Have you ever seen a French Bulldog with long hair? Yep, everyone’s favorite little companion dog comes in a fluffy version — and it’s just as adorable as it sounds - The Fluffy French Bulldog also known as the Fluffy Frenchie.
What Is a Fluffy French Bulldog?
A Fluffy French Bulldog, also known as a Fluffy Frenchie, is a purebred variant of the breed which has long and fluffy fur. This fluffy fur comes from a mutation in the Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF5) gene which makes this breed incredibly rare. The Fluffy Frenchie is 100% French Bulldog. That’s right, the long-haired version is exactly like the regular one, except they have long hair.
The Fluffy Frenchie has longer hair than a regular French Bulldog all over its body, particularly around the ears. Accompanied by that adorable pushed-in nose, these dogs are irresistibly cute and highly sought after.
However, fluffy French Bulldogs are quite rare and thus expensive. But if your curiosity has been piqued, then let’s dive in together and learn all about the Fluffy Frenchie and what you should know if you’re considering owning one.
The look isn’t achieved by crossing a French Bulldog with another, fluffier dog. Instead, it is caused by a rare gene introduced into the breed at some point in the past. The gene is recessive, meaning both parents must possess and pass on the gene to their offspring to produce a Fluffy Frenchie.
Fluffy French bulldogs have a distinctive look that includes an oversized square-shaped head, erect, bat-like ears, deep wrinkles, a short snout with a flat face, and lots of soft fur. Their bodies are muscular, though short and compact and they have short tails that can be straight or screw-like.
The fluffy French Bulldog is quite small, standing only 11 - 13 inches tall. Because of their muscular nature, they can be surprisingly heavy — between 16 and 28 pounds with males being larger than females.
Fluffy Frenchies and standard short hair French Bulldogs come in various colors including fawn, brindle, cream, white, lilac, and blue merle.
Not only are these dogs incredibly cute but they also have great personalities too! They’re known for being very loyal to their owners and make great companions because they’re very affectionate.
Fluffy Frenchies are also quite intelligent which makes training them relatively easy. If you're looking for an outgoing yet laid-back pet then this might be the perfect breed for you!
History of the Fluffy French Bulldog and French Bulldog
The French Bulldog started out as the toy bulldog in England in the early 19th century. These dogs were used in bull-baiting, a sport that involved pitting a dog against a bull. This didn’t often go well for the dog, as you might imagine, and the practice was outlawed in 1835.
After this, breeders actively worked to breed the aggression out of them by crossing the bulldogs with terriers. This made them smaller and gave some of them erect bat ears, which were not considered desirable in England. So they sent the bat-eared dogs to France.
Somehow, these “rejects” wormed their way into the hearts of social elites in France and the trait was further encouraged and refined.
It is not known how the long hair gene came about, or if it was added intentionally. But anyone who has ever seen a Fluffy Frenchie will agree — accidental or not, fluffy hair is a happy occurrence.
The Various Sizes and Colors of the Fluffy French Bulldog
When it comes to size, the Fluffy French Bulldog is a small dog with an average weight of about 16-28 pounds. They typically stand between 11 and 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
As for colors, these adorable fluffy frenchies come in a variety of shades, some of which are much rarer than others. The most common color is cream or cream and white with a dark nose and dark eyes.
White Fluffy Frenchies are stunning and relatively easy to find. They can have a blue eye or two which adds to their unique look!
The body color of fawn-colored Frenchies ranges from light tan to dark fawn with red highlights. They usually have a black muzzle and splotches of white, particularly on the chest.
Brindle colors can also be quite common. Their striped pattern is usually quite subtle and may be mixed with white or they’ll have large white patches.
The rarer Frenchie colors are not approved by the AKC so these dogs can’t be used in dog shows. However, they are still highly sought-after with a price tag to match. These colors include blue, lilac, blue and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue merle.
No matter what size or color you decide on this breed will bring plenty of love into your life so go ahead and take home one today! Whether they have short fur or long locks these pups are sure to turn heads everywhere they go – plus they make great cuddle buddies too!
Temperament of the Fluffy French Bulldog
The Fluffy French Bulldog is known for its outgoing yet laid-back temperament which makes it an ideal companion for any family. These pups love to be around people and are always up for a cuddle or belly rub! They do not do well for long periods of time on their own.
They are not yappers and don’t tend to be on high alert as is common among other small companion dogs. In fact, they might not even bother to alert you to the presence of something suspicious so they don’t make the best watchdogs. However, they are perfect if you want a small dog that isn’t quite so high-strung!
They are also quite intelligent which allows them to learn quickly, making training relatively easy. They can be quite stubborn, though, so they need a firm hand and consistency in order to get the best out of them.
Their laid-back nature means that French Bulldogs also tend to get along well with other pets. This breed loves being part of a pack and would make an excellent addition to any family dynamic.
French Bulldogs can suffer from separation anxiety, just like any other dog breed. Separation anxiety is a condition where a dog experiences distress and shows destructive or disruptive behavior when separated from their owner or caregiver.
French Bulldogs, being a highly social breed, may become attached to their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. It's important for owners to gradually acclimate their Frenchies to being alone.
Overall though these pooches are very affectionate and will bring lots of joy into your life!
Health Issues of the Fluffy French Bulldog
In general, a typical French Bulldog will live 10 - 14 years. With proper care, they will generally be healthy, but the breed has some tendencies that owners should be aware of.
Some of the specific respiratory issues that Fluffy French Bulldogs and all French Bulldogs may be prone to include:
- Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome: This condition is characterized by a narrow and elongated soft palate, small nostrils, and abnormally large tonsils. These features can make it difficult for French Bulldogs to breathe and can lead to problems such as loud breathing, snoring, and difficulty exercising.
- Tracheal collapse: This condition occurs when the trachea (windpipe) becomes weakened and collapses, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.
- Laryngeal paralysis: This condition occurs when the muscles that control the larynx (voice box) become paralyzed, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.
It’s important to remember that not all French Bulldogs will develop these health problems, and many Frenchies live long, healthy lives.
They do not need to be bathed often and even the fluffy variety doesn’t need their hair brushed very often. In fact, too much bathing can cause skin issues.
However, those adorable wrinkles on their faces should be cleaned daily. Moisture can become trapped in those folds, leading to infections. They must also be kept cool in hot weather and provided with plenty of cool water and shade.
Additionally, like many dogs, they can be prone to allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma. It's important to take your pup for regular check-ups in order to identify any potential issues early on so they can be treated accordingly.
Finally, as a stocky, somewhat lazy breed, French Bulldogs tend to put on weight easily. This is easily controlled by making sure they get enough exercise and eat a balanced diet.
Exercise Requirements For Fluffy French Bulldogs
Exercise is crucial for the health of a Fluffy French Bulldog. Young puppies under 12 months should not be over-exercised, as it could harm their joints and mobility in the future. Instead, give them short, light walks with adequate rest intervals.
Exercise needs may increase as they age, but each dog is unique and set their own pace. If they show signs of fatigue or struggle, it's time to return home. Play is also an important aspect for a Fluffy Frenchie fitness routine. Interaction with owners and other dogs provides both physical and mental stimulation. Using toys such as Kongs and lick mats can keep them active and occupied.
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The Price Tag of the Fluffy French Bulldog
And now we come to the only terrible thing about a Fluffy Frenchie — the price tag.
What happens when lots of people fall head over heels in love with the same thing? And that same thing also happens to be quite rare?
Yep, the price skyrockets. And that has happened with the Fluffy Frenchie.
The French Bulldog breed is already quite the desirable breed and most are sold for between $4,000 and $7,000. However, add the rarity of the fluffy version and you’re looking at a minimum of $10,000 for Fluffy Frenchies. Rarer colors get even more expensive and the price tag for some Fluffy Frenchies can reach over $30,000!
Only you can decide if owning a Fluffy Frenchie is worth that much money to you. And you’ll definitely want to do your research and ensure you’re purchasing your pup from a reputable breeder who specializes in the long hair gene.
But who can put a price on the love and companionship that these adorable little creatures with long hair will offer?
Frequently Asked Questions About Fluffy French Bulldogs
As the Fluffy Frenchie becomes more and more popular because of word of mouth as well as media attention, it is common for individuals to have questions specifically about this breed. Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the Fluffy French Bulldog breed:
Are Fluffy Frenchies Purebred?
Fluffy Frenchies are purebred French Bulldogs that aren’t mixed with any other dog breeds. Many individuals will believe that fluffy fur is caused by being mixed with a different dog breed but it is actually a mutation or variation of their fur gene which causes them to have long fur compared to the more common short fur.
Are Fluffy French Bulldogs Rare?
Yes, fluffy french bulldogs are rare and can be quite difficult to find because of how uncommon this recessive fur gene is. There has also been a rise in demand for fluffy frenchies because of social media attention which has increased the rarity of this type of French Bulldogs even further. If you are looking to buy a fluffy french bulldog then you might struggle to find one available in your area and will also struggle to find one for an affordable price.
Do Fluffy Frenchies Shed A Lot?
Fluffy french bulldogs are typically thought to shed more so compared to their short fur variant. However, in comparison to heavy shedding dogs such as Huskies or Golden Retrievers, most fluffy frenchies won’t shed as much as these breeds.
What Problems Do Fluffy French Bulldogs Have?
Although the fluffy french bulldog is a beautiful dog breed, it is important to only get this breed if you are able to provide it the best home possible. Below are a few of the reasons that a fluffy frenchie might not be a good fit for your home:
- They can be expensive and can be difficult to find a reliable breeder near you.
- Require a large amount of human attention as they can be considered “clingy” dogs who need human companionship.
- Since this breed has risen in popularity because of media attention, there are a lot of untrustworthy breeders or puppy mills out there that will try to take advantage of individuals.
- Fluffy French Bulldogs as well as standard Frenchies can suffer from a variety of potential health issues such as Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, Tracheal Collapse, or Laryngeal Paralysis because of their narrow airways as well as poor breeding processes in the past.
Is It Time For A Fluffy Frenchie for Your Family?
Overall, the Fluffy French Bulldog is an adorable and playful breed with a stature fit for small places. They make great companion dogs and are fairly easy to maintain but can be a bit stubborn.
However, because of the price tag and potential health issues, anyone looking to add one of these long hair pups to their family should be prepared and do lots of research. Nevertheless, fans find that having such an affectionate companion by their side is worth the investment.
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