Which lives longer, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the French Bulldog?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has the longer median lifespan: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 11.8 years versus French Bulldog 9.8 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the French Bulldog?

On the Breed Health Score the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores 57/100 and the French Bulldog scores 38/100. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores higher.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs French Bulldog

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a median lifespan of 11.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 57/100 (grade C); the French Bulldog lives a median of 9.8 years with a score of 38/100 (grade D). On the overall index the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel scores higher. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has the longer median lifespan.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

57grade C

French Bulldog

38grade D

Median lifespan

11.8 yr

9.8 yr

Size

small · 5-8 kg

small · 8-14 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

Hereditary burden

Health Score

57C

38D

Conditions

Mitral valve disease Syringomyelia Chiari-like malformation Episodic falling Dry eye

BOAS IVDD Skin fold dermatitis Cherry eye Hemivertebrae

Full profiles

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How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.