Frenchies are amazing companion dogs. After all, that is what they were intended to be. But how long is the French Bulldog lifespan?
First, a little information about the breed.
French bulldogs are clownish, affectionate, and charming! Their endearing personalities make all those who meet them fall in love with the breed.
These bat-eared dogs were first shown at Westminster in 1896. However, they weren’t accepted by the AKC as a breed until 1898. (AKC.org “Breed by year recognized”)
Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, meaning that they are snub-nosed or flat-faced.
In general, flat-faced breeds are prone to more health issues. However, the Frenchie is still the healthiest of the “Bulldog” breeds.
French Bulldog Lifespan
The lifespan of the French bulldog is between 10 to 12 years.
Of course that’s not to say your Frenchie can’t live longer than that.
However, the Frenchie does have more health concerns than most other medium sized dog breeds.
Here are a few to be aware of:
French Bulldog Health Concerns
- Hip Dysplasia: This disease is a malformation of the hip joint. It’s best to purchase a puppy from a breeder that has tested their dogs hips through either PennHip or OFA.
- Vertebral Malformations: 78.9% of French Bulldogs in this study were diagnosed with 1 or more vertebral malformations. (source: bvajournals.com “Epidemiological study of congenital malformations of the vertebral column in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs”)
- Brachycephalic syndrome: A syndrome that affects snub-nosed breeds, and is caused by abnormalities in the dogs airway.
- Ear Infections: French bulldogs have narrow ear canals, which makes them more susceptible to ear infections.
- Allergies (environmental, food): French bulldogs can be especially prone to allergies. Be on the lookout for symptoms such as itchy skin or watery eyes, and contact your vet if necessary.
- Cherry Eye: A condition that occurs when a dogs third eyelid becomes swollen. This is not a life-threatening condition, however it should be treated by your vet promptly to avoid complications.
In addition to health concerns, the lifespan of the French Bulldog can be impacted by a variety of factors:
- Genetics
- Diet
- Veterinary Care
- Exercise
Genetics
Genetics play a role in a dogs longevity.
The French bulldogs lifespan of 9-12 years is about the average for a medium sized dog.
If you plan to purchase a Frenchie puppy, take the time to speak with potential breeders about the health testing they perform to try to root out genetic defects.
It may be wise to also ask them about the lifespans of the dogs that have been part of their breeding program, both past and present.
Related post: “Questions to ask a dog breeder“
Diet
I think we can all agree that nutrition plays a significant role in a dog’s health.
Today there are so many options for feeding your Frenchie healthy meals.
From properly formulated raw diets, to fresh food subscription options such as Ollie.
Fresh dog food meals from Ollie use high-quality meats from U.S farms, and don’t contain preservatives.
Here is a link if you’d like to find out more.
Improper nutrition can result in a dull coat, skin conditions, and nutrient deficiencies.
Some Frenchie’s develop food allergies, so be on the look-out for that as well.
Routine Veterinary Care
Regular check-ups are very important when caring for any dog.
This allows your vet to spot problems sooner, resulting in earlier treatment.
Vaccinations are also necessary to protect your Frenchie.
Discuss a vaccination schedule with your vet that will best protect your dog.
Exercise
Just as with humans, dogs also need regular exercise.
Not only does it provide physical activity, but much needed mental stimulation.
Regular walks may also help with weight control.
French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning that they are flat-faced, so don’t go overboard with the exercise.
A short walk daily should be enough for this breed. However, use caution since these little dogs can overheat easily.
Swimming isn’t a suitable exercise for French Bulldogs because they are terrible swimmers, and should never be left unattended around water.
The Frenchie does best in a moderate climate because the easily become too hot or too cold.
Male vs Female French Bulldog Lifespan
The French bulldog’s lifespan is not related to gender, although males and females can suffer from different ailments.
Genetics and the quality of care you give your dog are the most important factors in your French Bulldogs lifespan.
Is 10 old for a French Bulldog?
If your Frenchie is 10 years old, they are getting into their senior years.
There are many things you can do to help your dog have a great quality of life as they age.
There are many resources to help you care for your older dog.
This book “Old dog love: A common sense guide to caring for your senior dog” is one of them.
Final Thoughts
If you decide to purchase a French bulldog, it’s very important to find a reputable breeder that performs health testing on their breeding dogs.
While breeders can’t test for every disease or genetic defect, it’s important to minimize the risks of breeding as much as possible.
This is where health testing comes in.
The OFA, with input from the French Bulldog parent club, recommends the following testing for French bulldogs.
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye examination
- Patellar Luxation
- Cardiac Evaluation
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Tracheal Hypoplasia
(source: ofa.org- “French Bulldog“)
Health testing isn’t a guarantee to eliminate health problems, although it may reduce the risk in some instances.
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