Why do English bulldogs not live long

How Long do English Bulldogs Live? And How to Make Bulldogs Live Longer

The first thing that comes to the mind when you bring a little puppy home is their well-being and happiness. English bulldogs are one of the most sensitive breeds when it comes to health issues or infections due to their one-of-a-kind physical structure and genetics. If you are concerned about how long an English bulldog can live and what all can be done to keep your pet living for as long as possible, heres a quick guide.

English Bulldogs live between 8-10 years on average. With the right care, some can live up to 10 to 12 years, while in rare cases, some may even reach up to 18 years of age.

Catering to their unique emotional and physical needs, along with regular medical care surely makes them lead a healthier and longer life.

A statistical analysis of English Bulldog life expectancy revealed the following lifespan expectations:

A study of 180 English Bulldog deaths highlighted the top causes of deaths.

Of the 8.9% of bulldogs who died of old age, the study found they were around 10 11 years of age.

How does the lifespan of English bulldogs compare with other breeds?

The average lifespan of an English bulldog is far below than that of most other breeds. To be precise, its about 30 percent less than the lifespan of other breeds due to several reasons involving their anatomy and health conditions.

Tips for extending the life expectancy of your bulldog

Maintain good oral health

Make sure you always pay attention to your bulldogs oral hygiene and health, because it can add up to 3-4 years to their lives. Dogs older than three are likely to develop gum diseases and plaque that can lead to gingivitis. On entering the body, such bacteria can not only affect your poochs mouths, but also have adverse effects on its kidney, heart, and brain.

Prevent respiratory problems

Bulldogs cant handle warm weather and are very sensitive to heat. Make sure you keep your pet indoors and in a cool environment during summers. Their short squished muzzle creates breathing problems and respiratory diseases can develop that can become fatal.

Maintain a healthy body weight

Feed the optimal amount of food to your bulldog to prevent them from getting overweight. If your pet gains extra weight, consult with your vet and together make a workout plan that helps your bulldog get to the right body weight. We know that this can be sometimes tough with English bulldogs, since they can be little piggies when it comes to devouring food, but you have to learn to be strict with them. You must ensure that they only eat the amount of food they need to, and no matter how cute those puppy eyes might be, you must learn to say no.

Visit the vet regularly

Annual check ups are a must so that vets can look out for any health issues before they develop. During these check ups, vets will also check for worms, ticks, and fleas, among other specific bulldog health issues like hip dysplasia and brachycephalic syndrome. ITs also important to keep bulldogs up to date on their vaccines, such as ones that prevent hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus, and distemper.

Exercise regularly

Just like most dogs, English bulldogs too, love to go out daily, no matter how lazy they are. Its good to give your bulldog regular exercise, and the nice thing is that it doesnt take long to give them a good workout. About 5-15 minutes of walking at a brisk pace is a great cardiovascular workout for your dog. Keep in mind that a bulldog is prone to feeling breathless after rigorous workouts or when under stress, so dont make these workouts and walks too arduous for them, lest you unintentionally cause your dog to develop breathing difficulties.

Understand your dogs genetics

Understanding the genetics of your dog is important when addressing possible health concerns. If possible, having a quick insight into their ancestry will help you understand potential health issues that may affect your pet sometime later life. Some common genetic problems include cardiac and respiratory conditions, skin problems, digestive, or reproductive troubles. This is why its important to ask your breeder about your dogs family tree, so that you can best prepare yourself for any health issues down the line.

Provide emotional support

The fact that bulldogs are super friendly and cuddly makes them long for an emotional connection with their owners. If your dog feels happy and content on an emotional level, they will surely have reduced stress levels and live longer. Most English bulldogs often behave relaxed which in turn sometimes leads to the homeowner getting a little less attentive towards them. Make sure this doesnt happen and that your dog gets the attention and affection it so deserves. Spend as much quality time with them as possibleit will be beneficial for both your dog and you in the long run!

Healthy eating habits and food to help your bulldog live longer

One of the most significant things you can do to keep your dog live a healthier and longer life is to feed them a good and healthy diet. Make sure you feed them a well-balanced, nutritious diet that doesnt only constitute big food brands, but also organic and natural items.

English bulldogs are very food oriented like most other dogs, but unlike more athletic breeds, they put on weight more easily. So go for low-calorie nutritious treats to reduce the risk of them becoming overweight. They must be fed 20-70 calories per pound daily, but this can vary according to the specific lifestyle of your pet. Feed your bulldog a few times daily, instead of giving them a large bowl full of food at once. Adding a little nutritious variations like fruits or vegetables to their meals will also keep them healthy.

Raw bones reduce the risk of dental problems until your dog is very old. Dogs that are only fed kibble develop dental diseases by the age of 3, thereby reducing their life due to systemic oral infections.

What nutrients will make your bulldog live longer?

So, what makes a well-balanced, nutritious diet? And what kind of nutrients does your bulldog need?

Omega fatty acids reduce inflammation and heal painful joints in bulldogs. While omega-6 is usually present in their diet, supplement omega-3 acids with some quality fish oil.

Its essential to give them antioxidants as they destroy free radicals and delay aging. Raw veggies and fruits contain a high level of antioxidants, so make sure your mixing in fruits and veggie in to their diets.

5 common bulldog health issues that shorten their lifespans

Breathing problems

Difficulty breathing is the main reason behind the short lifespan of English bulldogs. The anatomy of their face, i.e. the small face and squished muzzle, leads to several breathing problems. They arent able to breathe in a sufficient amount of air due to the pinched nostrils, while the narrow trachea leads to wheezing.

Dental issues

All dogs get tartar and plaque build up in their teeth, and without the right dental care, they can catch mouth infections. English bulldogs are even more prone to dental problems as they have short and wide heads, thereby having a small mouth. Their teeth are overcrowded and squished in very tightly, often leading to gum problems and pain.

Its advised to brush your bulldogs teeth at least three times a week to reduce the risk of dental health problems. Dental neglect can even lead to kidney damage or liver problems, and can even reduce their lifespan by 1-3 years.

Obesity

Right weight management is crucial to the life expectancy of your dog because English bulldogs are susceptible to gaining extra weight. Becoming overweight puts them at risk of back pain, digestive problems, metabolic disorders, and heart problems. Extra weight also intensifies the regular joints already put on this breed. Thus, its important to go for high-quality dog food and follow a specific meal plan, to avoid overindulgence.

Heat strokes

English bulldogs are very sensitive to strong heat and sun rays during summer. In fact, they have almost zero tolerance for harsh heat which can even lead to death due to heatstroke. Its very important to manage your bulldogs temperature and to keep him or indoors during the hottest times of the day. Check out our post on how to protect your bulldog from suffering from heat strokes.

Other health problems

Hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesnt function right leading to lameness or arthritis, is a major hereditary condition in English bulldogs. Apart from that, several dermatological issues, including hair loss and lesions are caused by their wrinkled skin. They are also at risk of vision problems due to the loose skin folds around their adorable eyes. Each of these can also reduce their life expectancy.

English bulldogs are a strong, stubborn but charming breed with many predispositions to health problems. The most important thing you can do as an owner to mitigate these problems is to consult a vet regularly, provide proper hygiene, and keep your bulldog on a healthy and nutritious diet. Not only will these help to extend the life span of your English Bulldog but it will also improve their quality of life.

How Long Do English Bulldogs Live? (2024)

If you have an English Bulldog and are wondering about its average lifespan, you might be wondering about common health problems that may affect its lifespan and how you can avoid these problems so your bulldog lives a long and healthy life.

In general, the average lifespan of an English Bulldog is going to be 6 to 10 years old. There are several health aspects that affect the life expectancy of an English Bulldog and we will go over those in more detail.

Other articles you would like: Do English Bulldogs Shed? and Do English Bulldogs Have Breathing Problems?

How Long Do English Bulldogs Live

There have been several studies that show that English Bulldogs only live about 6 to 10 years. This study suggests that the average life of an English Bulldog is 6 years old due to high inbreeding and other health issues.

Another study suggests that the average lifespan of an English Bulldog is 7.4 years old due to health issues that most dont breeds dont experience. This is significantly shorter than the average lifespan of a dog which is 10 to 13 years old.

Here are some things to remember when trying to keep your English Bulldog healthy.

Common Bulldog Health Problems That Affect Their Lifespan

These are some of the most common health problems that may affect a bulldogs lifespan.

Breathing Problems

The main reason for English bulldogs short lifespan is difficulty breathing. They have several breathing problems because of their small faces and squished muzzles.

The pinched nostrils prevent them from breathing in enough air, while the narrow trachea causes them to wheeze.

Cherry Eye

An abnormally large gland typically found under the lower eyelid at the inside corner of the eye may pop out from time to time. There is no need for emergency treatment since this is not as serious as it appears.

A veterinarian recommended for Cherry Eye should be consulted as soon as possible. Getting treatment sooner increases the dogs chances of not having to have the gland removed.

The dog will need to use the ointment for the remainder of his life if the gland is removed.

Dental Issues

The plaque and tartar that build up on dogs teeth can lead to mouth infections if they do not receive the right dental care.

In addition to their short and wide heads, English bulldogs have small mouths, which makes them more prone to dental problems. There are often gum problems and pain associated with their overcrowded teeth and tightly squished in.

To prevent dental health issues in bulldogs, its recommended to brush their teeth three times a week. In addition to causing kidney or liver damage, dental neglect can shorten their lifespan by one to three years.

Head Shakes

The condition can be frightening if youve seen it firsthand. Your furry friends head starts vibrating uncontrollably while youre hanging out with them, sometimes violently enough to make you mistake it for a canine seizure.

Make sure your beloved pup is checked out by the vet as soon as possible if this happens.

Low blood sugar and stress are usually the underlying causes of this condition, but sometimes there can be more urgent medical problems that need to be addressed immediately. If you want to protect your bully, its always best to be safe than sorry.

Obesity

English bulldogs are prone to gaining extra weight, making weight management crucial to their life expectancy. In addition to back pain, digestive issues, metabolic disorders, and heart problems, being overweight puts them at risk for health problems.

In addition, the extra weight puts even more strain on the joints of this breed already prone to arthritis. For this reason, its important to feed your dog high-quality food and adhere to a specific meal plan to prevent overeating.

What Is The Ideal Weight For a Bulldog?

It is estimated that male English Bulldogs weigh between 50 and 55 pounds and stand between 14 and 16 inches tall at maturity. Female English Bulldogs grow to be about 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh approximately ten pounds less than males.

Inquire about the size and weight of your English Bulldog if you purchased it from a breeder. Your breeder can estimate the size of your future adult bulldog based on the bulldogs parents and their past litters.

This gives you a good idea of the size of your dog when they are an adult since dogs rarely outgrow their parents.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Each English Bulldog has some degree of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS), which is Latin for the smooshed face. It is common in animals with a pushed-in nose because of shortened facial features.

Several health problems are associated with bulldogs because they have been bred to have relatively short muzzles and noses.

Their throats and breathing passages often are undersized or flattened because of the narrow noses and shorter bones on their faces.

• The inability to breathe and the need to pant
• A persistent feeling of discomfort
• Intolerant to physical activity
• Eating problems

Weight monitoring and a healthy diet can help ease your pups symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.

If you have a Brachycephalic breed dog with only mild symptoms, managing BAS is as simple as avoiding stress and overheating and getting regular physical activity.

Thyroid & Heart Disease

As a result of selective breeding, internal organ problems have also been reported. When the thyroid slows down, less thyroxine is produced, responsible for regulating metabolism, resulting in hyperthyroidism.

Heart defects in English Bulldogs most commonly include pulmonary stenosis. Pulmonary stenosis restricts blood flow and can lead to cardiac failure or death.

It is a congenital narrowing, according to UFAW. Early detection of this condition can be achieved through regular heart exams at checkups.

A drug that regulates hormone levels is effective in treating hyperthyroidism. A balloon can be inserted into the constricted area to enhance blood flow in the heart to treat pulmonary stenosis.

The best way to deal with your bully will be decided by your veterinarian.

Temperature Regulation

Panting regulates the bodys temperature, and brachycephalic dogs have trouble doing so. A comfortable temperature is essential for your English Bulldog.

Avoid taking your dog out in hot weather, and keep your home air-conditioned. Overheating is characterized by the following signs:

• Panting excessively
• Panting and heaving
• Tongue discolored and flaky
• Breathing exhaustion
• Noises in the throat
• Mouth foaming

Overheating Prevention And Treatment

Whenever the weather exceeds 80 degrees, make sure your pup sleeps in a ventilated area and pay close attention to their behavior. Dont neglect your bulldogs dental hygiene and health, as doing so can add up to 3-4 years to their lives.

Gingivitis is more likely to develop in dogs over three years of age due to gum diseases and plaque. This type of bacteria can be harmful to your poochs kidney, heart, and brain when it enters the body.

Prevent Respiratory Problems

Heat is a big problem for bulldogs because they cannot handle hot weather. The summer is a good time to keep your pet indoors and in a cool environment.

Due to their short squished muzzles, breathing problems can arise and may even result in fatal respiratory diseases.

Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

Prevent your bulldog from becoming overweight by feeding them the right amount of food. With your vets help, you can create a workout plan that will help your bulldog achieve the right body weight if he or she gains weight.

While English bulldogs can sometimes be pigs when it comes to eating, you have to learn to teach them to be strict with their eating habits.

Even though those puppy eyes might be adorable, you must learn to say no to them when they are eating more than they need to.

Regular Vet Visits

Veterinary checkups are extremely important to prevent any health problems from developing. In addition to checking for worms and ticks, a vet will also check for brachycephalic syndrome and hip dysplasia, among other specific bulldog health issues.

Vaccinations, such as those against hepatitis, rabies, parvovirus, and distemper, must also be given to bulldogs to ensure their health.

Provide Regular Exercise

English bulldogs are also very fond of going out every day, no matter how lazy they may be. Getting your bulldog regular exercise is good for him, and you can easily give him a good workout in a short amount of time.

A great cardiovascular workout for your dog is to walk at a brisk pace for 5-15 minutes. To avoid unintentionally causing your dog breathing difficulties, keep in mind that bulldogs feel breathless after rigorous workouts or when under stress.

Understand The Genetics

When addressing possible health concerns, it is important to understand your dogs genetics.

You can gain a better understanding of potential health risks if you have a quick glimpse into the pets ancestry and you may find issues that may affect them later in life.

Its important to ask your breeder about your dogs family tree so that you can best prepare yourself for any future health issues.

Genetic problems can include cardiac rhythm problems, respiratory problems, skin conditions, digestive problems, or reproductive problems.

You should ask your breeder about the family tree of your dog so that you can be prepared for any health issues in the future.

Provide Emotional Support

Bulldogs crave emotional connection with their owners because they are friendly and cuddly. Your dog will have reduced stress levels and live longer if they feel happy and content emotionally.

It is not uncommon for English bulldogs to behave relaxedly, which leads to homeowners being less attentive to the animals. Do your best to prevent this from happening and give your dog the attention and affection he or she deserves.

You and your dog will both benefit from spending as much time with each other as possible.

You will also like:

For more information about the English Bulldog Breed, check out the video below: