Health
HEALTH PIONEER (HP) DESIGNATION ADDED TO THE HEALTH AWARD PROGRAM
Any bulldog having been tested under the new Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) will be granted a BCC Health Pioneer award in addition to the Ambassador for Health (AFH) award. RFGS provides a method to measure the presence and severity of the Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in bulldogs and other brachy breeds. The test was developed by Cambridge University veterinarians, UK, and is certified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) since 2022.
The purpose of the Ambassador for Health program is to promote betterment of the Bulldog breed through health testing by recognizing Bulldogs, owned by Bulldog Club of Canada members, which have met specific health testing requirements.
The program has 5 levels of recognition – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and 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.
To apply for the Health Award, fill out the application here.
Health
HEALTH PIONEER (HP) DESIGNATION ADDED TO THE HEALTH AWARD PROGRAM
Any bulldog having been tested under the new Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) will be granted a BCC Health Pioneer award in addition to the Ambassador for Health (AFH) award. RFGS provides a method to measure the presence and severity of the Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in bulldogs and other brachy breeds. The test was developed by Cambridge University veterinarians, UK, and is certified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) since 2022.
The purpose of the Ambassador for Health program is to promote betterment of the Bulldog breed through health testing by recognizing Bulldogs, owned by Bulldog Club of Canada members, which have met specific health testing requirements.
The program has 5 levels of recognition – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and 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.
To apply for the Health Award, fill out the application here.
Eligible Certifications:
- OFA Congenital Cardiac (all certifications accepted, Echo preferred)
- OFA Patellar Luxation
- OFA Tracheal Hypoplasia
- OFA Thyroid
- OFA Elbow Dysplasia
- OFA Hip Dysplasia
Eligible DNA based health screenings:
- Hyperuricosuria
The requirements for each certificate level are:
Bronze
successful completion of any 3 of the eligible certifications/DNA screenings
Silver
successful completion of any 4 of the eligible certifications/DNA screenings
Gold
successful completion of any 5 of the eligible certifications/DNA screenings
Platinum
successful completion of 6 of the 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, Tracheal Hypoplasia & Thyroid – Dogs must be 12 months of age or older on the date of the examination.
Hips/Elbow Dysplasia – Dogs must be 24 months of age or older at the time of the radiography. A veterinary cardiologist, other veterinary specialist, or any veterinary practitioner may perform OFA cardiac testing. Certification by Echocardiogram is preferred.
General notes for THE BCC health PROGRAM:
HEALTH PIONEER (HP) DESIGNATION ADDED TO THE HEALTH AWARD PROGRAM
Any bulldog having been tested under the new Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) will be granted a BCC Health Pioneer award in addition to the Ambassador for Health (AFH) award. RFGS provides a method to measure the presence and severity of the Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in bulldogs and other brachy breeds. The test was developed by Cambridge University veterinarians, UK, and is certified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) since 2022.
- The Bulldog that is applying for the Ambassador for Health award must be owned or co-owned by a Bulldog Club of Canada member in good standing. It is not necessary to be a Bulldog Club of Canada member at the time the tests were performed.
- Certificates will be awarded to all Bulldogs whose owners have submitted a completed application and the required verification to the Health Committee prior to our January Annual General Meeting. 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 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. Health awards will be announced at the annual general meeting . HOF and Health Awards certificates will be presented to the dog owners at a special ceremony of the National Specialty show . Certificates will be mailed after or at the request of the dog owners .
Dr Nicole Gravel, DVM
Director of Health
to apply for the health award program:
Dr Nicole Gravel, DVM
Director of Health