Spinal Scoring

The spinal scoring system is as follows:

• Grade 1 partially wedged vertebra -score 1
• Grade 2 fully wedged vertebra - score 2
• Grade 3 double wedged (butterfly) vertebra - score 3

The average French bull dog has between 3-4 hemivertebrae, most commonly in the thoracic section. These vertebrae are supported by the rib cage and are reasonably stable unless severely affected. Affected vertebra in the lumbar spine are not as stable and breeders should aim for clear lumbar sections. Breeders are further advised not to breed from dogs showing kyphosis (vertical bending of the spine) or scoliosis (lateral bending of the spine).

The current breed average is sitting around 15 and breeders are advised that breeding with scores above this should be done with care and ideally to lower scored partners.

The area showing the most common instability is the lower thoracic area. Selecting for a stable TL (thoracolumbar) junction where scores in T11-13 and L1-2 are clear gives greater long term stability. Breeds most commonly affected with misshaped hemivertebrae are French and British bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Pugs. Shorter backed dogs generally have larger number of affected vertebra.