The Miniature English Bulldog with a big heart

Last Updated on April 21, 2023

If you’re looking for a relaxed cuddle-bug, look no further than the Miniature English Bulldog.

This compact crossbreed is also known by many names, including Miniature Bulldog, Mini Bulldog, Teacup Bulldog, Toy Bulldog, and Bullpug.

But what is this hybrid, really? What makes them unique? Keep reading and get to know this snorting pooch better.

What is a Miniature English bulldog?

This dog isn’t just a standard English Bulldog bred smaller over generations. Instead, the Mini Bulldog is a crossbreed of the Pug and the standard English Bulldog.

An original purebred Miniature English Bulldog used to exist. They descended from English Bulldogs with dwarfism and are considered an unhealthy version that went extinct in the mid-19th century.

The Mini English Bulldogs we know today was created by breeders in the 1980s. As with any designer dog, their goal was to create a healthier alternative to the standard Bulldog. Unfortunately, that endeavor ended up not being successful.

Meet the English Bulldog

English Bulldogs, also known as British Bulldogs, is unmistakable in a dog park. They have a stocky, low-to-the-ground, medium-sized build with broad shoulders. This Bulldog’s massive head, underbite, and deep wrinkles make them look grumpy, but most of the time, they’re a sweetheart. 

The standard Bulldog we know today is very different from the (now extinct) Old English Bulldog. Medieval England used those Bullies for the bloody sport of bull-baiting. After all, they were larger, heavier, and had a more athletic build.

They bull-baited from the 1200s until 1835. Once legislators passed a law to ban bull-baiting, breeders no longer needed the old version of the Bulldog. 

Admirers of the breed selectively bred kinder and less athletic dogs. In the late 1800s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this new English Bulldog. 

Aside from being stubborn and not easy to train, they aren’t very athletic and have low-endurance, but they are calm and dignified. Since World War II, England considers this breed a national icon. 

Meet the Pug

The Pug is one of the oldest dog breeds around. They originated in China, dating back from between 206 BC and 200 AD, and were companions to both Tibetan monks and Chinese royalty. Many speculate that these dogs are the descendants of the Pekingese breed.

Fun fact: Breeders selected Pugs to breed over time so that their wrinkles would spell out the Chinese character for “prince.”

These doggos are uniquely small, with a sturdy square body and deep chest. Don’t mistake their flat face and deep wrinkles that they’re mad or upset, it’s just how they look, but this fido is charming and playful.

The strong-willed Pug isn’t aggressive but is intuitive and a people-pleaser  They need companions to keep happy, and will often fall into a depression if their owner isn’t around.

What does a Teacup Bulldog look like?

Much like their parents, Miniature English Bulldogs have big heads and a stocky build.

They have inherited the customary faux-grumpy look with their wrinkled face and wide jaws. This dog is flat-nosed with low-set brown eyes and short floppy ears. Mini Bulldogs have short legs, and they stand low to the ground, and they also have thick, short tails.

How big do Miniature English Bulldogs get?

When talking about dog breeds, the term miniature doesn’t always mean toy-sized like a Pug. A full-grown Miniature English Bulldog can weigh 25 and 40 pounds (11 to 18 kg) and has a height of 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm).

For comparison, a standard English Bulldog stands 14 to 15 inches (36 to 38 cm) tall and can reach a maximum weight of 55 pounds (25 kg).

If you think the measurements of the British Bully are too much, then their miniature version might be for you. These mini fidos are an excellent match for owners who live in apartments.

Coat and Color: Are Mini Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

Because both Pugs and English Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic, the Mini Bulldog isn’t either. If you’re looking for an allergy-friendly canine pet, then you can scratch out the Teacup Bulldog from your list of breeds to consider. If no one has allergies in your home, then you won’t have issues with a short-coated pup that sheds moderately.

Miniature British Bulldogs come in a variety of coat colors, too, including white, red, fawn, or pied with brindle.

You may find these dogs with brown mask-like colorings of Pugs and the pied variation like English Bulldogs. Some of them can be seen in merle and blue versions, but they are not very common.

Before we continue, take a look at this video of a standard British Bully and a Miniature English Bulldog playing rough together:

What’s the Miniature English Bulldog’s personality like?

The Teacup Bulldog is an easy-going and affectionate pooch. They’re the type of dog that loves being around their person or family. With that said, this hybrid can’t be left alone for too long, or they’ll develop separation anxiety. So we don’t recommend the Bullpug for those who spend most of their time away from home.

As with most puppies, Miniature English Bulldog’s can also have a lot of energy. You don’t have to worry because they mellow out pretty quickly once they’re full-grown or when they reach maturity, which is around 18 to 36 months.

When it comes to pets, it’s best to know that this mini version of the English Bulldog has an average prey drive. We can expect that this fido won’t go crazy when there are other dogs or cats in your home or during walks.

They’re also quite friendly, so don’t count on this mixed breed to excel being a guard dog. It’s up to you to decide if their amiability and less vocal demeanor are good or bad qualities. If you prefer an infrequent barker, then this doggo might be for you.

One more thing to discuss the Miniature English Bulldog’s temperament – they have a stubborn streak and can be challenging to train. This is a common trait found in Standard Bulldogs, and they have that need to know what they’ll gain from carrying out a command. Luckily, yummy dog treats are a simple solution.

How to care for your Mini English Bulldog

Bullpugs aren’t indoor-loving pets because they’re lazy. They just can’t tolerate extreme weather, especially the heat.

Aside from that, there are other care requirements that you would be responsible for if you decide to go for the Miniature Bulldog. When it comes to grooming, the coat of this crossbreed is relatively easy to maintain. Brushing its fur around 5 to 10 minutes a day can keep their shedding under control.

Baths can be given only when necessary, as this doggo isn’t very energetic to get all dirty and stinky. An important cleaning task with MIniature English Bulldogs has something to do with their wrinkly faces. Bacteria can easily collect within those crevices, so wipe inside and out of those wrinkles every single day to prevent raw skin and infection.

Don’t forget to check those ears and clean them once a week.

For their diet, you should be able to feed this canine around 20 to 30 calories per pound of its body weight, or 3 to 4 cups of dry kibble daily. It’s best to divide their meals throughout the day since this designer dog is not very active and is prone to obesity.

Exercise can help with that, too! It wouldn’t take much of your time because 30 minutes a day spent on walks or play activities is more than enough for Teacup Bulldogs.

Bullpugs aren’t the healthiest breed

Breeders created the Mini Bulldog in an attempt to make a healthier standard English Bulldog. Unfortunately, every dog can inherit and develop certain health issues. With breathing being a common problem with this mixed breed, their lifespan is between 9 and 12 years.

Some of the other minor health concerns include:

• Difficulty cooling down in hot weather. They can sometimes struggle to breathe, and you may notice them wheezing. 

• Developing Cherry Eye, usually around two years old or younger. The condition occurs when their third eyelid prolapses.

• Developing seasonal and food allergies. If you notice reverse sneezing, hives, redness between their paws, and constant itching, take them to the vet.

• Hip dysplasia is when the soft tissue of the dog’s hips remain loose, displacing the femoral head. The condition can cause pain and arthritis. 

• Infected wrinkles. If their facial folds aren’t properly groomed, they may get wrinkle dermatitis.

The breed’s major health issues include cataracts, pulmonic stenosis, dental disease, Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS), Sick Sinus Syndrome, and subaortic stenosis.

I highly recommend you register your Teacup Bulldog with a pet insurance company. I also recommend you do this before they develop any pre-existing health conditions. If they have pre-existing conditions, a future pet insurance agency may not cover costs associated with them.

Where to buy or adopt a Miniature English Bulldog?

Since most designer dogs are trendy, available pups are quite easy to find online. And that goes for the Mini Bulldog, too! Before we provide you with a few websites that are worth checking out to browse adorable furballs, you have to be prepared on how to to find a responsible breeder.

One of the factors that puppy buyers consider is the price. A Miniature English Bulldog can cost anywhere from $800 to $4,500. It seems like a vast range and kind of expensive, but some things that can affect how much a breeder would charge for a pup.

It can include the seller’s location, the bloodline of the parent breeds, if the kennel is well-known, and the number of litter their breeding stock had. Teacup Bullpugs have an average litter size of two to five puppies, so if there are only a few pups to sell, that can play a big part with the pricing.

Whether you and the breeder have agreed upon a price, there are still do’s and don’ts that you have to remember.

Aside from the usual question and answer portion, request to visit the kennel or the place where the dogs live. It will give you a chance to observe how the breeder cares for their canines, and to see how the parents and puppies are in terms of physical health and temperament.

While you’re there, ask the breeder for the medical and vaccination records of the parents. If the pups already got shots, the seller should show that to you, too. People who put the welfare of their dogs as a top priority would have their males and females go under genetic testing before mating to avoid passing illnesses to the puppies.

Feel like you’re ready to look at chubby Mini Bulldogs online? Let’s go!

Miniature English Bulldog breeders & kennels

If you try to look for associations or clubs that recognize this breed, don’t go to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) site because they only have purebreds registered with them.

This crossbreed is recognized by the American Canine Association, Inc. (ACA) and the Bulldog Club of America. The national breed club has a breeder directory that you can use so you can select your exact state.

We also found the following websites that have Miniature English Bulldogs for sale:

1. Shrinkabulls
2. Sugar Plum Bulldogs (Purcellville, VA)
3. Bantam Mini Bulldogs (Putnam, CT)
4. Stone Quarry Bulldogs (Minerva, OH)

Finding a Mini English Bulldog to rescue or adopt

Dog lovers would know that there are a lot of dogs, both purebreds and crossbreeds, that end up in shelters. So those who feel like adopting or rescuing is the best option when looking for a canine pal, we support you!

Other than checking the local shelter or rescue organizations near you, here are some websites that have Miniature Bullpugs that you can adopt or foster:

1. Florida English Bulldog Rescue (Odessa, FL)
2. No Borders Bulldog Rescue (Farmers Branch, Texas)
3. Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Club

For a more comprehensive list of rescue sites, the Bulldog Club of America compiled them on their page.

Is the Miniature English Bulldog Right for you?

There is an emotional gamble when owning a Teacup Bulldog. If you can keep up with medical conditions as they arise, and you’re able to be home and with your furry pal often, then this breed might be suitable for you.

Aside from its health issues, it is a low maintenance doggo and is an excellent addition to the family. If you think snorts, snores, and food chomping are adorable – and I know I do – then you should get a Mini Bullpug of your own!

Do you have a Miniature English Bulldog at home? Do you want one? Let us know in the comments below.

Reference

• https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/english-bulldog-brachycephalic-airway-obstruction-syndrome-baos