The original ancestors of Bulldogs were trained in a spectator sport called “bull-baiting,” however, this was formally prohibited in 1835. These days, the English bulldog has a much sweeter reputation. Today, pet owners love how friendly, cuddly, and sweet English bulldogs can be. That’s what makes them one of the most popular pet dog breeds. In the United States, the English Bulldog is the fourth most popular AKC dog breed. Want to learn more about these loving and loyal dogs? We’ve got the rundown on how long English bulldogs live and other fun facts on their traits and more!
How Long Do English Bulldogs Live?
The English Bulldog lifespan is between 8-10 years old. Bulldogs have short lifetimes. They begin to exhibit indications of aging between the ages of five and six. Unfortunately, the English Bulldog lives significantly shorter than the typical dog. This is because, according to Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, breeding the English bulldog for extremes such as a flat head, chondrodysplasia, skin folding, and child-like appearance and personality has necessitated a level of human-directed positive selection. This has resulted in the English bulldog being both one of the most popular and unhealthiest dog breeds. Now that we know how long English bulldogs live, let’s explore how they go through the stages of growth.
The Average English Bulldog Life Cycle
If you’re interested in getting a pet English bulldog, then you’re going to want to have a better understanding of their life stages. Each stage is important and will assist you in caring for your dog. Let’s go over them in more detail!
Puppy
Because they are newborns, the English bulldog pups are little. It will take some time to figure out what they look like, but they have tiny, flat, and wrinkled faces. English bulldog puppies do not even open their eyes for the first several days. All they require is food from their mother. At around 4-8 weeks, the bulldogs will resemble an adult English bulldog in appearance. The small English bulldogs will become restless and will run around.
Adolescence
Adolescence in Bulldogs lasts from around 7 months to 2 1/2 years. This is the perfect stage to begin training! Teaching your English bulldog self-control, tricks, and how to socialize with other people and other dogs is imperative. This will help teach them obedience skills and will also keep them from becoming anxious dogs as adults. This is especially important as English bulldogs are notoriously known as difficult to train. Bulldogs also take playtime very seriously during this stage. They will often test their own strength as they have very dominating personalities.
Adulthood
Bulldogs are considered adults and reach their maximum size at 12 months. After the age of one year, a bulldog may continue to grow for another six months. Male bulldogs may weigh up to 50 pounds and stand 16 inches tall. Females will reach a height of 14 inches and a weight of 40 pounds. You will begin to really see your English bulldog’s personality shine once they reach adulthood.
Common Health Issues That Impact The English Bulldog’s Lifespan
English bulldogs are wrinkled, charming, and are a truly dignified breed. Their pinched noses make them look like a grump, even though their personalities are friendly and kind. However, the issue with this particular appearance is that it is the consequence of selective breeding, which sadly puts them at danger for major health concerns. It is critical to understand the most prevalent English Bulldog health concerns. The following are some of the most prevalent health issues in English Bulldogs:
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Brachycephalic is Latin for “smooshed face,” and every English Bulldog has some degree of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS). This is because of their breeding. They are purposely bred to have a pushed-in nose. This means that they will suffer from breathing problems, chronic discomfort, and exercise aversion. Difficulty regulating body temperature: Brachycephalic dogs have difficulty adequately panting, which is what controls their body heat. Overheating is a problem that many English bulldogs are at risk for because of this issue. Skin Issues: Unfortunately, the lovely folds that bulldog owners know and love have a drawback. Skin infections and itchiness are two issues that English bulldogs may deal with. Eczema, often known as “canine atopic dermatitis,” is the most frequent skin condition among bulldogs.
How To Extend The English Bulldog Lifespan
As previously stated, the typical lifespan of an English Bulldog is 8 to 10 years. However, there are many proactive actions that pet owners can take to ensure their bulldogs live a long and happy life. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind to help your English Bulldog live a long life:
Maintain a balanced and nutritional diet for your bulldog: English Bulldogs are known for their insatiable appetite. The recommended daily calorie intake for a bulldog is 20 to 70 calories per pound. This, of course, depends on your dog’s lifestyle, whether they are more sedentary or active. You should also feed your bulldog several times a day, as they are known to scarf down all the food you put in their bowl. Take charge of your bulldog’s health: Because of the physical characteristics of the bulldog, they are prone to health problems. Paying attention to the symptoms that they may be exhibiting is important to keeping them healthy. Take your bulldog to the vet on a regular basis, and be sure to follow up on any concerns.Keep your bulldog active: Keep your bulldog as happy and active as possible by arranging a half-hour of physical exercise each day, including at least one brief walk. Bring them to the park and play activities like fetch and tug of war with them to allow them to be sociable.
