We are all familiar with what French Bulldogs look like – small friendly dogs with stumpy tails. But what is the difference between a regular Frenchie and a Fluffy Frenchie? Let’s dive right in and find out.
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What is a Fluffy French Bulldog?
A Fluffy French Bulldog or Fluffy Frenchie is a variety of the regular French Bulldog and is sometimes referred to as the long haired French Bulldog due to this dog having longer hair than the typical Frenchie.
Fluffy French Bulldog genetic profile
Fluffy French Bulldogs contain an autosomal recessive gene called the Fibroblast Growth Factor 5. This gene causes the Frenchie to possess a Long Hair (LH) gene along with a regular Short Hair (SH) gene.
If two French Bulldogs with LH genes mate, thereâs a chance that all of their puppies will be fluffy. If only one of them has the LH gene, the possibility of a fluffy outcome shrinks to just 25%. So, where did this gene come from? To answer this, we take a brief look at the history of the Fluffy French Bulldog.
Fluffy French Bulldog history
The Fluffy French Bulldogâs history goes side-by-side with the French Bulldog, who shares its early history with the British Bulldog.
After England outlawed certain types of sports, Bulldogs started gaining popularity as companion dogs. During this time, they were bred with terriers to reduce their size. These miniature French Bulldogs were then brought to France, where they became popular toy dogs.
Back then, erect bat-like ears were considered faulty for Bulldogs. But these dogs were popular among the French, so English breeders started exporting Bulldogs with these ears and other breed faults to France.
The small size was a part of their appeal, and they were bred with terriers again at some point to reduce their size further. What result was a dog known as the French Bulldog, and it was a hit among the French upper class and nobility.
Itâs hard to pinpoint where the long-haired Bulldog first appeared. Itâs argued that Frenchies always had this gene, but the short hair gene was more dominant. Some say that long hair made the Bulldog faulty, so breeders prevented them from multiplying. Itâs also possible that this gene came from terriers. Nevertheless, theyâre unique, and breeders have started seeing their value as rare, novelty pets.
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Fluffy French Bulldog appearance
As the name suggests, the Fluffy French Bulldog is a fluffy version of the typically smooth coat French Bulldog. The appearance is the only factor that sets them apart from regular Frenchies.
Although theyâre also called long-haired French Bulldogs, their fur is more of a medium length. The hair is wavy and is more prominent on the dogâs chest, ears, and neck.
In all other aspects, Fluffy Frenchies are just like French Bulldogs. Theyâre small and stocky, have large upright ears, short tails, and flat snouts.
Fluffy French Bulldog coat colors
Fluffy French Bulldogs are available in all colors you can find in French Bulldogs. The AKC recognizes fawn, cream, white, and their combinations. Markings and patterns include brindle, black mask, ticked, and white markings.
You can also find these dogs in rare color combinations and patterns, like the fluffy blue French Bulldog and the fluffy Merle French Bulldog. The blue Fluffy French Bulldog isnât precisely âblueâ, but rather a diluted version of black. These colors are rare for an already novel dog, making them ultra-expensive.
Since the AKC doesnât recognize the long-haired French Bulldog, they donât have any approved coat colors.
Fluffy French Bulldog personality and temperament
Fluffy French Bulldogs or Fluffy Frenchies are friendly, social, and playful dogs. They get along well with children, people, and other dogs. Theyâre also highly adaptable and have no trouble adjusting to a new home.
Fluffy Frenchies donât bark too often. Their affectionate nature and aversion to barking make them poor watchdogs.
Fluffy French Bulldog exercise requirement
Fluffy Frenchies are full of energy and love to play, so make sure they get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.
However, the Fluffy French Bulldogs suffer from respiratory issues, which means they canât handle strenuous activities.
Stick to gentle walks with plenty of stops, making sure your little canine friend doesnât have to run to keep up with you.
Training a Fluffy French Bulldog
Training a Fluffy Frenchie is a breeze as these dogs are very eager to please their owners. Theyâre naturally socialâacting friendly around humans and getting along well with other dogsâwhich means their socialization training isnât too hard.
However, these dogs can act a bit stubborn at times, but positive reinforcement ensures obedience. Keeping yummy treats at hand will also help.
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Fluffy French Bulldog diet
Fluffy French Bulldogs need 25 to 35 calories per pound of body weight every day. Stick to a natural diet consisting of beef, fish, or chicken. If you prefer canned food, go for organic dry kibble low in carbs.
Allergens are a serious concern for Fluffy French Bulldogs, so make sure to stick to their regular diet. When testing any new food, introduce it slowly and check for any side effects.
Common Health Issues in Fluffy French Bulldog
Fluffy Frenchies arenât the healthiest dogs due to their miniature size, aggressive selective breeding, and unique snout shape.
Related Article: French Bulldog Lifespan – How Long do Frenchies Live?
Here are some of the most common health issues among Fluffy Frenchies.
1. Breathing issues
Fluffy Frenchies are a Brachycephalic dog breed: a group that includes Pugs, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese. These dogs are predisposed to breathing issues due to their small snouts and congested nasal paths.
Fluffy French Bulldogs often suffer from breathing issues like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, reverse sneezing, and shortness of breath.
2. Hip dysplasia
Although rare in small dogs, hip dysplasia is common among Fluffy Frenchies. Hip dysplasia is when improper or uneven development of a dogâs hip bone and joint causes the hips to randomly pop out of the socket.
This condition can be congenital, or it can happen after an injury. Overweight and inactive Fluffy French Bulldogs often suffer from this issue, making moving around painful and challenging.
3. Patellar luxation
Luxating patella is when the kneecap keeps dislocating randomly. Unlike hip dysplasia, patellar luxation is common among small dog breeds. Frequent dislocation causes wear and tear on the dogâs knee joint and can lead to arthritis.
Patellar luxation also affects Fluffy Frenchieâs mobility. Moreover, the wear and tear will worsen with time, making life painful for senior dogs.
4. Dermatitis
Bulldogs have many folds on their skin, and the Fluffy French Bulldog isnât much different. The wrinkle on their face, armpits, behind and other areas can trap dirt and moisture, causing irritation and rash.
You will observe sores or redness on the affected area, and your Fluffy French Bulldog will scratch that place often. Regular grooming and attention to hygiene will keep these skin folds clean and prevent dermatitis.
5. Vision problems
Fluffy French Bulldogs often experience diseases like conjunctivitis, cataracts, and glaucoma. These are genetic conditions and can affect the dog without any apparent reason.
When adopting a Fluffy Frenchie, you need to ensure your dog wonât suffer from these issues in the future. Ask the breeder about the Fluffy Frenchieâs parents; if they donât have a record of these eye issues, you can rest easy knowing your Fluffy French Bulldog wonât suffer the same fate.
6. Ear infection
Fluffy Frenchies have large ears and thin ear canals. If an allergen enters their ears, it can irritate their ear glands, causing them to swell and produce more ear wax. This swelling can even damage the eardrum.
Itâs best to clean wax buildup frequently to prevent bacteria from proliferating. Otherwise, they may cause an infection that can spread to the inner ear, messing with the dogâs sense of balance.
If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning their ears, your vet or professional groomer should be able to help.
7. Reproductive issues
Fluffy French Bulldogs have narrow hips, making normal birth difficult. Most French Bulldogs are born via a C-section as it isnât easy for their females to give birth naturally.
8. Spine problems
Fluffy French Bulldogs are genetically vulnerable to spinal issues. Intervertebral Disk Back Disease or IVDD, ingrown tail, butterfly vertebrae, and spinal cord compression are common causes of paralysis among these adorable dogs.
Once again, this is where decades of selective breeding for cosmetic purposes are to blame. The miniaturization of French Bulldog has subjected them to the spine issues weâve discussed above. Theyâre also fragile little dogs, making them more prone to backbone injuries than regular Bulldogs.
9. Stomach upset
Fluffy French Bulldogs are sensitive to stomach bugs, allergies, and diet imbalances which can cause diarrhea and other gastric issues. Thatâs why you need to feed them more carefully than you would another dog.
Diarrhea can be especially dangerous to Fluffy Frenchies as they can run out of body water quicker than bigger dogs. Monitor their stool and if it seems excessively runny, get them to a vet.
10. Allergies
Allergies from foods, fleas, and environmental factors can cause Fluffy Frenchies to contract rashes, skin inflammation, and digestion issues. Allergies are behind many of the skin, ear, eye, and stomach problems that weâve discussed above.
You can avoid adverse allergic reactions by getting your Fluffy Frenchie tested for allergies. Once you know what to avoid, you can keep your dog safe from those substances.
11. Entropion
Entropion is an eye condition caused by the eyelid folding and growing inwards. This ingrown eyelid causes constant friction with the eyeball and can lead to severe pain and blindness.
Entropion can also lead to corneal ulcers and other injuries in the eye, which is why you shouldnât take this condition lightly.
12. Cherry eye
Cherry eye is when the third eyelid becomes inflamed and slides towards the dogâs eyeball. Although it isnât painful, it can still obstruct the Fluffy French Bulldogâs eyesight.
Consult the vet if you notice your Fluffy French Bulldogâs eye unusually watery, red, swollen, or otherwise abnormal.
Handy Hint: Sometimes watery, red, and swollen eyes can cause hard crusty eye boogers in dogs. Check out How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers? to learn more.
How to care for a Fluffy French Bulldog
Fluffy French Bulldogs are friendly, sociable, playful, and adaptable dogs. But their health needs utmost attention. Here are five tips for caring for your Fluffy Frenchie:
1. Prevent injuries
Fluffy Frenchies are small and delicate dogs who can seriously injure themselves from seemingly harmless hazards. Falling from a couple of feet may not sound that dangerous, but it can be lethal to this toy dog. Itâs best to treat this dog as a toddler.
Consider getting a dog ramp so your Fluffy French Bulldogs do not have to jump.
2. Multiple meals
To keep your Fluffy Frenchie feeling full and ensure they have enough energy reserves to stay active all day, divide their daily food quota into two meals. Small dogs can run out of energy and suffer from hypoglycemia if they havenât eaten in a while.
3. Deep cleaning
Due to their furry coats, itâs easy to miss the wrinkles and folds of skin on the Fluffy Frenchieâs body and face. Failing to tend to these folds will subject the dog to dermatitis and bacterial infections.
4. Careful feeding
Stick to a canine-appropriate diet and keep it consistent. Avoid snacks, human foods, and sudden changes in diet. If you want to give them reward food, go for dog-friendly treats instead of fatty or sugary snacks.
5. Spaying/neutering
Fixing your Fluffy French Bulldogs prevents unwanted pregnancies, spinal injuries, behavioral issues, and complicated births. Spaying and neutering also protect them from cancers and other diseases that attack reproductive organs.
Do Fluffy Frenchies shed?
Yes, all Frenchies shed moderately all year round and more frequently during the fall and spring season. Luckily, their small size means you wonât have much cleaning to do. Plus, you can keep shedding under control by regular brushing.
The longer fur on Fluffy Frenchies doesnât mean they shed extra; their shedding is just more noticeable. It isnât a cause for concern unless youâre allergic to dog hair.
Is a Fluffy French Bulldog hypoallergenic?
No, Fluffy French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic since these dogs shed all year. If youâre allergic to dog hair or dander, this isnât the breed for you. But if youâre not allergic to dogs, you can manage their shedding quite easily by regular grooming.
Fluffy French Bulldog grooming
Fluffy Frenchies have longer hair than regular French Bulldogs, meaning they require more upkeep. Brushing them once a week with a soft brush will keep their coats shiny and shedding under control.
Itâs easy to miss the skin folds in Fluffy French Bulldogs since theyâre not as prominent as short-haired Frenchies. Still, make sure you keep them neat and clean.
Bathe your Fluffy Frenchies only if their coat feels dirty or stinky. Bathing them too frequently will make their skin dry and increase shedding.
In-between bathing sessions, you can use doggy wipes instead. I alternate between these two wipes to keep my canine family members clean and smelling fresh once I notice their coat starts to feel dirty or stinky.
Are Fluffy French Bulldogs considered purebred?
Unethical breeding practices and the current demand for Fluffy Frenchies have led many to question the purity of this breed. Fluffy French Bulldog enthusiasts insist the dog is pure; however, the AKC doesnât consider long-hair on a French Bulldog breed standard.
Nevertheless, the impression that all Fluffy French Bulldogs are crossbred isnât correct either. The gene responsible for causing the fluffy coat has been around for centuries. We know this because breeders of the past purposely euthanized long-haired French Bulldogs as they saw it as a defect.
If you want to know the purity of your Fluffy Frenchie, you can perform a DNA test. But even if your Fluffy Frenchie isnât 100% pure, it doesnât make them any less lovable.
Are Fluffy French Bulldogs hard to come by?
Yes, purebred Fluffy French Bulldogs are rare. Most people donât even know this fluffball version of French Bulldogs exists. As weâve mentioned before, breeders used to see long-haired Frenchies as defective and didnât let their population grow.
This unique variant has recently started getting high in demand, urging breeders to produce more of them. Still, a pure Fluffy French Bulldog is hard to come by.
How do you get a Fluffy French Bulldog?
You can search the online marketplace or visit your local breeder to see if they have any available. If youâre getting a Fluffy French Bulldog online, make sure to visit the breeder in person and inspect the dog or puppy carefully. Alternatively, you can go for adoption.
Adopting a Fluffy French Bulldog vs buying a Fluffy French Bulldog
There are thousands of dogs in the USA facing abandonment, which is why we encourage you to try to adopt a Fluffy French Bulldog puppy instead of buying one. Adoption also saves you from profit mongers, puppy mills, and unethical breeders trying to score big by exaggerating the value of a dog.
Fluffy French Bulldog puppies are hard to come by, and the adoption option probably wonât be available. Chances are, youâre going to have to buy a Fluffy French Bulldog puppy. In which case, be prepared to dig deep into your pockets.
Fluffy French Bulldog price
Itâs challenging to find a good Fluffy French Bulldog breeder near you. Especially one that doesnât run a puppy mill and lets you look through the dogâs parentage. Given their rarity and appeal, you can expect the average Fluffy French Bulldog cost to be $5,000 to $16,000.
The price depends upon the breed purity, sellerâs location, and coat color. Expect to pay a premium if you want a rare-colored Fluffy Frenchie.
Owning a Fluffy French Bulldog: Experience Level
Fluffy French Bulldogs are easy-to-handle dogs that wonât cause you too many problems. Their temperament and personality are suitable for even first-time owners.
However, this dog requires special care and attention towards grooming and hygiene. Their tricky health issues also warrant a seasoned dog owner. In short, we believe this dog is better suited for an experienced owner.
Is a Fluffy French Bulldog right for me?
Fluffy Frenchies are easy to train and clean up after. They donât need much living space and will happily live in any house. However, they demand constant attention, and they have specific health and hygiene needs.
If you think you can take good care of them and give them the attention they need, the Fluffy Frenchie is perfect for you.
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Resources:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329028898_Surgical_Management_of_Cherry_Eye_in_a_Dog
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6055913
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
