In 2006 the Bulldog Breed Council Health certificate was first developed as a breeding tool. We had meetings at the Kennel Club who asked what plans we had to improve the health of the breed so it was developed with input from the Breed Clubs as a voluntary assessment, with no pass or fail .The aim was to identify health problems, so efforts could be made to help breeders and pet breeders not to breed two dogs sharing the same health problems or issues. It was meant to be particularly helpful to newcomers to the breed. As we move on to the present day, the Bulldog Breed Council is now revising their health Certificate to incorporate the Kennel Clubs Breed Watch Items. The Bulldog is now one of the Kennel Clubs High Profile Breeds (Category 3)
Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future. Prior to 2014 the features listed below derived from a combination of health surveys, veterinary advice, a meeting of Kennel Club Group judges, feedback from judges at shows or consultation with individual breed club(s)/councils via the breed health coordinators. From 2014 the structure of Breed Watch will allow for a greater involvement by judges in the reporting on and monitoring of the points of concern.
Aim of the new Bulldog Breed Council Health & Conformation Scheme. To promote the health and well being of the Bulldog. To promote healthy breeding practice. To enable data collection, to monitor current issues of the Breed and to compare with the past and to make improvements in the future. To Educate both Breeders and Pet Owners. To reward their participation in the scheme by achieving Bronze and Silver and Gold awards
What to do next
All dogs to be Kennel Club Registered. All dogs to be micro chipped or permanent tattoo. To purchase a Bulldog Breed Council Bronze Health Certificate. (ONCE YOU HAVE PAID FOR YOUR FORM, DOWNLOAD THE FORM, PRINT OUT AND TAKE WITH YOU TO THE VETS). One payment of £5.00 covers the cost of the Bronze, Silver and Gold. [go to payment page] On purchase you will have to supply the owners name and current address, the dogs Kennel Club Name and Registration number with date of birth and also microchip number. (All certificates will be numbered, only one per dog and all information will be kept by the Bulldog Breed Council Health Administrator.
BRONZE LEVEL
All Bulldogs to be tested from 12 months.
All examinations indicated on the Bulldog Breed Council Health & Conformation form are non-invasive.
All dogs to be assessed by one of the Bulldog Breed Council Approved Vet
Copy to be sent back to Health Administrator: Mrs Lieza Handley, 18 Sandbeds Road, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV12 4EY.
A Bronze Health Certificate will not be awarded if the dog does not meet the following criteria:
Heart – referred to a cardiologist (if any abnormality found).
Eyes – with any conditions that are detrimental to the dog’s health.
Any sign of aggression.
Spine – any palpable abnormality will be referred for further investigation and X-ray. (eg: Spina Bifida)
If the information is not clear and is any way questionable, the anonymous form (identified only by certificate number) will be presented to Bulldog Breed Council whose decision is final.
Once the dog has achieved a clear form without the issues listed above, the Bronze Level Health Certificate will be issued and sent to the owner it will also be listed on the Breed Council website. All data collected from the Bulldog Breed Council Health & Conformation Form, will be used at the Bulldog Breed Council Health & Conformation meetings for future surveys and general health information. (all certificates will be identified by number only)
SILVER LEVEL
All examinations indicated on the Bulldog Breed Council Health & Conformation Silver Certificate are non-invasive.
To apply for the Silver Level the following requirements have to be met: NO EXTRA FORM IS NEEDED, JUST THE RESULTS OF THE FOLLOWING IS NEEDED, TO BE EMAILED TO haddawaybullodogs@virginmedia.com .
To have been awarded a Bronze Level Certificate.
Clear results on eye examination recorded.
To have Putnam Test (Grade 0-1)
To have an HUU DNA test of Clear/ Carrier (certificate copy sent in, which includes
Microchip/tattoo number)
To have obtained a RFGS (Grade 0,1,2 (BOAS))
No adverse tail problems (inverted or lack of tail will fail Silver level)
Any undesirable characteristics as applied by the Breed Standard.
Not to be monorchid or cryptorchid.
Not to have blue or green eyes.
Not to have colours not recognised.
Not to be a Dudley
Once the dog has achieved all the above, a Silver Level Health & Conformation Certificate is issued and sent to the owner it will also be listed on the Breed Council website.
GOLD LEVEL
All Bulldogs to be over 24 months.
NO EXTRA FORM IS NEEDED, JUST THE RESULTS OF THE FOLLOWING IS NEEDED, TO BE EMAILED TO haddawaybullodogs@virginmedia.com .
To have been awarded both the Bronze and Silver levels.
BVA or ECVO eye Scheme – copy of certificate. Clear results on eye examination recorded. Test to be done at 2 years of age or over.
Heart screening by qualified Auscultation approved Veterinary Surgeon. (Grade 0)
RFGS (BOAS) (Grade 0,1) **changed on 29/9/2016, 01/07/19 see below**
Copies of the certificates which include Microchip/tattoo number of all the tests to be sent in.
Once the dog has achieved all the above, the Gold Level Health and Conformation Certificate is issued and sent to the owner it will also be listed on the Breed Council website. **Note: Cambridge University Veterinary College have established a grading system for Bulldogs as from 21.09.2016. From 01.07.19 the Bulldog Breed Council Health and Confirmation Scheme will include the RFGS (BOAS) on the silver level as well as the Gold level. To qualify for the Gold the RFGS grades should be done at 2 years or over.
We understand that most people would not willingly put their dogs under general anaesthetic, but if the situation does arise, the results of the following tests and the data they would provide would be invaluable to the future of the breed.
Gold stars will be awarded for:
Trachea measurements.
Spinal X-Ray (Thorax area).
Heart Doppler examination.
HUU Clear
Kennel Club Stud Book Number
Uk Champion
RFGS tested in the chamber at Cambridge University (Grade 0,1)
