Home » Dog Breeds » French Bulldog Yorkie Mix (AKA The Forkie): Breed Guide

French Bulldog Yorkie Mix (AKA The Forkie): Breed Guide

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Do you want a small dog that is full of personality and loves to play? If so, the French Bulldog Yorkie mix may be the perfect breed for you.

This mixed breed dog has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its adorable appearance and lovable temperament.

This post covers everything you need to know about the Forkie – from its history to what it was bred for to what kind of personality it has.

We will also answer many of the frequently asked questions about this breed so that you can make an informed decision if owning a Forkie is right for you.

Let’s jump right in.

French Bulldog Yorkie Mix

What Is A Forkie?

The Forkie mix is a hybrid dog that is created by breeding a French Bulldog with a Yorkshire Terrier. This mixed breed inherits the best qualities from both of its parent breeds – it is small in size, has a short coat, and is full of energy and personality.

The Forkie is an ideal pet for those who live in small apartments or do not have a lot of space, as it does not need a lot of exercise. This breed is also known for being very affectionate and loving, which makes them great companions.

What Was The French Bulldog Yorkie Mix Bred For?

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix was bred for companionship. This mixed breed is the perfect size for cuddling on your lap and loves to give kisses. 

They can also be good watchdogs, as they will bark at strangers or anything that seems out of place.

For the most part, though, they are a designer breed that was made for being a loving family companion dog. Neither they themselves nor their parent breeds were bred for any particular working purpose.

Where Do Yorkies Come From?

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are commonly called, are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. These small, fearless dogs were initially bred in England in the 19th century to catch rats in clothing mills.

They quickly became popular as pets among the working class, and their popularity soon spread to other parts of Europe and America.

They quickly became popular among factory workers who wanted a loyal companion to keep them company during long hours on the job.

Yorkies were also popular among soldiers during World War I and II, who appreciated their courageous nature and easy-to-carry size. After the war, Yorkies became even more popular as a result of increased trade and travel between England and America.

Today, Yorkies are still prized as companion dogs and are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and spunky personality.

Where Do French Bulldogs Come From?

French Bulldogs are among the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it’s easy to see why. These lovable dogs have a distinctively “bat-like” appearance, with their large ears and short noses.

But where did French Bulldogs originate from?

Contrary to their name, French Bulldogs actually originated in England. In the 19th century, English breeders began crossbreeding English Bulldogs with smaller breeds, such as Terriers and Pugs.

The resulting puppies were then exported to France, where they quickly gained popularity among the fashionable elite. It wasn’t long before French breeders began developing their own line of French Bulldogs, which eventually became the breed we know today.

Nowadays, French Bulldogs are prized as companion animals and show dogs.

French Bulldog Yorkie Mix Appearance & Traits

brindle French Bulldog Yorkie Mix puppy
PC: @salsasaltarin

Size (Weight & Height)

Frenchie Yorkies are small dogs that weigh between 8 and 18 pounds and stand at about 8 to 12 inches tall.

If the Frenchie Yorkie puppy takes after their French Bulldog parent more, they’ll be bigger than those that take after their Yorkie parent more.

Coat Colors & Texture

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix can have a coat that is short like the French Bulldog’s or longer like a Yorkie’s. The most common colors are black, brown, and tan, but they can also be found in blue, brindle, fawn, cream, white, and silver.

The coat of a Frenchie Yorkie is usually fine and soft, but it can also be wiry like a Yorkie’s.

Shedding & Grooming

The Yorkie Frenchie mix is a low to moderate shedding mixed breed. However, they will need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their coat looking their best and to prevent matting.

Many parents of this breed opt to get a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of their shedding. While they aren’t excessive shedders, these automatic vacuums help keep floors looking relatively clean throughout the week.

They should also be bathed as needed, but not too often, as this can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. Roughly every 8-12 weeks is a good frequency to shoot for.

A Yorkie French Bulldog mix should also have their nails trimmed once a month, ears cleaned every 3-4 weeks, and teeth brushed/cleaned a few times per week.

Are French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Hypoallergenic?

The Yorkie Frenchie mix is not a hypoallergenic dog. They are considered to be moderate shedders, which means they are likely to cause allergies in people who are sensitive to pet dander.

Ears & Tail

The Frenchie Yorkie mix has erect, pointy ears set high on their head. They also have a medium to long tail that is usually carried low.

Eye Color

The Frenchie Yorkie’s eyes are usually dark brown but can also be green, hazel, or sometimes even blue.

Lifespan

yorkie french bulldog
PC: @yorkiefrenchbulldog

The average lifespan of a French Bulldog Yorkie mix is 12-14 years.

While this may seem like a relatively short life span, it is actually on par with other small dog breeds.

One of the best ways to ensure your Frenchie Yorkie lives a long and healthy life is to feed them a high-quality diet, give them plenty of exercise, and to take them for regular checkups with the vet.

Common Health Issues

French Bulldog Yorkie mixes are generally healthy dogs, but there are some health conditions to be aware of.

Some of the most common health problems that can affect Frenchie Yorkies include allergies, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hypoglycemia, and von Willebrand’s disease.

Dog allergies are the most common health issue that Frenchie Yorkies face. They can be allergic to a variety of things, including pollen, grass, and certain foods.

Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the kneecap or patella. The patella is a small bone that sits at the front of the knee joint and helps to connect the leg muscles to the shinbone. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella is dislocated from its normal position. This can occur due to an injury or due to a congenital disability.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that results when the hip joint does not form properly. This can cause pain and lameness in the affected leg.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that can be caused by strenuous exercise, stress, or an infection. If not treated promptly, it can lead to seizures or even death.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that is caused by a lack of a protein called the von Willebrand factor. This protein helps the blood to clot properly. As a result, dogs with this condition may bleed excessively from minor cuts or injuries.

While these health conditions are relatively common in French Bulldog Yorkies, it’s important to remember that not all dogs will be affected by them.

Trainability & Intelligence

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is a relatively smart mixed breed, but they can be stubborn at times. They can be quick learners, but they may need some extra patience and persistence when it comes to training.

Like all dogs, the Frenchie Yorkie mix needs to be socialized early on in life. This will help them to become well-rounded and less fearful of new people and experiences.

The best way to train a French Bulldog Yorkie is with positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and toys. Harsh punishment or scolding will only make them more resistant to training.

When it comes to raw intelligence, the Frenchie Yorkie is about average. They are not as intelligent as some other popular small dog breeds, but they are certainly not dumb either.

The Frenchie Yorkie mix is a good choice for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train their dog.

Activity Level & Exercise Needs

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is a relatively active dog, but they do not require a ton of exercise.

A daily walk and play session or two should be enough to keep them happy and healthy. They may also enjoy playing fetch or going for a swim.

While the Frenchie Yorkie does not need a lot of exercise, it’s important to ensure they get enough to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.

A bored Frenchie Yorkie may start chewing on furniture or other household items, so it’s essential to provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.

Temperament & Behavior

frenchie x yorkie

Do French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Bark A Lot?

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is a relatively quiet dog, but they may bark when they are bored or anxious.

They are not known to be yappy dogs, but some individual dogs may be more prone to barking than others.

The best way to prevent excessive barking is to make sure a Frenchie Yorkie has plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied.

Do French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Like To Cuddle?

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is a relatively affectionate dog, and they do enjoy cuddling.

Both parent breeds were used as prized companion dogs, so it’s in their nature to be cuddly and have a strong desire to be close to their loved ones.

Are French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Good With Kids?

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is a good choice for families with kids. They are generally patient and good-natured, but some individual dogs may be more energetic or excitable than others.

It’s important to supervise initial interactions between children and dogs, regardless of breed, to prevent any accidents or injuries from happening.

But all in all, a French Bulldog and Yorkie mix is well-behaved around kids.

Are French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Good With Other Dogs?

Frenchie Yorkie mixes are generally a good choice for families with other dogs. Typically, they are social and get along well with other canines, but some individual dogs may be more independent or aloof than others.

With that being said, socialization is still important for these dogs. They can become clingy and overprotective if not properly socialized.

The more unfamiliar dogs they meet and interact with, the better behaved they’ll be around other dogs as they get older.

Are French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Good With Strangers?

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix can be a good choice for families who entertain often. They are generally social and outgoing, but some individual dogs may be more shy or reserved around strangers.

Proper socialization is important for these dogs to help them become comfortable around new people.

If they’re isolated when young, they are likely to see strangers as potential threats instead of potential friends.

Are French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix can make great apartment dogs. They’re not particularly active dogs and don’t require a lot of exercise, so they’re content to lounge around inside all day.

However, it’s important to make sure they get enough mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming overly bored or destructive.

French Bulldog Yorkie Mix Price

French Bulldog Yorkie Mix puppy
PC: @yorkibulla_milou

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is not a particularly expensive dog to purchase.

They typically cost between $500 and $3000, depending on the breeder, their location, their coat type, and whether they are show quality or not.

However, the costs of owning one of these dogs don’t stop there. They also require regular vet check-ups and vaccinations, food, toys, and treats, which can add up over time.

So, while the initial purchase price of a Frenchie Yorkie mix may not be extremely expensive, you should factor in all the additional costs of ownership before making your final decision.

Something important to note is you should always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.

Where Can You Find A French Bulldog Yorkie Mix For Sale?

yorkshire and frenchie

There are a few different places you can look for a French Bulldog Yorkie mix for sale.

You can search online, in newspapers, or contact local breeders in your area. However, the best way to find a reputable breeder is through referrals from friends or family members.

If you do decide to search for a French Bulldog Yorkie mix online, make sure you only use reputable websites.

Some good websites to start your search are:

  • Lancaster Puppies
  • Greenfield Puppies

Both of these websites have French Bulldog mixes, and Yorkshire Terrier mixes available. Whether they have a Forkie available isn’t certain, but you’ll find breeders you can start reaching out to.

Similar Breeds To The French Bulldog Yorkie Mix

Pros & Cons Of French Bulldog Yorkie Mixes

dog in car
PC: @salsasaltarin

Here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of French Bulldog Yorkie mixes to help you make your decision:

Pros: 

  • They are small in size, making them ideal for city living.
  • They have low exercise needs and can be content with a short walk each day.
  • They are good with children and make excellent family pets.
  • They are intelligent and can be easy to train.

Cons: 

  • They can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
  • They require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
  • They can be stubborn and sometimes challenging to potty train.

Final Thoughts

The French Bulldog Yorkie mix is a small, affectionate dog that can make a great companion for families and single people alike.

While they do require some grooming and may be difficult to potty train, their low exercise needs and loving nature make them the perfect pet for those who are looking for a lap dog.

So, if you’re looking for a small, loving dog that will be your loyal companion for years to come, then the Frenchie Yorkie mix may be an excellent breed for you.

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