Bulldogs are a bit notorious for their health problems & short lifespans…
With an average lifespan of 8-10 years, the English Bulldog certainly is no exception!
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do as a pet owner that can prolong your English Bulldog’s lifespan & increase their quality of life!
A Gentle Giant
The English Bulldog, also known as a British Bulldog or simply a Bulldog, is a type of mastiff that was originally bred as a fighting and guard dog.
However, in modern times, they are kept as companion dogs because despite their fierce appearance they are actually extremely gentle and affectionate.
What Affects An English Bulldog’s Lifespan?
As with all pure breeds, English Bulldogs do suffer from quite a wide range of health problems and all of these can negatively affect your dog’s lifespan. However, there are also other factors that you can control which significantly impact your English Bulldog’s life expectancy.
You are what you eat— a healthy diet is #1
For instance, you need to feed your dog a well-rounded and healthy
This means avoiding any dog
But don’t eat too much, now!
English Bulldogs are prone to obesity so you need to make sure that you’re not overfeeding.
If they become obese this can quickly lead to other major health problems such as heart and liver conditions.
Stay active
You also need to make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise.
English Bulldogs don’t need a huge amount of exercise but do require at least one 30-minute walk each day (or play fetch!).
English Bulldog Health Overview
Breathing issues are common
English Bulldogs can be prone to suffering from breathing difficulties due to their small windpipes. They are also susceptible to getting heatstroke in hot weather, in cars, and in overheated apartments.
They can’t regulate their temperature well
Surprisingly though, they are also very sensitive to the cold; so during the winter, it’s a good idea to get your English Bulldog a jacket to wear outside!
It’s tough for them to give birth
English Bulldogs often have difficulty giving birth and so their puppies have to be delivered by Caesarean section.
They’re not the healthiest
English Bulldogs — like Frenchies — aren’t known for being the healthiest breed— they often have breathing issues and skin issues and are prone to have knee and hip problems later in life.
What Is The Lifespan Of An English Bulldog?
The average lifespan of an English Bulldog is between 8 to 10 years.
It’s less than other bully breeds
This is relatively short compared to other medium-sized dogs but this is primarily due to their health conditions.
Some English Bulldogs live a long time though…
However, with good care, a healthy
Next, we are going to take a look at 5 tips you can incorporate into your English Bulldog’s life to increase their lifespan & quality of life...
5 Tips For Prolonging Your English Bulldog’s Lifespan
1. Feed Your English Bulldog A Healthy Diet
It’s vital that you feed your dog a healthy and nutritious
You will also need to factor in the amount of exercise that your dog is doing, so if it’s quite a sedentary pet then stick to the lower end of the scale and conversely if it’s a more active dog then feed it more.
If you feed your English Bulldog more than the recommended calories then it will quickly become obese, something which is certain to limit its life expectancy.
Ideally, you should feed your dog in two or three separate meals. This will prevent it from eating all its
2. Visit The Vet On A Regular Basis
English Bulldogs can develop health issues quite quickly so it’s important that you schedule regular checkups with your vet.
It’s also a good idea to learn about the potential health problems that English Bulldogs can be prone to and keep an eye out for the early signs and symptoms of disease.
3. Moderate Exercise Is Essential
You need to make sure that you take your dog for a walk at least once a day because English Bulldogs are famously docile and lazy.
In fact, without a little encouragement from you, they would rarely go for a walk or run around at all!
Remember that obesity can be a major problem for English Bulldogs and if they don’t get enough exercise it can quickly become an issue.
At the minimum, your dog needs 30 minutes of exercise per day.
You should also encourage your dog to exercise a little at home by throwing a ball in the backyard or playing tug of war with a chew toy.
4. Understand Your Dog’s Genetics
Having an understanding of your English Bulldog’s genetic heritage can give you valuable insights into the types of health problems that you should be aware of.
This is because puppies often inherit the same kinds of health issues that their parents have.
So when you first get your puppy you should ask the breeder if there are any special issues that you should keep an eye out for as they grow older.
For instance, you might discover that the puppy’s parents have skin allergies or digestive issues which can often be passed on to the next generation.
5. Spend As Much Time As Possible With Your Bulldog!
Just like human beings, dogs thrive if they have strong emotional bonds with the people around them.
English Bulldogs are a very cuddly breed and they need your emotional companionship to feel happy and safe.
Don’t stress
Stress can seriously harm your dog’s health and so making sure that they know they are safe and appreciated will help to extend their lifespan.
Don’t forget, that English Bulldogs are a companion breed so they feel more fulfilled and happy when they are spending plenty of time with you and your family.
English Bulldog – The 3 Most Common Causes Of Death
English Bulldogs can suffer from a whole range of health conditions however there are a few causes of death that are more common than others.
1. Heart issues
The most common cause of death for Bulldogs are cardiac-related issues, including heart attacks and heart failure.
2. Cancer
The second most common cause of death in English Bulldogs is cancer and tumors; the risk of which increases as they get older. Therefore, you should immediately visit your vet if you feel any unusual lumps developing on your dog’s body.
3. Old age
The third leading cause of death is old age; something which, unfortunately, there is no way to avoid.
However, as mentioned previously, you can stave off death from old age by maintaining a healthy routine with your dog throughout its entire life.
How to spot an English Bulldog
The breed is medium-sized with a strong, muscular, stocky body. English Bulldogs have an iconic squishy & wrinkly face, a flattened nose/face, and powerful jaws.
Bulldogs have folds of skin that hang down over their jaws and a short coat that is usually white, fawn, grey, brindle, or piebald.
How Big Are English Bulldogs?
English Bulldogs weigh somewhere from 39-55lbs (18-25 kg) as adults and are between 11-16 inches (30-40cm) tall at the withers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Oldest Living Bulldog?
An English Bulldog from Ohio, US named Oliver passed away at an amazing 20 years old in 2018, setting the world record for longevity amongst Bulldogs.
How can I help my English Bulldog live longer?
1. Feed them a well-balanced diet
2. Give them sufficient exercise (~30 min walk per day or more)
3. Get regular checkups at the vet 1-2x per year
Lots of English Bulldogs have long & happy lives
Currently, there are many English Bulldogs that are alive and well in their mid-teens!
A Facebook group named The Oldest Bulldogs Around the World catalogs Bulldogs from all over the planet that are breaking the mold and living well beyond their life expectancy.
Many Bulldog owners in the group report that their pets are 14, 15 and, in some cases, even older!
Don’t let their looks fool you
Dont let the English Bulldog’s appearance fool you!
Although they were originally bred for fighting and look quite intimidating, English Bulldogs are some of the kindest, most loving, and gentle dogs you’ll ever meet.
These docile dogs love nothing more than curling up on the sofa or catching a quick nap on the floor!
When they’re puppies they are full of energy but as they grow older they really slow down & become little couch potatoes!
A great family pet
English Bulldogs can also be trusted around babies, young children, and other pets.
They are also famous for their loyalty and devotion so they make wonderful companion dogs for elderly owners.
This means that English Bulldogs are a great choice for a family pet, even if you have children and other animals in the house.
Proper socialization is always a must
Just like any other breed of dog, English Bulldogs should be socialized properly when they are puppies.
This prevents them from growing up to be stubborn, shy, or aggressive with other dogs.
A bit messy
Like other bulldogs, English Bulldogs have a tendency to be messy eaters and are frequently drooling and farting (just like Frenchies!).
It’s all worth it, though
Despite their drooling & farting, they are adorable characters with big hearts who love nothing more than spending time with their human companions and are sure to steal your heart.
English Bulldogs Are Loyal Companions
English Bulldogs are one of the best breeds for elderly owners and families with young children.
These loyal companions have hearts of gold and although they do look fierce and have guarding instincts they are trustworthy, docile and sweet-natured.
Bulldogs do have certain health conditions that you need to be aware of but with a good healthy
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