Why are bulldogs so big

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Why Is My French Bulldog So Big?

French bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their affectionate personalities, playful nature, and distinct physical features. They are a popular choice among dog owners due to their small size, which makes them perfect for indoor living. However, sometimes French bulldogs can grow to be bigger than usual, leaving their owners wondering: Why is my French bulldog so big? In this article, we will explore six sub-questions that may help clarify the reason behind your French bulldogs size.

What is the average size of a French bulldog?

The average size of a French Bulldog varies, but they typically stand about 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 16 to 28 pounds (7 to 13 kg). However, its important to note that individual French Bulldogs may fall outside of this range depending on their genetics, diet, exercise, and other factors. Additionally, its important to maintain a healthy weight for your French Bulldog, as obesity can lead to health problems.

Can diet contribute to a French bulldogs size?

Yes, diet can contribute to a French bulldogs size. French bulldogs, like all dogs, require a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight and size. Overfeeding a French bulldog can lead to weight gain, which can contribute to obesity and related health problems such as joint issues, breathing problems, and heart disease. Underfeeding, on the other hand, can lead to stunted growth and malnutrition.

Its important to feed your French bulldog a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs and to follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging. Treats should also be given in moderation and should not make up a significant portion of your dogs diet. Additionally, French bulldogs are prone to digestive issues, so its important to avoid giving them table scraps or human food that may be difficult for them to digest.

Can breeding influence a French bulldogs size?

Breeding can definitely influence a French bulldogs size. French bulldogs are a breed that has been selectively bred for specific traits, including their size. Breeders may select for smaller or larger dogs depending on their preferences or goals for the breed.

However, its important to note that breeding for extreme sizes (either very small or very large) can lead to health problems for the dog. French bulldogs are already prone to certain health issues due to their brachycephalic (short-faced) anatomy, so breeding for extreme sizes can exacerbate these issues.

If you are considering getting a French bulldog, its important to find a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs over aesthetics or extreme sizes.

Can health issues cause a French bulldog to be bigger?

There are certain health issues that can cause a French bulldog to become larger than average, but these cases are relatively rare.

One such health issue is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, as well as other symptoms such as lethargy, hair loss, and a dull coat.

Another health issue that can cause a French bulldog to be larger is Cushings disease, which occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, muscle weakness, and a pot-bellied appearance.

However, it is important to note that most French bulldogs who are larger than average are simply genetically predisposed to be that way, and not due to any specific health issue. If you are concerned about your French bulldogs weight or size, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and to develop a plan for maintaining your dogs overall health and well-being.

How does exercise affect a French bulldogs size?

Regular exercise is essential for all dogs, including French bulldogs. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and a larger size. On the other hand, proper exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and size.

Could my French bulldog have mixed breeding?

If your French bulldog is much larger than the average size, it could be due to mixed breeding. French bulldogs may have been bred with larger breeds, such as English bulldogs or Pitbulls, resulting in a larger size. However, mixed breeding can also have negative effects on your dogs health, and it is important to be aware of these risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while French Bulldogs are generally small in size, there can be various factors that lead to a Frenchie being larger than average. Genetics, diet, exercise, and health conditions can all play a role in a French Bulldogs size. It is important for owners to be aware of their Frenchies size and monitor their health to ensure they are not becoming overweight or developing any health issues. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect any potential problems early on. By providing proper care and attention to their French Bulldog, owners can help ensure their furry companion lives a happy and healthy life, regardless of their size.

Why Is My Purebred French Bulldog So Big?

Not many love to raise a big dog. Big dogs take a lot of living space, eat a lot, need more exercise, and might risk stranger to injuries. But, the ultimate reason is living with big dogs inside the house might be difficult especially if the interior isnt so spacious.

Purebred French bulldogs are popular as pets because owners can raise them anywhere; inside a caravan, in an apartment ( which allows pets), a house, and other places where people usually live. People like these furballs because theyre quirky, affectionate, smart, and above all else small.

Though usually small, French bulldogs get big too big for their own good and their owners good sometimes. So why is my purebred french bulldog so big? Lets talk about some of the reasons here.

If you do find your Frenchie on the large size this could be down to genetics, diet or digestion. We do recommend ALLER IMMUNE BITES to help with digestion and overall health.

What Is The Standard Size of Purebred French Bulldogs?

Purebred french bulldogs dont grow larger than 11 or 12 inches. Males weigh 20 28 pounds when fully grown, and females weigh 16 24 pounds.

Allow us to share the characteristics of ideal top-of-the-line purebred french bulldogs, which AKC set :

Head has a square shape and is broader than the shoulders
Eyes dark, faded dark, or gray in color. Also, sit on the frontal part of the skull and 1 2 inches below the forehead and the ears. Eyes must be apart by 2 3 inches
Ears resembles that of a bat. In simpler terms, the ears have a narrow top and broad base. Must not fold or drop even if left untouched.
Muzzle broad and laid back. Doesnt have folds or cause folds which cause problems in eating and breathing
Flews black, broad, and hangs meeting with the lower lip to cover the teeth
Body Short and robust. The neck is well arched, thick, and laid back. The belly is slightly bulging. Chest and shoulders broad but not broader than the head.

Watch out for the above characteristics when buying or adopting a French bulldog. Also, remember that this breed doesnt reach 30 pounds when in healthy condition. Lets cut to the chase and discuss why your french bulldog is big.

High-Calorie Diet

No matter which breed, obesity makes dogs gain weight and in effect, bulk up. Of course, nothing is more notorious at causing obesity than a high-calorie diet comprising of treats like bacon, eggs, fries, sausages, sweet treats like cookies and biscuits, milk, and tripe.

If your french bulldog unusually bulked up all of a sudden and gained an additional 10 or 15 pounds within a month, think about the meals that you provided recently and see if they make use of foods high in calories.

Obesity is very problematic if its what makes your purebred french furbaby very big. Diabetes, hip dysplasia, skin disease, constipation, hypertension, overheating, degeneration of joints, and urinary bladder stones are some of the health problems that it might have to face.

Foods That Help French Bulldogs Lose Weight

Give 10 slices of baby carrots, which you have boiled to perfection. Baby carrots contain a lot of fiber. With it as part of the diet, your french bulldog can satiate its hunger quickly even it doesnt eat too much. Dont worry, baby carrots are sweet and savory, so your french bulldog wont have trouble eating it.

Green beans are as great as baby carrots. You can give them as doggie treats in place of crackers, which are often full of sugars and eventually cause weight gain. Though good for weight loss, remember that you shouldnt rely on green beans alone as it lacks some essential nutrients for dogs.

Dogs cant leave on veggies alone. Meats are part of the diet too. Options that reduce the weight and size of your purebred french bulldog are tuna, livestock muscle meats, and livestock organ meats.

Your French Bulldog Isnt Purebred (Ouch)

Theres only one in a million chance for a purebred french bulldog to be bigger than usual. So, the big french bulldog might not be purebred if its unusually big than its peers. Please dont get angry at us, bark on the breeder where you bought it instead.

Many breeders tell clients that a particular dog is purebred even though it isnt. This is a modus that many had fallen to before. In the case of french bulldogs and other dogs breeds, the only way to know if its purebred or not is to research how purebred dogs should look like. If not, then thats money down the drain.

If you dont want breeders to foo you next time into buying an alleged purebred french bulldog next time, here are some things that you can do:

ask for papers showing the pedigree or lineage of the french bulldog in the last 5 years.
only buy from AKC or Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certified dog breeders.

Your Purebred French Bulldog Is Born To Be Big

Earlier, we said that there is only one in a million chance for a purebred french bulldog to be unusually big. The case is, your french bulldog might be that one in a million. Simply put, its genes might have anomalies. With that said, being big is your french bulldogs innate characteristic and theres nothing left to do about it.

Puppies Are Coming

Is your french bulldog a female and is it pregnant? During pregnancy, french bulldogs gain 15% 20% more weight. Therefore, if your french bulldog is expecting puppies, it becoming big is perfectly fine.

Conclusion

Purebred French bulldogs arent big. However, if the one that youre owning right now suddenly bulks up, the first thing to do is adjust its diet.

Assume that your french bulldog is a mongrel if dieting doesnt work. If youre sure that its purebred, then genetic anomalies are another probable assumption.

Why Are My French Bulldogs Nipples So Big?

You need not worry if you notice your Frenchie has large nipples than usual. Although it is more common in female Frenchie, your male Frenchie may sometimes have this experience. so Why Are My French Bulldogs Nipples So Big?

Female Frenchies usually have this phase where their nipples become enlarged because of their heat cycle, they may be having puppies, or it can even be an allergic reaction to something they ate or something they chew on inside the house.

They may even have allergies to the grass outside your home, causing their skin or abdominal area to flare. In particular, the nipples.

But it is always ideal to have some knowledge of why this happens, so youll know when you have to be suspicious and get your Frenchie checked by the vet.

First few days before and after your Frenchies heat cycle

Assuming that your dog is not spayed, it is just normal for her to have her heat cycle, and you will see some indications that your dog is also ready to get pregnant and eventually have puppies.

One physical change you will notice includes swollen nipples. This you will see before and after the heat cycle. Some dogs will have their nipples, returning to normal after their heat cycle, but some have enlarged nipples for a longer period.

Having enlarged nipples in the dog after her heat cycle is not a sign that she is pregnant, it may just be taking some time before her body adjusts to the changes in her body. However, if you notice something else with your dog and she seems sleeping most of the time, and her belly is getting rounder than usual, it may not be the extra snack youve given her, after all.

Swollen nipples when your Frenchie is pregnant

When your Frenchie suddenly becomes pregnant, and you havent seen her having her heat cycle, it must be a silent heat, in dogs. You may have noticed your female Frenchie getting chummy with your other male Frenchie.

But since there are no indications of your female dog having her heat cycle, and since you leave them alone most of the time, this must be the reason your female dog is now pregnant, and her nipples are showing all the signs.

There is also a false pregnancy (Pseudopregnancy or pseudocyesis) in French bulldogs, were signs of being pregnant manifest after her heat cycle. This happens to intact dogs and will suddenly show signs between six to eight weeks after their heat phase and can last for 2 to 3 weeks.

Your dog will manifest loss of appetite, lethargy, behavioral changes such as depression, swollen belly, and enlarged nipples.

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Swollen nipples because of bumps and impacts while playing.

Lets face it, this is a possibility in Frenchies because of their giddiness and bouncy character. They love to jump and chase one another to the point of getting some bumps and hits to their body.

They can get off-balance and become too uncontrollable, and this may cause some injury or accident, including impact on the abdominal area where the nipples are located.

If you are suspecting this, you should inspect the area if there is any redness or presence of a wound.

Mammary gland infection in dogs

The mammary glands in dogs can get inflamed, and we also know this as mastitis. A bacterial infection is causing the nipples and the area around the nipples to swell.

There are various reasons this happens, such as inflammation caused by puppies (for the new dam) tugging on the nipples causing it to get irritated, itch, swell and get infected.

The nipples do not only swell, but it has pus discharge, and you will notice your Frenchie scratching and licking the infected part often.

Mastitis can be brought about by trauma, or even a dirty environment where your Frenchie frequent, can be the culprit.

Bacteria can enter the mammary gland of your Frenchie, and you should know the signs so you can help your Frenchie as early as possible.

Swollen nipples because of allergy

If we are to list the things that can be a cause of vet admission for your Frenchie, we will read that list for hours. One reason for vet admission is allergy.

Allergies are another reason for swollen nipples in your dog. It can be allergies from cleaning products that have harsh chemicals, the food that they eat, fleas and ticks, dust mites, mold spores, and even some medication.

It is also not impossible for your Frenchie to have an allergy to the new dog bed you purchased, and this may cause contact dermatitis. Some materials may cause their allergy flare, which drives them to itch and bite their nipples. You will also see them rubbing that part of their anatomy on the furniture, appliances, and rugs.

The more itching and scratching they do can lead to bleeding nipples, and this is a problem that you need to solve immediately. You can have them checked by the vet, so allergy meds will be provided, and some changes to the diet will be advised.

It is not wise to just wait out till the allergy disappears cause more often than not, the dogs symptoms get severe.

Serious health conditions such as tumors or cysts

If you have ruled out everything that is written here, this is the next clue that you need to confirm. Lumps appearing on your Frenchies nipples may tell you something, and it needs immediate check-up by the vet.

However, there is a big chance that lumps appearing on your dogs nipples may be benign and may not be something that you should cry about, but then again, it is best to rule out these issues.

Mammary tumors also commonly appear in dogs who are obese and those that are not spayed. When tumors are confirmed, the next step that your vet will advise is to have these tumors removed. It is not just one nipple they will remove, but most of the nipples depending on the scale of the tumor growth.

The above occurrence applies not only to female Frenchies, but male Frenchie also has issues of nipple enlargement. You dont have to worry though, cause it is not because they are pregnant, so get that off your lists. Let us focus on some possibilities of why their nipples swell and become enlarged.

There is Hair Loss

You may not be aware that your Frenchies nipples may appear bigger, especially if you have them groomed and get that part of their anatomy more visible, if they dont have lots of hair in that area, their nipples will appear larger. Hair loss can contribute to the appearance of larger nipples in your Frenchie.

Underlying health issues

Just like in female Frenchies, males can also have cancer, cysts, and tumors in the nipple area. You will notice the symptoms of reddening, palpation of lumps, and mass that you need to get checked by the vet. Your male Frenchie will start licking and scratching the nipple area. Pain, nipple discoloration, and pus discharge are not uncommon.

Wounds and Injuries to the nipple area

If your female Frenchies will run wild, at times, and seems to run in circles like crazy with the gang, imagine how a male Frenchie gets too happy and may get into an accident with his other dog companions. Frenchies get too excited, and they can sometimes get injured in the nipple area.

You will easily catch some changes in your Frenchie if they suddenly become lethargic, and when you pet them, they will get wary when you touch that area. Immediately inspect if there is any presence of wounds.

Nipple inflammation and infection

Mastitis can also happen in male dogs and not just in female dogs who are nursing their pups. Same symptoms may occur, such as swollen nipples, pain, inflammation, plus the development of sores is not unlikely.

Your male dog will also show signs of lethargy and may not have an appetite for food and will not be interested to do his daily activities.

Once you have your Frenchie checked by his vet, he will begin his treatment and will be required to take antibiotics. The most common strain of bacteria that infects the breast and causes swollen glands in dogs is the Staph bacteria, but there are many dog medicine that can easily overcome this problem.

Observation is the key as well when you suspect any issues with your dog. Another thing that will help you gauge for anything wrong with your Frenchie is by petting them, plus rubbing their back and tummy (this is their favorite part of the day).

If your male dog or your female dog suddenly loses interest in their daily pursuits and when they dont have time to chew on that tasty treat, something must be up.

If they suddenly growl when another dog gets near them, and they want to be left alone, it is time for you to worry as this may not be just a normal occurrence but something more serious.

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