French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix

The French Bulldog Chihuahua is more commonly known as the French Bullhuahua. 

It is considered a designer breed or hybrid breed, which is a mix of two purebred dogs. The goal is to create a dog that gets the best of both breeds.

History of the French Bullhuahua

The French Bulldog originates from England while the Chihuahua is said to have originated from ancient Mexico. Though there is no exact record of when they were mixed, oral history states that the mixed breed may have existed naturally over the years. 

However, common knowledge expresses that the French Bullhuahua first became a recognized designer breed in the 2000s, most likely in North America, when designer breeds were popular and in demand.

Breeders may have wanted to produce a breed between these two adorable dogs to help minimize the health problems most commonly associated with the brachycephalic faces of French Bulldogs. 

It has become a well-loved hybrid breed for its adorable features, as well as for being a low maintenance dog.

French Bulldog Chihuahua Names

While most people call the French Bulldog x Chihuahua mix a French Bullhuahua, there are a few others names:

1. Chibull
2. Bullhuahua
3. Frencheenie
4. Mexican Frenchie

Appearance

The French Bullhuahua features a mix of both the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua, and the breed may have unpredictable looks.

However, most mixed-breed has been reported to have consistent features.

French Bullhuahua Colors

In terms of color, the main colors are brown, golden, white, black, brindle, merle, cream, and tan. 

Some Bullhuahuas come in solid colors, while others have a mix of colors.

In terms of size, they’re still on the small side, with dogs weighing between 10 to 30 pounds. When it comes to their height, Bullhuahuas fall between 6 to 12″ from the shoulders.

The common consistent features of the Bullhuahua include a short coat, short legs, a rounded forehead, large pleading eyes, bat ears, snub upturned noses, muscular bodies on thin legs, and bobbed tails.

Some Bullhuahuas may have different features, such as a long tail or a long coat, but their features are most likely more consistent than not.

Temperament

French Bullhuahuas take on the best qualities of their parent breeds. They are the perfect balance between a companion and protector dog and make the perfect apartment pets for urban dwellers. They are known to be talkative and “yappy” dogs, making them great alert dogs.

Energy levels

They have moderate energy levels, are outgoing, and affectionate. As lap dogs, they will love cuddling with their owner, and would most likely attach themselves to a single family member. They do well with adults and older children.

Supervise around children

When playing with younger children, they should be supervised since Bullhuahuas don’t enjoy rough play. Young children may not manage their behavior very well with dogs, and Bullhuahuas may become aggressive.

Some are hot-tempered

These dogs can be aggressive, short-tempered, and snappy. They’re also very protective of their owner, just like pure breed Chihuahuas, and may act like an alpha dogs when faced with bigger breeds. Because they can be aggressive with larger dogs, they can be prone to injuries caused by a quarrel, so when there are other dogs around, dog owners need to make sure they supervise their pets.

Prone to jealousy

Bullhuahuas can be jealous, and because of this, they’re best in households that don’t have other pets.

They’re okay with being alone, and focus their affection and time on their dog parent. They are, however, known to be friendly with pet cats.

Training and Exercise

When training your Bullhuahuas, you need to be firm and decisive. You must also practice positive reinforcement, such as giving words of praise or giving small treats.

You also need to be patient with this breed since they do have moderate levels of energy. They’re not the kind of dogs that just sit or lie down on a couch all day.

Can be stubborn

French Bullhuahuas are smart but stubborn, which can make training difficult.

They are ideally matched with experienced dog owners, who have the patience and firm conviction when giving directions.

These dogs also tend to be bossy, so if you’re being soft, they will know that they can easily manipulate you.

Smart

Because they’re smart, they need constant stimulation. Playtime is important for these dogs, so a good 30 minutes to one hour a day of running, strolling, and playing around is essential for them.

When they don’t expend their energy, they can become aggressive, and depressed, and may start looking for trouble.

Toys for Smart Dogs

Since they have active minds, they need to be mentally stimulated. Dog parents can give them interactive toys to play with, or puzzles that they can solve.

Socialization is key

Pet parents would also need to socialize Bullhuahuas early in their lives because they don’t get along very well with other pets, dogs, and even small children. But if you socialize them early, they’ll be friendlier and enjoy others’ company much better.

A great addition to any family

French Bullhuahuas are ideal for singles, couples, or small families. But multi-pet households can still adopt or keep them.

Can have issues with other pets in the house

There may be some issues when you bring a French Bullhuahua home for the first time, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. If it can’t get along with other pets in the beginning, a dog crate may be needed as you gradually introduce it to other people and pets in your household.

Health Problems

French Bulldogs are known to have a lot of health problems because of the anatomy of their flat faces. They tend to have respiratory issues, dental problems, ear infections due to their narrow ear canals, as well as mobility issues. 

In terms of Chihuahuas, on the other hand, the breed also suffers from several health problems, though not as prevalent as French Bulldogs.

Some of the health problems common in Chihuahuas include hydrocephalus in puppies, hypoglycemia, Patellar Luxation, as well as bone problems.

The French Bullhuahua is predisposed to some of these health problems, but certain issues found in the French Bulldog are eliminated or reduced, such as the common respiratory issues and susceptibility to ear infections.

Some of the most common health issues found in Bullhuahuas include:

1. Disc Hip Dysplasia
2. Inverterbal Disc Degeneration
3. Pulmonic Stenosis
4. Breathing Issues
5. Hypoglycemia

1. Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic Stenosis is a congenital heart defect that’s common in most brachycephalic dogs. Some dogs who suffer from this condition don’t have symptoms and live a normal life. For others, they can suffer from exercise intolerance, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, heart failure. 

2. Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is more common in larger dogs but it can happen in smaller breeds like the French Bullhuahua.

It is a hereditary condition where progressive degeneration of the joints happens over time, and the result is a painful loss of function of the hips and a generally lower quality of life for dogs.

3. Inverterbal Disc Degeneration

This usually happens in dogs that have long backs and short legs.

What happens is the dog’s disc starts to extrude, leading to posture and movement problems, as well as inflammation and swelling of the area.

4. Dental issues

Bullhuahuas are also prone to dental issues so oral health is very important. Make sure you brush their teeth often since Chihuahuas are also known to naturally have little enamel in their teeth. 

Bullhuahuas are also prone to obesity and gain weight easily. Never leave food out for them to eat when they’re done with their meals, and make sure you don’t overfeed them. 

You should also limit their treats and always stick to their regular feeding schedule.

French Bullhuahua Life Expectancy

Their life expectancy is between 10 to 14 years, a little lower than Chihuahuas with a life expectancy of 16 years. 

Preventive care and frequent checkups with a vet are important when it comes to owning French Bullhuahuas.

Shedding Issues

French Bulldogs shed a lot and Chihuahuas also shed all year round, so does the Bullhuahua shed a lot, too? This designer breed is not known to shed a lot due to its small size.

Deshedding Tools can Reduce Shedding

They do not shed as much as French Bulldogs and grooming them twice or thrice a week will do just fine to keep their fur in check.

Chihuahuas shed the most in Spring, so grooming Bullhuahuas during this time of the year may be done more frequently.

How Much Do They Cost?

French Bullhuahuas cost between $150 to $700, depending on the breeder.

This is much cheaper than if you buy a purebred French Bulldog and a purebred Chihuahua, which can cost at least $1000 each.

Not AKC recognized

It must be important to note, however, that the French Bullhuahua is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and therefore, when you purchase one, will not come with pedigree paperwork.

Avoid backyard breeds & puppy mills

It is advisable not to buy your Bullhuahua from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. Do your due diligence when researching the particular breeder you wish to purchase your Bullhuaha from.

But recognized by other Kennel Clubs

Though the French Bullhuahua is not recognized by the AKC, other clubs and organizations do recognize the designer breed.

Some of these include the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the International Canine Association (ICA), and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) among others. These clubs and organizations can help in terms of finding reputable and legitimate French Bullhuahua breeders in a specific area.