English Bulldog Age Expectancy: 7 Essential Health Tips

English Bulldogs are cherished due to their peculiar appearance, kind character and trustful character. They are pleasant play mates and good family pets. However, most individuals query the question before they own the breed, What is the English Bulldog Age Expectancy?

English Bulldog has less average lifespan when compared to most other breeds of dogs. Knowing why and knowing how to take proper care of them could make the owners live longer with the dog and keep it healthy. Here you can find out all that you should know about Bulldog lifespan, health problems and care tips.

What Is the expectancy of an English Bulldog?

An average English Bulldog has the life span of 8 to 10 years. Others Bulldogs can live up to 11 to 12 years though this is not very usual. There have been reports of a few Bulldogs that are of good genetics and care that lived up to 13 or even 14 years but this is very uncommon.

English Bulldogs do not live long in comparison with other breeds of dogs. For example:

Small dogs such as Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles have an average life expectancy of 15 years and above.

The medium breeds such as Beagles or Border Collies have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years.

Big breeds such as German Shepherds have a life span of about 10 to 12 years.

Bulldogs have a life span of 8 to 10 years which is on the lower end due to genetic and physical complications.

Why Do English Bulldogs Live a Shorter Life?

English Bulldogs are regarded as a brachycephalic breed, i.e., with a short and flat face. Although this provides them with the iconic appearance, it gives them some health problems. Their reduction in lifespan is mainly because of the following.

Breathing Problems

Difficulty in breathing is the most prevalent problem of Bulldogs. Their snouts are shorter, so it is not as efficient to breathe, and it is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This may lead to snoring, wheezing, a sense of exhaustion and death threatening breathing difficulties in extreme cases. This condition may be aggravated by heat or hard exercise.

Joint and Bone Issues

Bulldogs are short in legs and heavy. This exposes them to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and arthritis. The presence of joint problems restricts movement and brings about pain, particularly in old age.

Heart Conditions

There is heart disease as another issue. Bulldogs may have congenital heart defects, and other heart related problems, and this may lead to a reduced life span.

Skin Infections

Bulldogs possess severe skin folds and wrinkles. Unless these folds are cleaned on a regular basis, moisture and dirt may be trapped in them causing infections and irritation.

Obesity

Bulldogs love food. They are highly susceptible to overweight, provided that they are not strictly controlled in terms of portion and exercise. Obesity predisposes individuals to breathing complications, joint pains, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Lifespan of Male vs Female English Bulldogs.

Research indicates that the Bulldogs tend to die a bit later as a female. The average lifespan of females is one year higher. Nevertheless, it is an insignificant difference. The larger one is the lifestyle and care. Be it a man or a woman, healthy eating and exercise is the reason to live longer.

The Forces that influence English bulldog age expectancy.

The duration of an English Bulldog life depends on a number of factors. These include:

Genetics: responsible breeders that have healthy bloodlines often live longer.

Diet: Balanced diet helps to take care of the general health and avoid obesity.

Exercise: Moderate exercise that is regular in nature maintains the muscles strong without straining the body.

Medical: Problems are detected at an early stage with routine check-ups at the vet.

Living Conditions: Bulldogs that are housed in cool safe environment with high hygiene normally live longer.

Increasing the Life span of an English Bulldog.

Although Bulldogs are limited to a shorter life, there are actions that the owners can use to enhance the quality of life and life span.

• Provide a Nutritious Diet
• Select good dog food that has the appropriate protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.
• Do not feed on table scraps or processed food.
• Watch their weight closely. Maintain a good weight level to minimize chances of obesity.
• Maintain Regular Exercise
• The bulldogs do not require long distance running or intensive exercise.
• It is sufficient to go on short walks and play every day.
• Do not overexert and expose yourself to hot or moist weather so as to overheat.
• Schedule Routine Vet Visits
• Veterinary checkups allow identification of problems at an early stage.
• Make sure that the vaccinations and parasites are current.
• Inquire your vet on issues to do with joints, breathing, and heart complications.
• Prevent Overheating
• Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat.
• Demonstrate shade, fresh water and cool climate.
• Keep them in the house in hot seasons. Fans or air conditioning can be of use.
• Care for Wrinkles and Skin
• Wet cloth goes over skin on a daily basis.
• Warm them to avoid infections.
• Observe redness, foul odour, or irritation.

Consider Breathing Surgery

In some extreme situations, it might require the veterinarians to perform surgery to enhance airflow. This may involve the enlargement of nostrils or shortening of the soft palate. These procedures may enhance breathing and increase the life span.

The Aging in the English Bulldogs.

Bulldogs start becoming sluggish as they age. Being familiar with the aging signs may assist the owners to provide the best care.

• Loss of activity and movement.
• Arthroplanky or clumsiness in climbing stairs.
• Longer sleeping hours
• Graying hair around the face
• Hearing or vision decline
• Deteriorating respiratory issues.
• Senior Bulldog Care Tips

• Bulldogs are said to be a senior dog when they attain the age of 7 or 8. On this level, they require additional attention.
• Change to senior dog food that has fewer calories and an increase in nutrients that support the joints such as glucosamine.
• Get a comfortable, supportive bed to alleviate the pain in the joints.
• Movement should be made easier using ramps as an alternative to stairs.
• Take short walks but often in order to stay mobile.
• See the vet once in every six months to get comprehensive checkups.
• The life expectancy of English Bulldogs as compared to other bulldog breeds?
• There is not just one kind of Bulldog namely English Bulldogs. The other Bulldogs tend to live longer.
• French Bulldog: 10 to 12 years
• American Bulldog: 10 to 15 years
• English Bulldog: 8 to 10 years
• Unfortunately, English Bulldogs have the lowest average lifespan of the Bulldogs.
• Best Life Span of English Bulldogs.
• Most Bulldogs have a lifespan of 8-10 years but others have a longer lifespan.
• Some of the Bulldogs are 12 to 13 years.
• Some extremely rare cases of Bulldogs living to 14 years have been reported.

These Bulldogs were very healthy and long-lived and their genetics were excellent, their diets were good and controlled, their veterinary visits were frequent and health conditions were well maintained.

Conclusion

The mean life span of an English Bulldog is 8 to 10 years, a rather short one compared to other breeds of dogs. They have a reduced life expectancy, which is associated with breathing difficulties, arthritis, obesity, heart diseases, and skin disorders.

Nevertheless, they can ensure their Bulldog lives longer by feeding him a healthy diet, exercising, taking him to the vet, taking care of the skin, and keeping him cool. Many Bulldogs live well after their years are supposed to end as a result of love and with proper attention.

The English Bulldogs do not live as long as other breeds, but the time when they spend with their families is full of loyalty, joy and companionship.

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