Which lives longer, the French Bulldog or the Golden Retriever?

The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan: French Bulldog 9.8 years versus Golden Retriever 13.2 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the French Bulldog or the Golden Retriever?

On the Breed Health Score the French Bulldog scores 38/100 and the Golden Retriever scores 79/100. The Golden Retriever scores higher.

French Bulldog vs Golden Retriever

The French Bulldog has a median lifespan of 9.8 years and a Breed Health Score of 38/100 (grade D); the Golden Retriever lives a median of 13.2 years with a score of 79/100 (grade A). On the overall index the Golden Retriever scores higher. The Golden Retriever has the longer median lifespan.

French Bulldog

38grade D

Golden Retriever

79grade A

Median lifespan

9.8 yr

13.2 yr

Size

small · 8-14 kg

large · 25-34 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

100

Hereditary burden

Health Score

38D

79A

Conditions

BOAS IVDD Skin fold dermatitis Cherry eye Hemivertebrae

Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Cancer (haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Atopic dermatitis Hypothyroidism

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.