English Bulldogs are adorable, but they can be a bit tricky to raise. They are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake.
At birth, English Bulldogs are tiny, weighing around 1-2 pounds and measuring about 4-6 inches long. Their eyes and nose are closed, and they rely on their mother's milk for nourishment.
Between 4-6 weeks, English Bulldogs start to open their eyes and ears, and their nose begins to take shape. Their weight increases to around 4-6 pounds, and they start to look more like little bulldogs.
By 8 weeks, English Bulldogs are almost fully grown, but they still need time to develop their adult features. Their weight can range from 10-14 pounds, and they start to look like the adorable adult bulldogs we know and love.
Worth a look: English Bulldog Original Look
English Bulldog Growth Stages
English Bulldogs grow at a pretty steady pace, with a growth sprint between four and nine months.
Your pet's exact size depends on their genetics and diet, exercise, and health.
Most English Bulldogs reach full height by the time they're one year old, though it may still take several more months to reach their full weight.
0-4 Weeks
At 0-4 weeks, your English Bulldog puppy is completely dependent on its mother for everything, including food, warmth, and protection. They'll spend most of their time sleeping.
Their ears will start to fold, and their eyes will begin to open, but they'll still be quite sensitive to light.
Their weight will increase rapidly, with most puppies doubling their birth weight by the end of this period.
Their first teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, will start to erupt, causing some discomfort and fussiness.
Their mother will help them learn essential social skills like biting, chewing, and vocalizing.
Curious to learn more? Check out: English Bulldog Teeth
6-12 Months
Between 6-12 months, your English Bulldog will continue to grow at a steady pace. They may experience a growth sprint between four and nine months, where they'll make significant progress in height and weight.
Most English Bulldogs reach their full height by the time they're one year old. This is a big milestone, and you'll notice a significant difference in their appearance.
Keep in mind that every dog is different, and their growth rate will vary. Some may grow faster or slower than others, but with proper care and nutrition, they'll reach their full potential.
Explore further: English Bulldog Weight by Age
Factors Affecting Growth
Your English Bulldog's growth is influenced by several factors, and understanding them can help you better grasp the development process.
Genetics play a massive part in how big your dog will get, so it's always a good idea to meet the parent dogs before purchasing a puppy to get an idea of how big your puppy will be.
Physical activity is another factor that affects your English Bulldog's growth, and it's essential to provide your dog with regular exercise to ensure they grow at a healthy pace.
Feeding habits also impact your dog's growth, and providing a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial to ensure they reach their full potential.
If your dog seems to be putting on too much weight too quickly, you may consider taking them to the vet to rule out common health problems such as hypothyroidism, leading to excessive weight gain.
Each dog is different, and you may notice a difference between your dog and the average sizes mentioned, which could be due to various factors such as genetics, physical activity, and feeding habits.
If this caught your attention, see: Old English Bulldog Feeding Chart
Your English Bulldog grows at a pretty steady pace, with a growth sprint between four and nine months, but this can vary depending on individual factors.
Most English Bulldogs reach full height by the time they are one year old, although it may still take several more months to reach their full weight.
Growth Timeline
Your English Bulldog's growth is a fascinating process, and understanding their development milestones can be super helpful. Here's a general outline of their growth timeline.
In the first six months, your English Bulldog will experience the most growth, and by the time they reach six months, they'll be about 75% grown.
Between four and nine months, your English Bulldog may have a growth sprint, but every dog is different. This is a crucial period, and their growth rate may slow down after this.
Most English Bulldogs will stop growing by the time they turn one year old, but they may continue to fill out in their chest and add on some weight until they're about two years old.
For your interest: First Time English Bulldog Owner
Their physical growth stops between twelve and eighteen months, with most reaching their adult height around twelve months. However, they may still gain weight until they're two years old.
To estimate your English Bulldog's full size, you can use the growth and weight chart, but keep in mind that every dog is unique, and their genetics, diet, exercise, and health will influence their final size.
By the time your English Bulldog is one year old, they'll likely have reached their full height, but it may still take several more months for them to reach their full weight.
If you purchased your English Bulldog through a breeder, don't hesitate to reach out to them for more information about your puppy's expected weight and height.
Health and Wellness
English Bulldogs require regular at-home baths to prevent infections under their skin folds.
A healthy diet and exercise are essential to maintain a healthy weight, as 55.8% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese, leading to weight-related disorders like type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Consider reading: Healthy English Bulldog
Their brachycephalic syndrome can lead to difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, heatstroke, and difficulty exercising due to their breathing restrictions.
Regular veterinary appointments are crucial to keep your English Bulldog healthy and happy, and can help screen for common health problems like skin infections, hip and knee problems.
Veterinarian treatments for health issues can be pricey, but pet insurance can reimburse up to 90% of your veterinary bills over a pet's lifetime.
See what others are reading: English Bulldog Pet Insurance
Physical Health
English Bulldogs can be prone to putting on excess weight, which is detrimental to their health. This is especially concerning as the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 55.8% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese.
Regular veterinary appointments are essential to keep your English Bulldog healthy and happy. Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice, screen for common health problems, and help prevent issues like skin infections and hip and knee problems.
Brachycephalic syndrome affects English Bulldogs, causing difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, heatstroke, and difficulty exercising. This can make weight loss even more challenging, so it's crucial to work with your veterinarian to find safe exercise options.
A healthy diet and controlled food intake are vital for maintaining a healthy weight. Feeding a high-quality kibble that provides a well-balanced diet, including high-quality meats, fiber, carbohydrates, healthy omega fats, vitamins, and minerals, is essential.
English Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia, with an incidence rate of 85% in recent research. This is a significant concern, and regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential issues early on.
Injury and poor health can also impact an English Bulldog's growth, so it's essential to ensure your puppy is healthy and not overexerting themselves. Always provide plenty of space for your dog to play and avoid accidents.
Discover more: Healthiest Bulldog Breed
Neutering and Spaying
Most dogs should be spayed or neutered around 4 to 6 months, but Bulldogs tend to mature a little slower, so it's best to wait until they're about six months old.
Bulldogs reach sexual maturity between five to six months, which is why male bulldogs should be neutered between seven to ten months. This timing can also affect their growth.
Spaying a female bulldog at about six months will allow her to tolerate the anesthesia better, and it's recommended to do so before her first heat cycle, occurring between six to seven months of age.
Male Bulldogs who are neutered before they reach puberty can grow larger than those neutered after puberty, since neutered dogs have less testosterone which is needed to seal the growth plate.
Each Bulldog is different, so it's essential to ask your veterinarian when the best time will be to spay or neuter your dog.
Grow Size Prediction
As your English Bulldog grows, it's essential to track their progress and ensure they're on the right path. According to the growth chart, a 1-month-old English Bulldog weighs between 3-7 pounds for females and 4-7 pounds for males.
At 2 months, they'll weigh between 7-10 pounds for females and 9-12 pounds for males. By 3 months, they'll reach 12-15 pounds for females and 13-18 pounds for males.
Here's a breakdown of the average weights for English Bulldogs at different ages:
By 6 months, your English Bulldog should be around 75% of their adult height, with males reaching 10-13 inches tall and females reaching 9-11 inches tall. Keep in mind that each dog is unique, and their growth may vary slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does an English Bulldog head stop growing?
English Bulldogs typically reach full-grown size between 12 to 18 months, but the exact timing may vary due to individual factors. Their growth slows down significantly after this period, but the exact age when their growth stops is not specified.
Sources
- English Bulldogs (anybulldog.com)
- Bulldog Club of America Bulldog Standards (bulldogclubofamerica.org)
- Reddit (reddit.com)
- Facebook (facebook.com)
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- English Bulldog Growth and Weight Chart (Male & Female) (k9web.com)
- bulldogtoday (bulldogtoday.blogspot.com)
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