The "Forever Dog Project"
- FrenchieGPT
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Forever Dog Project is a dedicated community science initiative focused on studying aging in Bulldog breeds, including French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and related mixes such as the Frenchie Doodle. Launched in 2022, it explores how genes, lifestyle, nutrition, and environment influence healthy aging and longevity in these beloved brachycephalic companions with the goal of improving healthspan and translating insights to better care for Bulldogs everywhere.
Why Bulldog Breeds? Bulldogs make a compelling focus for aging research because they:
Share close bonds with humans in similar home environments.
Face unique breed-specific challenges like respiratory issues, skin conditions, orthopedic problems, and shorter average lifespans.
Age at an accelerated rate compared to many breeds, allowing quicker observation of lifelong health patterns.
Scale and Participation
The project has enrolled thousands of Bulldogs from across the United States, encompassing purebreds, mixes, all ages, and regional variations. It is a longitudinal study where owners act as "citizen scientists," contributing annual health surveys, diet details, activity logs, and optional veterinary records or samples. This breed-focused approach yields valuable data on common issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), intervertebral disc disease, and dermatological conditions.
Key Components
Core Cohort — Health and lifestyle tracking with owner-submitted data on diet types (e.g., raw vs. kibble), exercise, and environmental factors.
Genomics Initiative — DNA analysis to identify genetic markers linked to longevity and breed-specific diseases.
Intervention Studies — Exploring nutrition, weight management, and supportive therapies tailored to Bulldog needs.
Data covers respiratory health, skin/integumentary conditions, orthopedics, cognition in seniors, and more, with an emphasis on preventive care.
Leadership and Funding
The project is supported by passionate Bulldog advocates and experts:
Rescue French Bulldogs (a nonprofit rescue organization)
French Bulldog Texas (regional rescue and community network)
Don Chino, an animal research scientist affiliated with Harvard University and known for innovative breed health work
FrenchieGPT, an AI platform developed by Linh Hoang for specialized canine care guidance
Funding comes from philanthropic donations, rescue partnerships, grants, and community support, with a focus on open-access data to benefit Bulldog health worldwide.
Key Findings and Publications
Ongoing research has produced insights into diet associations, respiratory management, and longevity factors in Bulldogs. Publications highlight breed-specific risks and potential interventions, with data shared openly to advance veterinary knowledge.
How to Get Involved
Bulldog owners can participate by enrolling their dogs through partner sites or related platforms. Start with surveys on health and lifestyle, and join community updates for events, tips, and AI-assisted tools like FrenchieGPT. The Forever Dog Project is paving the way for longer, healthier lives for Bulldogs proving that targeted research can make a real difference for these charismatic, snorty companions.
The Forever Dog Project
