The poor Bulldog is the most deformed of all breeds – it's appalling that breeders think it's okay to do this to a dog.
Every Bulldog suffers from some degree of brachycephalic syndrome, which is the medical term for all the health problems caused by the abnormally short face. Bulldogs snort and snuffle their way through life. Some can't even run around without gasping for breath. Many struggle to breathe in hot or humid weather.
English Bulldogs are also deformed orthopedically. Their abnormal build is a structural defect called chondrodysplasia, which stunts their leg growth and lengthens their back, which predisposes them to bone and joint problems.
The English Bulldog has the highest incidence of hip dysplasia (72%) of all breeds. Elbow dysplasia is nearly as bad, with 35% dysplastic. Luxating patella (loose knees) occurs at a 4% rate. And intervertebral disk disease.
Bulldogs are prone to chronic allergies that cause itchy skin and scratching that can lead to skin infections (hot spots). The folds and wrinkles in their skin trap dirt and moisture, leading to bacterial and yeast infections.
Other serious problems in English Bulldogs: multiple hereditary heart diseases, multiple eye diseases, urinary diseases, thyroid disease, tumors and cancers...
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