Legacy of Health Program for French Bulldogs

Recognizing Health with French Bulldog Foundation of America

Welcome to the French Bulldog Foundation of America's (FBDFA) Legacy of Health 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.

Legacy of Health (LOH) Program Details

Tiers of Health Levels

The Legacy of Health Program features five tiers, similar to tiered systems that reward accumulating health certifications. Progression reflects the volume of completed tests, akin to building from basic to advanced recognition in other breed programs. Additionally, the Legacy of Health Program includes a special designation for research contributions, comparable to research-focused honors elsewhere.

Health Level Bronze: 5 eligible certifications/DNA screenings (comparable to entry-level recognition like UK Bronze).
Health Level Silver: 6 eligible certifications/DNA screenings (building on Bronze, similar to UK Silver progression).
Health Level Gold: 7 eligible certifications/DNA screenings (mid-tier, akin to UK Gold's comprehensive checks).
Health Level Platinum: 8 eligible certifications/DNA screenings (advanced recognition).
Health Level Diamond: 10 eligible certifications/DNA screenings (highest tier for exceptional testing breadth).

Results must pass per OFA standards (normal/clear/carrier; affected ineligible) and be verifiable in the OFA public database (spinal submissions require proof). Dogs need a registration number (e.g., AKC or equivalent) for verification.

Eligible Certifications and Screenings

The criteria mirror comprehensive lists from similar programs, focusing on breed-specific concerns. Each item counts as one point toward the level total.

OFA Certifications (Passing Results Required):

Basic Cardiac (all certifications accepted, advanced preferred)
Patellar Luxation
Tracheal Hypoplasia
Thyroid
Eyes
Hip Dysplasia (OFA evaluation or PennHIP with DI ≤ 0.60 at ≥12 months, registered with OFA; PennHIP rating counts as one point if meeting criteria)
Elbows
BAER Testing (hearing)
Respiratory Function Grading (RFG; Grades 0-2 passing, similar to UK BOAS emphasis)
Spinal Database Submission (proof required, akin to UK spine evaluations at higher levels)

OFA French Bulldog CHIC Criteria

AKC Titles (Each Counts as One)

Coursing, FastCat, or Agility Title
ATT or Therapy Title
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Title (to recognize temperament and manners, an often underrated aspect of overall breed health and suitability).

DNA-Based Health Screenings

DNA-Based Health Screenings:

Hereditary Cataracts/Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts
Type 3 Cystinuria DNA Marker (similar to UK genetic testing recommendations).

OFA DNA Application for French Bulldogs

Legacy of Health Program Research Designation

Similar to research-oriented designations in other programs, this is given to dogs participating in studies that benefit French Bulldogs. It can be standalone or added to a Health Level. Examples include submissions to CHIC DNA repositories, OFA spinal contributions, or cystinuria research (with passing results). Other relevant studies are evaluated case-by-case—provide proof of involvement.

To qualify, a dog must participate in verifiable research studies that directly benefit French Bulldogs. Participation typically involves submitting biological samples (e.g., DNA, blood, or imaging) or data to approved repositories or ongoing projects. The FBDFA evaluates submissions on a case-by-case basis to ensure they align with breed-improvement goals. Key requirements include:

Proof of Involvement: Owners must provide documentation, such as confirmation emails from the research organization, certificates, or submission receipts. This ensures transparency and legitimacy.
Passing Results Where Applicable: For studies tied to specific health tests (e.g., genetic screenings), the dog must have passing results (e.g., normal/clear per Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA standards). Affected or inconclusive results may not qualify.
Relevance to the Breed: The study must address French Bulldog-specific concerns, such as hereditary diseases, structural issues, or longevity. Non-FBDFA studies are considered if they demonstrate clear benefits (e.g., university-led genetic research).

The designation is not points-based like the main Health Levels; it's awarded upon review of the submission. It can be applied for alongside or separately from the tiers, and once earned, it's noted on the dog's certificate.

Application Process

Submit a form with verifiable OFA links or proof to fbdfoundationamerica@gmail.com

Levels are one-time achievements per dog, with potential upgrades via additional tests.
Certificates detail the level and tests completed, issued digitally or at events.

Apply for Legacy of Health Program

Legacy of Health Program FAQs

Below are dedicated FAQs for each section of the FBDFA Legacy of Health Program. These provide quick answers to common questions based on the program's details. For general inquiries, email fbdfoundationamerica@gmail.com.

What are the five tiers in the Legacy of Health Program?

The program includes Bronze (5 certifications/screenings), Silver (6), Gold (7), Platinum (8), and Diamond (10). These tiers reward increasing levels of health testing, similar to progressive systems in other breed programs.

How do I progress through the tiers?

Progression is based on accumulating verifiable, passing certifications from the eligible list. Start at Bronze and upgrade by adding more tests—each tier reflects broader health evaluation.

Is the Research Designation part of the tiers?

No, it's a separate or add-on honor for study contributions, comparable to research-focused elements in similar programs. It can stand alone or enhance a tier.

Who can participate, and is it inclusive?

Any AKC-registered French Bulldog with documented results can participate, regardless of coat color or traits. It's voluntary, inclusive, and uses public/voluntary data—no fees or endorsements.

What counts as a point toward a level?

Each eligible item (e.g., a passing OFA certification, AKC title, or DNA screening) counts as one point. Accumulate them to reach tier requirements.

What are the OFA certifications included?

OFA "Normal" results in: Basic Cardiac (advanced preferred), Patellar Luxation, Tracheal Hypoplasia, Thyroid, Eyes, Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP DI ≤0.60 at ≥12 months), Elbows, BAER (hearing), RFG (Grades 0-2);

Spinal Submission (Does NOT Need to be "Normal").

Why do spinal submissions not need to be 'Normal' while other OFA tests require passing results?

French Bulldogs commonly exhibit spinal abnormalities, with OFA data* showing over 95% rated as abnormal due to breed traits like hemivertebrae (wedge-shaped vertebrae) and butterfly vertebrae. These are often incidental findings and not always symptomatic, but they are prevalent in the breed.

Unlike other tests (e.g., hips or cardiac) where 'normal/clear/carrier' directly indicates health suitability, spinal submissions in our program prioritize data contribution over perfection. By encouraging owners to submit X-rays (regardless of result) to the OFA Spinal Database, we support breed-wide research to track patterns, improve genetics, and reduce future risks—similar to how other programs value research participation. Proof of submission is required, but no specific grade is needed to earn points, as the act of sharing advances collective knowledge.

*based upon data reported by OFA as of 12/20/2025

How do AKC titles fit in?

Each title counts as one point: Coursing/FastCat/Agility, ATT/Therapy, or Canine Good Citizen (CGC) for temperament.

What DNA screenings are eligible?

Hereditary Cataracts (also known as Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts), and Type 3 Cystinuria DNA Marker. Results must be passing and verifiable.

Do results need to be public?

Yes, they must be verifiable in the OFA database or with proof (e.g., for Preliminary Hips and/or spinal submissions). Passing per OFA standards (normal/clear/carrier).

Research Designation FAQs

What is the Research Designation?

It's a special honor for dogs contributing to studies benefiting French Bulldogs, similar to research elements in other programs. Standalone or added to a Health Level.

How does a dog qualify?

Participate in relevant studies (e.g., CHIC DNA repositories, OFA spinal contributions, cystinuria research) with passing results where required. Evaluated case-by-case with proof.

What proof is needed?

Submit documentation like confirmation emails, certificates, or receipts from the study organization.

Can non-FBDFA studies qualify?

Yes, if they demonstrate clear benefits to French Bulldogs—provide details for review.

Application Process FAQs

How do I apply for a level or designation?

Email fbdfoundationamerica@gmail.com with verifiable OFA links/proof.

Can I upgrade a level later?

Yes, submit additional tests for review—levels are upgradable but one-time per achievement milestone.

What do I receive upon approval?

A certificate detailing the level, tests, and any designation, issued digitally or at events.

Is there a deadline or cost?

No costs for digital certification.

Disclaimers FAQ

Does this program guarantee a dog's health?

No, it's an educational resource only—not a health guarantee or endorsement.

Where does the data come from?

Public/voluntary sources like OFA—no representations of accuracy; verify independently.

How do I opt out if included?

Refer to our main [FAQ](/faqs) for removal requests—handled case-by-case for public data.

Is FBDFA affiliated with other clubs?

No, we're independent and non-commercial, focused solely on breed advocacy.