Does the Teacup French Bulldog really exist? ( With Pictures)

 The French Bulldog became one of the most popular breeds in the world. There is a growing popularity among people interested in a smaller version of the French Bulldog - the "Teacup French Bulldog".

It's no wonder people love the Frenchie breed so much; They are affectionate with charming personalities, and their small bodies make them ideal for living in small spaces, and in apartments, which is the prominent reason why they are currently the most popular breed in New York City.

According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog ranks sixth in popularity in the United States.

What is a Teacup French Bulldog?

A Teacup French Bulldog is a standard French Bulldog bred to a smaller size. Other names are associated with this phenomenon, such as the micro French Bulldog or the Mini Frenchies.

All of these terms carry essentially the same meaning. A smaller version of the standard Frenchie dog that we all know and love.

What is the structure of the French Bulldog breed?

The French Bulldog is a muscular dog with heavy bones and a short, smooth coat. The breed's best-known feature is well-proportioned and symmetrical except for the large erect bat-like ears.

The built Frenchie dog is compact and of a medium to small build with a large square head and many wrinkles. The structure of the French Bulldog immediately puts them at a disadvantage with an increased risk of BOAS and other health problems.

Is the Teacup French Bulldog  Ethically Raised?

The short answer is no. No reputable breeder or known French Bulldog association or organization recognizes the micro, mini or small cup French Bulldog.

Unfortunately, the miniaturization of the standard French Bulldog, which already leads to health problems, carries great risks.

This fact makes it unethical for breeders to breed the Teacup French Bulldog. The French Bulldog is not a member of the toy dog ​​group (eg, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, etc).

It is unnatural to miniaturize them further. A standard-sized French Bulldog stands between 11 and 13 inches and weighs just under 28 pounds. There are of course, exceptions to this rule; this is just a general guide to the standard Frenchie size.

It is essential to mention that we are only talking about the mini Frenchie that is advertised and sold as a complete breed; we are not talking about crosses of a French Bulldog with other breeds.

Although miniature dogs are attractive and well-liked, a miniature French Bulldog can suffer from not only health problems associated with the breed but also problems associated with miniaturization.

Anyone considering a Teacup French Bulldog should do their research and be well aware of the health issues and potential cost of lifetime care.

Some breeders claim that they raise mini French Bulldog puppies ethically. Please read below how breeders get the mini version of a Frenchie puppy and make the determination for yourself. 

 It is the best-known trick in the book to use words like "rare" "exotic" "teacup" and so on to justify the large price tag for a dog that does not meet AKC breed standards.

How do breeders get Teacup French Bulldog puppies?

Dwarf Frenchie dogs

Taking the role of god in his hands – Cultivating the dwarfism mutation gene in a line of French Bulldogs. Dwarfism is a skeletal disorder that causes chronic pain in dogs and health problems related to the shortening of the vertebrae in the spine, bowed legs, and abnormal bone structure of the skull and face.

Breeding of the French Bulldog runts

Playing with fire – Runt farming is probably one of the most unhealthy farming practices. Runts are the smallest and weakest of a litter. Repeated breeding of the smallest and weakest only asks for trouble.

Crossbreeding of French Bulldog with Chihuahuas

False Advertising – Crossing a French Bulldog with a different, smaller breed of dog and then re-crossing until the appearance of a complete French Bulldog that is smaller is fulfilled, usually in the second or third generation. It is advertised and sold as a full breed even though DNA shows that the dog is not a full breed.

The mixture of Bullhuahua and French Bulldog with Chihuahua

The French Bulldog/Chihuahua mix, also known as the French Bullhuahua, has become more popular in the breeding world in recent years.

Breeders cross the French Bulldog with a different, smaller breed of dog to achieve the miniature Frenchie look. 

The appearance of the Frenchie Chihuahua hybrid dog

We cannot completely predict the arrival of the French Bullhuahua, and each breed will be different. Each offspring of this hybrid can result in more characteristics of either of the two parent breeds.

Some will look more like French Bulldogs, and others more like Chihuahuas. The French Bullhuahua is naturally a small dog and can weigh anywhere from 7 pounds to 23 pounds.

They generally possess a stocky, muscular body and signature bat ears that made Frenchies known.

The expected lifespan of the Miniature French Bulldog:

The American Kennel Club suggests that the standard French Bulldog has a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. However, the lifespan of a mini Frenchie is difficult to predict and will depend on what health issues they have in terms of their genes and breeding history.

It is possible on rare occasions for a mini Frenchie to live as long as the standard French Bulldog; however, he is highly unlikely. 

How much does a Teacup French Bulldog cost?

“rare” “exotic” “teacup” “mini” and “micro” all have a common denominator. The price. Anytime a breeder refers to a dog in those terms, he can expect the dog's price tag to be double or triple what it usually asks for.

We believe that the initial fee is just the beginning. If you are willing to pay that high initial price tag, you should be prepared to pay huge medical/veterinary bills for life as well. 

Alternative to the Teacup French Bulldog:

There are many alternatives to the mini Frenchie. Before you spend thousands of dollars for a breed miniaturized against AKC standards and will most likely have lifelong health problems that will send you through one headache after another, please consider all your options. 

1. Consider a French Bulldog cross with fewer inherited health issues. A French Bulldog cross can be a great alternative to a mini Frenchie if you research and choose a reputable breeder that tests all of their breeding animals for any hereditary health conditions.

2. Opt for a different small breed in the toy dog ​​group like Cairn Terrier, Bichon Frise, a Havanese, and so on.

3. Forget the idea of ​​a mini French Bulldog altogether. Research the standard French Bulldog and decide if that breed fits into your current family and living situation.

Is a French Bulldog the Right Breed for you?

French bulldogs have a unique personality than other breeds, and it is recommended that you learn more about this breed before purchasing one. Society stigmatizes them as a low-maintenance, lazy little breed that you can take anywhere.

This is far from the truth. French Bulldogs need attention like a newborn baby. If you can't put in the time and energy, neither you nor the dog will be happy in that situation. They are perfect in apartment settings and do not require a large space or patio. 

If you work most of the day and plan to leave your Frenchie home alone until you return, please rethink getting this breed. It is too often that this breed is being given up due to an inability to spend time with the dog.

French Bulldogs will get angry and destroy things to get their attention if you are ignoring them or not there for them. If you are a stay-at-home mom/dad, work from home, or have the option of taking your Frenchie to your job, it might be a good fit.

If you are retired and want a great loving companion, this could be the breed for you. Please research this breed before getting a French Bulldog, it could be the best or worst decision you will make, and it all depends on your circumstances.

The Best Products For French Bulldogs

You have decided that the standard French bulldog is the right dog for you . Where should you start?

Research, research, research – from reading the AKC website to searching for breeders, you should spend the next six months looking for information. Getting a Frenchie is a life-changing decision. You don't want to make this decision lightly.

Ask for breeder recommendations – and check out several breeders, not just one. Most big-name breeders take a deposit for their puppies months in advance before the litter is confirmed because the community knows the reputation of the breeder and the dogs.

Check online reviews – so you were told a breeder came highly recommended by someone, we don't think that's enough information. You should check that their online presence matches and that people have positive things to say about them.

In these times, modern technology makes it extremely easy to know a lot of information. If the breeder has any negative comments, we bet you will find them online. Even a place like the Facebook page has a recommendation section.

Get to know the breeder as much as possible – The key is to make sure you feel comfortable with the breeder, as they can serve as a mentor to the breed throughout your Frenchie's life. In addition, you should ask the breeder for advice on your French Bulldog any time your dog has any physical or mental problems.

Ask lots of questions: Are they full-time or hobby breeders? Ask about the history of the mother and father of the litter and so on. Breeders need to be honest with their litters about what to expect regarding strengths and weaknesses and the genetic diseases that may affect their breed or line.

Ask the breeder for proof of health exams, such as OFA and CERF certificates. Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you may have, and they should also ask you a lot of questions.

If they don't ask you anything or the conversation seems too light, that's a red flag as breeders want to make sure their puppies go to a good home. 

Visit the breeder's home - ask to see the puppy's parents and observe the puppy's appearance and temperament.  Is the house/kennel clean? Does the breeder act affectionately with the puppies and their adult dogs?

Both puppies and adult dogs should be outgoing with the breeder and you. Look for red flags such as protruding rib cages, lethargy, runny nose, skin problems, etc. 

Congratulations, you have found the right Frenchie breeder. Here are three points to keep in mind:

Your Frenchie puppy should be 8-12 weeks old when you bring him home. Anything other than this guideline is hazardous. Puppies need a lot of time to mature and socialize with their littermates & mother, of course.

Suppose the breeder asks you to sign an acknowledgment stating that you will return your French Bulldog puppy to the breeder in the event that he is no longer able to care for your dog. This is a standard request and will be requested by the most responsible ethical breeders.

Be wary of a breeder – if they refuse to give you AKC papers or offer papers from a registry other than the American Kennel Club. Another red flag is if the breeder is hesitant to provide records of veterinary exams, vaccinations, or other medical documentation.

If any of the above happens at the last minute, we recommend you rethink bringing that Frenchie puppy home.