical reduction of eye ailments within our bloodlines has been one of the most successful elements of our breeding program.  By selective screening, we have been able to dramatically reduce the occurrence of cherry eye, entropion, and distichiasis.  We contribute this success to both the reduction of facial wrinkles in our bloodlines and tight health screenings.  While not always perfect, we have enjoyed the progress made in this area.

Orthopedic

The most common misconception is that bulldogs suffer from hip dysplasia.  In a clinical sense this is certainly true.  From a functional and symptomatic perspective – it is not true.  A radiograph will show a bulldog’s ball joint structure to be shallow and dysplastic by clinical standards – a situation that would certainly be debilitating and painful in other dog breeds.  In functional terms, the bulldog rarely suffers from pain or lack of mobility from hip dysplasia.  This is due to muscle support around the hip as well as the weight distribution of the bulldog’s body (front loaded) in comparison to other dog breeds that commonly suffer from dysplastic hips – German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever.  Dr. Kraemer, one of the leading bulldog veterinarians in the country, has been instrumental in mentoring our understanding of orthopedic specific health criteria in bulldogs.  Dr. Kraemer goes into more depth on understanding bulldog hip issues here. 

More common orthopedic issues that affect function in a bulldog are patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, and spinal deformities.  Bruiser Bulldog health screening is cognitive of hip dysplasia but our primary focus is the reduction and elimination of patellar luxation, elbow and spinal issues with the bulldog breed.

Patellar Luxation

The patella (kneecap) normally glides in a groove as the knee flexes. In patellar luxation, the patella slips medially (inward) or laterally (outward), causing instability, pain, and joint damage. The tendon itself (patellar tendon) may be pulled off track due to skeletal misalignment, but it is not what “luxates.”  Bulldogs are predisposed due to: Stocky conformation, Bow-legged hind limbs and Shallow trochlear grooves.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is formed by three bones: the humerus (upper arm), radius, and ulna (forearm). Elbow dysplasia occurs when these bones don’t fit together properly, often due to abnormal growth. This misalignment causes: Joint instability, wear and tear, painful degenerative joint disease (DJD)

Hemivertebrae (Spinal Deformities) and Screw Tail Deformity (Vertebral Malformation)

Misshapen vertebrae that can compress the spinal cord are somewhat common in Bulldogs.

This issue can cause rear limb weakness or paralysis and are often progressive and visible on X-ray or MRI.

Abnormal curling of the tail vertebrae can lead to: Infections, feces smearing, skin fold dermatitis, spinal canal narrowing.

Observations: Athletic Conformation, expanding tail standards:

An important trait of the Bruiser Bulldog breeding program is a more athletic build with slightly longer legs.  The breed standard within the show community encourages very “short and stout” forelegs and hindlegs.  This extreme feature has been evolved from historical ancestors that feature longer, more athletic structure.  Our breeding program values mobility and function over the extreme form.  We believe a less extreme build reduces orthopedic issues that can be found in the breed.

Bruiser Bulldog tail selection:

Within the English Bulldog breed exists genetic information to produce longer, straighter tails.  We are committed to allow this trait to express itself naturally and are moving our bloodlines to express this trait on a more consistent basis.  This is in opposition to bulldog show standards that encourage short, downward carriage structure of the tail in which the screw tail is allowed and not penalized.  In a 2018 study on English Bulldogs, UC Davis discovered a frameshift mutation in the (DVL2) gene strongly associated with screwtails in English Bulldogs.  The DVL2 mutation is not only linked to screwtails but also to a higher prevalence of vertebrae abnormalities which can extend up the spine.  Shifts in physical traits patience.  Over time, we have seen a gradual increase in straighter tails and a reduction in screwtails within our bloodlines and would like to continue to move in this direction as it is an essential step to reducing hemivertebrae conditions in bulldogs.  

Skin

Skin Fold Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Yeast Dermatitis are the three major skin related issues within the Bulldog breed.  Skin issues in bulldogs are complex and require a comprehensive approach that includes genetic screening, optimizing breed structure, and nutrition.  A one stop shop solution to reducing skin issues is not possible. Here is a breakdown of the mentioned skin issues.  

Skin Fold Dermatiti

Occurs when moisture, heat, and friction build up in deep skin folds, creating a perfect environment for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. This leads to redness, odor, inflammation, and sometimes sores. Without regular cleaning, these areas can become chronically irritated or infected. Management includes hygiene, medicated wipes or creams, and surgical correction in severe cases.

Observations: Bruiser Bulldog genetic makeup significantly reduces the occurrence of skin fold dermatitis.  Light wrinkle sets and straighter tails reduce the probability of dermatitis issues.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition caused by an immune overreaction to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold. It leads to itching, licking, skin inflammation, and frequent ear infections. Secondary infections are common due to scratching. Treatment includes medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint, antihistamines, frequent bathing, and reducing allergen exposure.

Observations – Among the listed skin conditions, Atopic conditions are considered the most hereditary.  Parents must display robust immune systems and are disqualified in the occurrence of severe environmental allergen reactions.  This problem is slightly more nuanced than simple genetic selection however.  Our environment in Northern Indiana is significantly different than than South and Western areas of the country.  Similar to humans, bulldogs can respond differently once an environment changes.   

Yeast Dermatitis

Yeast dermatitis is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which thrive when the skin barrier is compromised. It presents as greasy, itchy, often smelly skin, commonly affecting the ears, paws, and underarms. Treatment involves antifungal shampoos, ear cleaners, and managing the underlying trigger like allergies or moisture buildup.

Observations: Reducing yeast dermatitis requires a nutritional approach that supports the skin and immune system from within. Traditional dog food often contains excessive ratio levels of Omega 6 to Omega-3 fatty acids.  High levels of Omega 6’s cause chronic inflammation and are one of the main drivers of yeast in bulldogs.  Bulldog owners should avoid high Omega 6 ingredients common in dog food such as: corn, soy and wheat.  Secondarily, consider using fish oil, high in Omega 3, DHA, and EPA as a food topper to balance the O6 to O3 ratio in the bulldog’s diet.  Probiotics such as Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus coagulans balance the gut microbiome and suppress yeast growth. Colostrum provides immune-modulating compounds that support tolerance and barrier strength. Prebiotics like arabinogalactan feed good bacteria and promote anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. Together, these nutrients address the internal causes of chronic yeast overgrowth.

Heart

Heart conditions in bulldogs are most commonly found as a congenital issue in puppies and developed in older dogs that often led to heart failure.  While there are several specific heart conditions that can affect dogs in general, pulmonic stenosis is the most common condition found in bulldogs.

Pulmonic stenosis

A common congenital heart defect in English Bulldogs where the valve between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery is too narrow. This restricts blood flow to the lungs and puts strain on the heart. Signs include exercise intolerance, fainting, or a heart murmur. It’s diagnosed by echocardiogram, and treatment may involve balloon valvuloplasty or medical management, depending on severity.

Observation: We are passionate about our health screening standards in both our puppies and adult bloodlines.  Because pulmonic stenosis is tightly correlated to hereditary characteristics – our adults are required to pass an annual exam to ensure screening is up to date.  

Gastrointestinal

Bulldogs commonly suffer from various gastrointestinal issues that range from severe issues like IBD and food allergies to moderate inconveniences such as gassiness.  While the breed as a whole can be accurately described as having a sensitive stomach- improper nutrition is the most common culprit of these issues.  With that said, a bulldog is disqualified in our breeding program if they suffer from consistent, long standing gastrointestinal issues.

Observation:  The most common food intolerances within the English Bulldog breed is corn, soy, wheat (all high in omega 6), as well as occasionally proteins chicken and beef.  The starting point for all English Bulldog diets is the elimination of corn, soy, and beef.  Grain free or ancient grain options should be implemented in their place.  Occasionally dogs are or become intolerant to proteins – most commonly chicken and beef if they are fed the same diet for too long.  Adopters should look to add additional protein sources as “food toppers” to add variety to a bulldog’s meal.  Gut health is an essential driver of immune and digestive health.  Prebiotics, probiotics and bovine colostrum are all great supplemental options to optimize the gut biome in a bulldog.  Bulldogs and their related health issues are very expensive to correct medically.  Long have bulldog owners and breeders ignored nutritional basics that could provide long term gastrointestinal support for their bulldog.     
*Mitch’s background as a certified canine nutritionist allowed us to tackle bulldog health dilemmas from both a genetic and nutrition side.