Micro (Teacup) French Bulldog: Ethics, Pictures, Traits & Facts
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The French Bulldog is well known for its short snout, oversized ears, and round body. They have become popular over the years and have been bred to have many different colors and sizes. The teacup French Bulldog is a tiny, micro version of the original French Bulldog. Continue reading to explore the history of the Frenchie, ethical concerns, and other interesting facts about the breed.
The Earliest Records of Micro (Teacup) French Bulldog in History
Micro French Bulldogs are not their own breed necessarily but are just smaller-sized dogs on average, and can be bred between two smaller Frenchie pups to make “teacup” Bulldogs. In a nutshell, the French Bulldog is not a breed that naturally falls under the toy/teacup category.
The French Bulldog is known to be linked to English Bulldogs (from England around the same time) originating in France in the 1800s. It’s said that the French Bulldog was even photographed and depicted in paintings during this time.
Mini Frenchies are a relatively recent occurrence, and there is a ton of debate about the ethics of breeding these dogs.
How Micro (Teacup) French Bulldogs Gained Popularity
Although the Bulldog might have a unique look to many, it has moved through many levels in society over time. Originally, the French Bulldog was a conversation piece and friendly companion for English and French patrons of the night. They were carried around Paris neighborhoods in the 1890s just as the city rose in nightlife, technology, and entertainment.
As time progressed, the Teacup French Bulldog became a great sidekick for women workers in brothels (i.e., ladies of the night) or seamstresses in tactile factories who had little workspace. Their tiny stature and relatively lap-dog demeanor was an easy choice for these working women.
Formal Recognition of Micro (Teacup) French Bulldog
The teacup French Bulldog has been recognized through the 20th century as it moved from England to France, to the United States. The Frenchie became a companion to wealthy financiers, dukes, and duchesses, and then was recognized by Americans visiting the English and French channels. Americans eventually wanted these tiny friends for themselves and brought them to America, where the first French Bulldog Club was created.
From its roots in England as a chunkier, bigger, funnier-looking dog to the smoosh-faced, pointy-eared pup that became an accessory in France by artisans and brothel-goers alike, the French Bulldog has a long and prosperous history. Now, the teacup Frenchie is relatively expensive to buy and tough to find reputable breeders. Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in North America today, but there is no formal recognition of the miniature Frenchie due to the ethical concerns around breeding.
Top 7 Unique Facts About the Micro French Bulldog
There are a few interesting facts about the French Bulldog that can make them even more enticing to invite to your family. You will love trying to figure out their quirky personalities. The following are a few things you might not have known:
- Typically weigh less than 28 pounds
- Their tiny stature makes them more fragile and more likely to be injured
- Brought to France by lace workers who originated in England
- English Bulldogs were bred with smaller breeds to create the Teacup Frenchie
- They can cost upwards of $8,000 for purebreds or rare coat colors
- To be considered “teacup” they must be smaller than 13 inches tall
- Technically not recognized as an official breed by dog breed clubs
Do Micro (Teacup) French Bulldogs Make a Good Pet?
The French Bulldog makes a great pet for many different types of owners or living in different types of homes. Whether you’re a single person living in an apartment, or a family of four with young kids, the Frenchie will be a great companion. Although they are known to be a little bit stubborn, they are known to be cuddly and affectionate. They love to play and have higher energy levels in comparison to other dog breeds. You’ll likely see the Frenchie zipping around a room or making other furry friends at the dog park.
They aren’t known to be aggressive or territorial (of course depending on how well owners socialize them with strangers), so if you’re looking for a protector or guard dog, these little guys might not be your first choice.
Micro Frenchies, on the other hand, will suffer from a ton of health issues. They will have the same temperament as a normal-sized Frenchie, so it’s probably best to adopt a regular Frenchie into your home.
Teacup French Bulldog Ethics
French Bulldogs suffer from a ton of health issues, poor breathing being but one of them. These health issues are further exasperated by making these dogs even smaller—the “teacup” Frenchie. Frenchie can only give birth through C-section due to their narrow birth canals, and males cannot even mount females to breed with them due to their short stature, often leading to artificial insemination and thus massive costs to purchase puppies.
Mini French Bulldogs are not officially recognized by any French Bulldog organization, and due to the many health issues they face, most consider it unethical to breed these tiny pooches. A miniature French Bulldog often suffers not only from regular health problems associated with the Frenchie breed but also health issues caused by miniaturization. If you’re considering a teacup Frenchie, you should do careful research and be well aware of the potential cost of care that comes with these health issues.
Conclusion
The micro/teacup French Bulldog makes for a very cute dog—but is not without ethical concerns. Their journey from England to the US gives them a great backstory and can give a better understanding of their breed pet owners, but even normal French Bulldogs have their fair share of health issues that must be carefully considered. You might see their tiny faces and see utter adorableness but be sure to keep an eye on their breathing—those short snouts can make it a little bit tough.
In conclusion, the breeding of these mini Frenchies is unethical, and you’d be better off adopting a normal-sized Frenchie in need of a home.
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