First UK hairless French bulldog litter prompts ‘extreme breeding’ concerns

A litter of hairless French bulldogs has been branded a worrying example of extreme breeding by the British Veterinary Association.

The dogs are believed to have been bred in Scotland and are the result of crosses between French bulldogs, Pugs and Chinese crested dogs. The first litter of hairless French bulldogs is thought to be in the UK.

The national body for veterinary surgeons in the UK warned that the puppies could end up with a host of problems, including a susceptibility to sunburn and heat stress, as well as breathing difficulties.

Justine Shotton said that people like things to look a certain way it shouldn't justify them being able to do things to the dogs that are going to cause harm and suffering.

I am really disappointed when I see things like this and I wish that we could get potential owners to understand how much of this extreme breeding really does affect the day to day welfare of these dogs.

One hairless French bulldog made headlines when it entered the US after being bought from China. The animal was described as a monster by the vets and they were concerned that it could be at increased risk of skin cancer.

Shotton said the latest litter is just one example of extreme breeding, adding the novelty factor, Cuteness, or chance to notch up likes on social media may be among the reasons for breeding and buying unusual crosses.

A lot of these types of dogs that are being marketed as very rare or particularly unique, are just being bred as a sort of popularity thing to get people attracted to these dogs, because they are almost a status symbol.

Shotton said that while crossbreeds have been thought to be healthier than their ancestors, that is not necessarily the case, and that crossing breeds that have particular health issues can mean the offspring get the worst of both worlds.

Vets are seeing a multiplication of problems in some of the crosses.

Flat-faced dogs are known to be at increased risk of breathing difficulties and being prone to heatstroke, while hairless dogs can find it difficult to keep warm and are at increased risk of sunburn.

A study published in the journal Plos One found that flat-faced dogs have seven times the odds of having a nictitating membranes.

The authors warn that if the condition is not dealt with, it can lead to chronic problems such as inflammation or infections which can cause pain.

The co-author of the study said the development of new flat-faced breeds with even more extreme characteristics goes against the position of the UK.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a confidential hotline for anyone with concerns about low-welfare breeding.

The Scottish SPCA is concerned about the increase in unscrupulous breeders breeding dogs with exaggerated characteristics and attempting specialist medical procedures without training. They said that they were leading a task force to look in to these issues.