Bullbreeds United Health Hub
Health. Longevity. Transparency.
Responsible breeding begins with understanding the dog in front of us and the generations behind them. The Bullbreeds United Health Hub brings together practical information about health testing, DNA, breathing, structure, temperament and longevity, helping owners and breeders make informed decisions and preserve healthier bull breeds for future generations.
HEALTH TESTING
Appropriate health testing varies between breeds and individual dogs. Health screening can help identify known conditions, provide valuable information for breeding decisions and build a clearer picture of health across generations.
Bullbreeds United supports recording actual test results and evidence — not simply labelling a dog “health tested.”
BOAS & BREATHING
Breathing should be assessed by function, not appearance alone. Dogs should be able to breathe comfortably, exercise appropriately and recover effectively without excessive respiratory distress.
BOAS assessments and other respiratory evaluations can provide valuable evidence of airway function. Bullbreeds United supports recording verified results alongside the dog’s wider health record, helping breeders make informed decisions and prioritise functional breathing across future generations.
HEART HEALTH
Heart health is an important part of responsible breeding and long-term welfare. Appropriate cardiac screening can help identify abnormalities that may not be obvious from a dog’s appearance or everyday behaviour.
Bullbreeds United supports the recording of verified heart screening results so health information can be followed across dogs, bloodlines and generations. Where repeat testing is appropriate, updated results can be added to the dog’s ongoing digital health record.
HIPS & ELBOWS
Hip and elbow screening provides valuable information about joint health and development. Recognised scoring schemes allow results to be recorded rather than relying on appearance or movement alone.
Bullbreeds United supports recording verified hip and elbow results as part of a dog’s permanent health record. Tracking these results across generations can help breeders identify patterns within bloodlines and make more informed breeding decisions.
EYE HEALTH
Eye health is an important part of a dog’s overall health and welfare. Recognised eye examinations can help identify inherited or developing conditions, including problems that may not be immediately visible to an owner or breeder.
Bullbreeds United supports recording verified eye examination results as part of the dog’s digital health record, allowing information to be followed across individuals, bloodlines and generations.
DNA & GENETIC TESTING
DNA testing can provide valuable information about identity, parentage and inherited health conditions. DNA profiling, parentage verification and genetic health testing serve different purposes and should be recorded clearly.
A carrier result does not automatically mean that a dog is affected by, or unhealthy because of, that condition. Genetic results should be understood in context and used alongside health, pedigree and other relevant information when making breeding decisions.
Bullbreeds United supports transparent recording of DNA and genetic test results within each dog’s digital health record.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
Temperament is an important part of health, welfare and responsible breeding. A dog’s ability to cope with everyday life, interact appropriately and demonstrate a stable temperament should be considered alongside physical health and structure.
Bullbreeds United supports the recording of temperament assessments within each dog’s digital profile, creating information that can be followed across individuals, bloodlines and generations.
Health is not only about the body — temperament matters too.
LONGEVITY
Health is not only measured when a dog is young. How dogs age, the health they maintain into later life and ultimately how long they live can provide valuable information about the health of a bloodline.
Bullbreeds United supports recording longevity, health into older age and, where known, age and cause of death. Following this information across generations can help identify patterns that may otherwise be lost.
A long, healthy life is an achievement worth recording.
OPEN NOSTRILS & LONGEVITY RECOGNITION
Bullbreeds United believes that functional health and longevity deserve recognition.
Our Open Nostrils and Longevity recognition schemes will celebrate dogs demonstrating positive examples of functional breathing and dogs reaching significant ages, while helping to build valuable records across breeds and bloodlines.
Full eligibility criteria and evidence requirements will be published as each recognition scheme launches.
VERIFIED HEALTH RECORDS
Bullbreeds United aims to record evidence, not unsupported claims.
Where available, supporting documentation for health testing, DNA results and temperament assessments can be recorded against an individual dog’s digital registry profile.
The dog’s unique QR code links directly to its profile, allowing recorded information to be viewed alongside its pedigree, identity, show results, titles and achievements.
As new testing or information becomes available throughout the dog’s lifetime, the digital record can continue to grow.
The Bullbreeds United Health Hub provides educational information and registry records. It does not replace individual veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Owners should discuss health concerns and appropriate testing with a suitably qualified veterinary professional.
