A French bulldog who weighs a whopping 22kg could be the biggest of his breed in the world.
Diaz, otherwise known as Daddy Diaz, already claims to be the “biggest Frenchie in Australia” - but he is hoping to take this title global.
Owner Aden Bedot, from Sydney, realised Diaz was going to grow into a ‘big boy’ when he was just six-months-old.
He said: “His dad, Bronx, came to visit him and Diaz was nearly bigger than him then. Diaz’s dad is not a small Frenchies - he weighs about 16kg himself.
“My friends own his mother and father so Diaz still gets to see his parents from time to time which is pretty cool.”
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At Diaz’s last weigh in, he topped the scales at more than double the average weight for his breed.
Generally, French bulldogs reach about 11 to 12 inches tall, with males weighing between 20 to 28 pounds and females around 16 to 24 pounds.
The 32-year-old added: “I’ve had him since he was eight-weeks-old. He is a massive fan of toys, they’re his favourite thing. He sucks on them dead set for hours at a time.
“He loves people. Although, they don't usually make it through the door because he has tackled them over with excitement.”
The four-year-old dog, who has been described for a ‘small hippo’, has racked in 14,600 followers on Instagram thanks to his sheer size, with people “gob-smacked” at how big he is.
One user said: “He’s enormous. He looks just like a small hippo - he could easily pass for one. Diaz - you’re adorable.”
Another said: “Jesus! Did you sleep in a grow bag as a puppy,” while a third said: “Oh wow. He’s definitely the largest we’ve seen. He’s gorgeous.”
French bulldogs have rocketed in popularity since 2004, with a 2,747 per cent increase in ownership in the UK, according to figures from Kennel Club.
However, the increase in demand has sparked warnings about breeding flat-faced dogs.
Due to their short snouts and flatter wide skulls, English bulldogs are prone to a condition known as Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome.
They can suffer skin problems, inverted eyelashes, kneecap dislocation and kidney stone disease.
Earlier this month, Norway ruled against the 'cruel' selective breeding of British bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Animal Protection Norway's CEO Åshild Roaldset called the landmark ruling a "victory for our dogs and for us".
She said: "It is a historic verdict that attracts international attention. The man-made health problems of the Bulldog have been known since the early 20th century. But dogs have the right to be bred healthy."
Does your dog have a special characteristic? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
