What percentage of French bulldogs have back problems?

Walk into any dog park these days, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot at least one French bulldog—those squishy faces, bat-like ears, and stubby legs trotting along, tail wagging like a metronome. Their popularity has skyrocketed, but behind that cute exterior lies a painful reality: these pups are far more likely to struggle with back issues than many other breeds. So just how common is it? Studies from veterinary groups across Europe and North America paint a clear picture: somewhere between 30% and 50% of French bulldogs will develop back or spinal problems in their lifetime. That’s a staggering number, and it’s something every potential or current Frenchie parent needs to understand.​

The root of the issue lies in their unique build. Those short, stocky bodies and compact spines weren’t exactly designed for ease of movement. Think of it like stacking bricks—when the spine is shortened and the torso is broad, every jump off the couch, every stretch to reach a toy, puts extra pressure on the discs between their vertebrae. Over time, those discs can bulge or herniate, pressing on nerves and causing pain, weakness, or even paralysis. I’ve seen it firsthand at the vet clinic where I volunteer: a 5-year-old Frenchie named Lola came in yelping when her owner picked her up, and an X-ray showed a slipped disc that traced back to years of leaping onto the bed without help. Her case wasn’t rare—our clinic sees at least two similar Frenchies a month.​

A lot of this ties back to breeding trends. For decades, breeders prioritized “cuteness”—shorter legs, wider chests, flatter faces—over functional anatomy. In places like the Netherlands, new laws now restrict breeding French bulldogs with extreme features, aiming to reduce these health risks. But many puppies still come from unregulated breeders who cut corners, and that’s where the trouble starts. A friend of mine bought a Frenchie from a backyard breeder because “he was cheaper,” only to face $4,000 in surgery bills when the dog’s spine started deteriorating at age 3. In the UK, the Kennel Club now requires health screenings for French bulldog parents, but not all breeders follow through—so it’s on us, as owners, to ask for proof of clear spinal checks before bringing a pup home.​

The good news is that with care, you can lower the odds. Keeping your Frenchie at a healthy weight is huge—extra pounds add even more strain on their backs. Skip the high jumps: a small ramp by the couch or bed can save their spine over time. Short, frequent walks are better than long treks; their little legs weren’t made for marathons. I know a couple who trained their Frenchie, Gus, to use a ramp from puppyhood, and at 8 years old, he’s never had a back twinge. Simple changes like that make a world of difference.​

It’s also crucial to spot the early signs. If your Frenchie starts dragging their hind legs, yelping when touched along the back, or struggling to stand up, don’t wait. Those could be red flags for spinal issues, and delaying care can make surgery less effective. In some states, like Oregon, neglecting a pet’s treatable health problems can lead to fines, but more importantly, your pup is counting on you to notice when something’s wrong. A vet can do a physical exam or MRI to catch issues early, and sometimes, rest and anti-inflammatory meds are enough to fix it—no surgery needed.​

French bulldogs aren’t just pets; they’re little companions who snuggle into our laps and make us laugh with their goofy zoomies. Their vulnerability to back problems is a sad side effect of how we’ve bred them, but it doesn’t have to define their lives. By choosing responsible breeders, watching their weight, and being mindful of their limits, we can help them stay happy and mobile for years. After all, a Frenchie with a healthy back is one who can keep doing what they love—chasing sunbeams, stealing socks, and reminding us why we fell for those squishy faces in the first place.