The Swedish Kennel Club (SKK / Svenska Kennelklubben)  has recently revised its Bulldog breed standard, shifting the breed's description towards a type more aligned with the Continental Bulldog, a breed recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) The Continental Bulldog has a longer muzzle, less exaggeration, and a more athletic frame.

While this change has no real impact on British-bred Bulldogs, as The Kennel Club breed standard remains the reference point for UK show breeders, it once again reignites the tired argument that all Bulldogs are inherently unhealthy.
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While likely well-intentioned, this change misses the real issue—a breed standard only governs those who choose to follow it, yet most Bulldogs are bred by those who do not.

Only a tiny percentage of Bulldog breeders are show breeders. The reality is that most Bulldogs are bred by novice or casual breeders who are not bound by any breed standard—let alone health testing requirements.

​Show breeders have been proactively addressing health concerns for decades. They voluntarily participate in health testing schemes, and more recently, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) grading has become mandatory for Bulldogs entered at Crufts. These breeders work within the existing UK breed standard, which has been continuously revised to remove exaggerations without fundamentally changing the breed itself.

The real concern is that the pet-bred Bulldog population continues to be bred for extreme wrinkles and exaggerated features, often because novice breeders lack education on the consequences of these traits. Since they do not show their dogs, they have no incentive to follow the breed standard or participate in health testing. As a result, the most exaggerated Bulldogs are often bred outside of the influence of show breeders, meaning that even if The Kennel Club adopted a revised standard, it wouldn't impact the majority of Bulldogs being bred today.

The real problem lies with unregistered breeders who operate outside breed clubs without knowledge and care for health and welfare. Until health testing becomes a requirement for all breeding Bulldogs—not just those shown in the ring—these changes in breed standards will remain a cosmetic adjustment that does nothing to safeguard the breed's future.

If we genuinely want to improve the future of Bulldogs, we need to:

• Educate new breeders on why breeding for extreme traits leads to long-term health problems.
• Health testing is required for all bulldogs used in breeding, not just those being shown.
• Push for responsible ownership so puppy buyers only purchase from health-tested, ethical breeders.
• Advocate for better enforcement standards to reduce the likelihood of unethical or uneducated breeders.

This is where real change will happen—not adjusting a breed standard that most Bulldog breeders don't even follow.

This revision by the The Swedish Kennel Club (SKK / Svenska Kennelklubben)  might make headlines, but it won't make a real difference to the overall health of Bulldogs. The problem has never been with responsible show breeders—it has always been with those who breed without knowledge, ethics, or health testing.
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A better approach would be to focus on education, health testing, and enforcing responsible breeding practices across all breeders, not just those in the show world. Anything else is just a distraction from the real issue.

Exciting news—Gigi has passed her BOAS test with a Grade 0, the best possible score! This means she has excellent respiratory health, making her an ideal candidate for breeding. But why is BOAS testing so important, and how does it benefit LaRoyal puppy owners?

At LaRoyal, we take health seriously, balancing it with breed type and temperament to produce well-rounded Bulldogs. BOAS testing is a key part of this, ensuring that our dogs not only look great but also lead active, comfortable lives.
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What This Means for Puppy Owners

• Health Assurance – Our puppies come from generations of tested Bulldogs, reducing the risk of breathing issues.
• Ethical Breeding – We make informed decisions that prioritise welfare over shortcuts.
• Better Quality of Life – Bulldogs with good respiratory function enjoy a more active and comfortable life.

Selecting the right stud is just as important as choosing a health-tested female. At LaRoyal, we always consider BOAS grading in our breeding decisions to improve respiratory health across generations.

By prioritising tested pairings, we continue to reduce breathing issues, ensuring that each new generation is healthier and better equipped for a long, happy life.

BOAS testing is essential in ethical Bulldog breeding. Gigi’s perfect score is proof of our commitment to producing Bulldogs that can breathe easily, live actively, and bring joy to their families.

No puppy owner should consider buying a puppy without multiple generations of BOAS testing. At LaRoyal, we are now over three generations deep in this testing, ensuring the best possible respiratory health for our dogs.
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By choosing a LaRoyal Bulldog, you are choosing a puppy bred with care, purpose, and a dedication to the breed’s future.