Numerous elements such as breed, lifestyle, ancestry, genetics, diet, and health conditions can influence the average life expectancy of a dog.

Generally speaking, most dogs have an average lifespan of 14 years. However, most French bulldogs are known for their short lifespan. French bulldogs live anywhere between 9 to 12 years. Some French bulldog breeds do not even live up to that. 

Thus, dog lovers wonder: “What’s the average French bulldog lifespan?”

In this article, you’ll learn everything about the Frenchie life cycle and how to extend its lifespan. 

French Bulldog Lifespan: The Major Factors

How long English bulldogs live depends on the level of attention and care they receive. So, let’s check out the key factors that directly impact the French bulldog lifespan:

Right Diet

It’s important to remember that what you feed your French bulldogs significantly affects their overall health. It’s essential to provide these small dogs with a balanced diet. This ensures your French bulldogs have all the vitamins and minerals they need for a long and healthy life. 

As a pet owner, you should discuss with a good veterinarian on a diet plan to ensure you are providing your French bulldogs with a wholesome, healthy diet.

Also, French bulldog owners are advised to feed their furry friends in portions to avoid overfeeding. This often leads to several health concerns, especially obesity in French bulldogs and other breeds. 

Regular Exercise

This is one of many factors affecting the French bulldog’s lifespan. Dog owners are quick to assume small breeds do not need regular exercise. That’s true to some degree. Many Frenchies do not possess high energies like Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd. However, your French bulldog still requires regular exercise to ensure they lead a healthy life. 

So, it’s important to walk your dog daily and engage them in short play sessions. This helps improve your dog’s health and avoid costly health issues. 

More importantly, brachycephalic dogs like French bulldogs have short snouts and bulging eyes. Their unique facial structure is often why your French bulldog puppy has trouble breathing after an intense exercise. So, while exercise is mandatory, it’s best to keep it short to avoid breathing problems. 

Veterinary Care

How often you take your French bulldog puppy plays a crucial role in your French bulldog’s lifespan. It’s important to constantly seek veterinary care to extend the lifespan of your older Frenchie or French bulldog puppy. 

For an adult French bulldog, you should examine them at least once a year. For a Frenchie puppy, you should take them at least once a month.

During their regular visits, it’s easier for the veterinarian to keep up with flea control and other essential vaccinations. Also, their physical fitness and dental health are closely monitored to avoid health issues. It’s a good way to detect underlying health problems early and provide quick treatment. Thus, increasing your French bulldog’s life expectancy and leading a good life even in old age.

Health Problems

One of the contributing factors to the French bulldog lifespan is the dog’s health history. Certain disorders, skin problems, ear infections, etc., might affect your dog’s life expectancy. 

As said earlier, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed – they have flat faces. So, many French bulldogs are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which houses several abnormalities like an elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, etc. This affects French bulldogs and other dog breed’s breathing, especially when overheated or overworked.

According to the American Kennel Club, French bulldogs suffer from other health problems such as ear infections and eye issues – cherry eye and corneal ulcers. However, intervertebral disc disease and hip dysplasia are common health concerns for French bulldogs in their old age. If left unaddressed can be life-threatening. Eventually, it might truncate your French bulldog lifespan. Therefore, proper care is paramount to ensure your Frenchies live up to the typical lifespan. 

Essential Tips for Maintaining Your French Bulldog’s Health

Health problems, everyday exercise, diet, and vet care are essential for increasing the life expectancy of your French bulldog. 

To reiterate: your French bulldog should be fed a nutritionally-balanced diet and in the right portions. Otherwise, you might overfeed them, which makes it challenging to maintain their healthy weight. Consider feeding your French bulldog puppy raw meat diet and omega oil for improved health. 

In addition, you want to walk your French bulldogs daily. However, keep it short, including the playtime. Remember, they tend to have breathing problems when over-exercised because of their flat faces.

On top of that, take your French bulldog puppy to the vet regularly for check-ups. Your vet can quickly notice early signs of common health issues such as hip dysplasia, IVDD, skin problems, etc., which helps keep your dog healthy.

More importantly, if you are adopting a French bulldog puppy or an older one, it’s crucial that you inquire about the dog’s and parent’s health history. Furthermore, it’s best to purchase this breed from reputable breeders. Also, you should only be purchasing a French bulldog with pedigree papers. 

FAQs

How long do French bulldogs live?

French bulldogs live up to 9 -12 years. This is generally the average lifespan of small-sized dogs like pugs and Boston terriers. However, a lot of factors can shorten their long life. They need extra care to ensure they live a long and happy life. 

What’s the oldest French bulldog?

Some dog owners have claimed their French bulldog lifespan is over 12 years. However, the oldest Frenchie is 18 years old. 

Conclusion: How to Keep Them Alive for Longer

Frenchies are compassionate, playful furry friends. So, it’s understandable if you want to keep them alive with your family longer. While the average lifespan is around 10 years, there are reports of these petite animals living beyond. 

The most important thing is to watch what you feed them, take them on regular vet check-ups, and walk them daily for a couple of minutes. They are susceptible to several health complications. So, you pay extra attention to your pets and give them the utmost care.