For decades, French bulldogs have been bred to have petite noses, leading to serious respiratory issues – a trend Chantal is determined to reverse.
Dog competitions have long prioritized aesthetics, prompting breeders to favor appearance over health. This pursuit of the “ideal look” has, over time, led to many health complications in breeds, like the French bulldogs, which now suffer from severe breathing difficulties. Today, efforts are underway to restore their health by redesigning their facial structures.
“The dog on the Left is award winning showdog named Arnie an AKC French Bulldog..The dog on the right is Flint, bred in the Netherlands by Hawbucks French Bulldogs – a breeder trying to establish a new, healthier template for French Bulldogs.”
by u/MattyIce6969 in interestingasfuck
Chantal van Kruining, an ardent French bulldog enthusiast and a trained veterinary assistant, believes in the motto, “Prioritize health, not just beauty.” She wants to reshape public perception, emphasizing the importance of a dog’s well-being over its physical appeal.
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These bulldogs are plagued with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a consequence of their altered anatomy. It’s heart-wrenching to see these lovely creatures pant heavily and stick out their tongues after just a brief stroll, all due to the skeletal abnormalities they’ve inherited. Narrow nostril openings, elongated soft palates, and restricted tracheas combine to create a perilous health situation, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
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Originating from the Netherlands, Chantal’s love for French bulldogs is deep. Yet, she’s deeply pained by the myriad issues they face. On her website, Hawbucks French Bulldogs, she points out that the diminished snout of these dogs is merely a cosmetic enhancement. The breed’s inherent risks remain. She argues that if breeders had ensured proper trachea dimensions, appropriate tongue size, and open nostrils, many of these health concerns could have been avoided. Sadly, the breeding industry has been more preoccupied with looks than health.
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Venturing into the breeding realm, Chantal was confronted with a bitter reality: the widespread indifference toward canine health. This realization prompted her to delve into genetic studies, focusing on the abnormalities prevalent in the French bulldog breed. While she acknowledges the challenging journey ahead, Chantal remains steadfast in her mission.
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She envisions a future where French bulldogs are robust and agile, free from respiratory troubles. Her aspirations are clearly articulated on her Hawbucks French Bulldogs website: “Our aim is an athletically built French bulldog, reminiscent of their original design. We want dogs that can actively play and run for hours without any respiratory distress. A true Frenchie should breathe effortlessly, irrespective of the situation.”
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Further establishing her commitment, Chantal maintains complete transparency about the health tests she conducts, making them available to the public.
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