The French Bulldog Craze Is Costing the Swiss a Lot

Among the most popular breeds in Switzerland, the French Bulldog is becoming increasingly popular, alongside the Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier, in particular. Last year, 1,438 of these brachycephalic dogs won over our Swiss neighbors, according to the Anis database. But some are speaking out to denounce the poor health of this trendy breed. Respiratory and skin conditions, as well as spinal and joint problems, are among the ailments that lead to frequent visits to the veterinarian and costly surgeries. Owners who turn to pet insurance are left to foot the bill themselves, since surgical procedures related to hereditary diseases or congenital malformations are generally not covered and are subject to exclusions in the policies. Two-thirds of registered bulldogs in Switzerland come from foreign breeders , particularly in Eastern Europe, and are therefore not bred domestically. This likely explains the health problems their owners face. Source: www.Blick.ch