French Bulldog · Longevity

How Long Do French Bulldogs Live?

French Bulldogs live 10-12 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a French Bulldog more good years.

French Bulldog
Lifespan 10-12 yearsNon-Sporting GroupAKC Ranks 1 of 208
The French Bulldog, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy10-12 years
AKC groupNon-Sporting Group
Height11-13 inches
Weightunder 28 pounds
Energy3
Trainability4
Mental stimulation3
Watchdog / protective3
Affectionate with family5
Good with kids5
Good with other dogs4
Openness to strangers5
Playfulness5
Adaptability5
Barking1
Shedding3
Grooming frequency1
Drooling3

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At under 28 pounds, the French Bulldog is a medium breed. Medium breeds fall in the middle of the canine lifespan range, which its 10-12 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a French Bulldog fit your life?

The French Bulldog suits people who want a genuinely devoted, goofy little companion more than a working or guarding dog. It fits apartments and busy households especially well, and it does great with kids, guests, and other pets. Just know it wants to be with its people most of the day, not left home alone.

A great match if you

  • You live in an apartment or close quarters, since it barely barks and adapts to almost anywhere.
  • You want a family dog, as it is wonderful with young children and generally good with other dogs.
  • You have a social home with lots of visitors, because it is wildly friendly to strangers.
  • You want low grooming upkeep, with minimal coat care needed and only moderate energy demands.
  • You want a cuddly, clownish companion, since it is deeply affectionate and endlessly playful.

Think twice if

  • You should not expect a guard dog, since it is only mildly protective and will happily welcome any stranger.
  • You want a spotless, low-mess home, because it still sheds moderately and drools a bit.
  • You still owe it daily walks and play, as its moderate energy and mental needs are not zero.
  • You are away from home a lot, which suits it poorly given how much attention and closeness it craves.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the French Bulldog

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a French Bulldog are Eye and vision, Skin, coat, allergy, Immune support and Respiratory (owners often watch for cataracts, cherry eye, entropion).

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French Bulldog facts, quick answers

How long do French Bulldogs live?

French Bulldogs live 10-12 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do French Bulldogs get?

A full-grown French Bulldog stands 11-13 inches and weighs under 28 pounds, which puts it firmly in the medium-breed range.

What kind of dog is a French Bulldog?

The French Bulldog is a non-sporting breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 1 of 208. It is a medium dog that typically lives around 10-12 years.

Are French Bulldogs high-energy dogs?

French Bulldogs are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.

Are French Bulldogs easy to train?

French Bulldogs are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.

Do French Bulldogs shed a lot?

They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.

Do French Bulldogs bark a lot?

They are on the quiet side and are not prone to nuisance barking.

Are French Bulldogs good with kids?

French Bulldogs are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.

Do French Bulldogs get along with other dogs?

French Bulldogs are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.

Are French Bulldogs friendly with strangers?

French Bulldogs are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.

Do French Bulldogs drool?

Yes, French Bulldogs drool a little, mostly around food and water.

Are French Bulldogs good for first-time owners?

French Bulldogs are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.

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