The three things most owners find out too late
- Insurance must start before the first vet visit. A note reading "slight snuffle" at a puppy vaccination can exclude BOAS cover permanently — years before your dog needs the surgery.
- Above roughly 20°C, this breed does not get a walk. Exertional heat stroke kills more French Bulldogs in the UK than hot cars do, and it happens on ordinary afternoons.
- The per-condition limit matters more than the premium. A single IVDD episode runs £3,000 to £9,000. A £2,000 cap will not absorb it.
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The conditions that actually cost money
Ranked by how often they occur. Each page covers signs, UK costs, whether insurance is likely to pay, and whether a breeder could have screened for it. Breeding-related conditions are covered separately in the full list.
| Condition | Affects | Typical cost | Screenable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) | 67% | £1,800–£4,500 | Yes |
| Skin fold dermatitis | 55% | £200–£900 | No |
| Elongated soft palate | 55% | £900–£2,500 | No |
| Obesity | 50% | £0–£300 | No |
| Stenotic nares | 50% | £400–£1,200 | Yes |
| Atopic dermatitis and allergies | 40% | £400–£1,400 | No |
| Ear infections (otitis externa) | 35% | £120–£800 | No |
| Hip dysplasia | 30% | £400–£4,500 | Yes |
Before you buy
Colours, honestly
None of the "rare" colours are genetically rare — they are simple recessives any two carriers can produce. What the premium buys is fashion, and in diluted coats a specific risk of colour dilution alopecia.
Buying safely, wherever you are
Breeder licensing differs across England, Scotland and Wales, and insurance premiums vary by more than 50% across the UK. The national baseline for a healthy puppy on lifetime cover is around £45 a month.
Living with one
Everything here is general information, not veterinary advice. We earn commission from some links, which never affects what you pay and never determines what we recommend — see our affiliate disclosure and editorial policy.