French Bulldog Health & Wellness
How Long Do French Bulldogs Live? Everything You Should Know About the French Bulldog’s Lifespan
Currently ranking as America’s most popular dog breed, French Bulldogs make wonderful companions, and it’s not hard to see why they’ve worn the popularity crown for two years consecutively.
Frenchies possess a long list of desirable traits: they’re small enough for apartment dwellers, comical, super friendly, intelligent, photogenic, have an easygoing temperament, don’t have rigorous exercise & grooming needs, and are, of course, undeniably cute. I mean, what’s not to love about their wrinkly, flat faces, bat-like ears, dreamy eyes, and stocky, portable build?
French Bulldogs — previously named Bouledogue Français — are descendants of English Bulldogs. This brachycephalic, four-legged snorter was originally bred in England before being brought to France, and later to America. Today, Frenchies command a hefty price tag and a soaring demand, so much so that they’ve become the most targeted dog breed by thieves in the U.S.
How long do French Bulldogs live, though? If you’re thinking of adding the ever-charming Frenchie to your family, your mind is likely saturated with questions about their life expectancy. We hear you. Ahead, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the French Bulldog’s lifespan, including common Frenchie health issues that impact this breed’s lifespan.
Here’s How Long French Bulldogs Live On Average
According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog’s average lifespan ranges between 10–12 years.
While the Frenchie’s longevity is not as impressive as that of other much smaller breeds (like the Chihuahua and Maltese, who enjoy an incredibly long lifespan), it’s longer than that of most large & giant dog breeds. Small to medium-sized dogs like the Frenchie have an advantage over their larger counterparts when it comes to lifespan, since they don’t age at an accelerated pace (as is the case of larger breeds).
WebMD notes that 10 years for a medium-sized dog (weighing anywhere between 21–50 pounds) is equivalent to 60 human years, whereas 12 years for dogs is equivalent to 69 human years. So, if you’ve ever found yourself pondering over how long the French Bulldog lives in human years, there you have it: 60–69 years!
It’s not unusual for a Frenchie to live way beyond their averaged 10–12 years lifespan, particularly if they have a healthy, high quality of life. In fact, the longest-living French Bulldog on record was a dog named Popeye, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 18.
Currently, there’s another French Bulldog closely following Popeye’s footsteps: a lovely Frenchie from Los Angeles named Rocco, who’s now 17 years old.
Common Health Issues That Affect the French Bulldog’s Lifespan
Like every other dog breed, French Bulldogs are predisposed to certain health conditions that can significantly shorten their lifespan, especially without early diagnosis and veterinary care. Here are six common Frenchie health problems to watch out for:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
French Bulldogs are flat-faced, or in scientific terms, brachycephalic. Their short, pushed-in snouts and narrow nostrils make them vulnerable to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a lifelong respiratory disorder characterized by difficult, obstructive breathing.
If not medically addressed, BOAS-triggered breathing problems can put more strain on a Frenchie’s heart. Thankfully, there are effective treatment options to provide your French Bulldog long-term relief from BOAS, thus boosting their lifespan in the long run.
Heat Stroke
As a brachycephalic breed, the French Bulldog is often highly susceptible to heat stroke, which, if left untreated, can result in blood clotting, kidney injury, body shock, and even death. As a Frenchie owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your pooch stays in a cool environment during hot weather.
Eye disorders
French Bulldogs are prone to a number of serious, painful eye issues, among them Cherry eye, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Ulcer, Entropion, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), and Cataracts. If not medically addressed, these eye issues can lead to permanent eye damage and eventually lower your Frenchie’s quality of life.
Skin Fold Dermatitis
One of the Frenchie’s most notable physical features is their skin folds. Unfortunately, these folds are a hot spot for yeast and bacteria that can cause skin fold dermatitis and other painful skin infections. Untreated skin fold dermatitis puts the French Bulldog at risk of a poor quality of life, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan.
Ear infections
Frenchies are susceptible to ear infections, which, if not medically addressed, may cause face paralysis, neurological issues, and deafness.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Last but not least, French Bulldogs are prone to Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia, hereditary conditions that worsen without proper veterinary care.
Hip Dysplasia is characterized by abnormalities in the hip joint, whereas Elbow Dysplasia is defined by abnormal elbow joint development. If not diagnosed early enough, hip or elbow dysplasia can result in severe joint deterioration, lowering your Frenchie’s overall quality of life and ultimately, life span.
8 Sure-Fire Ways to Prolong Your French Bulldog’s Lifespan
The good news is, you have great influence over how long your Frenchie stays by your side. To improve your French Bulldog’s overall health and increase their chances of living way past their average lifespan, consider the following:
- Make regular vet check-ups a priority.
- Ensure your Frenchie is on a high-quality, well-balanced diet.
- Meet your French Bulldog’s daily exercise needs (to help them maintain a healthy weight) and mental stimulation needs.
- Speak to your vet about any joint supplements you can introduce your Frenchie to.
- If you’re looking to purchase a Frenchie, ensure you get one from a reputable breeder.
- Put your French Bulldog on a dental care routine.
- Avoid exposing them to hot temperatures.
- Create for them a cool, well-ventilated environment during hot weather.
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
