When you adopt a dog, you’re not just getting a pet, but a best friend. One question that may be on your mind before adopting your favorite dog is “how long do French Bulldogs live?“
On average, French Bulldogs live for 10 to 12 years and Mini French Bulldogs have a longer lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Always remember that this is just the average lifespan, and there are several factors to consider when estimating how long a Frenchie could live.
It’s natural for dog owners to wonder how long the breed they want to adopt should live. If you’re on this page because you want to know more about how long French Bulldogs live, we’re going to cover everything you need to know. Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Do French Bulldogs Live?
French Bulldogs usually have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, while Mini French Bulldogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. This is the average lifespan of a French Bulldog, yet it doesn’t speak for the entire breed. The level of care a Frenchie receives throughout its life will play a big role in how long the dog lives.
When it comes to life expectancy, you will need to judge the dog individually, similar as you would with a human’s life expectancy. After all, while the average life expectancy may be around 12 years, the oldest recorded French Bulldog was 18 years old.
Even though a French bulldog’s life expectancy may be shorter than other breeds, many dog owners believe they are very well worth it. These loyal dogs make excellent companions because they are friendly, playful, and easily adaptable. These cute dogs are very easy-going, making them an excellent choice for a housepet.
What Are the Main Factors in a French Bulldogs Life Expectancy
When a French Bulldog is born, you can predict how long it will live. Instead, there are certain things that dog owners will need to consider if they want their Frenchie to live a longer life. Let’s take a look at some of the main factors that affect how long a French Bulldog lives.
Life Starts With the Breeder
Believe it or not, a Frenchie’s life expectancy starts before it’s even born. It’s very important to always choose a good breeder that has a good reputation in the community. A good breeder will always put the health of the dogs and the litter first, whereas a sketchy breeder will be focused on making a profit.
Responsible breeders will always be able to provide you with the dog’s medical history before you make the decision to adopt a puppy. Selective breeding is very important because it limits the chances of unwanted health conditions being passed down to the puppies.
Nutrition is Important
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to limit the risk of health problems is to make sure that your French Bulldog is eating a well-balanced diet that meets all of its nutritional needs. Choosing the right food for your Frenchie is critical because these dogs are known to suffer from food allergies and digestive problems.
Always consult your vet about what diet will be best for your French Bulldog. It’s not unusual for a French Bulldog to need a special diet based on their health concerns.
Quality of Lifestyle
A dog’s quality of lifestyle all stems down to its owners. What are you doing to make sure your dog’s needs are covered? If you want your Frenchie to live a longer life, then you need to make sure the dog has a good quality lifestyle. There are several things that dog owners need to do to make sure their Frenchie has a good lifestyle:
- Nutritious diet
- Annual vet check-ups
- Daily exercise
- Regular grooming
- Mental stimulation (toys and games for small dogs)
Vet Check-ups
Regular vet check-ups are very important to your French Bulldog’s health. Once the French Bulldog is 3 to 4 weeks in age, it should be taken to the vet for its first check-up. From there, the vet will recommend that it continues with monthly visits until it reaches 4 months in age.
After that, it is recommended that you continue to take to Frenchie to the vet once a year for annual check-ups. This way the vet will do a full examination of the dog and make sure it’s up-to-date with all vaccinations. If your dog has any health conditions, it may need to visit the vet more than once a year.
Heat Factors
French Bulldogs don’t do well in the heat. If a Frenchie spends too much time in the heat, it can be difficult for the dog to breathe. This happens because these dogs have narrow nostrils and a flattened snout. Being in the heat for too long can also lead to dehydration.
This is why it’s important to make sure the French Bulldog lives in an environment with controlled temperature. These dogs do prefer to spend the majority of their day indoors, so you will need to make sure there is reliable air conditioning or ventilated air. When taking the dog outside, make sure it stays in a shaded area to prevent overheating.
Health Concerns
French Bulldogs are at risk of several health conditions. Some of the problems they could face with their health are genetic, while others are caused by poor lifestyles. Either way, if your French Bulldog has a health condition, it could affect its life expectancy. Some of the health problems a French Bulldog is at risk of include:
- Skin problems
- Ear infections
- Breathing conditions
- Diarrhea
- Mobility issues
- Conjunctivitis ; more
Help Your French Bulldog Live a Longer Life
Now that you know more about what factors are involved with how long a French Bulldog lives, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure your Frenchie lives longer. One of the first steps to take is to find a vet you can trust. Always take time to compare different vets in your area and make sure you choose one that has a reputation for delivering excellent animal care.
You will also need to decide on which diet you put your dog on. While your vet or local pet store owner should help you choose good-quality food to feed your Frenchie, you need to make sure it is being fed the proper amount. You need to feed it enough to get enough nutrients while not going overboard because you don’t want to risk obesity.
French Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise to stay fit and healthy, but they do need to receive physical activity every day. Luckily, these dogs can get all the exercise they need if they have toys they can play with indoors because of their small physique. They can also get a good amount of exercise from a short walk outside.
Regular grooming is also important because it limits the risk of skin problems for the French Bulldog. These dogs do have wrinkles that trap bacteria that can cause further problems. Their short and coarse coats are also able to collect a lot of dander that can be spread. This is why they need regular grooming.
Don’t Forget About Your French Bulldog’s Mental Health
A lot of people focus solely on physical health when it comes to their French Bulldog’s lifespan. However, it’s also important to make sure they are happy and want to live a long life. Frenchies are very loyal companions that want to be around their owners 24/7. They also have very lively and playful personalities, so they like being around people who have similar personalities.
For this reason, you should make time to play with your Frenchie on a daily basis. Playing with your dog can keep it active and most importantly, happy. It’s very important for your dog’s mental health that it feels loved by its owners. One of the easiest (and most effective) ways to show your French Bulldog you love it is to have fun playing with it.
Frenchie responds very well to affection and praise. When you make time to show your dog it’s loved, it can go a long way. These dogs thrive on being loved.
Final Thoughts
How long do French Bulldogs live? The average life expectancy of a French Bulldog is 10 to 12 years and 12 to 16 years for Mini French bulldogs. Keep in mind, that this is just an average estimate and every dog should be judged on an individual basis. The oldest living French Bulldog recorded was 18 years old.
There are many factors to consider when it comes to how long a Frenchie could live. This can be any health conditions the dog may have, its daily diet and exercise routine, annual vet check-ups, and the dog’s lifestyle. A good dog owner can help their Frenchie live a better quality of life by making sure all its needs are met. These dogs do require plenty of attention.