French Bulldog health: what owners should know

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is the best-known concern: narrowed nostrils, a long soft palate and a tight windpipe can make breathing noisy and effortful. The breed is also known for spinal problems linked to malformed vertebrae, intervertebral disc disease, skin fold irritation, allergies, eye issues such as cherry eye and corneal ulcers, and difficult births. Responsible breeders choose parents with open nostrils, grade them for breathing and screen spine and eyes.

Keep your Frenchie lean, use a harness, avoid heat and glance at the eyes daily for redness or squinting. See a vet promptly if your dog snores or pants heavily at rest, faints or tires after very little activity, holds one eye shut, suddenly yelps when picked up, or wobbles on the back legs. Any sudden weakness or dragging of the hind legs needs same-day attention.