Why Health Testing Matters in French Bulldogs (And Why We Do It)

At our program, health is always the top priority. French Bulldogs are a unique breed with specific structural and genetic needs, which is why we believe comprehensive health testing is essential to responsible breeding.

✅ OFA Health Testing

All of our breeding dogs are screened through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), one of the most respected organizations in canine health evaluation. We complete all breed-recommended testing, including:

• Hips – to ensure strong joints and healthy mobility

• Heart – to screen for congenital heart conditions

• Knees (Patella) – to check for luxating kneecaps

• Eyes – to detect hereditary vision issues

All of our dogs have clear results, and copies of their certifications are available on our site. Not all breeders perform this level of testing, which is why it remains such a critical step in responsible breeding.

✅ DNA Health Testing

In addition to OFA testing, we use Embark Veterinary or Wisdom Panel to screen our dogs for over 200 genetic diseases. Our dogs were cleared of all tested conditions except for IVDD risk — a common finding in French Bulldogs due to their compact structure.

Why this matters: knowing your puppy is free of other genetic diseases helps ensure a healthy, happy life and can save families significant emotional and financial stress down the road.

🐾 About IVDD

French Bulldogs are predisposed to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) due to their compact, low-to-the-ground structure. Being “at risk” does not mean a dog will develop IVDD - it simply means awareness and proactive care are important. Proper weight management, mindful activity, and early knowledge of genetic risk all play a role in supporting a long, healthy life for your Frenchie.

💡 Why This Matters for Families

Our goal is to produce puppies who are healthy, happy, and family-ready. Through OFA screening, DNA health testing, and careful, informed breeding decisions, we work to reduce health risks and give families the peace of mind that their puppy had the very best start in life.

Want to learn more about the health standards behind our breeding program? Explore our Health Standards to see the testing and evaluations we complete on our breeding dogs.