The average French Bulldog lifespan is between 9 and 12 years.
They are quite adorable, but unfortunately, they are prone to a wide range of health concerns.
These problems not only affect Frenchie lifespan but also have a profound impact on their quality of life.
Prospective Frenchie owners might be pondering the pros and cons of getting a French Bulldog.
One important thing to consider is the dog’s lifespan.
So, how long do French Bulldogs live?
French Bulldog Lifespan: How Long Do French Bulldogs Live?
The average French Bulldog lifespan is between 9 and 12 years.
Opinions and statistics vary, but we reached this figure using a combination of credible sources.
For instance, the American Kennel Club lists a French Bulldog life expectancy of 10-12 years.
And an informal survey by the British Kennel Club also recorded a median age of 9 years.
So, a typical French Bulldog lifespan should be between 9 and 12 years.
At the top end of the scale, the longest surviving French Bulldog reported in the Kennel Club survey reached just over 14.5 years old.
This is fairly average for dogs overall, but on the low end for small breeds. For instance, the Chihuahua has an average life expectancy of 17 years, thanks to a low likelihood of genetic health concerns.
But many Frenchies have far shorter lifespans. This review of over 2,200 French Bulldogs under veterinary care in 2013 reported 98 deaths, and the median age was just 3.6 years.
So why do so many Frenchies die young?
The French Bulldog is prone to many health concerns, some of which can be life-threatening. We recommend doing your research before considering this breed.
In general, there are a variety of factors that will influence French Bulldog longevity, which we will explore in the section below.
Factors Affecting French Bulldog Life Expectancy
Like any breed, Frenchies are more prone to certain health concerns than others.
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs, in general, have a high probability of health problems – higher than most other breeds.
All of these health concerns (discussed in more detail below) can affect the French Bulldog lifespan significantly.
Interestingly, even factors like stress and anxiety can shorten life expectancy.
It’s possible that the dog’s sex may also play a role.
One study noted that male Frenchies were more likely than females to be diagnosed with certain disorders, although the researchers noted that lifespans between male and female were unaffected.
Health Concerns of the French Bulldog
The most common health concerns, according to a recent study, were ear infections, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink-eye), over long nails and skinfold dermatitis.
More worryingly, 12.7% of the dogs in the study had upper respiratory tract disorders, caused by their brachycephalic facial structure (flat-faced).
In general, we do not recommend adopting flat-faced breeds, because of the high likelihood of breathing problems.
Because of their flat faces, many French Bulldogs have trouble breathing, and some suffer from sleep apnea, snoring, etc.
Most dangerously, they are unable to maintain a safe body temperature during exercise or hot weather. That’s because dogs rely on evaporation from the mouth and palate to cool down, but flat-faced breeds don’t have enough surface area to achieve that.
Too many French Bulldogs die suddenly from overheating during hot weather or exercise.
Some of these health problems can be tested for, but many are simply a result of the French Bulldog’s breeding.
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Ultimately, we cannot recommend keeping French Bulldogs as pets. As cute as they are, the potential for serious health concerns is simply too high.
How to Help Your Frenchie Live a Long and Happy Life
If you own a French Bulldog or are considering adopting one, here are some things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, breeding parents should always be tested for avoidable health problems.
Reputable breeders should conduct all the available health tests for this breed in order to minimize the potential for health problems.
Not all health concerns can be tested for. Even so, choosing a breeder who conducts health tests will improve your odds of getting a healthy French Bulldog.
Two of the most common health tests for French Bulldogs are eye tests and hip tests.
Eye tests should be conducted on the breeding stock, including tests for hereditary cataracts and other eye health concerns.
Hip scoring is also available to test for the likelihood of hip dysplasia and related issues. Reputable breeders should provide these scores to potential puppy parents.
Unfortunately, many of the most serious health concerns cannot be tested for. That said, the breeder should always conduct all the available tests to rule out avoidable health problems.
You should only obtain a French Bulldog from a reputable breeder, or a licensed rescue facility. Ensure that the breeder is licensed, experienced, and conducts health tests on their breeding stock.
Once you have your pup, there are some things you can do to keep it healthy.
Ensuring a healthy diet – and keeping an eye out for food allergies, which are common – can help significantly.
Regular visits to the vet will help ensure that your pet stays healthy and that any health concerns are addressed as soon as possible.
Helping your dog get plenty of safe exercise will help, too. French Bulldogs are not super energetic, but they still enjoy frequent walks.
Keeping up with routine health maintenance, such as trimming nails and brushing teeth, will also help improve your dog’s health.
Lastly, you should treat your dog with love and kindness, and try to minimize its stress.
Longest Living French Bulldog
We know the average French Bulldog lifespan, but what’s been the longest living Frenchie?
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy Anecdotal reports suggest that some French Bulldogs have lived up to 15 years. However, we were unable to find a trustworthy source to prove this.
A survey conducted by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee listed the oldest French Bulldog as 14 years and 8 months. However, this was an informal survey.
As for documented long-living Frenchies, we can look to the news. Hank, a famous Frenchie owned by actor Denise Richards, lived to the ripe old age of 13 before passing away.
Final Thoughts on French Bulldog Lifespan
On average, you can expect a healthy French Bulldog to live for around 9 to 12 years.
Various factors, such as genetics, diet, exercise and lifestyle can affect the potential lifespan.
On the extreme ends, French Bulldogs have been known to live for almost 15 years. Sadly, many pass away very early in life, due to complications related to their health problems.
At first glance, a lifespan of 9 to 12 years seems good. However, it’s important to remember that many French Bulldogs have serious health problems throughout their lives. In other words, the quantity of life is not the same as quality of life.
Because of the Frenchie’s high probability for serious health concerns, in general, we do not recommend this breed.
References
O’Neill, Dan G., et al. “Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013.”
Mayousse, Vincent, et al. “Prevalence of neurological disorders in French bulldog: a retrospective study of 343 cases (2002–2016).”
Dreschel, Nancy A. “The effects of fear and anxiety on health and lifespan in pet dogs.”
The French Bulldog Club of England
Denise P says
Hi my Frenchie Manny is going to be 10 years in September 2020 . He was just diagnosed with iVDD a disc disease . I was told he is not a candidate for surgery due to his age from a neurologist and my vet said you will know when it’s time . I said what do you mean put him down . He said yes . No way I will not give up on him . He going to physical therapy and now i made an appointment for acupuncture . I bought diapers ,back and foot bracers and now a wheelchair . I was told there life expectancy was 8-10 years .Manny is such a good dog cute , quite , meek he is the best dog ever . I have another one Niko who is the love of my life also and he is 5 yrs old . Almost lost him to Encephalitis 1 1/2 years ago . He’s doing ok now . I’m so happy to hear of all these ages of all the dogs . I might have had the surgery for Manny if I read about all these stories first . Has anyone experienced this IVDD in their dogs and maybe could give me some hope or treatment you may have had without undergoing surgery . Or if anyone could tell me acupuncture worked on their dog . I am sick to my stomach over this . Thank you Denise 😥
Richard says
I am sorry about your dog’s situation Denise. What’s the update?
Mandy says
Our Frenchie Vito is 15 1/2. He is winding down though. Arthritis and dementia. He’s also a cancer survivor.
Sharon says
Mine is 16 as well, still going strong.
Sue Todd says
WOW! My boy just turned 15 a week ago! champion bloodline. I thought for sure he was the oldest! Frankie is still going strong too. No health issues at all, his back end is failing, but he is of sound mind. We also have a 12 year old. Amazing
Sul Allyn says
Hi Sue Todd
I have great story to share……my name is Sul and my girls and absolutely adore our Bella and I want you and all who read this know Bella turned 17 this past July. But what is so awesome is her acupuncture treatments she receives every month. Started 3 months ago this little girl is still running, going up and down the stairs. Her appetite hasn’t changed nor has her bathroom habits. Her last visit at the vet completely astonished the staff. I believe acupuncture and controlling her diet has much to do with her longevity.
Sue Todd says
16?? akc french bulldog??.. please let me know. I have a champion frenchie akc at 15 and 2 weeks. trying to figure out the oldest living frenchie to date as it is important, my vet is on it as well to look into. have not heard of a 16 year old yet and if so. that is awesome… please share
SARA says
Wow! That’s a long time for this type of breed of dog. My bfs dog is way too big, 42lbs, but he says he has papers saying he’s pure breed. The dog has breathing issues, snores an ungodly amount, walks with a curve. He doesn’t get over feed, just twice a day but yet he manages to throw up at least 3 times a week. My bf soon to be fiance, walks him everyday. Just wondering how long this dog has in our home. Poor thing. I wish people would stop breeding them.
Mark says
Wow! Your bf’s Frenchie is severely overweight. We feed ours once a day. 25 and 28 pounds. Very muscular. They get a lot of exercise inside where it’s not so hot.
Richard says
Did you bf propose? And did the dog make it?
Shirlie says
I have two rescue Frenchies, one 14 yrs 11 mo, the other 13 yrs, 4 mo. Both are doing quite well.
Linda says
Do you exercise your Frenchie with a walk?…and do you feed them meat and fruits? My Benny is my grand fur baby , ❤️❤️❤️
Mandy Westropp says
We have a 15 year old Frenchie. Born in October.
Julie says
I wish to advise our french bulldog lived 17 years and 4 months. We unfortunately had to say goodbye to him 7 months ago. If you require proof of age and pedigree i am more than happy to email his pedigree papers kind regards julie
Vic says
My boy Squiggy will be 14 on October 15 2019, I hope he makes it since he is having a few problems lately. This frenchie was probably the most vicious bad ass around. i would not recommend an alpha male to anyone because my boy was insanely hyper and athletic. hes mellow now but still snaps on occasion. Healthy eating and plenty of exercise is the secret to a long life.
Naomi says
My Frenchie Violet lived to be 14 years and 4 months. Jan 1, 2004-May 1, 2018. I loved her breeder. Violet was in great health until the last 24 hours of her life. If that breeder were still alive, I’d get another one. But I’m wary of how much overbreeding, and breeding for recessive traits there is these days.
Sara says
My Frenchie was born December, 2003, so he’s 15 1/2 years young. Also AKC registered. I just love him so❤️ I think there are several of these old guys out there:)
Lorraine says
This makes me very happy to read this! My frenchie is 5! So happy to know I have many more happy years with her 😊
Pat Manning says
Our Frenchie “Bogie” will be 16……..born 08/28/2003
Julie says
Hi glad to hear Bogie has reached hus 16th year. A very grand age. Our frenchie hugo lived 17years 4 months. We had to say goodbye 7 months ago
Madeline says
MY frenchie will be 15 in August. Since he is AKC registered I have official proof of his age. Will that make him the oldest recorded franchise?
Mort says
What’s your secret for his long life
Pat says
Our Bogie will be 16…….born 08/28/2003 also AKC Registered. His big day is in 3 days……..every day is precious with Bogie!!
Cindi says
Hi Pat,
How did Bogie celebrate his big day?
So awesome to read that he will be 16. My two are only 3 so I’m happy to hear that I should have many, many more happy years with them.
Pat Manning says
Hi Cindi.….
Every day is a celebration with Bogie! Having him still with us…….
what more could one ask for? I celebrate when I buy him a bag of food, heartworm medication or eye ointment for his dry eye. as far as his 16th birthday on 8/28/2019…..he enjoyed his carrot cake with
yogurt icing. Here we are 1/31/2020, & we are looking forward to #17. Will care & keep him with us as long as time allows…………..
Remembering back when he was a little guy, I would look at that special little face & say, “You’re my forever puppy!”
David says
Hi, what a lovely story. We have a 5 ye load he’s my world, can you give me any tips which you think may help to keep our Frenchie Toro around as long as possible? Thank you David