As you might guess from its name, the French Bullhuahua, sometimes referred to as a “Frenchie Chihuahua mix, is a designer dog with French Bulldog and Chihuahua parents. These dogs are loyal, and sometimes even overprotective dogs that are wonderful companions.

Breed Overview

While the Frenchie Chihuahua mix breed can be great family dogs, they may be best suited for singles or small families, as they tend to attach to one particular human. Keep reading to learn more about French Bullhuahuas so that you can decide whether or not these dogs are a good fit for you and your family.

French Bullhuahua Characteristics

French Bullhuahua Puppies

When looking for a breeder, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, as a “designer dog”, the French Bullhuahua is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. That means these puppies will not come with pedigree paperwork that can help give you insight into your dog’s ancestry and health history. Do your research when looking for a breeder, and don’t be afraid to ask to tour the breeding facilities or meet your puppy’s parents. If a dog is being sold for much less or much more than you expect to pay, it is worth asking why. If a breeder refuses to let you examine the breeding facility or doesn’t answer your questions, that is a big red flag.

In general, it is a good idea to steer clear of backyard breeders, puppy mills, and even some pet stores. These sellers don’t always have your dog’s best interest in mind and are only in it to make a profit. As a result, your pet’s health and wellbeing can suffer.

These pups tend to be cautious around new people or strangers. They will suit you well if you are not new to owning a dog and can make a wonderful apartment companion.

Temperament & Intelligence of the French Bullhuahua

Overall, French Bullhuahuas are loyal and loving dogs that want nothing more than to sit in their owners’ laps and be the center of attention. They can also sometimes be stubborn or aggressive, though luckily, their small size means they don’t pose much of a threat. Still, you will want to make sure to start training your French Bullhuahua right away to nip any unwanted behavior in the bud.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

While French Bullhuahuas who are socialized with children tend to do well with little ones, they may be best suited for small families or singles. This is because these dogs will play favorites, choosing one member of the household to bond more closely with. They do not appreciate a lot of commotion and are generally reserved with new people. If you do have kids, especially if they are very young, make sure to teach them how to properly interact with a dog; your French Bullhuahua may snap at them if they are too rough. Keep in mind that the earlier you introduce your dog to your children, the more likely they are to get along.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Similarly, the French Bullhuahua needs plenty of socialization to get along with other pets. They can be territorial and overprotective animals, but the more opportunities your pet has to meet and get to know other animals from an early age, the better.

Things to Know When Owning a French Bullhuahua:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

When searching for the right food for your French Bullhuahua, make sure to select high-quality kibble that is made specifically for small dogs. According to PetMD, a small dog such as the French Bullhuahua typically needs between ¾ and 1¾ cup of food each day.¹

The exact amount of food you should give your French Bullhuahua depends on your dog’s ideal weight, activity level, and age. These dogs are more prone to weight gain than other breeds, so we recommend sticking to specific mealtimes rather than allowing your pet to freely eat. Talk to your vet about what type and how much food is appropriate for your specific dog.

Exercise 🐕

As a small breed, the French Bullhuahua has only moderate exercise needs. You should plan to take your dog out walking for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Your French Bullhuahua will also benefit from opportunities to run around in the backyard or at the dog park. As long as your pet gets adequate exercise, having a yard is not a requirement; these dogs are certainly adaptable to living in an apartment or another small space.

Training 🦮

The French Bullhuahua inherited its stubborn nature from both of its parent breeds. This inherent stubbornness can make training your dog quite a challenge. As a result, these dogs are likely best suited for experienced dog owners who are familiar with dog training. However, if you are a beginner who has fallen in love with a French Bullhuahua, don’t worry—these dogs can be a great fit for you, too.

You may want to set aside some time and money to bring your dog to a professional trainer. It is very important that your French Bullhuahua get the socialization and training it needs from an early age to avoid unwanted behaviors. If you plan to train your dog yourself, try to stay consistent and calm with your pet. It will respond much better to positive reinforcement than harsher methods of training.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming a French Bullhuahua is fairly simple. You should expect to brush your dog up to three times weekly to maintain a healthy coat and help prevent shedding. You don’t need to bathe your dog too often; in fact, doing so can deplete its coat of healthy oils. However, you should plan to clean its ears about once a week and trim its nails once every few weeks.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Most French Bullhuahuas are healthy animals, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems inherited from their Chihuahua and French Bulldog parents. Below, we have listed some serious and minor conditions you should look out for.

Male vs Female

Like humans, every dog is an individual with a unique personality. Therefore, any sex-based differences in personality are usually based on anecdotes and generalizations. That being said, French Bulldog and Chihuahua owners have noted some differences between male and female dogs that could help us understand personality differences between male and female French Bullhuahuas.

Generally, male Chihuahuas tend to be slower learners than their female counterparts. Males tend to be more affectionate and overall easier to socialize with humans than females, while females are more likely to get along with other animals (including other dogs) than males.

French Bulldog owners say that females are a bit sweeter and less aggressive than males. Male French Bulldogs tend to be more independent than females.

3 Little-Known Facts About the French Bullhuahua

Like many designer dog breeds, the French Bullhuahua is a fairly new breed without much history. However, its parent breeds, the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua, have much longer histories. Here, we have gathered some interesting facts about the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua that you may not have known!

1. The French Bulldog also has roots in England.

French Bulldogs are believed to be the descendants of toy English Bulldogs and French Rat Terriers.

2. Chihuahuas were important to the Aztecs.

These dogs were kept by Aztec nobility. When the nobilities died, the Chihuahuas were sacrificed and buried with their masters so the dog’s spirit could help guide them to the afterlife.

3. Both Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs are “talkative” animals.

The Chihuahua is well known for “yapping,” but the French Bulldog can also be “talkative”. While they don’t bark as much as the Chihuahua, they do often communicate in small yips, grunts, and howls. Luckily, the French Bullhuahua is not known to be a frequent barker, though it may inherit its parents’ tendencies to be chatty.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Frenchie Chihuahua mixes, or French Bullhuahuas, can be great pets, but they may not be compatible with all households. In particular, the French Bullhuahua may not be for you if you are a beginner dog owner or if you have young children. However, if you live in an apartment or another small living space and are looking for an animal that will be able to adapt well to the space limitations of your home, these dogs could be a great choice. They’re also very loyal companions for singles or seniors looking for a furry friend.

At the end of the day, choosing a pet that’s right for you comes down to personality. Make sure to spend time with a potential adoptee so that you can get to know whether it will work for you and your family.

See Also:

• Male vs Female French Bulldog: What Are The Differences?
• French Bullweiler (Rottweiler French Bulldog Mix): Pictures, Info & Care Guide

Featured Image Credit: Josepouwels, Shutterstock