Old English Bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They can live up to 8-12 years on average.
Unfortunately, their short lifespan is often due to health issues that can arise from their unique physical characteristics.
Their flat face and brachycephalic skull can lead to breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.
Health Concerns
The Old English Bulldog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues you should be aware of. Heart disease can develop in both younger and older English Bulldogs, but it can often be managed with medication if caught early.
Regular veterinary visits are crucial to detecting any potential health problems. The Old English Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year, and if your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.
Here are some common health concerns to look out for:
- Heart disease
- Other health issues that can be checked with your vet regularly
Overall, with proper care and regular check-ups, your Old English Bulldog can live a happy and healthy life.
Heart Disease
Heart Disease can develop in both younger and older English Bulldogs.
English Bulldogs are prone to heart disease, which can be managed with medication if caught early.
Early detection is crucial to ensure your dog lives many more years.
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to monitor your English Bulldog's heart health.
Heart disease in English Bulldogs can be a serious issue, but with proper care and attention, many dogs can live long and healthy lives.
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Choosing a Healthy
The Old English Bulldog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Regular veterinarian visits are crucial to ensure your Old English Bulldog stays healthy. You should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Finding a reputable breeder is especially important when searching for an Old English Bulldog puppy. This gives you the best chance for a healthier dog.
A healthier dog is also likely to be more expensive than one from an unethical breeder.
Old English Bulldogs can live for 11-13 years on average, with 12 years being the average lifespan.
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Weight and Diet
As your Old English Bulldog ages, weight gain can become a significant concern. English Bulldogs are prone to weight gain due to decreased mobility, which can lead to joint issues and a sedentary lifestyle.
Feeding your Old English Bulldog a high-quality dog food is crucial to maintain a healthy weight. Aim for 2.5 to 3.5 cups of dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Reducing table scraps and unhealthy snacks can also help prevent weight gain. Regular exercise, such as daily walks, is essential to keep your Old English Bulldog happy and fit.
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Diet and Weight
As your English Bulldog ages, their diet and weight become crucial factors to monitor. A senior bulldog's mobility decreases, leading to weight gain, which in turn makes joint issues even worse.
Feeding your bulldog the right amount of food is essential. They need 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Table scraps and too many treats can lead to weight gain, making it difficult to take it back off. So, stick to recommended dog food.
Old English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which means they can easily gain weight if you don't pay attention to their diet and exercise. More than one daily walk is recommended to keep them happy and fit.
To prevent weight gain, feed your bulldog quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Regularly measuring their weight and consulting your veterinarian if you notice any weight gain is also a good idea.
Size and Weight
The Old English Bulldog is a medium-sized dog, with males typically reaching 17-20 inches in height and females reaching 16-19 inches. This means they're not too big, but not too small either.
Their weight is also moderate, with males weighing between 60-80 pounds and females weighing between 50-70 pounds. This makes them a great companion for families with smaller living spaces.
Here's a breakdown of the average weight and height of an Old English Bulldog:
Overall, the Old English Bulldog is a sturdy and compact breed that requires regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their optimal weight and health.
Aging and Behavior
As English bulldogs age, they can experience cognitive decline, which may lead to changes in behavior such as confusion, disorientation, and difficulty learning new things.
Their sense of smell and hearing may also decrease, which can cause them to become more anxious or fearful in new environments.
English bulldogs can live up to 8-12 years, and their lifespan is influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and health conditions like hip dysplasia and respiratory issues.
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Joint Issues/Arthritis
As English Bulldogs age, their joints get a bit creaky and painful, making everyday activities a challenge.
Exerting too much energy can cause a fair bit of pain, and even houses or apartments with stairs can cause quite the dilemma for bulldogs with joint issues or arthritis.
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Bringing your English bullie to regular vet appointments will go a long way in developing a proper care regimen, and your vet may potentially prescribe medication to ease your dog's discomfort.
Keeping your bulldog's weight down is crucial, as having an overweight English Bulldog will cause extra stress to their joints, making it harder for them to get around comfortably.
Doggie strollers can be a lifesaver for senior bulldogs who still want to enjoy the outdoors, and I can attest to their happiness when going for a stroll together.
Dysplasia, a condition where the joint structure is abnormal, leads to partial or complete dislocation, and English Bulldogs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can also lead to arthritis.
Hemivertebrae, a condition characterized by wedge-shaped spinal vertebrae, can cause curvatures in the spine and damage to the spinal cord, and it's a condition that English Bulldogs are born with.
Aging and Behavioral Changes
As English Bulldogs age, their behavior can change significantly. They may not be as patient as they used to be.
Their tolerance with other dogs, especially puppies, can decrease, making interactions more challenging. Young children can also be unpredictable, so it's essential to be mindful of this when introducing them to your senior bulldog.
Being in pain and having reduced mobility can make your senior bulldog cranky. This is why keeping their environment calm and controlled is crucial to prevent startling reactions.
Reduced hearing and eyesight are common issues in senior bulldogs. If your bulldog is hard of hearing, be mindful when approaching from behind to avoid startling them.
You may need to modify your living arrangement to accommodate your senior bulldog's sight issues, such as installing gates or boundaries to prevent falls.
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Personality and Temperament
As we age, our behavior and personality can change in ways both big and small. One aspect of aging that's particularly interesting is how it affects our dogs. Take the Old English Bulldog, for example - this breed is known for its loving and friendly nature.
Old English Bulldogs are incredibly loyal and affectionate, which makes them wonderful companions for people of all ages. They thrive on attention and interaction, and they're often described as " Velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their owners.
One thing to keep in mind when considering an Old English Bulldog as a companion is that they're a bit more sensitive than other breeds. Soft punishment can affect them emotionally, and they don't do well with irregular daily routines or noisy households.
Here are some key personality traits to keep in mind when interacting with an Old English Bulldog:
Overall, Old English Bulldogs are a wonderful breed that make great companions for people of all ages. With their loving and affectionate nature, it's no wonder they're often used as therapy dogs.
Adaptability and Independence
As we age, our pets can undergo significant changes in their behavior. One aspect to consider is their adaptability and independence. Old English Bulldog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
In terms of being left alone, Old English Bulldog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. This suggests that they thrive on companionship and may not be the best fit for owners with long work hours or frequent travel.
If you're considering bringing an Old English Bulldog into your life, it's essential to plan for their social needs. With proper care and attention, they can make wonderful companions for many years to come.
Good With
As we age, our lifestyles and living situations can change, and it's essential to consider how our furry friends will adapt. Old English Bulldogs, in particular, can make wonderful companions for seniors.
Old English Bulldogs are generally pet-friendly dogs, getting along well with other pets, including cats and dogs.
They're also kid-friendly, making them a great choice for families with young children.
However, it's worth noting that they can be stubborn, making them less suitable for first-time owners.
In terms of socialization, Old English Bulldogs are average friendly towards strangers, but they may not be the best fit for an office environment due to their independent nature.
If you're an elderly person looking for a loyal companion, Old English Bulldogs are usually recommended, as they tend to get along well with senior citizens.
Here's a summary of their social temperament:
Grooming and Health
The Old English Bulldog is a relatively healthy breed, but regular grooming and veterinary visits are crucial to prevent health issues. They prefer average to warm weather conditions, which can help minimize skin problems.
To keep your Old English Bulldog looking and feeling fresh, bathe them once a month using a mild dog shampoo, and use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste daily to combat microorganisms in their wrinkles and skin folds.
Regular dental care is also essential, as their small mouths can lead to overcrowding and gum problems. Brushing their teeth 3 times a week can help prevent dental-related health concerns and reduce the risk of infections.
Their average lifespan is 12 years, but with proper care and attention to their health, they can live up to 13 years. Regular veterinary visits, including annual physical check-ups, can help identify potential health issues early on.
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Dental Issues
English Bulldogs are prone to dental issues as they age, so it's essential to keep an eye out for signs like bad breath, visible plaque, or inflamed gums.
Regular dental care can help prevent these issues. Brushing your dog's teeth 3 times a week can keep them healthy and reduce the likelihood of dental-related health concerns.
Their small mouths mean their teeth are squished in too tightly, leading to overcrowding that can cause pain and gum problems.
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Dental neglect can become serious, potentially causing major health issues like liver and kidney damage, and even reducing your pet's life expectancy by 1 to 3 years.
It's not just about aesthetics; dental issues can be costly and scary, like when our older girl needed a canine root canal after one of her front canines broke off while she was chewing on a toy.
Squishface Dog Grooming Tips
Grooming is essential for bulldogs throughout all stages of life. Regular grooming helps maintain their skin health and prevents issues like dryness.
Bathe your bulldog once a month using a mild dog shampoo. This frequency helps avoid drying out their skin.
Use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes daily to keep your bulldog's wrinkles, tail pockets, paws/toes, and face clean. These wipes are created without water or alcohol and have a limited ingredient list.
Squishface Wrinkle Paste is a powerful tool to combat microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungus. It's a great addition to your bulldog's grooming routine.
The Squishface Wrinkle Wipes can be used on various areas of your bulldog's body, including their face, tear stains, and girly dog bits. They're also great for puppy bums!
Regular grooming helps you cherish every moment with your lovable bulldog and create unforgettable memories together.
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Lifespan and Mortality
Old English Bulldogs typically live between 8-12 years, with an average lifespan of 10 years.
Their lifespan is influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and health conditions.
Health issues like hip dysplasia, allergies, and respiratory problems are common in this breed, often leading to premature aging.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these issues, potentially increasing their lifespan.
Proper care and attention can make a big difference in the life expectancy of an Old English Bulldog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 7 year old English bulldog old?
A 7-year-old English Bulldog is considered a senior, marking the beginning of a natural aging process that may affect physical strength and behavior. Learn more about caring for your aging Bulldog's unique needs.
What is the oldest living Olde English bulldog?
Spike, an Olde English bulldog, holds the record for the oldest living dog, certified by Guinness World Records at 23 years and 7 days old. He achieved this milestone on December 7, 2022.
Sources
- Olde English Bulldogge - Price, Temperament, Life span (dogbreedslist.info)
- English Bulldog Nose Butter by The Blissful Dog (amzn.to)
- How Long Do English Bulldogs Live? (thehappypuppysite.com)
- Old English Bulldog Information & Dog Breed Facts (dogell.com)
- How Long Do English Bulldogs Live? (squishface.com)
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