Bulldogs are known for their iconic sour mug face and their bravery. But just when you think that they got it all, wait for their pocket-sized version.
Yes, you read it right! A smaller version of this breed exists and they are known as teacup Bulldogs. They are bred to be companion dogs so their personality is more laid back.
However, they are also infamous because they come with a lot of health problems. If you want to learn about this and more, read this ultimate guide to the teacup Bulldog breed.
Do Teacup Bulldogs Exist? Are They Similar to the Miniature English Bulldog?
Teacup Bulldogs do exist but they are commonly known as the miniature English Bulldogs. They don’t really fit in a teacup even though they are called as such because they weigh around 20 to 40 pounds. The vast majority of them were developed through breeding Bulldogs that carry the dwarfism gene.
There is much confusion as to whether teacup Bulldogs exist because people think they are a separate breed from the mini English Bulldog.
They are also mistaken as the mini Bulldog which is produced through crossbreeding a Bulldog to a Pug, and at times tagged as the toy Bulldog which is long extinct.
Despite the contradictory accounts regarding their identity, there is only one truth: teacup Bulldogs are small little puppies who can’t really fit in a teacup but are nevertheless adorable.
History and Origin: Where Do Teacup English Bulldogs Come From?
There is no solid documentation about the history of this English Bulldog variety, but most breeders claim that they have been existing since the 1980s.
The number one factor why their pedigree is not recorded is because they are not recognized by kennel clubs as a separate type of Bulldog.
These organizations, as well as several breeders, are not keen on labeling these tiny pups as teacups because they believe they are only accidentally created.
On another note, some breeders do selective breeding of pups who suffer from dwarfism. This isn’t really suggested because there are several health issues associated with this condition. Some of them are cataracts, dental problems, arthritis, and disc disease.
What Does a Teacup English Bulldog Look Like?
Photo from @archie_thebulldogg (IG)
The teacup English Bulldog almost looks similar to an English Bulldog but with a smaller size. They also sport the iconic face accentuated by loose skin, and they have the same body shape.
What is immediately noticeable about them is that they do not look as fierce as the standard-sized ones. They are extremely adorable so more and more pet owners who aren’t fans of the Bulldog’s intimidating appearance are opting for this pet.
Here are some specific descriptions of their appearance:
Head and Skull: Broad skull with loose skin on the outside.
Eyes: Large, round eyes that are usually brown with a furrowed brow.
Nose: Short and pushed-in muzzle.
Ears: Small and thin-sized.
Mouth: Wide with undershot jaws on both sides.
Legs: Their legs are iconically short in size because of their parent ancestry.
Coat: The coat of a teacup English Bulldog can be described as short and glossy. Its coat density may go between sparse to normal, while the coat texture is straight; that’s why it rarely tangles. The color of the coat may vary depending on the breed of the parents.
How Big Do Teacup Bulldogs Get When Fully Grown? Are They Really Teacup-Sized?
Though the size of the parents plays a large role in determining the size of a teacup English Bulldog, generally its weight is around 25 to 40 pounds which is 10 pounds behind the normal English Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the height of teacups is one to five inches shorter than standard Bulldogs.
At six months, teacup Bulldogs are expected to be 13 inches tall and 21 to 25 pounds heavy. As they reach the 12 to 18-month mark, their height is already 14.5 inches and their weight is 27 to 33 pounds.
They don’t really fit in a teacup if that’s what you are interested to know. They are only labeled as such because they are a downsized version of a large breed.
Do not buy the false advertisements of some opportunistic breeders because there is no way that they can hand you a micro-sized pup.
Are Teacup English Bulldogs Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
Since the miniature English Bulldog or teacup Bulldog is not considered by most kennel clubs as a separate variety of the standard Bulldogs, they are technically not recognized as an official breed.
There are no published standards discussing what this dog should or should not be, which can be a bit disappointing if you are after having them participate in different contests.
The primary reason why they aren’t officially recognized as a Bulldog size is that they do not naturally exist. The breeding practices used to produce them are often questionable and they do not adhere to the breeding techniques promoted by most kennel clubs.
Also, teacups are bred fundamentally for their size. This means that their health comes second, or even last. You’ll often encounter teacup Bulldogs with a list of health issues that explains the stand of AKC and other kennel organizations.
Teacup Bulldogs Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Pets?
A dog’s behavior is one of the most important factors that a dog owner should consider before buying or adopting one. This especially matters if the dog is bought for companion purposes.
So, does a teacup Bulldog fall into the category of a good-tempered pooch?
Well, definitely! A teacup Bulldog displays fun and friendly vibe around people but they can also be very protective. They are great guard dogs since they are considered one of the strongest canines in the world.
As a teacup Bulldog enthusiast, you should also take note that this breed is not the most active. If you are a sporty person who loves to sweat and do extreme activities, this pooch will not be a great companion.
Despite not being sporty and outgoing, you should still train them so they won’t have an aggressive and strong-willed personality.
Teacup Bulldog Health Issues and Lifespan
The teacup English Bulldog is undeniably a fun-loving breed by nature and is friendly towards others. However, they come with an array of health issues due to their limited gene pool. Thus, making them more prone to a long list of health problems.
Some of the common health issues experienced by teacup Bulldogs are shown below.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: This is a common respiratory problem with symptoms as mild as snoring and as serious as passing out after physical exertion.
Hypoplastic Trachea: This is a genetic condition where a dog’s trachea is too narrow causing breathing problems and coughing.
Demotic Mange, Furunculosis, and Muzzle Folliculitis: These are skin conditions that can lead to severe skin irritation and discomfort for the dog.
Dwarfism: A problem on a dog’s skeletal system wherein it fails to develop at a normal rate and causes smaller dogs with disproportionate limbs to the rest of the body.
Hemivertebrae: A deformity on a dog’s spine which leads to a screw tail.
Hip Dysplasia: A painful condition of the bones and joints in the hip part.
Cleft Palate: Due to its Bulldog heritage, this breed may have this issue which may lead to respiratory problems and difficulty eating.
Cherry Eyes, Dry eyes, Trichiasis, and Entropion: These are eye issues that may cause difficulty in vision, eye irritation, and even blindness.
Another thing to watch out for in this breed is their tendency to be obese since this is common in their bloodline. Providing them with daily exercise is necessary.
However, it should be done with utmost care since they cannot be over-exercised due to their physical condition and sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures.
On the bright side, unlike usual Bulldogs which have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, a teacup Bulldog can live up to 9 to 13 years. This is possible if all their health concerns are addressed and treated as soon as possible by a professional vet.
Teacup English Bulldog Price and Expenses: How Much Does a Teacup Bulldog Cost?
Teacup English Bulldogs are indeed a very expensive teacup puppy that can be bought at around $800 to $2,000. This miniature breed is costly since most of them are born by caesarian section due to their large heads.
Aside from this initial amount that you have to invest when buying the teacup Bulldog, you would also need to spend a significant part of your savings for their needs, which include the following:
Places to Find Teacup Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
After careful consideration of all the facts I shared about this dog, you must have already decided if this dog is for you.
You may check out the directory of English Bulldog Miniature Association if you want to search for reputable breeders or check the following websites:
Shrink-A-Bull – This website aims to educate Bulldog’s parents about the different breeds of English Bulldog and also help them to locate legit breeders especially of rare colored Bulldogs.
Sugar Plum Bulldogs – This breeding facility is home to many English Bulldog puppies. They are located in Purcellville, Virginia.
Rare Bulldogs – A breeding facility of Rare Color Canines since 1972 and was a member of Bulldoggers for five years. They are the first one to produce the world’s first true color lilac English Bulldog in 2011.
On the other hand, if you decide to rescue or adopt a dog, you may check the following websites:
Adopt-a-Pet – This is a North America’s non-profit pet adoption website. Checking out this website may help in finding a pet of your choice.
Bulldog Rescue Network – A non-profit organization that has a lot of members who love the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to its continued well-being.
No Borders Bulldog Rescue – A non-profit organization that is completely volunteer-driven and dedicated to save and place Bulldogs with loving families or “fur-ever homes.”
5 Tips for Taking Care of a Teacup Bulldog
Being a teacup Bulldog parent is not an easy task. So, here are some of the best ways to take care of them.
Tip #1: Due to their short and smooth coat, bathing your teacup Bulldog once a month is highly suggested. If in any case, they suffer from allergies or any skin condition, frequent bathing using medicated shampoo is necessary.
Tip #2: Weekly brushing sessions are highly suggested to prevent excessive shedding.
Tip #3: Since the teacup Bulldog is a small breed, you should only feed them 1 to 1.5 cups of grain-free dry commercial dog food.
Tip #4: Teacup Bulldogs are not big on exercise. A 30-minute activity like walking will already suffice to keep them from being obese.
Tip #5: When it comes to training them, you should use positive-reinforcement just as you will in training a standard Bulldog. This will help them learn things quickly and will make them even more loyal to you.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are Teacup Bulldogs High Maintenance?
This breed can be high maintenance since it has a lot of health issues. Frequent vet visitation and medication comes in petting this dog. However, in terms of food consumption, exercise, and grooming, this dog won’t give you a migraine.
Do Teacup Bulldogs Like to Cuddle?
Teacup Bulldogs are affectionate dogs who do well around children and practically anyone. They love cuddling and chilling with their owners or their favorite humans, so expect that they are more clingy than your other pets at home.
What Are the Other Sizes of Bulldogs?
According to the AKC, Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs. This is the only size accepted for conformation shows and other contests. However, breeders now produce mini or teacup versions of the breed.
Final Thoughts: Is the Teacup Bulldog the Right Pet for You?
Teacup Bulldogs are ultimate couch potatoes but they are definitely an adorable and clever pooch. If you want to own one of them, know that you are also accepting the responsibility of paying for their vet bills.
They come with a lot of health issues, and the healthcare assistance they need is not that cheap. Think about this carefully, so you won’t have any regrets in the end.
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