Breeding suitability guide — French Bulldog
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Mandatory tests for parents
Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) requires these tests for breeding approval — they must be on file for every breeding animal.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNA-Identitätsnachweis | Blutprobe (DNA-Profil) | Abstammungsnachweise vorhanden | — | Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) |
| Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) (BOAS) | Physical examination | normal | Complex | Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) |
| Complex vertebral malformation (CVM) | X-ray | — | Complex | Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) |
| Patellar Luxation (PL) | Physical examination | PL 0–1 | Polygenic | Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) |
| Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) (CDA) | Skin test | clear or carrier (carriers only with a clear partner) | Complex | Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) |
| Heart disease | Physical examination | grade 0 | Complex | Internationaler Klub für Französische Bulldoggen e.V. (IKFB) |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
We currently have no structured mating rules for this breed. Please consult your club's regulation.
3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleft palate | Physical examination | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC) | Body-fluid analysis | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Ectropion / Entropion | — | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | — | — | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
4. HonestDog verification
- Upload a legible certificate (PDF or photo) per test in the breeder dashboard
- Certificate must show date, examining vet, and FCI/VDH logo
- Certificates older than 36 months are flagged as stale
- We extract the results from each upload using AI and check them for consistency with the dog's profile — the profile tile then shows 'verified'