Teacup French Bulldog: Everything You Need to Know

Teacup French Bulldogs are a popular breed of dog that have captured the hearts of many. These dogs are extremely small in size, with a weight of no more than 10 pounds and a height of around 11 inches. 

They are known for the typical Frenchie’s bat-like ears, wrinkled faces, and affectionate personalities. Their small sizes call for way more intensive care than your typical dog, for example, switching all your collars to comfy harnesses to protect their fragile necks. 

Though small, Teacup French Bulldogs are known for their big personalities. They are friendly, playful, and loyal, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Susan Saben’s French Bulldog Bible has advised this article for a comprehensive guide to this dog.

However, it’s important to note that the Teacup French Bulldog is not a recognized breed by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). Instead, they often result from breeding smaller French Bulldogs together, often with health risks associated with their small size.

Although it’s debatable if you can really call small French Bulldog Puppies “teacups,” there are many rare smaller micro mini French Bulldogs like the one in the video below:

It’s worth noting that Teacup varieties have their fair share of health issues. However, unlike others like Teacup Poodles, Yorkies, Maltese, and even Teacup Goldendoodles, Teacup Frenchies may suffer from more health deformities on top of those resulting from being Teacups. 

History of the Teacup French Bulldog

The Teacup French Bulldog is a relatively new breed variation, and its history is not well documented. However, it is believed that the standard French Bulldog breed originated in England in the 19th century when toy-sized English Bulldogs were bred together. 

This miniature dog was brought to France by English lace workers, where it gained popularity and was further developed into the breed we know today and named French Bulldog. Breeders then found ways to get even smaller versions of the breed. 

How Do Breeders Get Teacups Frenchies?

It is important to note that there are no recognized breed standards for Teacup French Bulldogs. This means that there is no set size or weight that a Teacup French Bulldog should be. Some breeders use problematic breeding practices to produce smaller dogs, such as:

1. Breeding Runts (Smallest, Least Healthy Puppy in the Litter) 

Unfortunately, breeding runts is the most common way most breeders achieve Teacup varieties. The consequences are dire, resulting in severe health issues in the dog’s bloodline. Some breeders have even been known to keep puppies underfed to stunt their growth, which can result in health problems later in life.

2. Breeding Dwarfs

Breeding dwarfs also compromise health by passing issues like thyroid problems.

3. Crossbreeding

Others may crossbreed French Bulldogs with smaller dogs like Chihuahuas to produce smaller puppies. This is the best way of achieving the Teacup size, but the resulting puppies are not purebred.

4. False Advertising and Malnourishment

In some cases, breeders have been known to starve puppies to stunt their growth and make them smaller. This is all to jack up the price for Frenchie puppies.

It is also essential to be aware that some breeders falsely advertise their French Bulldog puppies as “Teacups.” which will later grow to be standard size. This is often done to charge a higher price for the puppies. 

Teacup Frenchies have all odds stacked against them. They suffer from Brachycephalic (flat face) issues, and their Teacup status further compromises their health. Because of this, we recommend choosing other breeds, but we can dive into more about them for curiosity’s sake.

Physical Characteristics of a Teacup French Bulldog

What Does a Teacup French Bulldog Look Like?

Teacup French Bulldogs have compact and muscular bodies with short, smooth coats. Despite their size, these dogs have well-proportioned bodies and manage to look stocky, despite having comically tiny sizes.

Their face is flat with wrinkles and large, expressive eyes that can be brown, blue, or a combination of both. They bat ears that are erect and pointed, and their tails are short and either straight or screwed. Their muzzle is short (brachycephalic) and looks like it’s been punched in. 

French Bulldogs have become so popular that you can find them in so many flavors. From the beautifully mottled Merle Frenchie, the Fluffy Frenchie, and now these cartoonishly small Frenchies. 

How Big Do Teacup French Bulldogs Get?

Teacup French Bulldogs are smaller than standard French Bulldogs, weighing between 6 to 12 pounds (2 to 5 kg)and standing 8 to 11 inches (20 to 27 cm) tall at the shoulder. 

Coat and Colors

Teacup French Bulldogs have a short and smooth coat that is easy to maintain. They come in a variety of colors, including:

• Brindle;
• Fawn;
• Cream;
• Black;
• White;
• Blue;
• Isabella;
• Lilac;
• Chocolate;
• Blue fawn; and
• Some may have markings or a combination of colors, such as black and white or fawn and cream. 

Teacup French Bulldog Temperament

Teacup French Bulldogs are known for their charming personalities and playful nature. They are affectionate, loyal, jovial, funny, and friendly companions, making them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

Despite their small size, Teacup French Bulldogs are robust and energetic. They love to play and are always up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war and other indoor games. They also enjoy going for walks and exploring their surroundings.

Teacup French Bulldogs are not too intelligent but are highly determined. They respond well to positive reinforcement training and are eager to please their owners. They are also very adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments and small homes.

While Teacup French Bulldogs are generally friendly and outgoing, they can sometimes be stubborn. They may also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Proper socialization and training can help prevent these issues.

Health Concerns of The Teacup French Bulldog?

Teacup French Bulldogs are a popular breed among dog lovers, but they do have some health concerns that potential owners should be aware of. While many of these health issues are common in all French Bulldogs, they can be more severe in teacup-sized dogs.

• Breathing difficulties: Due to their small size and short snouts, they can easily develop breathing problems, which can be exacerbated by exercise or stress. This can lead to snoring, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and even unusual sounds as they sleep.
• Brachycephalic airway syndrome; Causing issues with the upper respiratory tract like coughing as though something is stuck.  Studies show that this debilitating condition lowers flat-faced breeds’ lifespans.
• Tracheal collapse due to their fragile necks and throats.
• Hypoglycemia commonly affects small breeds, causing a rapid lowering of blood sugar.
• Hydrocephalus, where the brain fills up with liquid.
• Dental issues: Due to their small size, they are more prone to dental issues such as periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Skin issues like skin fold pyoderma due to wrinkles.
• Eye issues due to bulging eyes. These include glaucoma, cataracts, and cherry eye (pink bumps on the eye).
• Patellar luxation; Here, the kneecap slips out of place.
• Heat stroke.
• Stenotic nares where the nostrils are too small.
• Common problems like Allergies, obesity, and food sensitivities. 

Care and Maintenance of a Teacup French Bulldog

What Should a Teacup Frenchie Eat?

Teacup French Bulldogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and well-being. They should be fed high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds. 

It is important to avoid overfeeding, as Teacup French Bulldogs are prone to obesity. A good feeding schedule is to offer small meals throughout the day rather than one larger one. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia when their blood sugar gets too low.

How to Groom a Teacup Frenchie

Teacup French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. 

1. Regular brushing twice a week with a soft-bristled brush will help to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. 
2. Brush their teeth twice a week and use a dental canine rinse on some of the remaining days. 
3. Bathe them monthly or when extremely dirty with a mild canine shampoo. Highly absorbent canine towels will help you dry their wrinkles to prevent infection.
4. It is also important to clean their ears bi-weekly with ear wipes to prevent infections.
5.  Nails should be trimmed monthly with pet clippers to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or injury.

Exercise

Teacup French Bulldogs are a small breed and do not require a lot of exercise. However, they still need daily physical activity for 20 to 30 minutes to keep them healthy and prevent obesity. 

It is important to avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather, as Teacup French Bulldogs are prone to heatstroke. Therefore, always carry a filled portable water bottle for them during walks. 

Training a Teacup French Bulldog

Training a Teacup French Bulldog requires patience and consistency. These dogs are eager to please, but they can also be stubborn. Here are some tips for training your Teacup French Bulldog:

To train these pups, start training early in puppyhood, use positive reinforcement, and stay consistent. Socialization, obedience training, and crate training are the most important things to teach your Teacup Frenchie.

Ideal Home for a Teacup Frenchie

1. People living in apartments; 
2. Non-allergic owners; 
3. People who aren’t too active; 
4. Owners who don’t mind heavier vet bills; and
5. A home without small kids.

Cost of a Teacup French Bulldog

The cost of a Teacup French Bulldog can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder, location, and bloodline. On average, a Teacup French Bulldog for sale can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

It’s important to note that while the initial cost of a Teacup French Bulldog may seem high, the expenses don’t end there. Additional costs such as food, toys, grooming, and veterinary care can add up quickly.

When looking for a Teacup French Bulldog, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Be wary of breeders who offer Teacup French Bulldogs at significantly lower prices, as they may not be breeding healthy dogs. You can also visit the breeder to see the exact size of the litter parents.

Adopting a Teacup Frenchie

Adoption can be the best way to go when getting this dog. However, due to their rarity and high prices, getting these pups in shelters or adoption agencies may be a task. These include:

1. French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN);
2. Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (CFBR);
3. Rescue French Bulldogs: https://www.rescuefrenchbulldogs.org/;
4. Short Mugs Rescue Squad;
5. Southern California Bulldog Rescue (SCBR); and
6. Pet finder ( https://www.petfinder.com).

Do Teacup French Bulldogs Get Along with Kids and Other Animals?

Teacup French Bulldogs are small in size and can be easily injured if mishandled by young kids. Therefore, it is essential to supervise interactions between young children and Teacup French Bulldogs to ensure that the dog is not accidentally hurt.

Teacup French Bulldogs also get along well with other animals, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They are friendly towards cats, other dogs, and even smaller pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. However, it is vital to remember that other animals can hurt them due to their small size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Teacup French Bulldogs are a popular choice for those who want a smaller version of the classic French Bulldog. While they may be cute and cuddly, it’s essential to consider the potential health risks associated with breeding dogs to be unnaturally small. Make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs over profit. 

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.