Famous for their stocky good luck charm , wrinkly cuteness , and playful personalities , English bulldogshave become one of the most popular cad breeds in the US over recent decade . However , most of these lovable traits are far from natural , and have been bred into these good - natured eyetooth by man . As a side issue , bulldogs have also become riddled with health problems , and woefully for them , new research suggests that continual inbreeding has bequeath theirgenetic diversityso narrow-minded that it may no longer be potential to correct these abnormalities using their existing cistron pool .
Over the years , English bulldogs have been designed to display a numeral of phenotypes , includingbrachycephaly , which refers to a shortened skull , and a haggard disorder called chondrodysplasia that answer for for their bulky build . As a result , they often suffer from major respiration and joint problems , lead to particular difficultness when mating and giving nascence .
As if that were n’t enough , the stock ’s wrinkled skin creates folds that are highly prone to infection , while they have also uprise a weak immune system .
Correcting these problem need that the English English bulldog genome contain enough diversity for more desirable factor to be engender back into the population . However , writing in the journalCanine Genetics and Epidemiology , researchers claim that after examining the genetic diversity of 102 bulldogs , the possibility of reach this seems unlikely . As such , it may be necessary to begin cross - breeding English bulldogs with other strain in fiat to restore their health .
When wait at the number ofalleles – or factor variants – at 33 unlike lieu on 25 chromosomes , the study generator found that Brobdingnagian regions of the English English bulldog genome have become virtually identical in all individuals . For example , only four paternalhaplotypes – or mathematical group of gene overtake down the manful descent – were identified at sure stance , one of which was present in 93 percent of dog-iron in the sampling .
“ The broad loss of familial diverseness is most likely the resultant role of a little laminitis universe and unreal genetic bottlenecks occurring ” as a solution of continued inbreeding , excuse the generator . This uttermost heterogeneousness , they exact , “ will make it very difficult to better breed health from within the exist gene kitty . ”
In lighting of this finding , all dog lovers should bear in mind that , though some strain may be attractive , they often suffer greatly for their cuteness , and continuing to breed certain characteristics into them is actually rather savage . consequently , field of study co - author Niels Pedersen explained in astatementthat “ the English bulldog has reached the point where popularity can no longer exempt the health problem that the ordinary bulldog endures in its often brief lifetime . More hoi polloi seemed to be enamoured with its appearance than concerned about its health . ”
range : brachycephaly , which refers to a shortening of the skull , can lead to serial breathing difficulties . Ammit Jack / Shutterstock
