Which lives longer, the French Bulldog or the German Shepherd Dog?

The German Shepherd Dog has the longer median lifespan: French Bulldog 9.8 years versus German Shepherd Dog 11.3 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the French Bulldog or the German Shepherd Dog?

On the Breed Health Score the French Bulldog scores 38/100 and the German Shepherd Dog scores 59/100. The German Shepherd Dog scores higher.

French Bulldog vs German Shepherd Dog

The French Bulldog has a median lifespan of 9.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 38/100 (grade D); the German Shepherd Dog lives a median of 11.3 years with a score of 59/100 (grade C). On the overall index the German Shepherd Dog scores higher. The German Shepherd Dog has the longer median lifespan.

French Bulldog

38grade D

German Shepherd Dog

59grade C

Median lifespan

9.8 yr

11.3 yr

Size

small · 8-14 kg

large · 22-40 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

38D

59C

Conditions

BOAS IVDD Skin fold dermatitis Cherry eye Hemivertebrae

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Degenerative myelopathy Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency GDV (bloat)

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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.