With their wide round eyes, perked-up ears, and permanently-pouting snout, French Bulldogs are already cute as they are. But what if I told you that teacup Frenchies exist?
I know that the idea of a pocket-sized version of your favorite dog breed is exciting. So, to help you get acquainted with the teacup French Bulldog, I’ve decided to write this in-depth article where I’ll be discussing all the essential facts and other questions you might have.
Below, you’ll find out about the teacup Frenchie’s origin, its temperament, health issues, cost of adoption, expenses, care tips, and so much more! If you’re looking to learn more about the dog breed, then be my guest and read on.
What Is a Teacup French Bulldog? Do Teacup Frenchies Really Exist?
Photo from @valentine_puppies (IG)
A teacup French Bulldog is generally just a French Bulldog that has been bred down to the smallest size possible. They are 11 inches tall or even less so they don’t really fit in your pocket. Just like other teacups, teacup Frenchie is not recognized by the AKC as an official dog breed.
This is because they can only be created in one of three ways: crossbreeding, introducing the dwarfism gene, or breeding litter runts with each other. All of these breeding methods will be tackled further as we go along with the article.
On the other hand, the breed’s regular-sized counterparts rank second in the AKC Breed Popularity Chart. The French Bulldog comes from a crossbreed of English Bulldogs and toy dogs such as terriers and Pugs.
Also known as the Royal Frenchel Bulldog, it soon became famous for its distinctive ears and has since been a staple companion dog ideal for small-sized houses.
While teacup French Bulldogs cannot be considered a stand-alone breed, they still exist and are very much in-demand.
What Does a Teacup French Bulldog Look Like?
The appearance of a teacup Frenchie can vary, depending on how it was bred. On the one hand, it can look like the shrunken version of a regular-sized French Bulldog. In some cases, the dog may inherit a unique mix of the two breeds it came from.
Here is a quick breakdown of the features of traditional-looking teacup Frenchie:
Build: Like that of any other Bulldog type, teacup Frenchies carry the same muscular build despite their tiny size. They also have broad shoulders but slimmer hips.
Face: Overall, they have a big compact head that can somewhat appear boxy. Wrinkles line the areas above their eyes and/or their snubbed nose. Teacup French Bulldogs also have a wide mouth with overhanging lips, seemingly forming a pout.
Ears: This is the breed’s trademark feature. They have large “bat-like” ears that are pointed and erect.
Coat: A teacup Frenchie has loose and wrinkled skin, particularly at the head and shoulder areas. They sport a short, smooth coat which is usually single-layer. Only a few crossbreeds develop double-layer coats.
Color: Common colors for teacup Frenchies include: white, cream, fawn, or any combination of the aforementioned shades. On the other hand, there are also some rare colors such as chocolate and tan, blue, lilac, and blue merle.
Markings: The most popular markings found on teacup French Bulldogs is brindle. This coat pattern resembles tiger stripes. Furthermore, some dogs carry ticked patterns, which are essentially small patches of color spread across the coat.
Teacup French Bulldog vs. Miniature French Bulldog: Are They the Same?
The teacup Frenchie goes by a lot of other names, such as the micro French Bulldog and the miniature (mini) French Bulldog. Therefore, teacup and miniature Frenchies essentially mean the same thing: a smaller version of our beloved pouty Frenchie.
Do not be fooled by some breeders who claim that the two are different and that one is rarer than the other. They would often ask for an unreasonable fee, so you should be very vigilant.
How Big Do Teacup French Bulldogs Get When Fully Grown?
Adult teacup French Bulldogs measure less than 11 up to 13 inches. Furthermore, it weighs between 5 and 14 pounds, which is about half the size of a typical French Bulldog.
For comparison, a normal-sized Frenchie weighs 28 pounds at max, as per the American Kennel Club Official French Bulldog Standard.
Of course, the size and weight of the dog could still differ, depending on the breeding method used. However, one thing remains certain: their tiny size makes them fragile in nature. Because of this, teacup Frenchies require lots of care and attention.
Take, for example, Auggie – the tiniest teacup Frenchie. He was only the size of a Guinea pig when he was born. This came with a lot of complications, such as a cleft palate and frail health.
Watch this video to see how Auggie beat the odds:
Tiniest Frenchie Puppy Is Pure Inspiration | The Dodo Little But Fierce<a href="https://youtu.be/CZO94hlNu6k" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FCZO94hlNu6k%2F0.jpg" alt="Tiniest Frenchie Puppy Is Pure Inspiration | The Dodo Little But Fierce" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
History and Origin: Where Do Teacup French Bulldogs Come From?
Regular-sized French Bulldogs have been around England since the 1800s. Back then, Europeans took a liking to English Bulldogs but wanted them at a smaller size so that they can be lap dogs.
As a result, the English Bulldog was crossbred with other toy dog breeds. And from there, the Frenchie was born.
On another note, the origin of teacup Frenchies cannot precisely be traced. Their popularity has skyrocketed over the years, but not much is known about its history. Although, there are three available ways on how breeders ‘make’ them.
Here are the methods by which teacup Frenchies are created:
Crossbreeding
Much like its normal-sized counterpart, teacup Frenchies are no stranger to crossbreeding. Professionals mix French Bulldogs with smaller toy dog breeds like Poodles or Yorkshire Terriers.
Pros: Crossbreeding ensures healthier teacup Frenchies, all the while widening the gene pool of the litter. This means there are more chances of varied combinations.
Cons: The non-Frenchie breed could have more dominant features in the litter.
Breeding the Runts of the Litter
Runts are the smallest pups within the litter. This is a result of poor health, lack of access to the mother’s milk, or malnutrition from the womb.
This breeding technique relies on the hope that the tiniest offsprings will be able to pass down their size to future generations.
Pros: There is assurance that the teacup Frenchie will indeed be miniature since both parents come in small sizes.
Cons: Continually breeding the weakest dogs in the litter will affect their offsprings’ health and survival rate.
Introducing the Dwarfism Gene
The last method involves cultivating the dwarfism mutation gene in a line of standard Frenchies. Breeders mate dwarf dogs with each other in the hopes of producing smaller versions.
Pros: Unfortunately, there seems to be no good reason to consider this practice since it proves to be harmful to the dogs.
Cons: Dwarfism-bred teacup French Bulldogs develop chronic joint pain and breathing problems that could last a lifetime.
However, it should be noted that not all of these processes can be considered entirely ethical. In fact, there has been an ongoing debate about the issue.
In my opinion, it is best to seek out reputable breeders if you’re intent on buying a teacup Frenchie. But if it can be helped, consider a regular French Bulldog crossbreed or a different small breed altogether.
Why Is Breeding Teacup French Bulldogs Controversial?
Photo from @thelittlefrenchies_ (IG)
Improper breeding of teacup Frenchies presents a lot of risks that could harm the animal.
In light of the fame of teacup pups and other novelty breeds, animal welfare organizations are calling for the crackdown of illegal puppy trade and breeding as they normalize genetic mutations among pets.
In their quest to make the “perfect” Bulldog or other exotic dog breeds, irresponsible breeders often overlook the harm it causes the pets. This is why you’ll often see teacups with multiple health issues, which directly affects their lifespan.
This cannot be helped unless pet enthusiasts would refrain from purchasing teacup Frenchies that were purposefully bred for their size.
Are Teacup French Bulldogs Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
To date, no French Bulldog association, international dog organization, or kennel clubs recognize the teacup French Bulldog as an official breed.
This is because the miniaturization of French Bulldogs through genetic mutation and inbreeding can be considered unethical, given the health risks it poses.
However, do note that teacup Frenchies born from crossbreeding with another breed are not included here.
As per the AKC, for a dog to be acknowledged and registered as an official breed, the following criteria should be met:
A minimum of 100 active household members have shown interest and developed a following for the breed.
The dog should hold a three-generation pedigree with a minimum of 300-400 dogs.
The dogs (and their owners) should be spread across 20 or more states.
The AKC should conduct breed observations to check whether the dog meets the club’s standards and by-laws.
The goal of most teacup Frenchie breeders is to have this size variety recognized. Who knows, in the near future, this might just be another common dog that is accepted by different kennel clubs.
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Teacup French Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Teacup Frenchies Healthy Dogs?
Photo from @thelittlefrenchies_ (IG)
Standard French Bulldogs have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. On the other hand, a teacup Frenchie’s lifespan depends on its breeding history, medical conditions, and genes.
While teacup French Bulldogs could certainly live as long as a regular-sized one, their frail health makes it unlikely.
Listed below are some of the most common health issues that can be faced by teacup Frenchies:
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): BOAS is the most common respiratory system disorder among teacup French Bulldogs. The breed’s facial structure can sometimes squash tissues at the back of the nose and throat, making it hard for the dogs to breathe and cool themselves down during hot weather.
Back, Spine, and Neck Issues: With their short hind legs, teacup Frenchies often develop a mix of spinal issues. From a stunted gait to aching joints and hip displacements, the dogs are prone to paralysis in worst-case scenarios.
Ear Disorders: What is considered a teacup Frenchie’s most standout asset can also be its bane. The dog’s bat-like ears provide a wide-open entryway for germs and debris to get through. This runs a greater chance of infection if a strict cleaning routine isn’t observed.
Teacup French Bulldog Temperament: Do Teacup Frenchies Make Good Family Pets?
One of the main reasons behind the making of a teacup French Bulldog was that its standard counterpart was beloved by many. Their quirky and playful nature makes them suitable for families whether big or small.
Now that the Frenchie can almost fit a teacup, it is an ideal pet for people living in smaller spaces or the city. They also require little outdoor exercise.
On top of their irresistible charm, these pocket-sized pups are favored for their even disposition and adaptability. They get along well with humans as well as other animals too.
One thing to note, though, is that due to their small size, they are not recommended if you have children inside your home.
Yes, this little pooch is quite friendly, but since most children aren’t that aware of how to handle them, they can accidentally injure your pup and it can become a major problem.
Nevertheless, if their traits tell anything at all, it’s that teacup French Bulldogs make the perfect family pet.
How Much Does a Teacup French Bulldog Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Due to the high consumer market for teacup Frenchies, buying them will cost you a little extra. Some reasons behind its expensiveness include its rarity and the difficulty of breeding them, especially with ethical considerations.
I’ve talked to some reputable breeders and have taken note of various online listings. They all valued common-colored teacup French Bulldogs within the range of $1,400 to $8,500. Naturally, rare-colored ones will exceed this price tag.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to cop a teacup Frenchie at the low-end for $800. However, before you jump at the bargain, make sure that the breeder can be trusted.
Breaking the bank won’t stop there, though. After the initial purchase fee, you should be prepared for additional medical fees. These include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and heartworm tests.
Places to Find Teacup French Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo from @royalfrenchel (IG)
To help you in your quest to find your future pocket-sized companion, I have listed some credible breeders and rescues worth checking out:
Huggabulls
This Tampa, Florida-based breeder specializes in teacup and standard Frenchies with rare colors such as blue, chocolate, and lilac. They take pride in breeding from award-winning pedigree lines across the country.
However, do note that they have a non-refundable $500 deposit for joining their reservation list. The pups are then reserved four weeks after the list has taken their picks to ensure that the pups make it through the weaning period.
Texas Teacups
Texas Teacups has been a licensed pet breeder for over 20 years. On top of breeding teacup Frenchies, they also specialize in various miniature toy breeds such as teacup Yorkies, teacup Shih Tzus, teacup Pomeranians, and teacup Poodles.
It comes as no surprise that they currently have a waiting list of over a year for their teacup Frenchies alone, so make sure to contact them ahead of time if you’re planning on doing a transaction with them!
Here are a few trusted rescues to find teacup French Bulldogs for adoption:
Short Noses Only Rescue Team (SNORT)
SNORT is a non-profit organization that rescues brachycephalic breeds. These are dogs that could have breathing problems due to their snubbed noses, such as French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and English Bulldogs.
This all-volunteer rescue saves our furry friends from shelters and owners who have neglected or abandoned them. They do this by providing them primary medical care and foster homes until they are well enough to be put up for rehoming.
French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN)
FBRN fosters teacup and normal-sized Frenchies throughout the United States and Canada. They rehabilitate French Bulldogs bred in puppy mills, left in puppy shelters, surrendered by owners, as well as those who are ill.
The non-profit organization also pushes for public education and basic training to potential owners about how to properly care for their available Frenchies.
4 Tips for Caring Small Sized Dogs Like the Teacup French Bulldog
Special breeds also need special care. While the thought of owning a small dog is fun, you should also take into consideration that they have extra needs if you want them to live a long and healthy life.
Here are four care tips to keep in mind for your teacup-sized bundle of joy:
Feed them the right kind of dog food. Smaller pups require a different set of nutritional values than larger dogs. They also need smaller kibble to chew on as well as smaller portions since their tiny mouths and digestive tract can only hold so much at a time. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian about the pup’s diet.
Start their training early. Teacup dogs are actually highly intelligent. Without the proper brain stimulation, they may act out of frustration. Housebreaking and leash training are great ways to begin your pooch’s training. From here, you can move on to teaching basic commands such as sit and stay to help curb any unwanted behavior. Other than teaching them manners and establishing yourself as the Alpha, training helps keep your dog’s boredom at bay.
Create a safe, teacup Frenchie-friendly place. Because of their frail health and tiny size, teacup breeds need more protection from hazards, incoming traffic around the house, or larger breeds nearby. It’s essential to establish your pup’s personal space, be it through a crate, a cage, or a playpen.
Let them exercise regularly. Just because they’re small, it doesn’t mean that your pocket-sized pals do not need exercise. Take time out of your day for a quick game of fetch or other less strenuous forms of play for your pooch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo from @cardi_the_frenchie (IG)
Are Teacup French Bulldogs Easy to Train?
Don’t be fooled by their cuteness – teacup Frenchies take time to be trained. Despite being an overall friendly dog, these short-nosed angels start out very stubborn if not socialized and taught early. It is advised to start training them at 14 weeks old.
Do Teacup French Bulldogs Shed?
Like other short-haired breeds, teacup French Bulldogs do not shed much. However, they do lose their undercoat twice a year, during spring and fall.
In terms of grooming, they only need to be bathed once a month, but you can brush their coat with a rubber grooming mitt once a week to remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny.
Do Teacup French Bulldogs Bark a Lot?
Teacup Frenchies do not bark much, but they love to talk. This may come in the forms of yawning, yipping, whining, or grumbling.
Despite their relatively silent nature, teacup French Bulldogs are very alert watchdogs, just like their regular-sized counterpart.
Do Teacup French Bulldogs Stay Small Forever?
Since they have been purposely bred for their miniature size, teacup French Bulldogs will remain small forever. The breed’s maturity period is estimated at 18 months, so by then, the pooch will have reached its maximum weight and size.
Final Thoughts: Is the Teacup Frenchie Right for You?
More than their cuteness, teacup Frenchies are perfect for dog owners looking for an adaptable breed that doesn’t take up too much space and isn’t a loud barker.
With their good temperament, they make ideal house pets for starting families or single renters out in the city.
The only drawback of having this pooch is that they are prone to health complications. The most prominent of which is breathing problems due to their short snouts. They may also develop spinal, back, and joint ailments due to their stout legs.
A majority of the teacup Frenchie’s health issues come from unethical inbreeding of runts and the cultivation of the dwarfism gene along the dog’s line. To avoid this, always double-check to see if your chosen breeder is a trusted professional.
Owning a teacup French Bulldogs comes with its own set of baggage. But truth be told, no dog breed arrives perfectly-packaged. In the end, your dog’s happiness and health rely on the care it receives.
So when you decide to buy your own mini Frenchie, make sure you give it your all because the love and loyalty they’ll give back will be twofold.
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