Reference · 39 terms defined
Bulldog Glossary: genetic, clinical and registry terms defined
Breeding documentation uses precise terminology, and misreading a single term can change how a report is interpreted. Each entry below gives a plain-language definition and, where relevant, links to the article that covers it in depth.
Genetics
- ADAMTS3
- A gene associated with lymphatic development in dogs. A variant reported in Bulldog-type breeds is associated with fluid accumulation and neonatal oedema. Copy number (0, 1 or 2 copies) is established by DNA test and used to plan pairings.ADAMTS3 explained →
- Copy number
- The number of copies of a variant a dog carries at a locus: two copies (homozygous), one copy (heterozygous) or zero copies. Copy number determines the range of genotypes a pairing can produce.
- Genotype
- The genetic result recorded for a dog at a specific locus, written in Australian notation such as N/N (clear), N/m (one copy) or m/m (two copies).
- Phenotype
- The observable characteristics of a dog, including structure, coat and airway function. Phenotype does not reveal carrier status, which is why DNA testing is required.
- Autosomal recessive
- An inheritance pattern in which a dog must inherit one copy of a variant from each parent to be affected. Pairing two carriers can produce affected offspring.
- Carrier
- A dog carrying one copy of a recessive variant. Carriers are typically unaffected but can pass the variant to offspring, so pairing decisions matter.
- 6-Panel Clinical Clear
- Our term for a breeding dog with recorded clear results across the six recognised British Bulldog DNA panel markers, alongside a recorded ADAMTS3 genotype.The 6-panel standard →
- HUU (Hyperuricosuria)
- An inherited condition affecting uric acid excretion, associated with urate stone formation. Tested by DNA panel and managed through pairing decisions.
- CMR1(Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1)
- An inherited retinal condition producing multifocal lesions in affected dogs. Included in standard Bulldog DNA panels.
- DVL2
- A variant associated with vertebral and screw-tail phenotypes in Bulldog-type breeds. Recorded as part of a wider trait profile.
Health and Airway
- BOAS(Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)
- A group of upper-airway abnormalities that restrict airflow in short-muzzled breeds. Assessed by functional examination rather than appearance alone.Breathing and trachea →
- Tracheal hypoplasia
- A narrowed windpipe relative to body size, which reduces airflow and exercise tolerance. Evaluated radiographically where indicated.
- Stenotic nares
- Narrowed nostril openings that increase resistance to airflow. One of the components assessed in an airway examination.
- Elongated soft palate
- A soft palate that extends beyond the level of the tonsils and partially obstructs the airway. A recognised BOAS component.
- Exercise tolerance
- A functional measure of how a dog breathes and recovers under controlled activity. Used as a practical airway indicator alongside clinical examination.
- Hip and elbow scoring
- Radiographic assessment of joint conformation, read by an assessor and recorded as a score used in selection.
- Cherry eye(Nictitans gland prolapse)
- Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, visible as a pink swelling at the inner corner of the eye. Usually corrected surgically.
- Interdigital cyst
- An inflammatory lesion between the toes, common in heavy-boned breeds and often linked to conformation, moisture or allergy.
Breeding and Reproduction
- Stud service
- Provision of a male dog for a planned mating, either by natural service or by collection for artificial insemination, under agreed terms.Stud Program →
- Progesterone timing
- Serial blood testing used to identify ovulation and schedule insemination or collection accurately.
- Fresh semen
- Semen used immediately after collection, giving the highest expected motility but requiring both dogs in the same location.Semen collection and shipping →
- Chilled semen
- Extended semen cooled for transport, generally viable for a short window and suited to domestic overnight shipping.
- Frozen semen
- Cryopreserved semen stored in liquid nitrogen, allowing indefinite storage and surgical or transcervical insemination at a planned time.
- Artificial insemination (AI)
- Deposition of collected semen into the female reproductive tract by vaginal, transcervical or surgical route, performed under veterinary supervision.
- Elective caesarean
- A planned surgical delivery scheduled from ovulation timing and imaging, used in brachycephalic breeds to reduce neonatal and maternal risk.
- Neonatal period
- The first two to three weeks of life, when puppies cannot regulate temperature and require continuous monitoring.
- Line breeding
- Mating related dogs within a pedigree to consolidate traits. Increases homozygosity, so it requires complete DNA data to remain defensible.
- Outcross
- Mating unrelated dogs within a breed to introduce genetic diversity, often used to reduce accumulated risk in a line.
- Coefficient of inbreeding (COI)
- A pedigree-derived figure estimating the probability that two alleles at a locus are identical by descent. Used as one input into pairing decisions.
Registry and Paperwork
- Main Register
- Registry status permitting the progeny of a dog to be registered, meaning the dog may be used in a recognised breeding program.Main vs Limited Register →
- Limited Register
- Registry status recording pedigree while excluding progeny registration. Used for dogs sold as companions.
- MDBA(Master Dog Breeders and Associates)
- An Australian registry and accreditation body with breeder standards and audit frameworks. Hollywood Bulldogs AUS is registered member #18715.
- Pedigree
- A registry-issued record of a dog's documented ancestry, typically across three to five generations.
- Microchip registration
- Statutory identification linking an implanted chip number to a registered keeper, required before a puppy is transferred in Queensland.
- Health record pack
- The documentation supplied with a puppy: veterinary examination findings, vaccination and worming records, microchip details, parent DNA reports and registry paperwork.Proof Library →
Coat and Colour
- Lilac
- A dilute chocolate expression produced when a dog carries both the dilution and chocolate genotypes. A colour description, not a health indicator.
- Tri colour
- A coat pattern with tan points in addition to a base colour and white markings. Determined by genotype at the agouti-related loci.
- Merle
- A patterning variant producing mottled pigment. Merle-to-merle pairings carry documented health risk and are not performed in this program.
- Fluffy (long hair)
- A recessive long-coat variant. Recorded as a trait marker so pairings can be planned with a known expectation.
Next step
Terminology is only useful once it is applied.
Families can see how these terms appear in a puppy's record pack; breeders can review the same markers on our stud dogs.