Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

French Bullhuahua (French Bulldog & Chihuahua Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

French bullhuahua mix dog lying on the grass

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

Height

6–12 inches

Weight

10–30 pounds

Lifespan

12–18 years

Colors

Brindle, tan, brown, black, white, cream, merle

Suitable for

Experienced dog owners, apartment living, singles

Temperament

Playful, intelligent, reserved with strangers, stubborn

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

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

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.

Parent Breeds of the French Bullhuahua
Image Credit: Left- Francine parent, Shutterstock | Right – Evgeniia Shikhaleeva, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

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.

French bullhuahua mix dog
Image By: Ger Pouwels, Shutterstock

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.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

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.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Hypoglycemia
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Collapsed trachea
  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

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.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

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:


Featured Image Credit: Josepouwels, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Is Coconut Oil Good for a Dog’s Itchy Skin? Vet-Verified Health Facts

Coconut oil is known for its health benefits, and many people either cook with it or use it topically. Some of the benefits...

Fourche Terrier (Westie & Yorkie Mix): Info, Pictures & Care Guide

Though it may not sound like one at first glance, this terrier is a mixed breed. The Fourche Terrier is the result of...

How to Stop Your Dog from Biting the Leash: 9 Vet-Verified Tips

Of all the undesirable behaviors our dogs can present, leash-biting can put one of the worst dampers on the daily routine. Walks become...

Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai looks like a miniature version of a Siberian Husky. The name “Klee Kai” is an Inuit term for...

More related

How to Clean a Dog’s Eyes in 6 Steps: Vet-Approved Guide

They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but sometimes that window gets a little grimy. If your dog’s eyes...

What Emotions Can Dogs Experience? Canine Feelings Explained

Humans tend to filter the world through the lens of our own experience. We judge the intelligence of other animals using human parameters,...

10 Most Popular Large Dog Breeds in 2025 (With Info & Pictures)

Many people may dote on toy dog breeds and small dogs, but there are plenty of adorable large dog breeds that have captured...

Chinese Shar Pei Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

The Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese breed with bountiful wrinkles and a chubby mouth. However, don’t be swayed by their adorable looks;...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Mochi? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Dogs don’t stop to think about whether or not they should eat something, so it’s up to us as dog owners to do the thinking for them. If you’ve made mochi and you’re wondering if your dog can have any,...

Can Dogs Eat_mochi

How Much Should a French Bulldog Eat? Vet Explained Puppy to Adult Feeding Guide

Getting a new puppy is always so exciting! You have this little bundle of fur just wanting to eat, sleep, and play with you. As a veterinarian, we often get asked how much food is appropriate to be feeding a...

french bulldog eating or drinking from a bowl

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

If your dog is begging at the dinner table, it is very tempting just to give them a few bites. While there are some human foods dogs can enjoy, lasagna is not one of them. Some of the ingredients inside...

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna

8 Best Dog Foods for Cockapoos in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The adorable, teddy-bear-like cockapoo has a hilarious personality and calm temperament that’s endearing to many families. These loveable goofs are known for their outgoing, friendly personalities and low-shedding coats. Cockapoos get along with children, other dogs, and even cats. It’s...

Cockapoo in the mountains

Can Dogs Eat Asparagus? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Depending on how they’re prepared, most vegetables are safe, even beneficial, for dogs to eat, including asparagus. Asparagus is a fiber-rich vegetable that is high in several vitamins and minerals. It is a popular addition to many spring dishes and...

Can Dogs Eat_Asparagus

Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Sauce? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Better Alternatives

Pasta night is a tradition in many homes, so there’s a fair chance our family dogs will come across at least a little spaghetti sauce at some point. Between food left out, random spills in the dining room, and empty...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Spaghetti Sauce

5 Herbs That Are Good for Dogs: Vet-Verified Safety & Benefits

Adding herbs and spices to our meals not only enhances the flavor, but many of them also have various health advantages. So, if we can benefit from specific herbs, maybe our dogs can too? This is broadly true, but it’s...

Bowl of basil on wooden background

10 Best Dog Foods at Petco in 2025 – Top Picks & Reviews

When buying dog food, Petco is a great place to start. They carry a wide variety of brands and flavors so that you can find the perfect food for your pup. They also have a variety of price points, so...

cute corgi dog eating dry dog food