If You’re Considering a Mini French Bulldog, Read This First!
Rocky Kanaka
|
French Bulldogs are America’s most popular dog breed, but did you know that there’s also a miniature version of the French Bulldog? Mini or micro French Bulldogs are not a new breed or really a new category of a breed—the mini Frenchie is honestly more of an experiment than anything close to breed standards.
While their small size and charming personalities might make the miniature French Bulldog seem like the perfect pet, the miniature French Bulldog “breed” really shouldn’t exist. In this guide, you’ll meet a few mini Frenchies, learn why dog lovers are against breeding them, and what you’re in for if you rescue one.
Meet 4 Mini French Bulldogs from Instagram
Despite issues with breeding and keeping these pups, mini French Bulldogs are undeniably adorable! Let’s meet a few to see what they look like and get to know this micro version of the popular French Bulldog breed better.
1. Goku
This adorable pup is Goku, a mini Frenchie who loves to play with other dogs, take long naps, and get plenty of treats! Goku is still just a puppy, but you can already see that his torso is much shorter than a standard Frenchie.
2. Sweet Pea
Next to a basketball, you can really see how little Miss Sweet Pea is! She’s so small, her feet disappear in the carpet up to her ankles and her ears barely reach above the basketball.
3. Baby
Baby is a five-year-old mini French Bulldog from Long Island, NY who loves to play in the pool, chew her toys, and keep a watchful eye on her humans from the softest spots in the house.
4. Rey
Standard French Bulldogs don’t have the longest limbs in the world, but you can definitely see that mini Frenchies like Rey have even shorter legs than standard Frenchies. Although many Frenchies don’t do well in water, Rey is a huge fan of jumping into the pool!
Miniature French Bulldog Basic Info
To produce mini French Bulldogs, breeders use one of three methods:
- Breeding runts from litters of purebred standard French Bulldogs. The runts of a litter aren’t just small in stature, they struggle to thrive and fail to grow as a symptom. While runts usually are smaller than their siblings, they are also usually less healthy, and breeding them can produce frail and medically fragile puppies, which will often also be smaller than is standard for the breed.
- Purposefully introducing dogs with dwarfism to breeding programs is another method backyard breeders and puppy mills use to produce miniature Frenchies. Dwarfism in dogs does reduce their stature, but it can also introduce a number of musculoskeletal issues, developmental issues, and lifelong disabilities.
- Mixing French Bulldogs with smaller breeds is one of the surest ways for breeders to produce “miniature French Bulldogs,” but it’s important to note that these dogs are not purebred, and not really French Bulldogs. While the first few generations of these mixed mini Frenchies won’t look very Frenchie-esque, later generations bred back to French Bulldogs can look remarkably like purebreds.
None of these methods of producing puppies is considered ethical or safe, which is also why the miniature French Bulldog has received considerable backlash. French Bulldogs are already under review in a number of countries and may soon be outright banned.
Animal welfare advocates and dog lovers worldwide point to the host of health problems French Bulldogs experience due to their extreme looks—flat faces, corkscrew tails, and wrinkly skin folds. Add poor genetic pairings made in the name of producing miniature dogs, and you’re almost certainly guaranteed a very sick dog.
For these reasons and more, we do not recommend buying a miniature French Bulldog. However, if you happen to come across one that is available for adoption, you’ll need the following information about life with a mini Frenchie.
Mini French Bulldog Temperament
Like their standard cousins, mini French Bulldogs tend to be goofy, playful, and intelligent with a strong streak of curiosity to round out their personalities. Sometimes stubborn though easily bribed with food or praise, mini French Bulldogs aren’t always easy to train, but do enjoy routine and following the lead of their humans and other dogs in the household.
Adaptable and affectionate, mini French Bulldogs can make good family dogs, though their small size may make them nervous or vulnerable around young children. Many Frenchies are good with other dogs, but some are prone to reactivity or a rough playing style, and may need to be paired with dogs that have a high tolerance for being “bugged.”
Sometimes compared to little clowns, the miniature French Bulldog will keep you laughing and on your toes all day. When they’re not playing, mini Frenchies like to be couch potatoes and will snore the morning, afternoon, and evening away if you let them.
Mini French Bulldog Size
Mini French Bulldogs are smaller—though not that significantly—than standard-size French Bulldogs. Mini Frenchies stand around 6–11 inches tall and weigh around 15–25 pounds. For comparison, standard Frenchies stand around 11–13 inches tall and weigh between 18–28 pounds.
Mini French Bulldog Health
Like standard Frenchies, mini French Bulldogs are prone to a number of serious health issues related to their physical appearance. The French Bulldog breed is perhaps most well known for its flat face, bat-like ears, and curly tail, but not all of these features are as “cute” as they seem.
Flat-faced dogs are prone to serious breathing issues and may suffer in the heat, have difficulty breathing at high altitudes, and may need to avoid exercise which can trigger overheating and hyperventilation or reverse sneezing.
The short, flat face of the mini French Bulldog also creates wrinkles in the skin, which can collect dirt and bacteria, and can easily become infected without regular cleaning and maintenance.
Because of their curly tails, many Frenchies experience spine and back problems and may be more prone to injury and degenerative diseases that can cause pain, loss of mobility, and even total paralysis. Many French Bulldogs, regardless of size, also suffer from environmental and food allergies that can cause both internal distress, and hives, infections, and hot spots on the skin.
Due to their small size and dubious genetic backgrounds, miniature French Bulldogs are also susceptible to other health issues not common for the breed:
- Heart problems
- Joint issues
- Arthritis
- Physical deformities (particularly in the mouth and jaw)
- Bowed limbs
Where To Adopt a Mini French Bulldog
No reputable French Bulldog breeder will breed miniature Frenchies, and you should avoid giving your money to backyard breeders and puppy mills. While mini French Bulldogs are totally adorable, their lives are often plagued with health issues, and it’s best not to support breeding them. However, if you find one for adoption, you should absolutely take the chance to own one of these sweet pups! We recommend checking out French Bulldog breed-specific rescues to start your search.
Alabama
- Alabama French Bulldog Rescue (Birmingham, AL): Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of French Bulldogs in need.
California:
- NorCal French Bulldog Rescue – Dedicated to rescuing purebred French Bulldogs that are lost, abandoned, or taken to animal shelters.
- OC Animal Care – Provides a haven for all abandoned and unwanted pets, including Frenchies.
- Southern California French Bulldog Rescue – Located in Perris, CA, this organization cares for rescue animals, including French Bulldogs.
Colorado:
- Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue – Ensures every French Bulldog finds a forever home.
Florida:
- French Bulldog Rescue Network – An award-winning nonprofit organization with a presence in Florida.
Illinois:
- Chicago French Bulldog Rescue – Prides themselves on finding the right home for every Frenchie.
Nevada:
- Nevada French Bulldog Rescue – Addresses the issue of French Bulldogs in need within the state of Nevada.
Northeast United States:
- SNORT Rescue – Rescues short-nosed dogs like French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs.
Ohio:
- Buckeye Bulldog Rescue – Dedicated to rescuing French Bulldogs in Ohio and nearby states.
Oregon:
- Pacific Northwest Bulldog Rescue – Rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes English and French Bulldogs.
Southeast U.S.:
- FROGS (French Bulldog Rescue) – Rescues French Bulldogs throughout the Southeast U.S.
Texas:
- Austin Bulldog Rescue – A volunteer group dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating French Bulldogs.
Virginia:
- French Bulldog Rescue Network – Rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes French Bulldogs in need.
Washington:
- Bulldog Haven NW – Provides a safe place for English and French Bulldogs, focusing on mental & physical rehabilitation.
National:
- AKC Rescue Network – The largest network of dog rescue groups in the country.
- French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) – Rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes French Bulldogs from various sources.
- French Bulldog Village Rescue – A group that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes French Bulldogs in need.
Mini French Bulldog FAQ
Now you know everything there is to know about mini Frenchies…almost! Take a gander at some of the most common questions from curious dog lovers like you.
What is the lifespan of a mini French Bulldog?
Standard French Bulldogs have a life expectancy of around 10–12 years, and it’s not exactly clear how similar the mini Frenchie is. Because many mini Frenchies are small due to genetic mutations and abnormalities, they may have shorter lifespans than standard French Bulldogs.
On the other hand, a mini Frenchie produced by mixing a standard Frenchie with a smaller toy breed may live longer, since it will be less likely to inherit genetic conditions that plague purebred dogs.
Do mini French Bulldogs bark a lot?
No. Mini French Bulldogs don’t bark very much compared to other dog breeds, in part due to their physical limitations, and in part due to their personalities. Of course, all dogs are individuals with unique personalities regardless of breed, so you may end up with a mini Frenchie that is super vocal!
Do mini Frenchies shed?
Yes. Mini French Bulldogs are low to moderate shedders that drop fur year-round. Because mini Frenchies have short, silky fur, they don’t need to be brushed, but will still drop some hair.
Are mini French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
No. Mini French Bulldogs—like all dog breeds—may cause allergic reactions in people with dog allergies through their fur, saliva, and urine.
Can mini French Bulldogs swim?
Sort of…French Bulldogs are not talented swimmers due to their dense, top-heavy bodies. Mini French Bulldogs have the same issues and may struggle to float, stay balanced, and move comfortably in the water.
How much does a mini French Bulldog cost?
Backyard breeders and puppy mills ask between $1,500–$5,000+ for their miniature French Bulldog puppies. Unfortunately, people who are excited to get a puppy might not realize they are supporting an unethical breeder or paying way too much for a poorly bred dog. If you adopt your mini Frenchie—which is the only way we recommend getting one—you’ll pay between $250–$500.
Related Articles:
- The Surprising Reason French Bulldogs Dethroned the Labrador Retriever as America’s Most Popular Dog
- Blue Brindle French Bulldogs Are Rare, Expensive and Highly Sought-After
- Would You Pay $7,000 For a Rare French Bulldog Color? Meet the Blue Fawn Frenchie
- Lilac French Bulldogs Aren’t Just Rare, They’re Expensive! Guess How Much They Cost?
- Can You Believe Blue French Bulldogs Exist?
