If you’re a French Bulldog owner, you might have noticed that your purebred French Bulldog is bigger than expected. While French Bulldogs are small breeds, some of them can grow much larger than average. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your purebred French Bulldog may be larger than other French Bulldogs and what you can do to keep your Frenchie healthy.
What Is The Standard Size of Purebred French Bulldogs?
The standard size of purebred French Bulldogs is relatively small compared to other dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, French Bulldogs should weigh between 16 and 28 pounds (7.2 to 12.7 kg) and stand between 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 cm) tall at the shoulder. However, some French Bulldogs may fall outside of this size range due to genetics, breeding practices, or other factors. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about your Frenchie’s size to ensure that they are healthy and in good shape.
Why Is My Purebred French Bulldog So Big?
Genetics
The genetics of your purebred French Bulldog plays a significant role in determining its size. Breeding practices and hereditary factors can contribute to variations in size within the breed.
Breeding practices
Some breeders breed French Bulldogs with other breeds to create a larger-sized dog that can be sold at a higher price. This practice is known as “designer breeding” and can lead to the production of larger French Bulldogs. However, designer breeding can also lead to health problems, so it’s essential to research your breeder carefully before purchasing a purebred French Bulldog.
Hereditary factors
Like humans, dogs inherit genes from their parents that determine their physical traits, including size. If both parents of a French Bulldog are large, their offspring are likely to be large as well. Conversely, if both parents are small, their offspring will likely be small.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another essential factor that can contribute to the size of your purebred French Bulldog.
Overfeeding
Overfeeding your French Bulldog can lead to obesity and make them larger than average. If your Frenchie is overweight, it can lead to health problems, including joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
Diet quality
The quality of your Frenchie’s diet can also affect their size. Feeding your dog a diet that is high in fat and calories can contribute to their growth and make them larger than average.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for your French Bulldog’s health and well-being. However, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity can contribute to their size.
Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and make your Frenchie larger than average. It’s essential to ensure that your Frenchie gets enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Lack of physical activity
A lack of physical activity can also contribute to your Frenchie’s size. If your Frenchie spends most of its time indoors and doesn’t get enough exercise, it can lead to weight gain.
Health issues
Certain health issues can contribute to your Frenchie’s size.
Hormonal imbalance
A hormonal imbalance can lead to weight gain and make your Frenchie larger than average. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and diet.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid problems can also contribute to your Frenchie’s size. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, can lead to weight gain.
FAQs
Is it normal for French Bulldogs to be larger than average?
While French Bulldogs are generally small breeds, some individuals may grow larger than others. However, if your Frenchie is significantly larger than average, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that there are no underlying health issues.
Can overfeeding cause my Frenchie to be larger than average?
Yes, overfeeding your Frenchie can lead to weight gain and make them larger than average. It’s essential to ensure that your Frenchie maintains a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Are there any health issues that can contribute to my Frenchie’s size?
Yes, hormonal imbalances and thyroid problems can lead to weight gain and make your Frenchie larger than average. If you’re concerned about your Frenchie’s size, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Can designer breeding lead to larger-sized French Bulldogs?
Yes, some breeders breed French Bulldogs with other breeds to create larger-sized dogs that can be sold at a higher price. However, designer breeding can also lead to health problems, so it’s essential to research your breeder carefully before purchasing a purebred French Bulldog.
How can I ensure that my Frenchie maintains a healthy weight?
You can ensure that your Frenchie maintains a healthy weight by feeding them a balanced diet and ensuring that they get enough exercise. It’s also essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your Frenchie is in good health.
Your French Bulldog Isn’t… Purebred
If you’ve been told that your French Bulldog isn’t purebred, it can be a surprising and disappointing revelation. However, it’s essential to understand what this means for your Frenchie.
A purebred French Bulldog is a dog that has been bred from two purebred French Bulldogs, and its pedigree can be traced back several generations. The American Kennel Club (AKC) maintains breed standards for purebred French Bulldogs, which includes specific physical characteristics, temperament, and other traits.
If your Frenchie is not purebred, it means that they don’t meet the standards set by the AKC for a purebred French Bulldog. They may have been bred from French Bulldogs and other breeds, or they may have unknown ancestry. This can impact their physical characteristics, temperament, and health.
Your Purebred French Bulldog Is Born To Be Big
While the standard size for purebred French Bulldogs is relatively small compared to other breeds, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to be larger than average. Genetics plays a significant role in determining a French Bulldog’s size, and some Frenchie puppies are born to be big.
If both parents of a French Bulldog are larger than average, their offspring are more likely to be larger as well. Breeding practices can also impact a Frenchie’s size, as some breeders may intentionally breed larger dogs to create bigger puppies that can be sold for a higher price.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your Frenchie’s size is not due to health issues. Hormonal imbalances and thyroid problems can lead to weight gain and make your Frenchie larger than average. If you’re concerned about your Frenchie’s size, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
It’s also crucial to ensure that your Frenchie maintains a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Overfeeding and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and make your Frenchie larger than average, which can lead to health problems, including joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
While some purebred French Bulldogs may be born to be big due to genetics or breeding practices, it’s essential to ensure that their size is not due to underlying health issues. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial for your Frenchie’s health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several factors can contribute to why your purebred French Bulldog is bigger than expected. Genetics, nutrition, exercise, and health issues can all play a role. It’s essential to ensure that your Frenchie is healthy and maintains a healthy weight. Regular exercise and a balanced
It’s essential to ensure that your Frenchie is healthy and maintains a healthy weight. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your Frenchie in good shape. If you’re concerned about your Frenchie’s size, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
