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Health Testing Guide
Which tests matter, how to spot responsible breeders — and what it costs when things go wrong.
For the Bulldog we've compiled 3 tests in the recommended health standard and 2 additionally recommended tests, drawn from veterinary databases such as CIDD (University of PEI) and OMIA — weighted by severity and heritability.
See dogs available for adoptionWhat this grade means
The English Bulldog reaches an average lifespan of only around seven to eight years, and a very high proportion of females cannot give birth naturally, making Caesarean sections the rule rather than the exception in this breed. In addition, clinically relevant breathing problems caused by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) are widespread within the breed. A health-oriented breeder therefore comprehensively tests their breeding dogs and only uses individuals that are free from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Before purchasing a puppy, insist on seeing written certificates confirming freedom from BOAS as well as genetic test results for Hyperuricosuria (HUU) and Cystinuria, Type III, where carriers must only be mated with clear partners. Ideally, there should also be documentation on Elbow Dysplasia (ED) with the limit value ED 0 and Patellar Luxation (PL) with PL 0.
Every breed is susceptible to certain inherited conditions. Just like humans, dogs inherit predispositions from their parents. Responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for these conditions and make informed mating decisions to reduce the risk passed on to puppies.
No — but it's the strongest tool we have. Diet, exercise, environment, and genetics all contribute to whether a dog develops a condition. When breeders use the right tests to identify risk in potential parents, the likelihood of many conditions appearing in the puppies drops significantly.
There's no one-size-fits-all here. The recommended health standard for the Bulldog covers 3 tests, plus 2 additional recommended tests. The specific tests and passing thresholds are detailed further below.
Keep in mind
Reliable screening tests still don't exist for many hereditary conditions, and tests for complex polygenic conditions don't always predict severity in the puppies. Even so, they're a powerful tool of responsible breeding.
There are two main types of health tests:
Screen the dog's DNA for known disease-causing mutations. Can be performed from puppyhood and give a binary result (clear / carrier / affected).
Clinical and imaging exams like X-ray, ultrasound, or ophthalmoscopy. They show how a predisposition actually manifests — usually only conclusive after 12–18 months.
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level meets the Good level and performs 2 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to Good:
Elbow Dysplasia(ED)
Bewegungsapparat
Elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the musculoskeletal system where the three bones forming the elbow joint do not fit together properly. This misalignment causes abnormal friction and wear on the joint cartilage, eventually leading to painful, chronic joint inflammation and arthritis. It is a complex genetic condition influenced by multiple genes.
X-ray · Passing: ED 0
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Bewegungsapparat
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Physical examination · Passing: PL 0
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.
A complete checklist with every core-standard and additionally recommended test, plus identity and rearing questions — take it with you.
Open the full checklistFor breeders
Machine-readable mating rules, minimum ages, scoring schemes, and what's required for HonestDog verification — as a printable guide.
Example rule — Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Both parents must be clear or better.
We take mandatory tests from official breed regulations, build the recommended health standard from veterinary databases — and cross-check every uploaded certificate against the dog's profile using AI.
L1 = core standard: the club's required tests where its rules set them, otherwise the recommended health standard for the breed. L2 = additionally recommended or clinically indicated. L3 = lower prevalence. Every assignment carries a source and confidence rating.
VDH breeding regulations, CIDD (University of PEI), OMIA (University of Sydney), curated veterinary input.
Uploaded certificates are read by AI and checked for date, result, and consistency with the dog's profile — our team reviews anything inconclusive.
A strongly shortened muzzle is typical of the Bulldog and counts as an extreme-breeding trait: it can cause breathing difficulty (BOAS), heat problems and eye disease. That is why we currently do not show breeders for this breed. A dog of this breed can still have a good life – what matters is explained on our brachycephaly page.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Bulldog fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.