French Bulldog Ownership in the Maltese islands: Assessing Awareness, Health Issues, and BOAS Perceptions

This study investigated owner awareness, perception, and attitudes toward health and welfare issues among French Bulldog owners in the Maltese Islands. Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 owners, the study explored demographic characteristics, motivations for breed choice, prior knowledge of health risks, prevalence of reported clinical conditions, and perceptions regarding Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and responsible breeding practices. Results showed that the main reasons for choosing a French Bulldog were personality and behaviour (52%), followed by appearance (32%). Before acquiring their dog, 72% of owners were aware of breathing problems associated with the breed. Awareness of specific conditions included narrow nostrils (63%), small airway/trachea (57%) and elongated soft palate (50%). Regarding health issues, 48% of owners reported allergies, 42% breathing problems, and 33% skin problems. Clinical signs associated with BOAS were also common, with 71% of respondents observing snoring during sleep, 55% heat intolerance, and 32% exercise intolerance. When compared to other breeds, 49% of respondents considered French Bulldogs to have a similar level of health, while 36% considered them less healthy. Compared to other French Bulldogs, 64% considered their own dog to be of average health. Despite these concerns, 65% of respondents stated that they would acquire another French Bulldog in the future. Additionally, 79% indicated that they would prefer a puppy from BOAS-tested parents. In conclusion, the results highlight the need for responsible breeding practices and greater promotion of BOAS testing to improve the health and welfare of the breed.