FRENCH bulldogs are undeniably adorable – but their gorgeous "flat" faces can contribute to a number of health problems.
So here is everything you need to know about the trendy dog breed, and their unusual face shapes.
What is a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs are a domestic dog breed from the 1800s, they're also sometimes called "Frenchies".
The cute pups were cross-bred between Toy Bulldogs and French Ratters, a type of pooch used for catching rats in Paris.
The breed gained popularity around 2015, with no influencer or Made in Chelsea star complete without one of the dog's squashed little faces poking out of their Mulberry bag.
That year, they were number four in the UK's top registered dog breeds, sixth in the US and third in Australia in 2017.
The pups have a rather clingy temperament, and can't be left alone for too long.
But they are fun-loving, patient and affectionate.
What does 'flat-faced' mean?
French bulldogs are what is known as "‘brachycephalic’" dogs.
The term comes from two Greek words meaning "short" and "head".
The dogs have a flattened-looking muzzle, with a squashed nose and mouth.
Their bottom jaw is much longer than their upper jaw which can sometimes make it look like it sticks out, giving them a goofy look.
Some other flat-faced dog breeds are pugs, boxers, King Charles spaniels and the chow chow.
Why are they 'flat-faced'?
Dogs with flat faces owe their looks to years of breeding which emphasises the "cute" feature.
Scientists believe the skull shape is due to a genetic mutation, through research linked with DNA testing.
Lead researcher Dr Jeff Schoenebeck said: "Our results shed light on the molecular nature of this type of skull form that is so common and popular among dogs".
What are the health problems associated with flat-faced dogs?
- Flat-faced dogs' trademark “squashed” faces mean they often need surgery to help them breathe.
- They are brachycephalic – meaning they can suffer from serious respiratory problems because of their short noses.
- The problem is that despite having shorter airways and narrower nasal slits, they still have the same amount of internal soft tissue which often needs to be removed.
- Their wrinkled faces are also prone to infection, with the folds in their skin providing the perfect breeding ground for germs.
- And their large eyes which stick out from their sockets have less protection from scratches and disease.
- There has also been research linking short-muzzled dogs to increased rates of brain cancer.
- The RSPCA recently called for an urgent review of breed standards – decided by the Kennel Club – which specifies how every type of dog should look.
- Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko told the BBC: "The breed standards were set many years ago. If you look back through history there are some dire things that went on, and undoubtedly we would accept all responsibility for that.”
- She added that dodgy puppy farms in Eastern Europe were now the main source of sickly flat-faced dogs in the UK.
- She said: "If we continue to allow dogs to be brought in from Central and Eastern Europe where there is no concern for how these dogs are bred, it is inevitable that pet owners will end up with dogs they can't deal with."
- She added: "If you want a pet that will run around and chase a ball and so on, don't go out and buy any short-faced breed based on what celebrities are walking around with under their arm."
Is it okay to buy flat-face animals, and do French Bulldogs suffer due to the condition?
Vets have warned people against buying dogs that fall into the flat-faced category, especially French bulldogs.
Experts say the animals suffer from a variety of health issues that many are unaware of.
Sean Wensley, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), told the BBC: "Prospective owners need to consider that these dogs can suffer from a range of health problems, from eye ulcers to severe breathing difficulties.
"We strongly encourage people to choose a healthier breed or a crossbreed instead."
The problems all arise from flat-faced dogs’ unnatural origins.
Pugs, bulldogs and the like were selectively bred to bring out their defining features which people find cute.
But it is many of these very features which cause the animals to suffer.
Source: Read Full Article