French Bulldogs are a beloved breed of dog that have gained immense popularity in recent years. Known for their adorable bat ears and affectionate personalities, these pups have stolen the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. However, as with any breed, it’s important to understand the lifespan of French Bulldogs before bringing one into your home.
While their lifespan can vary depending on various factors, such as genetics and overall health, the average lifespan of a French Bulldog is between 10-12 years. This may seem relatively short compared to other breeds, but with proper care and attention, these furry friends can live a long and happy life.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that can affect a French Bulldog’s lifespan, as well as tips for ensuring that your furry friend lives a healthy and fulfilling life. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the lifespan of French Bulldogs!
Average Lifespan Of French Bulldogs
At around 10-12 years, the lifespan of Frenchies is a few years shorter than those of other breeds.
We use a few reputable sources to come up with this figure. The most frequently cited one is the American Kennel Club (AKC), which states that a French Bulldog lives 10 to 12 years on average. Their British counterpart, the Kennel Club, says that these dogs can live for more than 10 years.
Four flat-faced breeds usually have the shortest life expectancy, even at zero. French Bulldogs were expected to live only 4.5 years, followed by English Bulldogs at 7.4 years, Pugs at 7.7 years, and American Bulldogs at 7.8 years.
However, they said this could be a statistical error because French Bulldogs have become very popular over the past ten years.
This means that the study would have recorded the deaths of a lot of young dogs and skewed the findings. If the data were updated and the study period was longer, it would likely observe a longer lifespan among French Bulldogs.
It is important to remember that all these numbers are just an average.
They can’t give you nuance or definite predictions about the life ahead of a particular individual. For instance, the average lifespan of 10 years doesn’t mean a healthy 9-year-old dog is likely to die within 12 months. It is likely to live much longer than the average lifespan.
The actual lifespan of a dog depends a lot on things like its genes and how well you take care of it as a puppy and as an adult. As with any dog breed, how well a Frenchie is cared for throughout its life can affect how long it lives.
Critical Factors Affecting The French Bulldog’s Lifespan
1. Genetics
The Frenchie can have several health problems that come from their genes and the way they look.
In particular, it is a brachycephalic breed with a flat face and a short nose. The Boston Terrier, American Bulldog, and English Bulldog are also part of this group.
All of them tend to suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome. The flat faces lead to compressed tissues and bones, causing problems like narrowed nasal cavities and laryngeal collapse. Even with excellent veterinary care, some of these most common health problems can be bad enough to shorten their lives.
2. Breeding
Selective breeding among the French Bulldog can create serious diseases that can be passed down through their bloodlines. The more they breed, the more likely they will carry these traits from one generation to the next. The medical record of the parents can tell us more about these probabilities.
3. Diet
If a dog does not have access to a healthy, balanced, and wholesome diet daily, it can develop health problems and a shorter life span.
Frenchies can have several digestive problems too. They include food allergies that affect how their bodies process certain foods and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can cause vomiting, nausea and loose stools. The resulting permanent and severe weight loss also contributes to a short lifespan.
4. Training And Routine Health Care
Your dog’s health may even depend on how well you train him. Did you know that if your dog has a lot of separation anxiety, it can get stressed out and put itself in danger?
Frenchies do often have trouble being alone. Without the help of a skilled trainer, your dog could run away, eat something bad for its stomach, or put its body in a constant state of distress.
Routine health care for your dog, like brushing its teeth and checking its skin for infections, can make the difference between a short and long life for a French Bulldog.
5. Veterinary Care
Getting a dog the proper veterinary care from the early days of its life can make a huge difference in its future. Your vet may be able to spot the first signs of common health problems in French Bulldogs before you do and treat them before they get worse.
6. Heat Exposure
French bulldogs are very sensitive to heat and can get heat stroke quickly.
Because the brachycephalic airway syndrome makes it hard for air to get to the dog’s trachea, it is more difficult for Frenchies to cool off. It is hard for them to control the airflow enough to keep the temperature stable when the temperature goes up.
Stress and worry can also worsen the problem, making breathing harder for your dog. This leads to heat stroke, which can cause organ failure and even death.
How To Help Your French Bulldog Live Longer
As the owner of a French Bulldog, there are many things to help your dog stay healthy and encourage a longer lifespan.
1. Pick A Good Breeder
If you want a French bulldog, you should contact only reputable breeders. Their puppies are usually healthy and can live as long as or longer than the average French Bulldog.
You should be able to access the puppy’s complete medical history. Responsible breeders put more effort into finding hereditary conditions in their breeding stock and disclosing them to their clients. They also do more medical checks and are more willing to tell you about the vet care the puppies have had or will get before they go to your home.
2. Don’t Ignore Veterinary Care
Your French Bulldog should receive proper health care, depending on its medical needs. This includes regular, specialty, and emergency services.
A healthy dog should go to the vet at least one time a year for a checkup and vaccinations. If your dog has a health problem like brachycephalic syndrome and degenerative myelopathy, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible.
3. Maintain A Healthy Diet
Whether you make your Frenchie’s food yourself or buy it from a store, you should know what a balanced diet for a dog looks like.
French Bulldogs are prone to being overweight and obesity. This can lead to some more breed’s signature health problems. So, keep an eye on how many calories they eat and how much weight they gain. If you want to give treats to your dog, do so in moderation.
4. Give Them Enough Exercise
If you have a Frenchie, you will need to set aside a lot of time to train it and ensure it gets enough exercise. They are companion dogs, so French Bulldogs need a lot of interaction with people. It is usually not a good idea to leave them alone for a long time.
Puppy training classes and early socialization are both excellent ideas. The puppy will grow into a well-adjusted adult if exposed to many different people and settings.
That said, don’t overdo it. Watch out for breathing difficulty signs, like excessive drooling, discolored tongue, or foaming, and learn how to help your Frenchie cool down. Keep plenty of fresh water on your side to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
Common health issues that affect French Bulldog lifespan
1. Respiratory Issues: As a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs are prone to certain respiratory issues, such as stenotic nares and elongated soft palate, which can impair their respiratory system, reduce their lifespan, and cause severe discomfort.
2. Eye Problems: French Bulldogs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including entropion, ectropion, and cherry eye. These conditions can cause discomfort and impair vision, leading to a shorter lifespan.
3. Allergies: French Bulldogs are particularly prone to allergic reactions, which can cause skin irritation and other serious health issues, reducing their lifespan.
4. Skin Problems: French Bulldogs often suffer from a variety of skin problems, including dermatitis and hot spots. These conditions can be uncomfortable and can lead to secondary infections, which can reduce their lifespan.
5. Luxating Patellas: Luxating patellas is a common problem in French Bulldogs, which can lead to chronic lameness and joint pain, reducing their lifespan.
6. Heart Disease: French Bulldogs are prone to certain types of heart disease, including cardiomyopathy, which can reduce their lifespan.
7. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is another common problem in French Bulldogs, which can cause a variety of painful symptoms and impair mobility, reducing their lifespan.
8. Gastrointestinal Issues: French Bulldogs are prone to a variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as bloat and pancreatitis, which can reduce their lifespan.
Signs of aging in French Bulldogs
One of the most obvious signs of aging in French Bulldogs is gray or white fur around the muzzle, which is caused by the natural greying process of their hair follicles.
They may also become more relaxed and less active as they age, preferring to sleep more than they did when they were younger. Joints may become stiffer, resulting in a slower gait and difficulty with stairs.
Another common sign of aging in French Bulldogs is weight gain due to a decreased metabolism, so it’s important to keep an eye on their diet. Older Frenchies may also have difficulty hearing or seeing, and their sense of smell may decline.
If your French Bulldog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your vet for a diagnosis. Taking proper care of your Frenchie as they age can help them remain healthy and happy for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Oldest Living French Bulldog?
According to the American Kennel Club, the oldest Frenchie on record was 14 and a half years old. However, a dog named Pierre in Vancouver, Canada will likely break this record. When CTV News reported on him in July 2021, this shop dog was already 13 years old.
What Do French Bulldogs Usually Die From?
Dr. Dan O’Neill at the Royal Veterinary College published a study about common disorders among the country’s Frenchie population. The top causes of mortality are brain disorders, spinal cord disorders, mass lesions, and upper and lower respiratory tract disorders.
Why Do So Many Frenchies, Die Young?
This breed is prone to life-threatening conditions due to its anatomical features. Without care and attention from owners, they can affect a lot of puppies and young adults.
Is the French Bulldog a healthy breed?
Yes, the French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed! Frenchies are known for being a low-maintenance breed that can quickly adapt to many different living situations. Of course, no breed is without its health issues.
Overall, French Bulldogs are a relatively healthy breed, but it’s important to stay vigilant about potential health problems. Regular checkups with your vet and diligent care can help ensure your Frenchie stays healthy and happy!
Conclusion
A French Bulldog’s lifespan is about 10-12 years. This isn’t the highest figure among all dog breeds, but don’t let it discourage you from owning a lovely Frenchie.
Make sure you understand common health problems that can shorten the lifespan. Keep these little pooches healthy and happy, and they can stay as your friends for a long time.
