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The "Why" Behind Our Foundation
X-Rays Don't See Color
(And Neither Do We)
Inclusive Advocacy for French Bulldogs
The French Bulldog Foundation of America (FBDFA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health, welfare, and longevity of French Bulldogs through scientific research, public education, and advocacy for ethical breeding and ownership practices.
With an estimated 99% of all French Bulldog litters bred by a non-FBDCA member (reported by OFA through AKC in 2023), the most popular breed for the third consecutive year is purposefully unrepresented and unsupported by a Parent Club.
This breed is "Rogue".
So what can we do? Go back to basics and assess what UNITES us as a community that cares about the longevity and health of this breed as a whole: It is about the DOGS... not the leash holders...
Our mission emphasizes functional, healthy conformation and inclusivity for all French Bulldogs, regardless of non-breed standard colors or traits. We support the AKC Code of Sportsmanship, encourage participation in activities such as performance, agility, and functional conformation events, and promote ethical breeders who conduct verifiable health testing in accordance with or exceeding Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommendations.
Through our transparent Verified Breeder List & Verified OFA Normal programs, funding for breed-specific genetic studies, and grants for health-related initiatives, we aim to improve the overall well-being of the breed while addressing gaps in representation and guidance for the majority of French Bulldog litters produced outside traditional club frameworks.
Legacy of Health Program for French Bulldogs
Recognizing Health with French Bulldog Foundation of America
Introducing the French Bulldog Foundation of America's (FBDFA) Legacy of Health (LOH) Program! This system recognizes French Bulldogs that complete extensive health evaluations to support breed advancement and welfare. It draws similarities from established frameworks, such as the multi-tiered recognition in the French Bulldog Club of America's (FBDCA) Ambassador of Health (AOH) and Pioneer of Health (POH) programs, as well as the progressive Bronze, Silver, and Gold ratings used by the French Bulldog Club of England (FBCE). Our approach emphasizes verifiable testing to encourage transparency, reduce genetic risks, and guide ethical breeding decisions—inclusive of all French Bulldogs, regardless of coat color or traits.
Inclusive Recognition
Participation is voluntary and open to all AKC registered French Bulldogs with documented results—no fees or endorsements involved. Levels are based on public or shared data from sources like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), and awards can be granted posthumously. This is an educational resource, not a guarantee of health.
Politics Vs. Ethics
Prioritizing Health with French Bulldog Foundation of America
At the French Bulldog Foundation of America (FBDFA), we independently verify compliance with the Parent Club's current recommended health tests and stated policy for listing Breeders on their public Breeder Referral page, fact-checking their stated criteria against the public list of referras, using publicly accessible sources, such as the OFA database.
We've successfully identified several breeders on this list who do exactly what is required by the Parent Club to be included on their Breeder Referral page, which is encouraging and applauded. And then there are others...
We believe responsible breeders prioritize verifiable health testing over Parent Club politics. Here's what we recommend screening French Bulldogs for, based on breed-specific risks:
Core Health Tests (Phenotypic Evaluations):
- Hips: OFA or PennHIP for dysplasia (~32.6% affected; breed ranks 23rd/204).
- Patellas: For luxation (knee issues; ~5.8% affected).
- Cardiac: Echocardiogram/auscultation for heart defects.
- Eyes: CAER/OFA for cataracts/distichiasis (~24.7% abnormalities).
Recommended Additional Tests:
- Respiratory Function Grade (RFG/BOAS): 3-minute exercise test for airway issues (46% unaffected in samples; 14% moderate-severe; OFA program launched 2023).
- Spine: X-rays for IVDD/anomalies.
- Elbows: OFA for dysplasia (~7.2% affected).
- Trachea: For hypoplasia (narrowing).
- Other: Genetic panels for conditions like Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts and Cystinuria 3.
Trust But Verify: View the Parent Club Breeder Referral Audit to see how they held up as advertised.
Directories & Tools You Can Trust
Transparent Verification for Breeders
Health Tested & Screened French Bulldogs
Health Tested & Screened French Bulldogs
This is our independently vetted list of French Bulldog breeders who have met our criteria for health testing and transparency, including verifiable public OFA certifications for breed recommended health tests (hips, patellas, cardiac, eyes.).
We focus on ethics and health, awarding a "Verified" seal only after confirming eligibilty via a
This is our independently vetted list of French Bulldog breeders who have met our criteria for health testing and transparency, including verifiable public OFA certifications for breed recommended health tests (hips, patellas, cardiac, eyes.).
We focus on ethics and health, awarding a "Verified" seal only after confirming eligibilty via a combination of public databases or documentation provided by the Breeder themselves, such as such as Preliminary OFA certifications or spine reports.
This list will continue to grow as we confirm more breeders.
Health Tested & Screened French Bulldogs
Health Tested & Screened French Bulldogs
Health Tested & Screened French Bulldogs
One of the challenges ethical breeders face is locating OFA health-tested Frenchies with NORMAL results for hips/PennHip, not to mention many others, such as patellas, basic cardiac, eyes, RFG/BOAS, elbows, trachea, and spine. This list helps you fully research vertical pedigrees using OFA's tools.
Trust But Verify: PARENT CLUB AUDIT
Health Tested & Screened French Bulldogs
Trust But Verify: PARENT CLUB AUDIT
Doing What You "Say" You Do Matters... and Unfortunately, Some "Don't"...
This report is on the Parent Club's current publicly advertised breeder referrals for compliance with advertised health test requirements to be included in their list.
We add our independent verification notes (e.g., "Partial Verification" if records are incomplete
Doing What You "Say" You Do Matters... and Unfortunately, Some "Don't"...
This report is on the Parent Club's current publicly advertised breeder referrals for compliance with advertised health test requirements to be included in their list.
We add our independent verification notes (e.g., "Partial Verification" if records are incomplete or not public). All info is sourced from their site at https://frenchbulldogclub.org/breeders/.
This helps highlight where FBDCA-listed breeders align (or don't) with their club's own stated policy for referral and public health transparency standards.
Thank You for Your Donation!
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission, providing education, resources and inclusive paths to success, advocating for the breed we all love, the French Bulldog.
Become A Member
Join Us!
Join the French Bulldog Foundation of America (FBDFA) to champion ethical breeding and the long-term health of French Bulldogs. As an affiliate member, you'll support our mission to promote verifiable OFA health testing, transparency over politics, and resources like our Verified Breeder List and OFA Normal Directory.
Understanding RFG/BOAS
Respiratory Function Grading Scheme
No one wants to hear a struggle, especially in our beloved breed. Enter the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG/BOAS). This tool is vital for breeders committed to improving airway health in French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds.
But what Exactly IS BOAS? Breath easier... we've got your answers.
Legal Resources & Links
Know Your Dog Law
At the French Bulldog Foundation of America, we're dedicated to the health, welfare, and advocacy of this beloved breed. Whether you're a proud Frenchie owner, prospective adopter, or passionate advocate, understanding the legal landscape is key to protecting your furry companion.
Dive into our comprehensive Legal Resources section to explore essential topics like puppy lemon laws, ethical breeding practices, pedigree disclosures, and state-specific protections against predatory financing.
Arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions and champion animal rights—because every French Bulldog deserves justice.
Westminster Catalog 1898 featuring BOTH ear types
Discover the French Bulldog's Rich Legacy
Step back in time with the FBDFA History Page, dedicated to the captivating evolution of the French Bulldog—from its Parisian roots in the 1800s to iconic show moments and breed milestones. Explore rare archives, vintage catalogs, and insights that celebrate the Frenchie's enduring charm and heritage.
Get Connected: OFA Frenchie Community
Get Connected with Like-Minded Frenchie Lovers
Connect with like-minded, inclusive-oriented French Bulldog enthusiasts focused on health testing and ethical breeding through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) community on Facebook. Follow the official OFA Page for breed updates, and explore specialized groups.
Contact Us
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
