Health Programs

The BOAS Testing Project

French Bulldog Fanciers of Canada, the National Breed Club accredited under the Canada Kennel Club (CKC) fully supports the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG Scheme) Screening, also known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway System (BOAS) Testing, recently launched by the CKC and Orthopedic Foundation for Animal (OFA) in Canada. All donations will be earmarked to support roll out of the project

FBFC Ambassador for Health Program

The purpose of the French Bulldog Fanciers of Canada Ambassador For Health Program is to promote the betterment of the French Bulldog breed in Canada. Through health testing, the FBFC recognizes those French Bulldogs, owned by FBFC members, which have met specific health testing requirements.

The new program has 5 levels of recognition –  Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum & Diamond. 

Passing results are required on all eligible certifications except DNA based health screenings (passing results eligible for certification are defined by OFA). Any result will be accepted for DNA based health screenings. All results must be submitted to OFA and be verifiable in their public database.

Note: For every year. Application deadline for submitting is DECEMBER 1st of any year

The tests recognized for health awards are:

OFA Hips / PennHips
OFA Patella 
OFA heart 
OFA trachea
OFA thyroid 
OFA eye CERF
OFA Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (BOAS)
DNA testing
Cystinuria Type 3 (through PennGen only clear or carrier are awarded)
Juvenile Cataracts (only clear or carrier are awarded) 

The requirements for each certificate level are:

Bronze

Successful completion of Eyes CERF, patella and heart

Silver

Successful completion of bronze level plus any 2 additional eligible certifications/DNA screenings

Gold

Successful completion of bronze level plus any 3 additional eligible certifications/DNA screenings

Platinum

Successful completion bronze level plus any 4 additional eligible certifications/DNA screenings

Diamond

Successful completion of all eligible certifications/DNA screenings

Age Notes for the Ambassador for Health Award:

Congenital Cardiac, Patellar Luxation, Spinal Database Submission, Tracheal Hypoplasia & Thyroid 

Dogs must be 12 months of age or older on the date of the examination. A veterinary cardiologist, other veterinary specialist, or any veterinary practitioner may perform OFA cardiac testing. Certification by Echocardiogram is preferred.

Hips/Elbow Dysplasia 

Dogs must be 24 months of age or older at the time of the radiography for OFA certification. PennHip can be done as early as 16 weeks. Only the top 50% of the breed for distraction index will be recognized for award when submitting PennHip report

  • The French Bulldog that is applying for the Ambassador for Health Award must be owned or co-owned by a French Bulldog Fanciers of Canada member in good standing. It is not necessary to be a French Bulldog Fanciers of Canada member at the time the tests were performed.
  • Certificates will be awarded to all French bulldogs whose owners have submitted a completed application and the required verification to the Health Committee prior to December 1st of the submitting year. All awards are designed to be a one-time award for each recipient rather than a reoccurring, annual award. Additional levels can be applied for in subsequent years provided all required verification is provided to the Health Committee. Each eligible French bulldog will be awarded a certificate suitable for framing which indicates the level of achievement and details the health certifications the dog has successfully completed. Certificates will be mailed out following printing.

“Pioneer of Health” Designation

As the FBFC recognizes the importance of spinal health in a breeding program Each dog can be giving the designation of “Pioneer of Health” in addition to their awards level if they submit their OFA spinal report with their awards application. Spinal report will be made public.

Pioneer of Health designation can also be achieved by submitting passing certification of elbows through OFA. Dogs applying for Pioneer of Health must have successfully completed Bronze Level Health award.

Please use the Application Form button below to apply for the “FBFC Ambassador of Health Program” 

Previous Ambassador for Health Awards Recipients

Click images to enlarge

2023 Awards Recipients

2022 Awards Recipients

2021 Awards Recipients