Hybrid dogs have become super popular for good reason—they often combine the best traits of different breeds, from their looks to their personalities. But like any other pup, hybrids can face health concerns. Let’s dive into some common health issues in hybrid breeds and see how Royales, our unique mix of French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, measure up!
Why Do Hybrids Have Health Issues?
Hybrid vigor, or “heterosis,” is the idea that mixed breeds are often healthier than purebreds. It’s true that some genetic diversity can reduce the risk of inheriting certain issues. However, hybrids aren’t immune to health concerns. Since they inherit traits from multiple breeds, they can be prone to the health issues common to each of their parent breeds.
Common Health Concerns in Hybrid Breeds
For most hybrid dogs, health risks tend to come from their parent breeds. Here’s a breakdown of some common health issues found in the breeds that make up the Royale line:
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Respiratory Issues (French Bulldogs & Boston Terriers)
Both French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers have adorable, smushed faces (also known as brachycephalic faces), which can cause some breathing problems, especially in hot or humid weather. You might notice heavy breathing or snoring in brachycephalic dogs. -
Heart Problems (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
Cavaliers are known to have some heart-related issues, particularly mitral valve disease, a condition that can worsen as they age. It’s something to keep an eye on in any hybrid that has Cavalier genes. -
Eye Concerns (Frenchies, Boston Terriers, and Cavaliers)
Many of the Royale’s parent breeds are known for their big, expressive eyes—but those beautiful eyes can sometimes be prone to issues like cherry eye, cataracts, or even corneal ulcers. -
Joint and Spine Issues (All Three Breeds)
Frenchies and Boston Terriers can sometimes have hip dysplasia or spinal problems due to their stocky builds, and Cavaliers are also at risk for patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation). While these concerns don’t affect every dog, they are something to watch for.
How Royales Stack Up
The good news? Royales were bred with the intention of creating a hardy, healthier dog that combines the best traits of each parent breed. By blending three breeds, Royales benefit from a bit more genetic diversity, which can reduce the likelihood of some hereditary issues.
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Breathing and Brachycephalic Issues
Royales tend to have a slightly longer muzzle than a pure French Bulldog or Boston Terrier, which can help reduce the risk of severe respiratory issues. Most Royales do not snort at all, and at worst they may snort while sleeping, so their breathing is typically much more manageable than some of their brachycephalic relatives. -
Heart Health
With the Cavalier genes, heart health is something we watch closely, in fact, we import Cavaliers from Europe to ensure we have clean genetics to work with. We take extra care in health testing parent dogs to reduce the chance of passing on heart-related problems. While there’s no guarantee, responsible breeding practices can help ensure that your Royale has a strong heart. -
Eye Health
Royales do have the expressive eyes we love, but they’re a bit less prone to the most serious eye issues than some of their purebred counterparts. Regular vet check-ups, a good diet, and protecting those eyes (especially in rough play) can go a long way. -
Joint and Spinal Health
With our careful breeding, Royales are much less risk for joint issues; their mixed heritage tends to give them more resilience. They typically have longer legs, and lighter bodies. Like with any young dog, make sure they don’t jump off high surfaces too often. Joint supplements might also be beneficial as they age.
Final Thoughts: Royales as Healthy Hybrids
Royales are tough little dogs with big personalities and an endearing look that captures the best of their Frenchie, Boston, and Cavalier roots. They tend to have fewer health issues than their parent breeds, thanks to careful breeding and that extra dose of genetic diversity. With the right care, a Royale can be your happy, healthy sidekick for many years.
