<P> French bulldogs frequently require artificial insemination, and caesarean section to give birth, with over 80% of litters delivered this way . As well, many French bulldog stud dogs are incapable of naturally breeding . This is because French Bulldogs have very slim hips, making the male unable to mount the female to reproduce naturally . Typically, breeders must undertake artificial insemination of female dogs . Female French bulldogs can also suffer from erratic or' silent' heats, which may be a side effect of thyroid disease or impaired thyroid function . </P> <P> French bulldogs can also suffer from an assortment of back, disk and spinal diseases and disorders, most of which are probably related to the fact that they were selectively chosen from the dwarf examples of the bulldog breed . This condition is also referred to as chondrodysplasia . French bulldogs are prone to having congenital hemivertebrae (also called "butterfly vertebrae"), which will show on an x-ray . More advanced technologies such as myelograms, CT scans, or MRIs are used to detect spinal cord compression . Some breeders feel that only dogs that have been x-rayed and checked for spinal anomalies should be bred . </P> <P> In October 2010, the UK French Bulldog Health Scheme was launched . The scheme consists of three levels, the basic vet check corresponding to the Bronze level, this covers all the Kennel Club Breed Watch points of concern for the breed . The next level, Silver, requires a DNA test for hereditary cataracts, a simple cardiology test, and patella grading . The Gold level requires a hip score and a spine evaluation . The European and UK French Bulldog fanciers and Kennel Clubs are ahead of the Americans and the AKC in moving away from the screw, cork - screw or' tight' tail (which is an inbreed spinal defect), and returning to the short drop tail which the breed originally had . The UK breed standard now reads: "Tail Undocked, (delete' very') short, set low, thick at root, tapering quickly towards tip, preferably (delete' either') straight, (delete' or kinked') and long enough to cover anus . Never curling over back nor carried gaily ." </P> <P> French bulldogs have a tendency towards eye issues . Cherry eye, or an everted third eyelid, has been known to occur, although it is more common in English Bulldogs and Pugs . Glaucoma, retinal fold dysplasia, corneal ulcers and juvenile cataracts are also conditions which have been known to afflict French bulldogs . Screening of prospective breeding candidates through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) can help eliminate instances of these diseases in offspring . The skin folds under the eyes of the French bulldog should be cleaned regularly and kept dry . Tear stains are common on lighter - colored dogs . </P>

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