English bulldogs are an iconic breed known for their unique appearance. They are easily recognized with their compact bodies, wrinkled faces, and a distinct smile that you won’t see in other brachycephalic breeds. Originally bred in England, as their name suggests, this breed was once the star of a sport called bull-baiting. They have since been selectively bred into becoming the calm, affectionate companions we have today.
There’s no doubt that the English bulldog makes an excellent companion dog for countless individuals, couples, and families, but the health issues associated with this breed make many second-guess their decision about getting one. If you’re questioning how long do English bulldogs live because of this, our article is here to help. Read on to learn the average lifespan for this breed.
Answering How Long Do English Bulldogs Live
The average lifespan for this breed is anywhere between eight and ten years according to the American Kennel Club. They are considerably short-lived compared to dog breeds that are similar in size, which is something to consider before settling on whether the English bulldog is the right dog breed for you.
However, this is just the average. It is possible that your English bulldog will live a much longer life with proper care. Considering how far medicine for dogs has come, it wouldn’t be a surprise for an English bulldog in today’s world to live close to 15 years.
What Are Some Common English Bulldog Health Problems?
Now that you have a good idea about how long English bulldogs live, here’s more on the health issues to watch out for in this breed.
Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BOAS)
Due to their flat faces, English bulldogs have narrowed airways that make breathing more difficult for these dogs, which often leads to snoring. While there isn’t a cure for this, owners can make it more manageable for their dogs by keeping them cool during peak heat hours and avoiding intense exercise.
Joint Problems
English bulldogs can develop structural joint problems that can affect their mobility. While the severity varies, they don’t usually have a direct impact on their overall lifespan. However, these may require making significant adjustments to help them live a more mobile life.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are a common cause for concern with English bulldogs, particularly food-related allergies. Be sure to research and find the right food for your English bulldog to not only ensure they get all the nutrients they need, but also to avoid skin allergies. As a responsible owner, you should also clean their skin folds regularly to maintain cleanliness.
Luxating Patella
A condition that occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position, luxating patella is another orthopedic condition commonly seen in English bulldogs. It can cause limping, discomfort, and, in more severe cases, may require surgical correction.
Heart Conditions
English bulldogs are also at risk of congenital heart issues that may require ongoing veterinary monitoring. This can certainly have an impact on their lifespan. However, this is generally a hereditary issue, so working with a responsible breeder that offers genetic/health testing assurances when getting your English bulldog is really the only way to be proactive about this.
How Long Do English Bulldogs Live With Health Issues?
We’ve answered how long English bulldogs live on average above, but what about when they develop health issues? It is something that many English bulldog owners must face after hearing the news that their dog has a health problem that can affect their overall lifespan.
Obviously, the answer to this depends largely on the specific health issue. While common health problems seen in English bulldogs, like joint issues and elbow dysplasia, don’t have any impact on their lifespan directly (they mostly affect their quality of life), cancers and conditions like heatstrokes and bloat can be deadly.
Therefore, how long an English bulldog can live with health issues depends on the health issue itself. Your veterinarian is the best place to ask this question, as they can give you an educated answer after evaluating your English bulldog’s health and the severity of the health issue.
Lifespan of English Bulldogs: Is It Something to Consider?
English bulldogs are remarkable dogs that make unique companions. If your heart is set on getting an English bulldog, the lifespan shouldn’t be anything major. Sure, they may not live as long as many other dog breeds, but none of the other dog breeds are an English bulldog.
While how they live should be something to factor in, there are more important things to consider, like lifestyle compatibility, temperament, and size. If an English bulldog meets your criteria in all these fields, then you should have no problem living with one.
