How long do Frenchies live?
Agnes Sligh Turnbull rightly said once: ‘Dogs’ lives are too short. – their only fault really’.
If you have your heart set on a Frenchie, then you might often wonder ‘how long do Frenchies live’.
We all want our beloved pets to live forever, don’t we?
The good news is that most Frenchies live up to 10-14 years which is more than the lifespan many of the larger dog breeds. Additionally, you can also do several things to increase your Frenchie’s longevity.
So, let us dive right into the topic – how long do Frenchies live and also discuss tips that can help you prolong your Frenchie’s lifespan.
Get everything you need to know about a French bulldog lifespan. Read on!
Also Read: How Much Do Frenchies Cost
How Long Do Frenchies Live?
A recent study shows that French bulldogs live, on an average, for 10 to 14 years.
Female Frenchies live a little longer, about 9 to 12 years with the average being 10.5 years. Male Frenchies between 8 to 10 years with the average lifespan of 9 years.
The great thing is that, with the right living conditions, you can exceed your french bulldog lifespan to nearly 14 years.
The oldest living French bulldog died when he was 15 years old and celebrity and American Actress Denise Richard had a Frenchie that lived to the ripe old age of about 13 years.
Also Read: How Much Do French Bulldogs Sleep
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a French Bulldog?
It is said that every year that a dog lives is 7 human years. This is no longer true and there are many theories and opinions on how old a dog is in terms of human years.
Small breed dogs like Frenchies live, on an average, longer than the Giant Breeds like Great Danes. This means that genetics and breeding definitely are two factors that affect a Frenchie’s lifespan.
The other factors include:
A. Nutrition
‘You are what you eat’ – this is applicable to our pets as well. Our French bulldog puppy needs high-quality nutrition to look and feel good, just like we do.
It is a no-brainer that pets who do not get proper nutrition or that receive poor nutrition while growing up often end up having health issues like diabetes and joint and heart-related problems.
Any dog breed needs the right diet to live longer. Even if your Frenchie dog is just a small dog breed, choosing a well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital. The same goes for other bulldogs like teacup french bulldog, English bulldog, or American bulldog.
That is why it is important to feed your Frenchie nourishing, breed-specific food recommended by your vet.
Since obesity is a common issue in Frenchies, you must also tailor its nutrition based on activity levels, weight, age, etc.
Also Read: Best Food for French Bulldogs with Sensitive Stomach
B. Physical and Mental Stimulation
Adequate and appropriate mental and physical stimulation is a must for our Frenchie’s good health. A pet parent usually spoils his pet, but one must not forget to teach him healthy living too!
Since French bulldogs are small dogs, they need about an hour of exercise a day – preferably divided over 2-3 short sessions.
Older Frenchies with hip dysplasia, joint aches, patellar luxation, etc. can benefit from low impact, moderate exercises instead of longer brisk-walking sessions which can be strenuous for their joints.
As a part of mental stimulation, you can enroll your younger Frenchie in agility courses or set up obstacle courses in the comfort of your home.
You can also find a French Bulldog club in your area to get support and social activities for your beloved pet!
Also, providing toys, puzzles, treat-dispensers which make your pet think can stimulate your pet mentally and keep it more active.
Also Read: Best Chew Toys for French Bulldogs & Best Treats for French Bulldogs
C. Appropriate and timely health/vet care
To ensure your Frenchie’s well-being, you must ensure timely and routine health care.
A long-time dog owner and reputable breeder can agree that pet insurance is essential. Since your Frenchie needs more care when it becomes an adult dog until he becomes a senior dog, vet visit expenses are inevitable. If you are a French bulldog owner, you commit to being responsible for his overall health.
Make sure you have a good vet around who can address your doubts and is available for emergencies as well.
Sometimes, even a small injury can become serious and even a flea and tick infestation can end up getting your pet hospitalized. So, in addition to regular vaccinations, flea shots, etc. you must also groom your pet, bathe it, and keep its coat clean.
D. Environmental factors
Frenchies are brachycephalic breed which means they are prone to respiratory troubles and breathing problems.
Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs can be recognized with symptoms such as whizzing, noise breathing, regurgitation, gagging, snoring, open-mouth breathing, extending their head and neck to keep the airway open, etc.
Furthermore, they are significantly smaller – which means their noses are closer to the grounds. As a result, they can get deeply affected by pollutants, household cleaners, pollen, dust, etc.
They are also susceptible to chemicals and fertilizers used on lawns.
They are especially prone to overheating in summers and that is why it is best to keep them indoors in temperature-controlled environment.
E. Stress
Finally, one of the most important factors affecting your Frenchie’s lifespan is how much stress it is subjected to.
Frenchies can get greatly stressed if you leave them alone for prolonged periods. They are prone to separation anxiety and might cry and whimper a great deal when made to sleep separately or when left alone at home.
Sometimes, having two Frenchies is better in case you work away from home for prolonged periods. A companion dog is helpful. Since Frenchies are playful so he can get along well with another playful dog breed.
Stress can significantly impact your Frenchie’s overall health and could even shorten its life.
Also Read: Why Do French Bulldogs Cry So Much
What Do Frenchies Usually Die From?
Our Frenchies are cute little dogs but, sadly, they suffer from a host of health issues. Here are some of the common health problems that are often fatal in the breed:
1. Brachycephalic syndrome
The short-faced Frenchie is prone to brachycephalic obstructed airway syndrome or BOAS which is seen in dog breeds like pugs, Boston terriers, and bulldogs.
This could result in breathing difficulties for these little dogs and can even be fatal. Studies show that the French bulldog breed is second most likely to die from BOAS after the Pug breed.
You must remember that your little pet has the inability to cool itself. So never over-exert it.
This is definitely not a dog for someone that likes to go running and wants to take their dog with them. You must make all efforts to keep your pet cool, especially after its walks and even more in warm weather. Use a safe collar or harness when walking your Frenchie.
Please read about BOAS as its symptoms are often missed and many dogs do not receive timely help. Early diagnosis and emergency surgery could save your pet if the need arises.
2. Dwarfism or chondrodystrophy
Another common health issue in the breed stems from their short statures which results in many neck and spine-related problems. These include Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD and while it might not kill your pet, it can greatly affect its quality of life.
Many dogs have to be put down when medication and therapy becomes expensive for pet parents.
3. Heart failure
In 2004, a study conducted on nearly 70 Frenchies showed that most died from heart failure.
4. Cancer
In addition to heart diseases, nearly 38% Frenchies died from cancer. This breed is at an above average risk to the deadly disease.
What Changes Should You Expect As your Frenchie Ages?
Every Frenchie is different but you can expect the following changes as your pet ages:
Slowing down
Your Frenchie will still join you in all your activities but it will be considerably slower. They still want to do all the things they did with you but they might not have the stamina to do them. They will also have considerably less vigor than they did earlier.
Greying
Some dogs develop grey hairs around their muzzles and eyes. This depends on your pet’s natural coat color.
A blue French bulldog can have a significant amount of grey hair even in his first year, or a brindle can get it around 2 years of age and can have a gray beard by the time he reaches 7!
Reduced appetite
After the age of 8 years, your pet will not eat as much as it did in its middle-age. It will no longer need a high protein diet, so speak to your vet about the right dietary changes to make for your buddy.
Loss of teeth
Many older Frenchies lose their teeth and might need softer foods. You will have to monitor its dietary intake from time to time.
Discuss with your vet whether your pet needs a diet lower in fats and proteins. Some senior Frenchies do well on maintenance diets or senior dog diets.
We recommend Purina Pro Plan Senior Small Breed Dog Food – Cognitive Health.
Changes in stools
You may want to monitor your older Frenchie’s stools too. This will show you if your pet is digesting its food properly. Ideally, they should be firm but spongy and not hard or dry.
Sight and hearing changes
Beyond 10 years, some Frenchies develop loss of vision and hearing. You will notice considerable reduction in running activities. This is an indication that your pet may be losing its sight.
You might also notice your pet bumping into things. They might have trouble getting around furniture. If needed, re-arrange furniture to keep your pet more comfortable.
As hearing loss occurs, your Frenchie might shake its head or tilt it to one side to hear better. In some Frenchies, loss of this facility could lead to anxiety.
At this point, your Frenchie might howl and cry a lot. You can pet it and sit with it, but it might continue howling the moment you leave it.
This is an indication that it is suffering from separation anxiety.
Knowing when it is time to say goodbye
When you notice your pet is constantly anxious, eating very less, hiding or sleeping all day, and not even willing to come on its walks, please consult your vet.
See if there is treatment possible for the conditions and if not, maybe it is time to say goodbye.
Letting your pet suffer needlessly is an act of selfishness. Putting it down might be in its best interest.
Top Tips to Prolong your Frenchie’s Lifespan
Eventually, the time will come to say goodbye, but you can prolong your French bulldog’s life with some simple steps:
1. Check its weight
This is the most important thing you can do for your little pet.
Please avoid over-feeding your buddy and make sure it gets its daily exercise so it will not become obese. Some tough love is all you need to prevent obesity which can prolong your Frenchie’s life considerably.
Generally, a Frenchie should weigh no more than 20-25 lb. So keep it in this weight range through healthy vet-approved food and regular moderate exercise.
2. Be aware of BOAS
BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airways syndrome), as mentioned earlier, could kill your pet. So read up all you can about it and know its symptoms.
Most importantly, avoid overheating your pet. Keep an eye out on your pet’s breathing when you exercise it.
3. Care for your pet’s teeth
Frenchies are prone to dental issues which, in turn, are linked to its heart and liver health.
So brush your pet’s teeth every day. Give it some dental treats which eliminate plaque, tartar, and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
4. Groom your pet regularly
Grooming is not only a great way of bonding with your buddy, it also helps you catch bumps and lumps, and prevent ticks and fleas – which can be fatal.
5. Arrange frequent vet visits
Regular vet visits can help detect minor and major health issues early on and could prevent them from spiraling out of control. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can also prolong your Frenchie’s life.
FAQs on How Long do Frenchies Live
1. Are Frenchies expensive to keep as pets?
Frenchies do need good food and regular vet checkups.
On an average, they cost about $2200 to keep as pets. The monthly average cost of keeping a Frenchie is about $200.
2. Are stairs bad for senior Frenchies?
Stairs can be strenuous on a senior Frenchie’s knees if it suffers from arthritis, luxating patella, hip dysplasia, etc.
3. At what age is a Frenchie puppy fully grown?
Frenchie puppies can be considered adults once they are 9 to 12 months of age. They will stop growing in height at this point but their weight could still increase.
4. What foods are dangerous for French bulldogs?
Avoid feeding onions, garlic, avocadoes, chocolate, alcohol, certain nuts, apple seeds, xylitol, and other dangerous human foods to your Frenchie.
5. Can French bulldogs go on long walks?
Being a brachycephalic dog, you must avoid over-exercising your Frenchie.
Keep exercise sessions short and make sure that your Frenchie is breathing normally and not panting or gasping for breath.
Most Frenchies can easily walk for 10-15 minutes at a stretch in pleasant weather. However, you might want to shorten their exercise in warmer weather and limit walks to the cooler parts of the day.
Conclusion – How Long do Frenchies Live?
How long do Frenchies live? The answer is between 10-14 years.
Female Frenchies live slightly longer than males.
Most Frenchies are known to die from cancer followed by breathing issues related to the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Heart failure is also common in the breed.
You can prolong your Frenchie’s life though good diet, regular (moderate exercise), frequent health checkups, etc.
If you are thinking of getting a French bulldog, better look for a known french bulldog breeder to ensure that you’ll get a healthy and well-bred bulldog puppy. An irresponsible breeder may not put important things in mind such as health risks or complications.
We hope this guide helps you give the best love and care to your beloved pet.
