Fluffy Frenchie Dog Breed: Is a Fluffy French Bulldog Rare?

Last Updated on July 7, 2023

French Bulldogs usually have short, straight, rough hair but did you know you also get a Fluffy Frenchie? These dogs are similar to the regular French Bulldogs you know and love, they just have longer coats. 

Join us as we take a closer look at the appearance, and temperament of these dogs as well as their care and maintenance needs. You’ll soon know if this breed is your perfect pooch.

The Fluffy French Bulldog at a Glance

We’ve put together a summary table below to give you a quick overview of this breed.

Is There a Fluffy Frenchie Dog?

Fluffy Frenchies, also known as Fluffy French Bulldogs, differ only from regular French Bulldogs in that they have slightly longer, fluffier coats.

Although incredibly rare and ridiculously expensive, Fluffy Frenchies do exist. And they are not actually mixed breed dogs as some people believe but pure, 100% French Bulldogs.

That said, the fluffy, long coat of the French Bulldog is not recognized in the breed standard of the American Kennel Club (AKC), and thus these dogs are not eligible to compete in the conformation show ring or be registered. They are however becoming more and more popular companion pets.

If you are wondering if this is the right pet for you, be sure to read our article on French Bulldogs here to discover everything you need to know about this breed.

What Does a Fluffy French Bulldog Look Like?

Fluffy French Bulldogs look exactly like regular Frenchies, except for the coat. These long-haired Frenchies have fur that is slightly longer than the typical French Bulldog coat. 

The coat of these dogs isn’t curly like the Poodle or luscious and long as the Lhasa Apso, it is actually medium length.

If you’re dreaming of a French Bulldog with beautiful curls or floor-length waves, then you’re going to be disappointed.

Just like their short-haired counterparts, the Fluffy Frenchie has a sturdy, compact little body. These dogs stand between 11 and 13 inches (28 and 33 cm) tall and weigh between 20 and 28 pounds (9 and 13 kg).

They have large, square-shaped heads with dark eyes. They also have the characteristic bat ears of the Frenchie breed which stand erect on the top of their head. The short tail is set low to the ground and can either be straight or screwed up like that of a pig.

Fluffy Frenchies are also often born with dewclaws that are usually removed when the dog is still a puppy. This is typically done to prevent injury. This claw doesn’t serve a purpose but can easily get hooked on things and painfully tear off. 

Also read: Why is the Blue French Bulldog so special?

Get to Know the Fluffy Gene

On seeing a Fluffy Frenchie for the first time, many people assume that these dogs are mixed breeds, but that is not the case.

Fluffy Frenchies are the purebred puppies of two French Bulldogs. It’s all got to do with the genetic makeup of these unique dogs.

Long-haired French Bulldogs occur due to the presence of the LH gene, also known as the autosomal recessive gene or the Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF 5) gene.

This gene is naturally found in French Bulldogs however it is a recessive gene and quite rare. Also, for a Frenchie to have a long, fluffy coat they need to have two LH genes. 

Carriers of the LH gene have the short hair common of the French Bulldog breed. These dogs would have one dominant Sh gene and one recessive L1 or L4 gene.

Even if two carriers of the FGF 5 or long-haired gene are bred, there is only a 25% chance that their puppies will be fluffy due to the Sh, or shorthaired gene being dominant in French Bulldogs. 

To guarantee long-haired Frenchie puppies, a Fluffy Frenchie must be bred with another Fluffy Frenchie.

The following table will give you a better idea of how this process works:

While no one can pinpoint exactly when this gene first appeared in the breed, it’s accepted that it’s likely it has always existed in these dogs. French Bulldogs were created in the 1800s when English Bulldogs were bred with terriers to create a smaller Bulldog. 

Some say that the gene comes from the terriers or ratter dogs that were used to create this breed.

In the past puppies that didn’t match the breed standard for coat type may have been euthanized to prevent their genes from spreading further.

However, now some people are seeking to breed these dogs specifically for this trait. 

Fluffy Frenchie’s coat comes in a wide range of colors, just like the regular Frenchie breed. In standard French Bulldogs, the AKC-approved colors include white, cream, and fawn, or a combination of these.

Dogs then also have markings in white, brindle, or black. They can also be piebald which includes black spots on a white base, or ticked. 

There are also several rarer colors for French Bulldogs including blue, lilac, blue merle, chocolate, and tan, or a combination of these. 

Is the Temperament of a Fluffy Frenchie the Same as a Short-Haired Frenchie?

French Bulldogs have a long history of being bred as companion animals and thus are very people-centric dogs.

Fluffy Frenchies are no different. These dogs thrive on attention and get along well with most people.

They also want to be around their people every minute of the day and do not do well being left alone for long periods. 

Frenchies are prone to separation anxiety, but rarely bark, unless to alert their owner to a stranger. Thus, they make great little guard dogs. They can be friendly towards other dogs and cats if they are well-trained and socialized from a young age.

Thankfully, these dogs are pretty easy to train, although they can sometimes be a bit stubborn. 

How to Take Care of Your Long-Haired Frenchie?

While Frenchies make great apartment dogs, these pups are quite high maintenance with very specific care needs.

If you are thinking about getting a French Bulldog puppy, be sure you know exactly how much maintenance goes into caring for one of these dogs. 

These dogs are also prone to heat exhaustion, causing them to pant excessively with exercise and in hot weather.

They need to be properly looked after in warm climates to avoid over-exertion as they cannot regulate their temperatures correctly. This is particularly the case with long-haired Frenchies whose extra fluff keeps them even warmer. 

Training and Exercise Needs

The long-haired Frenchie has the same exercise needs as the short-haired version of this breed. This brachycephalic breed doesn’t need a lot of exercise and a daily short walk should be sufficient for your dog.

In fact, due to their short snouts, these dogs should not be exercised excessively, particularly in hot weather. 

That said, you can’t let your dog become overweight due to inactivity as this could lead to several health issues. Frenchies do love to play and can even excel at agility challenges.

Are Fluffy Frenchies hypoallergenic?

Just like standard Frenchies, Fluffy Frenchies will shed and thus aren’t considered to be hypoallergenic. They will shed lightly all year round and more heavily twice a year with the changing of the seasons. 

Fluffy French Bulldogs are easy to groom. The hair isn’t so long that it tangles so it doesn’t need to be brushed any more frequently than a regular Frenchie’s coat.

A weekly brush should be enough to keep your dog’s coat looking and feeling great. You may wish to increase this frequency during heavy shedding periods to help get rid of all that extra fur. 

You do however need to give your dog’s skin a wipe clean every day to prevent any moisture build-up in the skin wrinkles which can lead to infection.

They only need to be bathed when excessively dirty as regular bathing will disrupt the natural oils in their skin which keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.

Food Consumption

Fluffy Frenchies, just like normal French Bulldogs, are prone to obesity and should not be allowed to free feed.

These dogs require between one and one and a half cups of food each day. Their meals should be split into two to get enough calories to sustain them. These stubborn dogs will also benefit from a healthy routine.

Read our article: Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs.

Are Fluffy Frenchies Healthy Dogs?

French Bulldogs, including the fluffy variety, are not particularly healthy dogs. Selective breeding, specifically with Fluffy Frenchies has given rise to many health problems with these dogs. 

Most of these stem from Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. This is caused by the deformed shape of the skull that gives these dogs their flat faces and can cause many breathing problems. 

Some other common health issues with the Bulldog breed include patella dislocation, a dislocation of the kneecap which can cause difficulty breathing, and hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that also affects mobility.

Some other health problems that can affect mobility in this breed include the spinal conditions of Hemivertebrae and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).

As the tail is a direct extension of the spine, dogs with screw tails are more likely to suffer from spinal problems later in life. 

Due to their bug-like eyes, French Bulldogs also commonly suffer from eye problems. These can include cherry eye, cataracts, entropion, and conjunctivitis of pink eye.

Also, Frenchies are particularly prone to developing skin problems like allergies, eczema, and Skin Fold Dermatitis which occurs when bacteria grow in the folds of the skin if not kept clean. 

How Much Does a Fluffy Frenchie Puppy Cost?

Fluffy Frenchies are not cheap. These dogs fetch between $13,000 and $16,000 each. From their original home in England, these tiny powerhouses found their way to France where they became the much-loved companions of the high society elite.

From there, their popularity soared and soon French Bulldogs became sought-after pets the world over. In 2020, they were the second most popular dog in the USA so it makes sense that the price for a French Bulldog puppy is pretty high. And, of course, even more so for rare and elusive Fluffy Frenchies!

Some breeders seek to breed dogs with the LH gene that gives birth to Fluffy Frenchies.

However, there is no guarantee that a litter of French Bulldogs will have long hair and sometimes Fluffy French Bulldog breeders might only get a few dogs in a litter with this trait. 

French Bulldogs can also not give birth naturally and so often require caesareans as well as artificial insemination. This is because of the unnaturally small hips of these tiny dogs.

As a result of these expensive medical procedures, it is expensive to buy a Fluffy Frenchie puppy. 

French Bulldog breeders

Certain reputable breeders do specialize in breeding Fluffy Frenchies, although you might have to add your name to a waiting list if your heart is set on one of these pups.

When buying a Fluffy Frenchie from a breeder, be sure to ask for all the necessary health certificates to ensure your puppy is healthy and doesn’t come from a poor bloodline. 

You will also want to check the parent dogs to ensure your French Bulldog is a purebred dog. This is because some backyard breeders looking to make a quick buck cross Frenchies with Chihuahuas or Pekingese to create a hybrid that looks similar to the Fluffy Frenchie. 

Adopting a Long-Haired Frenchie

Due to these dogs being quite rare and purposefully bred, they are difficult to find at rescue centers.

The chance of finding an older purebred French Bulldog looking for a home is more likely than a puppy, and sometimes people have to give up their pets due to changes in their personal circumstances. 

A great place to start looking for a fluffy pup in need of a new home would be on a French Bulldog-specific rescue site. Here are a few to get you started:

• French Bulldog Rescue Network (Glen Allen, VA)
• French Bulldog Village (Conshohocken, PA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Fluffy French Bulldogs swim?

All French Bulldogs should also be supervised around water. These dogs struggle to swim due to their short legs and heavy bodies.

They also struggle to keep their heads above water due to their flat faces and so are prone to drowning. They do however love water so need to be supervised if you have a pool in your yard.

Are Fluffy Frenchies amenable to air travel?

While you might think a French Bulldog makes the perfect travel companion due to its small size, most airlines do not allow this dog breed on the plane.

This is because these dogs are prone to breathing problems and can suffer from difficulties as the plane reaches a high altitude.

Fluffy Frenchie Infographic – Summary

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Who Should Get a Fluffy Frenchie?

Fluffy Frenchies are utterly adorable. They are also highly sought after due to their soft coat.

However, these dogs are quite unhealthy and so need a decent level of care. They also require a fair amount of training and socialization. They are not the best choice of dog for inexperienced pet owners. 

They are prone to separation anxiety, can suffer from heat exhaustion, need daily wipe-downs to keep their wrinkles clean and dry, and can be destructive.

Anyone looking to get a French Bulldog needs to carefully consider if they have the time and energy to care for this difficult breed. 

Also, Fluffy Frenchies can be difficult to find and extremely expensive. You can expect to pay thousands for your long-haired puppy.

However, if you decide they are worth the investment of time and money, you will have one super cute and loveable puppy who will love you with all his heart.

Do you have a Fluffy French doggy at home? We’d love to hear from the Frenchie owners out there. Do let us know all about your fluffy dog and where you got him in the comments below.

Note: All photos of Fluffy Frenchies are credited to @bullygang_kennels

Further reading: Similar Breeds to Frenchies

• English Bulldog
• Boston Terrier
• Pug
• Pekingese

Reference

• https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-dogs