English bulldogs face breeding ban as UK’S least healthy canine

THE breeding of English bulldogs could be banned after a study found they are the least healthy dog in Britain.

Experts from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) analysed records from British vet practices since 2016 and found that the variety was twice as likely to be diagnosed with at least one disorder, compared with other breeds.

They were also 38 times more likely to develop skin fold dermatitis, 26 times more likely to have the debilitating vision problem called “cherry eye”, and 19 times more at risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which can cause severe breathing problems.

The team also found that fewer than one in 10 English bulldogs lived to the age of eight compared with more than a quarter of other dog breeds, which the authors said was indicative of poorer overall health.

Researchers said that unless owners started breeding more healthy characteristics into English bulldogs then there could be a ban.

Study author Dr Dan O’neill, of the RVC and a senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology, said: “These findings suggest that the overall health of the English bulldog is much lower than that of other dogs.

“However, what is most concerning is that so many of the health conditions that English bulldogs suffer from, such as skin fold dermatitis and breathing problems, are directly linked to the extreme structure of their bodies that has been selectively bred for.

“Given the continued popularity of the breed, the body shape of the typical pet English bulldog should be redefined towards more moderate physical characteristics.

“Doing so will not only improve the dogs’ health, but could also enable the UK to avoid following other countries in banning the English bulldog on welfare grounds.”

The English bulldog was originally bred to attack bulls for sport, but after the activity was banned in 1835, it became associated with the Victorian underworld, before being repurposed as a show dog in the late 19th century.

The research was published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics.