Several UK vets have spoken out against breeders who produced the first known litter of Hairless French Bulldogs. Doctors say this is yet another example of how extreme breeding is harming the long-term health of these short-nosed dogs.
French bulldogs are increasingly popular across the Channel. If, in 2005, this brachycephalic breed ranked 76th among the most appreciated by the population, it now ranks in pole position. And for good reason, it must be admitted, French bulldogs are cute. Nevertheless, this cuteness comes at a price.
With their very short muzzles, these dogs indeed sometimes have trouble breathing , especially after physical exertion, which can cause vomiting and fainting). They also tolerate heat very badly and tend to snore a lot. As part of a study, researchers had also noted a high propensity for skin dermatitis , a bacterial infection that develops between dog wrinkles and corneal ulcers.
A few days ago, new research also revealed that brachycephalic breeds were seven times more likely to develop cherry eyes . This is a rare condition that leaves dogs with a raised red lump at the corner of their eyes that can increase the risk of eye infections.
“These dogs came out of nowhere ten years ago “, explained Dan O’Neill, senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College in London and main author of the study. “They are not healthy. Their growing popularity is a huge problem “.
But these dogs' "ordeal" may just be beginning. Indeed, a dangerous trend, hairless French bulldogs, seems to be gaining more and more momentum. Everything would have started from China in 2020, before quickly expanding. In November 2020, a member of the Major League Frenchies Facebook group notably announced that they had purchased the first young "hypoallergenic hairless" French bulldog named Bonsai, in the United States.
More recently, an entire litter born hairless would have emerged in Scotland, according to the Guardian. These puppies are believed to be the result of crosses between French Bulldogs, Pugs and Chinese Crested Dogs. This ad was quickly condemned by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
"I'm really disappointed. I wish we could get potential owners to understand how much some of these extreme breedings really affect the day-to-day well-being of these dogs “, deplores Justine Shotton, president of the association.
In addition to the conditions already mentioned above, these "new dogs" will likely face additional challenges. According to members of the BVA, they will be more vulnerable to sunburn, less able to regulate their body temperature and more prone to acne breakouts and other skin infections.
