Category: 2025

Why Critiques Matter More Than Rosettes

11/6/2025

The youngest LaRoyal pups had a show outing on Sunday, and it was a memorable one.

Luther, just six months old, went home with Best Puppy in Show. A fantastic result, no doubt. But what stood out just as much as the win was the judge’s speed and attention to detail in publishing her show critiques. Within just a couple of days, thoughtful written assessments of each dog were online. They were balanced, observant, and full of useful insight. That kind of follow-up is still far too rare, particularly at smaller club-level events

For me, the critique carried as much weight as the rosette.

Because while the applause fades, a proper critique becomes something more lasting. It’s a tool for reflection, learning and ultimately, better breeding decisions.

Understanding What a Critique Really Is
For those less familiar with the show world, a critique is a written evaluation by the judge of the dogs they’ve placed. It serves as a short formal report that captures how the dog measured up against the breed standard on the day. A well-written critique provides a moment of clarity. It helps a breeder make more informed decisions about future pairings and gives potential puppy buyers a valuable snapshot of the quality and health behind their chosen pup.

Critiques matter not just for the trophy cabinet but for the long-term development of the breed.

Why a Rosette Isn’t the Whole Story
There’s no denying that a win feels good. But if the only goal is to collect rosettes, you’re missing the point. For future breeders and ultimately, the owners of the puppies they produce, critiques are one of the most valuable forms of education available outside the whelping box.

You might think your dog is typey, correct, or promising. But a judge with an experienced and impartial eye may spot something you’ve missed. Just as often, they might highlight a trait that’s easy to overlook—one that deserves to be preserved.

That’s where the real value of critique lies. It brings structure to progress and turns instinct into informed planning.

What a Good Critique Can Reveal

Identify virtues you want to preserve or establish in your line, such as strong layback, open nostrils, or correct rib shape.
Highlight faults to balance in future pairings. Examples include short necks, tight fronts, or light eyes. It’s important to remember that not all faults carry equal weight. Some are simply cosmetic, while others have long-term structural or health implications.
Signal future potential in pups that are still immature but clearly well made

One of the LaRoyal pups was described as “still raw but all there.*” It was a perfect summary of a young dog who has yet to body up but already shows strong foundations. Another was praised for her head properties, with notes on areas likely to improve after motherhood. As you’d hope, those were traits I had already noted in her.

That kind of nuanced feedback goes far beyond a trophy or photo.

Judges Help Guide the Breed
A good judge does more than hand out ribbons. They shape the direction of the breed by pointing out what is working, what needs improvement, and what absolutely must be addressed. A thoughtful critique doesn’t just help the exhibitor, it helps the whole breed.

Their observations act as a quiet form of mentorship, even for breeders they’ve never met. When judges take the time to reflect honestly and clearly, they provide an invaluable reference point for those striving to breed with purpose.

If You’re Buying a Puppy, Ask Better Questions
Not every good breeder is in the ring every weekend. However, they should seek outside input and strive to learn. If you're speaking to a breeder about a puppy, ask them:

How has the bitch been assessed?
What are her strengths, and what needed balancing?
Why was this particular stud chosen?
What critiques or third-party input have they received?

If a breeder can’t answer those questions (or avoids them entirely), that’s a red flag.
The best breeders can explain both what they are proud of and what they are actively trying to improve. That’s how the breed moves forward.

Critiques are more than just comments on a page. They are evidence of a breeder’s willingness to learn, refine, and be held accountable. They shape the conversations we have about our dogs—and they should shape the decisions we make going forward.

If you're a future breeder, let critique be your compass. Show your dog. Ask for feedback. Take notes. And when you plan your next steps, ensure they are guided by knowledge, not assumptions.

And if you're a future owner, remember this: a good breeder will welcome scrutiny. They won’t just show you a pretty photo or say, “mum’s a great dog.” They’ll talk to you about structure, faults, development, and how their dogs compare to others in the breed. That’s the kind of breeder who’s in this for the right reasons and that’s the kind of dog you want.

In Bulldogs, the wins are lovely. However, it is the learning that truly lasts.

Pearl

PHOEBE

*And if you’re wondering, here’s what judge Leah Connelly had to say about the LaRoyal’s:
Luther: DARING TO DREAM LAROYAL
6-month white boy that is well off for bone. Very raw at the moment but loads to like. Correct flat skull, complete pigment around lovely dark eyes, open nostrils, nice broad jaw with a good upsweep. Pleasing overall shape. His frame will fill with age. Correct rear. OK tail. Moved well around the ring. Well handled and in beautiful condition. Pleased to award him Best Puppy in Show.
King: LUTHERS LEGACY LAROYAL
6-month-old red and white litter brother to 1, but very different at the moment. Time is on his side. It’s all there. He is clean and healthy. Nice layback, lovely sloping shoulders into straight bone. Pear shape from above. Correct rear. Moved well.
Pearl: LUFORD BLOND BOMB LAROYAL
Red and white girl, bigger, with loads to like. Lovely broad head, flat skull and well-padded cheeks. Nice broad jaw. Her shoulders are tacked on and sloping. Enough brisket, which will come. Well-muscled rear. Moved well.
Phoebe: LAROYALS BLURRED LINES
2-year-old young lady who is well off for bone. She has a lovely broad chest from correct tacked-on shoulders. My notes said probably the best layback of the day. Classic head of good properties. Broad jaw with a lovely upsweep. Correct rear. Moved OK.

wHY IT'S BECOMING HARDER TO FIND A QUALITY BULLDOG

31/5/2025

Tradition vs Trend: Why Pedigrees Matter More Than Ever

There's a quiet crisis brewing in the world of dog breeding, and if you care about the future of our beloved pedigree breeds, it's time to take notice.

The Kennel Club recently published its 2024 registration figures, and the numbers are stark. Last year saw the lowest number of dogs registered since 1988. Over 32,000 fewer than any other year since that date. While no official figure has been confirmed, it is widely acknowledged that The Kennel Club has experienced a significant decline in revenue linked to falling registration numbers. While some might assume this means fewer puppies are being bred, the reality is far more concerning. Many puppies are still being bred without proper registration.

Bred for Buzzwords? The Shift in Breeding Culture.

I believe there are three major forces behind this decline in responsible, KC-recognised breeding.

Click to Enlarge

1. The designer crossbreed boom

The market for so-called "designer dogs," such as Cockapoos, Maltipoos and Dalmadoodles, continues to skyrocket. These trendy mixes can't be KC registered, regardless of quality. Yet they dominate platforms like Pets4Homes and are often priced between £2,000 and £3,000 per puppy.

Most are bred by individuals with no long-term breeding plan, little involvement with a breed club and a limited understanding of structure, type, and temperament. These are not puppies bred with purpose. They're bred for popularity and profit.

2. The erosion of the breed standard

Even within recognised pedigree breeds, a worrying shift is occurring. They are more likely to be described as "rare" or "exotic" because they have KC disqualifying colours, such as lilac, blue, merle or tri, incorrect coat textures, excessive wrinkles, pigment issues, or structural faults, like straight tails and flat muzzles.

I've also seen a marked increase in stud enquiries from owners of bitches with non-recognised colours or those without Kennel Club registration. While these owners may be well-meaning, we never approve of such pairings. Not because we're elitist but because we're ethical. Breeding outside the breed standard is a disservice to the breed's health, function and reputation.

If someone doesn't love the breed as it's meant to be, why are they breeding it?

3. The rise of alternative registration schemes

Perhaps most deceptive of all is the growth of alternative registries offering flashy-looking certificates and "pedigrees" for dogs that are not KC registered. These schemes like DWKC create the illusion of legitimacy but lack the infrastructure, integrity and recognition of The Kennel Club.

These registries lack a regulated health testing framework, allow for disqualifying colours and exaggerated traits, and are not recognised by breed clubs or canine institutions. They do not offer breeder inspections, education, or support. In many cases, they are simply paid-for paper mills that disguise the fact a dog would not qualify for KC registration.

To an unsuspecting buyer, the paperwork may look official. But by the time they realise what they've bought, it's often too late.

Why does KC registration matter?

The Kennel Club isn't just a paperwork provider. It is the central pillar of canine welfare, ethics and education in the UK. It ensures breed preservation, health recording and breeder accountability.

Founded in 1873, The Kennel Club has been responsible for maintaining official records of pedigree lineage and upholding breed standards in the UK for over 150 years. It manages:

Official registration and lineage tracking of pedigree dogs
Breeder Scheme Initiatives
Health testing partnerships and conservation plans
Accredited education for breeders and judges
The KC Charitable Trust
Young Kennel Club and Youth Involvement
Crufts, which The Kennel Club has organised since 1891 and other regulated canine activities such as agility, obedience, rally and heelwork to music
Breed rescue and legislative lobbying

No alternative registry provides anything close.

The breed standard is not about looks.

The breed standard isn't about show dogs. It's a blueprint for function, health and temperament. When breeders deliberately ignore the standard in favour of trend-led features, they are distorting the breed, not improving it.

Exaggerated traits such as excessive wrinkle, extreme muzzle shortening or unusual colours are linked to fundamental health issues, including:

Breathing difficulties
Chronic infections
Spinal deformities
Eye and ear disorders
Lameness and structural issues

These traits are not rare or special. They are risky.

If you already own a dog like this

If you've purchased a dog without KC paperwork or from a breeder who didn't educate you correctly, that doesn't mean your dog is any less loved. But it does mean you should be cautious if considering breeding or promoting them as representative of the breed.

Responsible ownership includes being open to learning and making informed decisions for the future.

If this trend continues

We risk losing some of the UK's best bloodlines. Lines with not just visual quality but soundness, health and temperament. With each exaggerated or unregistered litter, the true Bulldog slips further into obscurity, drowned out by marketing terms like "rare" and "exotic."

This is not progress. It is quiet destruction.

Learn what quality really looks like

That's why I created the Star Puppy Approach, a course designed to give you complete confidence and clarity in finding a well-bred puppy. Whether you're looking now or planning ahead, it will guide you through:

🐾 What real KC paperwork looks like
🐾 How to spot and avoid misleading "registries"
🐾 The difference between a health check and a health test
🐾 How to find a breeder of genuine reputation and care
🐾 How coat colour, structure and exaggeration affect health
🐾 What ethical breeder–owner relationships should feel like

👉🏼 Take the Star Puppy Approach 👈🏼

The Top 5 Health Conditions

9/4/2025

The Top 5 Health Conditions
Every Bulldog Owner Should Know About

Following a recent conversation during one of our Bulldog Owners Community Circle Calls, I realised how many new and experienced owners are keen to better understand the health concerns our breed may face. So, I thought it sensible to share this as a blog post for everyone to benefit.

Bulldogs are naturally stoic and often have a remarkably high pain threshold, which means they may show few outward signs of discomfort until an issue has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms and knowing what to look out for can save you from unnecessary vet bills — and, more importantly, save your Bulldog from prolonged pain and stress that could've been prevented with early action.

Bulldogs are naturally stoic and often have a remarkably high pain threshold, which means they may show few outward signs of discomfort until an issue has progressed. Understanding the early symptoms and knowing what to look out for can save you from unnecessary vet bills — and, more importantly, save your Bulldog from prolonged pain and stress that could've been prevented with early action.

One of the most valuable tools you'll develop as a Bulldog owner is the ability to read your dog's body language (click to listen to podcast: Lost in Translation: Understanding Every Woof). Subtle changes in posture, movement, or even facial expression can be the first indicators that something isn't right. Recognising these early signs of discomfort can help you identify a health concern before it becomes critical.

Below, I've outlined five common Bulldog ailments that every responsible owner should know about — including symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them.

1. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – GDV)

What is it?
Bloat is a serious and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself, cutting off blood flow and causing shock.

Symptoms to watch for:

📌 Distended or hard abdomen
📌 Excessive drooling
📌 Unproductive retching (trying to vomit, but nothing comes out)
📌 Restlessness or discomfort
📌 Pale gums and rapid heartbeat

Treatment: Immediate emergency veterinary intervention is required. Time is critical — GDV can be fatal within hours. Treatment usually involves decompression, IV fluids, and surgery to untwist and tack the stomach.

Prevention tips:

✅ Feed smaller, more frequent meals
✅ Avoid vigorous activity before and after meals
✅ Use slow feeders to discourage gulping
✅ Raise the food bowl if recommended by your vet (though this is debated)

2. Heat Stroke

What is it?
Due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, Bulldogs struggle to regulate temperature, making them prone to overheating, especially in warm weather. This risk is significantly heightened in dogs with excessive features, such as very short necks, deep skin folds around the cheeks and throat, or poor conformation that affects mobility. A Bulldog that is overweight or suffers from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is even more vulnerable. These dogs may already struggle with breathing at rest, and heat only compounds the strain.

Symptoms to watch for:

📌 Excessive panting or noisy breathing — also known as roaring (a rasping sound similar to a lion)
📌 Weakness or collapse
📌 Bright red or bluish gums
📌 Vomiting or diarrhoea
📌 Confusion or seizures

Treatment: Act fast — heat stroke is a veterinary emergency. Cool your Bulldog with tepid water (not ice cold), use a fan, and get them to a vet as soon as possible. Never delay.

Prevention tips:

✅ Avoid walks in the heat of the day
✅ Always provide shade and freshwater
✅ Use cooling mats or vests in summer
✅ Never leave them in a car unattended — even for a few minutes
✅ Maintain a healthy weight and monitor for signs of BOAS
✅ Avoid exaggerated bloodlines that prioritise extreme type over functional health

3. Eye Ulcers (Corneal Ulcers)

What is it?
Bulldogs can have prominent eyes, making them susceptible to scratches and ulcers on the cornea — often caused by playfighting with a companion, catching an eye on a toy, or even rubbing against rough surfaces. These injuries may seem minor initially but can become serious quickly if left untreated.

Symptoms to watch for:

📌 Squinting or holding the eye shut
📌 Excessive tearing or discharge
📌 Pawing at the eye
📌 Cloudy or bluish-appearance
📌 Sensitivity to light

Treatment: Prompt veterinary attention is essential, as ulcers can burst (melt) — a process where the cornea rapidly deteriorates, often within hours. This is not only extremely painful but can result in permanent vision loss or complete eye removal if not caught early.

Treatment can be intensive, often involving frequent application of antibiotic drops or ointments, pain relief, and sometimes surgical procedures. In more severe or non-healing cases, serum eye drops (made from your dog's blood) may be used alongside debriding to remove dead tissue and encourage healing or even considering stitching the eye closed.

Prevention tips:

✅ Keep wrinkles clean and trimmed around the eyes
✅ Avoid letting puppies play roughly with sharp objects or claws
✅ Wipe away any debris after walks
✅ Monitor for entropion (inward-turning eyelids), which may need surgical correction

Want to unlock conditions 4 & 5?

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The usual price is £34.99/month (no strings attached — cancel anytime from your member account page), but for you, as a blog reader, it's just £22.99 when you join using code: BLOGREADER at checkout.

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The Swedish Kennel Club's Bulldog Standard Change: A Misguided Approach

8/3/2025

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.

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.

The Swiss KC suggestion of the Ideal Bulldog □

Show Breeders vs. The Wider Breeding Population

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 Activist Narrative & Its Misguided Approach

By altering the breed standard, the SKK has handed ammunition to activists who believe they are positively impacting Bulldog health. In reality, this approach does little to address the real issue—it only widens the gap between reputable and non-reputable breeders. The perception that "Bulldogs are unhealthy" continues to be fuelled not by the actions of responsible breeders but by those who breed without knowledge, ethics, or care for the breed's future.

The biggest problem with revising the breed standard instead of regulating breeding practices is that it only affects the small proportion of breeders who follow it. The genuine health concerns lie outside the show world, where:

Exaggerated traits (excessive wrinkles, flat faces, and extreme bulk) are still being bred for because of public demand.
Many casual breeders don't even reference a breed standard—they breed based on appearance alone.
Pet Bulldogs are often not health tested because their breeders don't show or lack education on health concerns.
The worst examples of Bulldogs are typically found in commercial breeding setups, where profit is prioritised over health.

Changing a breed standard does nothing to stop unethical breeding—it simply makes activists feel like they've had a positive impact when it does nothing to improve the health of Bulldogs outside of the show world.

A Meaningful Solution: Health Testing for All Breeding Bulldogs

If the goal is to improve Bulldog health on a large scale, the only real solution is to require all breeding Bulldogs to undergo health testing. A revised breed standard might make for good PR, but unless enforced at a legislative level, it does nothing to control who is breeding Bulldogs and for what purpose.

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A post shared by Cat The Vet (@cat_the_vet)

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.

What Needs to Happen Next?

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

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.

Crufts 2025 Begins – Best of Luck to Bulldog Exhibitors!

6/3/2025

Today marks the start of Crufts 2025, the world’s most prestigious dog show. Over the next four days, thousands of top-quality dogs will compete across various disciplines, from conformation to agility and obedience, all vying for glory on the famous green carpet.

While we won’t be in the ring this year--puppies take priority at LaRoyal—we’ll be cheering on the Bulldog exhibitors competing this Friday. Wishing everyone the best of luck and a fantastic day showcasing our wonderful breed!

Crufts Qualification – A Coveted Canine Milestone

Crufts isn’t just any dog show—it’s the most exclusive event in the canine world. Unlike standard championship shows where you simply enter and compete, Crufts requires qualification, making it an elite stage where only the best earn their place.

Exhibitors work tirelessly all year to secure their spot, achieving qualification through wins or placements at selected championship shows. Whether a seasoned handler or a first-time exhibitor, stepping onto the green carpet is an unforgettable moment—a testament to dedication, skill, and top-tier breeding.

For newcomers, it’s a validation of their hard work and a proud milestone. For experienced competitors, it’s a privilege never taken for granted. And let’s not forget the nerves--even the most seasoned exhibitors feel a flutter of excitement when they step into the Crufts spotlight!

Lacey - Best of Breed Crufts 2013

LaRoyal Bulldogs – Gearing Up for Crufts 2026!

While we’re missing out this year, we’re already setting our sights on Crufts 2026! Our rising star Pearl secured her qualification at her very first show of the year, and we’re excited to see King make his ring debut soon.

A huge well done to our qualifiers for 2025:
🏅 Phoebe, expertly handled by Tracy Williams, qualified in May.
🏅 Pearl, guided to success by Natasha Burgess in October, while I was judging in Italy.
🏅 Rita & Gigi, who qualified together in September.

Though we’re no strangers to Crufts—having first qualified a LaRoyal Bulldog back in 1997--every qualification is a proud achievement. One particularly special year was 2015, when three generations of LaRoyal homebred females claimed top honours:

✨ Grandmother Roxi won Best Veteran
✨ Her daughter Lacey took 1st in Open Class
✨ Her granddaughter Juna secured the Minor Puppy win

We can’t wait to return in full force in 2026, flying the LaRoyal flag and showcasing the next generation of our Bulldogs.

2015 Crufts Wins

For now, we’ll be watching from afar, celebrating our fellow exhibitors’ successes. Good luck to everyone competing—enjoy every moment of Crufts! Hopefully you can catch the Bulldog Best of Breed Winner on Channel 4 from 7.30pm on Friday!

TV Schedule

Rita & Gigi Earn Their Bulldog Breed Council Bronze Health Certificates!

23/2/2025

Good news for LaRoyal Bulldogs - Rita and Gigi are now officially Bulldog Breed Council Bronze certificated! This achievement isn’t just a proud milestone for us; it’s an essential step in ensuring we continue to breed healthy, happy Bulldogs.

The Bulldog Breed Council Health Scheme is an essential initiative to improve the health and well-being of Bulldogs. It provides structured assessments that help responsible dog owners make informed breeding decisions, ensuring that only the healthiest dogs contribute to future generations.

Rita - LaRoyal Making Wow

Gigi - Arcticbull Googlagong LaRoyal (IMP NOR)

What Does Bronze Certification Mean

The Bronze level of the Bulldog Breed Council Health Scheme involves an assessment of key physical traits and overall well-being. Bulldogs undergoing this examination are checked for a range of breed-specific health concerns, including:

📌 Respiratory Function – Ensuring the dog has clear, open nostrils and good airflow.
📌 Eye Health – Checking for conditions like entropion or excessive tear staining.
📌Skin & Coat Condition – Assessing for allergies, infections, or excessive folds that might cause irritation.
📌 Mobility & Conformation – Evaluating gait, movement, and structural soundness.
📌 Temperament & Well-being – Ensuring the dog is happy, confident, and comfortable.

By passing this assessment, Rita and Gigi have demonstrated excellent health, sound structure, and great overall well-being—key factors in responsible breeding.

Why Health Testing Matters in Bulldogs

The Bulldog is a beloved breed known for its affectionate nature and iconic appearance, but like all breeds, Bulldogs have specific health challenges. Many of these are preventable with responsible breeding practices, thorough health screening, and selective breeding choices.
Health Testing Helps Us:

✅ Identify Healthy Breeding Candidates – Only dogs that meet the highest standards should be bred to ensure healthier litters.
✅ Prevent Inherited Conditions – Careful selection reduces the risk of passing on issues like BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), hip dysplasia, or skin disorders.
✅ Improve Longevity & Quality of Life – Healthy Bulldogs live longer, happier lives and thrive with their families.
✅ Educate Future Owners – Encouraging new owners to choose puppies from health-tested parents ensures they start their journey with a well-bred, sound Bulldog.

What’s Next?

While achieving the Bronze certificate is a fantastic foundation, it’s only one part of responsible breeding. At LaRoyal Bulldogs, we always BOAS test and DNA test every breeding dog, ensuring a full-picture approach to health that complements their physical certification.

BOAS Testing – A Must for Every Breeding Bulldog

One of the biggest concerns in Bulldogs is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition that can affect their breathing. Just because a Bulldog looks fit and healthy doesn’t always mean they are free from airway compromise. BOAS testing provides an objective measure of respiratory function, helping breeders make informed decisions that reduce the risk of passing on breathing difficulties.

We will never breed from a dog without BOAS testing, ensuring that every Bulldog in our program has good respiratory function. This is crucial for producing puppies that can breathe, exercise, and enjoy life fully.

DNA Testing – Preventing Inherited Disease

Alongside structural and respiratory health, DNA testing is essential to screen for inherited conditions. This allows us to make informed breeding choices, ensuring we avoid doubling on harmful recessive genes that could lead to health problems.

By testing for conditions such as HUU (Hyperuricosuria), Cystinuria, and other genetic disorders, we add another layer of protection for future generations of Bulldogs.

A Message for Puppy Buyers: Always Check for Multi-Generational Health Certification

It’s not enough for only the parents of a litter to be health tested—puppy buyers should be looking for proof that grandparents and even great-grandparents have been certified, too. This demonstrates a breeder’s long-term commitment to health and helps ensure that problems aren’t just hidden for one generation but are being systematically reduced in the breed.
Before Buying a Bulldog Puppy, Ask for:

🚩 Bulldog Breed Council Health Scheme Certificates
🚩 BOAS Testing Results – To ensure both parents have good airway function.
🚩 DNA Health Testing Reports – Screening for inherited conditions.
🚩 A Proven History of Healthy Ancestors – Parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents should have health certifications.

A responsible breeder will be happy to provide all this information because breeding healthy, happy Bulldogs isn’t just about one generation—it’s about improving the breed for the future.

Final Thoughts: A Step Towards a Healthier Bulldog Futur

Earning the Bronze Bulldog Breed Council Health Certificate for Rita and Gigi is just one step in our journey. We are committed to pushing even further--with BOAS testing, DNA testing, and higher-level health certifications—to ensure the Bulldogs we breed are as healthy and happy as possible.

If you want to bring a Bulldog into your life, ask the right questions and only buy from multi-generational health-tested lines. You can learn more about the Bulldog Breed Council Health Scheme here.

At LaRoyal Bulldogs, we believe that a well-bred Bulldog should not just look the part—it should be fit, healthy, and able to live a full, active life. Here’s to a future of stronger, healthier Bulldogs.

From Field to Pavement: Why i ditched the local dog field

21/1/2025

When I first discovered the convenience of a local private dog field, it felt like the perfect solution. In theory, it seemed like a win-win for my dogs and me. No worries about off-leash encounters, no car fumes, and a chance for the dogs to burn off energy without interruptions.

Yet, after some time, I realised this setup wasn’t quite as idyllic as I initially thought.

The Positives of Private Dog Field

Private dog fields certainly have their benefits:

📌 A Safe Space for Reactive Dogs: For owners managing reactive dogs or those still learning recall, an enclosed field offers invaluable peace of mind.

📌 Freedom from Pollution: Roadside pollution isn’t just harmful to humans—it can impact dogs too. Avoiding heavy traffic areas helps protect their respiratory health and overall well-being.

📌 Room to Run: These fields allow dogs to stretch their legs and run freely in a secure environment, ideal for high-energy breeds or younger dogs.

But, as with anything, there’s a flip side.

Why I’m Moving Away from the Field

Over time, I began noticing some recurring issues that outweighed the positives:

1. Lame Dogs and Overexertion
Uncontrolled exercise can be a double-edged sword, especially for breeds with specific joint considerations or puppies with developing bones. My Bulldogs love to run, but the field’s permanent agility equipment encouraged activities unsuitable for every dog. After a few limping puppies and several vet visits, I realised that controlled exercise was far better for their long-term health.

2. Flea Infestations
An unexpected downside was a flea infestation that cropped up after repeated visits to the field. While fields are often treated and maintained, the high turnover of dogs can make them hotspots for pests like fleas. Managing these infestations became a regular headache, and I questioned whether the convenience was worth the cost.

"Controlled steps lead to lasting health."

3. My Own Fitness
Surprisingly, standing still while my dogs zoomed around wasn’t helping me stay active. Unlike road walks, where I move alongside them, I wasn’t meeting my daily fitness goals. Walking my dogs on the road ensures I stay active too, giving both the dogs and myself structured, beneficial exercise.

The Benefits of Returning to Road Walks

Switching back to road walks has brought several improvements for both me and my Bulldogs:

✅ Controlled Exercise: While the dogs don’t get to sprint wildly, they still release energy through structured movement. A Flexi lead allows them short bursts of freedom on wide verges, but the exercise remains measured and safer.

✅ Healthier Joints: No more limping puppies! Flat, predictable surfaces are far better for developing joints, particularly for Bulldogs, where joint health is always a priority.

✅ Natural Nail Maintenance: Pavement walking naturally wears down their nails, saving me from frequent trimming sessions—a win for both me and the dogs!

✅ Mental Stimulation: Road walks provide varied sights, sounds, and smells, keeping the dogs engaged and curious. This level of stimulation isn’t possible in the repetitive environment of a field.

✅ Human-Dog Bonding: Walking together strengthens our bond, as I’m more actively involved in their exercise.

✅ Maintaining My Fitness: I’m back to hitting my step count and feeling better overall. The dogs get their exercise, and so do I—a win-win!

A Lesson in Reviewing Lifestyle Choices

This experience has been a valuable reminder that just because something is popular isn’t the best choice for everyone. While private fields have their place, they didn’t align with my goals or my dogs’ long-term needs.

It’s essential to review routines every few months. If new problems arise—like limping puppies or increased pests—take a step back and assess what might have changed. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as returning to what worked in the past.

Switching back to road walking has restored balance for me and my dogs. They’re healthier, exercise is more appropriate, and I’m staying active too. Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions really are the best.