Although French Bulldogs are considered smaller dogs, appearing underweight might indicate a more significant problem. Low weights in Frenchies can suggest the presence of a parasite or a more severe illness, such as renal or gastrointestinal disorder. Of course, there are various other reasons why your French bulldog may appear small, including breeding factors and more.
Continue reading to learn more about why your French bulldog is so small, what the causes are, and when you should be concerned about their size.
If you are worried about your Frenchies size we do recommend adding more protein to their diet. A good addition is Pedigree High Protein.
How Big Can French Bulldogs Get?
The French bulldog is a considered a smaller dog breed. Frenchie’s were initially created in the 1800s in England when breeders attempted to develop a small Bulldog by crossing English Bulldogs with local ratter dogs. Male Frenchies tend to weigh somewhat more than the females of the species, yet a pup’s adult size is influenced by genetics, body form, and lifestyle.
What Should a Male French Bulldog’s Optimal Weight Be?
A fully grown male French bulldog should weigh approximately 20-28 lbs and stand tall at 12 inches. They are somewhat larger than females.
What is Considered the Ideal Weight of a Female Frenchies?
Female French Bulldogs should weigh 18- 26 lbs and be approximately 12 inches tall. However, the appropriate weight for both female and male Frenchies is determined by a variety of different factors. Genetics and physical form are two examples of these factors.
Are Frenchies Available in Different Sizes?
Mini and Teacup are two more French bulldog breeds significantly smaller than the standard French bulldog. The runts of a few separate litters are bred together to make these smaller variants of Frenchies.
Since they don’t fulfil the conventional breed standard, the Mini or Micro and Teacup French Bulldogs are not officially recognized by associations like the Canadian or American Kennel Club.
The authenticity of these two breeds has been a source of great debate. According to several expert French Bulldog breeders, there are no Mini or Teacup French Bulldogs. They say they are merely standard French Bulldogs bred down to that size. Other breeders who breed, rear, and sell these little dogs, on the other hand, argue that these smaller French bulldog breeds are not only rare but also treasured.
When does a Frenchie Reach Full-Size Maturity?
Between the ages of eight and twelve months, a French Bulldog puppy will attain its full height and weight. French bulldogs will continue to gradually fill up between the ages of nine and fifteen months. French bulldogs are considered completely grown between the ages of 12 and 14 months. However, these puppies can continue to gain muscle until they are nearly two-years-old.
What is the Ideal Size for a 6-Month-Old Frenchie?
At six months of age, a male Frenchie should weigh approximately 17- 22 pounds. Where as a six-month-old female Frenchie should weigh 13 to 20 pounds and reach 7 to 9 inches tall on average.
Is it Possible for French Bulldogs to be Small and Skinny?
A Frenchie can’t be too tiny or too obese in most cases. Weight problems indicate they’ll have many more problems in the future. A Frenchie can be more susceptible to illnesses and immune difficulties if underweight.
As a result, the lifespan and health of your Frenchie may be limited. An 8-week-old Frenchie should weigh between 2.5- 3.0 kilograms. However, if your dog is active, this weight range may be lowered. Check your dog’s weight once a month with a dog scale. Keep a record of your weight and age on a page before each vet visit.
What are the Signs that My French Bulldog is Underweight?
Most French Bulldog owners are concerned about their dogs being overweight, but you should also make sure they are not underweight. Take a close look at your dog’s rib cage. You should be able to feel each rib individually but not be able to see them all at once.
It’s crucial to note that pups may be skinnier than adults due to their increased activity. If your French bulldog is underweight, it might be an indication of something more serious. They might have parasites or suffer from significant illnesses such as renal or gastrointestinal disorders.
However, there are a multitude of other reasons why your French bulldog may be underweight. If you are concerned, get medical advice from your veterinarian.
Is Your Frenchie Lethargic?
Frenchies are renowned for being lively and playful dogs, but if you see them behaving lethargic or indolent more frequently than usual, they may be underweight or malnourished.
Is there Visibility of Your French Bulldog’s Rib Cage?
It must be a worrying scenario for you if your Frenchie loses 10% of his body fat all of a sudden. This is related to the fact that weight problems are uncommon among French people. The most obvious sign is if your dog’s rib cage is exposed beneath the skin.
What Could Be Causing My Frenchie to be So Small?
Health issues at the root of your Frenchie being underweight might indicate an underlying ailment, especially if the weight loss is abrupt. Weight loss in dogs can be caused by various health concerns, ranging from dental pain to gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe disorders, including diabetes, thyroid disease, and cancer.
Don’t Stress, Your French Bulldog May be Going Through a Growth Spurt
In around nine months, your small little Frenchie will be an adult. A French bulldog’s weight will fluctuate over time, as can the growth rate, known as a growth spurt. If your French bulldog eats well and keeps active, all you have to worry about is their food and, of course, veterinarian exams as needed.
Is Your Frenchie Experiencing Diarrhea?
Frenchies are prone to stomach issues, so keeping an eye on their nutrition is essential. Parasites, viruses, or E. coli, which Frenchies are extremely vulnerable to, can cause frequent bouts of diarrhea.
If your Frenchie’s feces are wet, runny, or tarry, smell awful or have blood in them, pay attention. All of these more severe symptoms point to a potential significant digestive issue. Other warning indications include your dog losing weight, losing appetite, vomiting, or developing a fever.
Worms Might Be Infesting Your French Bulldog
Examining your dog’s stool is a simple technique to see if it has worms in its intestines. If your dog has white, yellow, or off-white worms, you should have your dog dewormed by a veterinarian.
The vet will first weigh your French bulldog and then provide the deworming medication according to that weight. Under-wormed Frenchies frequently vomit, lose weight, have a large stomach, appear melancholy, cough, and bleed. Any delay in deworming your dog might be deadly, escalating the problem.
Is My French Bulldog Being Small Necessarily a Bad Thing?
Remember that having a smaller Frenchie isn’t necessarily a negative thing. Sometimes you just have a dog that is unusually small for the breed. If both of your Frenchie’s parents were little, your puppy would most likely be as well.
If your French bulldog appears to be relatively tiny, you should investigate whether your dog belongs to one of the smaller French bulldog breeds. If not, your veterinarian will be able to certify your puppy’s health.
Conclusion
So just a recap on why my french bulldog is so small can come down to many factors, Genetics, diet, too much exercise, and health. If you do find yourself concerned or you notice a change in weight then book in to see your vet as soon as possible.
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Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API