Mini French Bulldogs are one of the all-time favorite small dogs among the canine community. Thanks to their calm nature and adorable size, they can fit well in any kind of family.
But despite their impressive reputation, not everyone knows all the essential details about mini French Bulldogs. They are popular yet quite mysterious because of how rare it is to find one of them.
Luckily, this ultimate guide will explain everything there is to know about the miniature French Bulldog and if they really are amazing companions. Let’s start!
What Is a Mini French Bulldog? Do Mini French Bulldogs Exist?
A mini French Bulldog is a purebred French Bulldog that was carefully produced by breeding the smallest dogs of the litter. Their features and temperament remain identical to the standard-sized French Bulldog, except for their size. Mini French Bulldogs do exist, but they are hard to find.
Miniature French Bulldogs are perfect for those who live in small homes because of their calm behavior and smaller-than-average size. But despite their reputation as laid-back dogs, they also have a playful side to them.
This combination makes them fit for any family. However, no matter how adorable they are, their smaller bodies also carry the risk of many illnesses.
Thus, before adopting a mini French Bulldog, you really have to weigh if their cuteness can make up for their problematic health.
Mini French Bulldog Size and Weight
The mini French Bulldog can grow between 11 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 25 pounds or less, almost similar to that of a teacup Frenchie.
Like most small dog breeds, mini Frenchies reach their full height at 9 to 10 months and their full weight at 8 months. They may still grow subtly after these months, so it’s best to monitor their food intake.
Both the miniature and standard full-size French Bulldogs can reach the same height of 13 inches because this is a relatively small breed. However, their size and weight can differ if the pooch is mixed with another canine.
When crossed with a smaller terrier breed, hybrid mini Frenchies will be smaller than purebred Frenchies. Hybrid mini Frenchies can be as small as 10 to 12 inches while only weighing between 10 and 14 pounds.
Mini French Bulldog Appearance
Mini French Bulldogs are identical to the standard Frenchies aside from their smaller height and body weight.
As the miniature version of the standard Frenchies, mini Frenchies have the same short hair and smooth coats.
Their common fur colors can be white, tan, fawn, blue, cream, brown, brindle, merle, or any combination of these colors. A mixed breed of mini Frenchies can also have spotted coats.
Mini Frenchies have a broad, round-shaped head paired with short, erect ears. Their bat-like perked ears that are not too close together are the French Bulldog breed trademark feature.
And just like the standard Frenchies, their facial bone structure is a brachycephalic type, which means their face looks flat or squashed.
With short snouts and wide mouths, miniature French Bulldogs can give out the best “smiles” despite their frowning expression.
It is also easy to notice how their body build is compact, making a miniature French Bulldog appear physically strong or durable. Their body is very toned, so no body fat can be seen.
Since we are on the topic of appearances, this adorable video of a mini Frenchie can give you a better visual idea of what they look like:
How Do Breeders Produce Mini French Bulldogs?
Below is a summarized explanation of known methods used by different breeders in producing mini Frenchies that belong to the toy dog group:
Breeding Runts Together
The most common method of producing miniature Frenchies is by breeding the runts of the litter together. Often, this is employed by puppy mills or unethical breeders.
This refers to choosing the smallest French Bulldogs and pairing them. However, this method also carries its own risks.
Other than potentially inheriting genetic disorders, breeding the runts together means that the offspring can also inherit the parents’ weak immune systems and poor health.
They will be more prone to health risks and have a shorter lifespan if both parents are runts.
Crossbreeding With Terriers
Another method breeders use to create a teacup Frenchie is mixing the standard French Bulldog breed with another small terrier dog like the Jack Russell Terrier, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Some also suggest breeding them with a Poodle to produce the French Boodle.
This method may promote fewer inherited health problems. However, the success rate is not as high as the first method mentioned above.
On the same note, there is a chance of not getting the desired features a French Bulldog should have because they are no longer purebreds.
For example, mixing the Frenchie with a Jack Russel Terrier may not produce a puppy with bat-like ears. Instead, the litter could inherit the characteristics of the other parent breed.
Genetic Manipulation With Canine Dwarfism
The last method breeders use in producing this unique breed variety is cultivating the canine dwarfism gene.
There are dogs that are naturally born with stunted growth, and they will use these dogs as a mate to produce a mini Frenchie.
However, this type of practice is very risky and also frowned upon. Dogs with dwarfism have short lifespans and medical issues such as skeletal disorders.
Dwarfism results from hormone deficiency in a dog’s pituitary gland. These hormones are essential for any dog’s growth. Thus, this process is as problematic as breeding runts to produce small breeds.
Are Mini French Bulldogs Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
Mini French Bulldogs are not recognized as an official breed or purebred by reputable kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Europe Kennel Club (EKC).
The majority of kennel clubs in the United States do not accept mini, micro, or teacup Frenchies.
For a fair reason, the American Kennel Club does not acknowledge teacup dogs, miniature dogs, or toy dogs as they are considered the product of unethical breeding.
This is also a step to discourage breeders from producing more teacup pets.
Even if you manage to register a teacup French Bulldog or any mini breed to a kennel club, the chance to enlist the pooch to shows or competitions is very low because they are not an official dog breed.
Mini French Bulldog Temperament and Personality
Aside from looking exactly like the standard French Bulldog, mini Frenchies often exhibit the same personality traits.
Most mini French Bulldogs, whether male or female, are friendly, playful, and loving. While they may look tough, these dogs quickly warm up to strangers.
Mini Frenchies are fantastic with kids too. These dogs can be tolerant and patient with young children.
Additionally, their gentle and social nature allows mini Frenchies to get along with other house pets, even if it can take some time at first.
As the smaller version of the standard Frenchie breed, they also qualify as great lap dogs. Furthermore, miniature Frenchies are intelligent and alert dogs.
They can be trained with ease, and they can provide sufficient security for their family. However, they are not guard dogs and should not be treated as one.
Many mini French Bulldog owners also adore their silent personalities. When compared to other dogs or even other animals, mini Frenchies are considered to be quieter.
Mini French Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a miniature French Bulldog ranges between 10 and 15 years. This dog breed is also considered to have a shorter lifespan compared to other small dog breeds.
With that said, miniature French Bulldogs do have various potential health problems. Even when bred carefully, some issues can be inevitable for this tiny breed of dog.
Here is a summarized list of the common health issues among mini French Bulldog breeds:
- Collapsing Trachea: Tracheal collapse is a respiratory problem that leads to difficulty breathing and intense dry coughs. The cause of this disease remains unknown, but studies speculate that it is a congenital disorder, meaning it is something a mini Frenchie can be born with. It’s also possible that it can be due to an exercise-induced collapse.
- Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration (MMVD): Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration is a problem wherein the heart wears out and begins to leak. It is common among terrier breeds, which is a breed often paired with the French Bulldog to produce minis.
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: The mini Frenchie is a brachycephalic breed which leaves them at high risk of developing abnormalities in their respiratory system. Their shortened muzzle leads to breathing problems where fainting or collapsing after minimal exercise can happen.
Unfortunately, most of these health concerns are hereditary or congenital. So if the dog is born with it, the disease cannot be prevented and often has no permanent solutions.
How to Take Care of Your Miniature French Bulldog
The miniature French Bulldog would have fewer health issues with proper care and support. Thus, here are some tips for feeding, grooming, and training your miniature Frenchie.
Food and Diet
Miniature Frenchie dogs are smaller than their standard counterparts, so it’s more important to control their weight. These small dogs need a balanced and healthy diet that will keep them within their average body weight.
If their weight goes beyond 28 pounds or higher, they can be considered overweight. To stay healthy, mini Frenchies should only weigh between 10 and 25 pounds.
Mini French Bulldogs are also known to be fast eaters. This can lead to health risks, so it’s better to split their meals into two or three sets per day.
Cleaning and Grooming
With their smooth coat, there is no need to brush this breed excessively. However, combing their fur at least once a week can help keep the coat looking clean and shiny, especially if they have fluffy coats.
Despite the reduced amount of brushing for this breed, owners should still bathe mini Frenchies at least once a week or once every six weeks. Depending on the mini Frenchie’s lifestyle, their grooming needs can differ.
During the summer season, mini Frenchies can handle the heat. But to avoid any risk of breathing problems due to the hot weather, bathing them to keep them cool can be helpful.
Training and Exercise
Mini French Bulldogs are naturally active, fun-loving, and athletic, so their exercise needs are minimal. Thus, it is your responsibility to ensure they don’t go overboard.
With the health issues mentioned earlier, mini Frenchies are prone to heart and respiratory problems.
When exhausted, a brachycephalic breed like the mini Frenchie can have difficulty breathing. A minimum of 10 to 15 minutes of activity is enough to keep them in shape.
In terms of training, mini French Bulldogs are smart and cooperative. Though they are not as smart as other dog breeds, they can learn as long as you are patient and consistent with their training.
How Much Does a Mini French Bulldog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The average price for a mini French Bulldog puppy can vary from $1,400 up to $3,000. These prices can vary depending on multiple factors such as the breeder’s location, coat color, health, lineage, and many more.
But as a mini version of the expensive French Bulldog breed, it also means you’ll have smaller expenses once you adopt them.
To help plan your budget, here is a complete list of initial expenses for mini French Bulldogs:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $60 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
This table is only an estimation and not the exact costs you can expect. Costs may vary depending on where you shop and the quality of the products.
Nevertheless, this can give you a rough idea of how much you need to save for your mini Frenchie.
Places to Find Miniature French Bulldog Puppies for Adoption
Currently, finding a reputable breeder dedicated to producing mini French Bulldog puppies is still a challenge. The best way to look for them is by searching shelters and adoption sites with extended patience.
Here is a list of trusted rescue groups to find miniature French Bulldogs for adoption:
- Chicago French Bulldog Rescue (CFBR) – Though their group name does not mention “minis,” they are still a trusted group that will rescue any type of French Bulldog. CFBR focuses on finding new homes for their rescued Frenchies. However, they require all interested applicants to be vaccinated in order to qualify for a home visit.
- French Bulldog Rescue Organization – This organization is one of the best rescue groups for teacup French Bulldogs. Like the previous organization, they will rescue mini Frenchies without exception. Keep an eye out on their list of dogs available for adoption as they are rehomed pretty fast.
- French Bulldog Village (FBV) – This rescue group is located in Pennsylvania, and their primary focus is finding a new home for their rescued French Bulldogs and French Bulldog mixes. A $10 application fee is required when you submit one to adopt a rescued Frenchie. After that, a home visit will be scheduled to check if your home is suitable for the chosen puppy.
Some rescues may not list dogs as “mini” since they are not properly identified. If you really want to look for a mini Frenchie, examining each available dog is one way to strengthen your search.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Miniature French Bulldog
Mini French Bulldogs are clearly wonderful pets. However, it’s inevitable for them to have a lot of disadvantages too.
Owning a miniature dog comes with both good and bad, and with that in mind, I rounded up their pros and cons.
Here are the advantages of owning a miniature French Bulldog:
- Great as family companions: Mini Frenchies are tolerant, patient, and gentle. They can handle playing with kids and love to be affectionate with their family.
- Well-socialized and independent: Mini Frenchies are friendly in nature and enjoy playing with people. They get along well with other pets too. Additionally, they are not as sensitive as other breeds as they can handle being alone for quite some time.
- Minimal barking: Mini Frenchies are quieter compared to most dogs. They will only bark more often when something alerts them. This makes them ideal for families that live in quiet neighborhoods or small apartments.
Here are the disadvantages of owning a miniature French Bulldog:
- Inevitable health issues: Mini Frenchies are prone to various health complications. Some of these issues are inherited from their parents. These concerns are mostly inevitable and require constant medical support.
- More expensive than standard Frenchies: Since miniature dogs are harder to produce; thus, it’s not a surprise that their price is higher than a regular Frenchie. Depending on the breeder, the puppy price can become even higher.
- Not recognized by major kennel clubs: Due to the breed’s unnatural size, the majority of kennel clubs do not accept mini Frenchies for registration. This means that these dogs are not allowed to join dog shows or competitions.
I hope that through the pros and cons discussed above, you were able to decide if the mini Frenchie is right for you. The bottom line is that they make great pets, but they require more management because of their size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini French Bulldogs Shed?
Yes, mini French Bulldogs shed all year long like the standard French Bulldog. But despite the minimal shedding, mini Frenchies will shed their winter coat during the warm seasons.
This can increase the amount of shedding, so it is best to brush their smooth coat at least once a week.
Do Mini French Bulldogs Drool?
Yes, mini French Bulldogs drool as often as a standard French Bulldog does. It’s common for them to drool more before eating, as well as after eating and drinking.
They can drool more often after physical activities and during the hot season. However, if the drooling appears excessive and constant, it might be an alarming sign of a potential health concern.
Visit the vet for a check-up if you suspect an issue with your mini Frenchie’s drooling.
Are Mini French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
No, mini French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. Though they have short and smooth coats, this breed can still shed a lot and trigger allergies.
Nevertheless, since mini Frenchies can shed a bit less than other breeds, people with low-level allergies are not at high risk with mini Frenchies.
Do Mini Frenchies Bark a Lot?
No, mini Frenchies do not bark a lot. But despite their reputation for being quiet, some mini Frenchies can be loud and vocal.
After all, dogs can develop different or unique personalities. More so if they are a mixed breed with inherited traits from the other parent. The outcome of their temperaments will always be unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
Mini French Bulldogs sure have their fair share of disadvantages, but they are also undeniably worth adopting because of their great personalities and intelligence.
This adorable breed is a flexible type that can fit any owner. They enjoy family life as much as we do!
Additionally, their small size makes them perfect apartment dogs. Their needs are also minimal, making them ideal for owners who want a low-maintenance dog.
What are your thoughts about the mini Frenchie? Let us know in the comments below.
