Is My Bulldog Overweight Or Obese?

Are Bulldogs Supposed To Be Fat?

English Bulldogs are a thick, solid breed. There is no question they are supposed to be heavy and dense. However, that does not mean they cannot get overweight. And being overweight comes with a host of health problems such as joint issues and heart problems. Being overly heavy can shorten the lifespan of your Bulldog, and no one wants that. Not sure how to tell if yours is packing some extra pounds? The following are 3 signs your English Bulldog is overweight.

 

#1 – No Definition

As mentioned above, English Bulldogs are definitely a square, thick breed. However, they should still have definition. Along with a big chest and rib cage, they should slim down a bit at their waist, where their hips are. If your English Bulldog has no waist whatsoever and you can’t feel those ribs at all, he is carrying around a couple extra pounds. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a great, easy to follow guide for checking this.

#2 – Unable To Reach That Itch

Does your Bulldog try to scratch his ear and just can’t reach? Or maybe he has no chance of biting himself. Again, you have to take their body shape into consideration, but even English Bulldogs should be able to groom themselves. If they are overly round, grooming is impossible. If that’s the case with your Bully, it’s time to diet.

#3 – Trouble Breathing

Just because your English Bulldog is a brachycephalic dog breed does not mean he should always have trouble breathing. Shortness of breath and being easily worn out can be a sign that your Bulldog is overweight. For example, if your Bulldog stops moving or starts to pant heavily after just walking a block, he may be overweight and out of shape. Consult your vet about a new diet and exercise regimen to get him healthier.

 

Frequently Ask Questions

More than half of American dogs are overweight or obese, and bulldogs are likely to be part of this trend. Brachycephalic dogs, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with obesity, as it can lead to trouble breathing. To protect your bulldog, here are some things to keep in mind if your bulldog is overweight or developing extra skin folds.

Is My English Bulldog Fat?

 A fully grown male Bulldog typically weighs around 50 pounds, while a female weighs about 40. This is a robust and powerful breed despite their short stature of between 14 to 15 inches. You can use these as a starting point for your dog’s weight goals. Genetics, body type, and stature all have a role in the acceptable weight range. 

Bulldogs are built to be heavy and stocky, with a general shape somewhere between a round and a square. Because of this, it might be hard to tell if your bulldog is healthy or not. No matter the breed, your dog’s waist should be narrower than its hips. If your bulldog has the proportions of a sausage, he is overweight. 

Extra fat accumulates in rolls on a bulldog’s body. You may notice that your pet is less inclined to scratch or lick certain portions of his body if he has accumulated a lot of fat there. It is possible that your bulldog cannot use his back paws, or any paws, to scratch his ear. He can also have trouble scratching himself in places where he usually uses his teeth. Bulldogs, as a breed, are notoriously loud breathers, and the more they weigh, the more his airways become droopy and constricted.

English Bulldog Weight & Size Chart By Age 

All of the measurements and weights in the table below are approximations, as every dog has different factors. You do not need to panic if your bulldog falls just outside or in between these ranges.

Age	Weight
1 month	4 – 7 lbs
2 months	9 – 12 lbs
3 months	13 – 18 lbs
4 months	18 – 24 lbs
5 months	30 – 33 lbs
6 months	33 – 37 lbs
7 months	38 – 42 lbs
8 months	42 – 45 lbs
9 months	43 – 47 lbs
10 months	45 – 48 lbs
11 months	46 – 49 lbs
1 year	51 – 55 lbs
1.5 years old	51 – 55 lbs
2 years	51 – 55 lbs

Female English Bulldog Weight & Size Chart By Age

Age	Weight
1 month	3 – 6 lbs
2 months	7 – 10 lbs
3 months	12 – 15 lbs
4 months	18 – 22 lbs
5 months	22 – 25 lbs
6 months	26 – 30 lbs
7 months	30 – 33 lbs
8 months	33 – 36 lbs
9 months	35 – 37 lbs
10 months	35 – 38 lbs
11 months	37 – 40 lbs
1 year	40 – 44 lbs
1.5 years old	40 – 44 lbs
2 years	40 – 44 lbs

How Much Does The Average English Bulldog Weigh?

Each English bulldog will be unique in its final size, but you may get a general idea by looking at the growth and weight chart. At two years of age, your bulldog is likely completely developed. They may be gaining too much weight; thus, it is important to discuss this with your vet. 

Estimate the size of your bulldog by looking at his paws. Consider the proportion of your English Bulldog’s paws to the rest of its body. Do their paws seem disproportionately large? This is a common trait among puppies and could mean that they have some more growing to do. 

Finally, if you got your bulldog from a breeder, you should ask them how big they usually get. Your breeder should be able to offer you a more accurate estimate of your bulldog’s expected mature size based on information about the size of the dog’s parents and their prior litters. Generally speaking, a dog will not get much bigger than his or her parents, so that should give you a good sense of how big he or she will get as an adult.

What Is The Ideal Healthy Weight For A English Bulldog?

The average height of an English bulldog remains approximately around 16 inches. The female weighs approximately 23 kilograms or about 50 pounds, whereas the male weighs approximately 24 kilograms or 52 pounds.

How Can I Help My Overweight English Bulldog?

Bulldogs are well known for their voracious appetites, and they may be rather greedy when it comes to food. On the other side, Bulldogs are not typically known for their enthusiasm toward physical activity. The primary contributor to obesity in Bulldogs is a combination of factors, the most important of which is an inadequate amount of physical activity. They also acquire weight because of the high-calorie food they eat and the frequent treats they devour. 

When a Bulldog is overweight, it can be challenging to get them to reduce weight. Because of their body construction, strenuous or prolonged exercise does not work for this breed. However, the following are some things that you may do to assist your overweight bulldog in becoming more fit. 

Keep tabs on their weight, targeting their goal weight based on age and gender. From there alter their diet to better suit their caloric needs. You should look for dog food that is good in quality but low in calories for your pet. Instead of providing your Bulldog two large meals each day, you might consider feeding him several smaller meals throughout the day. 

Next, pick healthy treats for our pets, such as fruits and vegetables. Opt for wet food instead of kibble, as it’s fewer carbs and more protein while also adding hydration as well. Additionally, take your dog for long slow walks during cool hours to help them exercise without causing them problems. 

Determine whether or not your dog has hypothyroidism as well as any other possible health problems. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a dog’s thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient amounts of the hormone thyroxine. Talk to your veterinarian, as this can cause excessive weight and other health complications. Your vet can also determine if any other factors are harming your bulldog’s weight. 

How Much Should A English Bulldog Eat A Day?

Due to the fact that Bulldogs are quite muscular despite their inactivity, it is imperative that they consume high-quality animal proteins in order to maintain good health. Again, kibble often focuses on carbohydrates and often with many unhealthy fillers. Look for high-quality wet food that can nourish and hydrate your dog. 

Bulldogs that are less active and energetic as adults should consume approximately 1,300 to 1,400 calories per day. Young adults that are active should consume approximately 1,500 calories of premium dog food each day. Start by following the feeding guidelines that are provided on the bag of kibble, and then make any necessary adjustments from there based on your vet’s recommendations. 

To summarize, a good starting point for feeding a bulldog is approximately three to four cups of high-quality kibble each day, which should be divided into two meals. The amount that you feed your dog might go up or decrease depending on their size, weight, age, and how active they are on a daily basis in general. If you offer your dog a hyper-charged, calorie-packed, grain-free kibble or wet food, you will be able to reduce the amount of food you give them.

Are English Bulldogs Prone To Obesity?

Bulldogs do tend to put on too much weight as they have a hard time exercising. Other dogs such as dachshunds, Labrador retrievers, boxers, Basset Hounds, and pugs are just some of the other dog breeds that tend to put on extra pounds. Brachycephalic dogs, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with obesity. Sadly, bulldogs tend to put on weight quickly. 

Even worse, once a bulldog has gained weight, it is quite hard to get rid of it. 

Because of their weak physical structure, Bulldogs cannot play sports or engage in other physically demanding activities. The main cause of obesity in Bulldogs is the imbalance between the amount they consume and the amount of exercise they get.

How Do I Know If My English Bulldog Is Too Fat?

If you are unable to feel his ribs or locate a waistline narrower than his hips, then your bulldog likely has an unhealthy amount of body fat. Also, if he easily becomes winded, snorts more, or has trouble breathing, these could be indications that he needs to reduce his weight. Talk to your veterinarian to ensure there are no health concerns causing issues.