French Bulldogs come in different colors and variants. Just how many do you know?
Have you come across French Bulldogs with longer hair?
Yes, you heard that right, long-haired Frenchies.
So, what is the difference between these Frenchies and the regular Frenchie?
This article will tell you all you need to know about the Fluffy Frenchie.
Curious?
Let’s get to it.
What is a Fluffy Frenchie?
Also known as the long-haired Frenchie or the Hairy Frenchie, a Fluffy French Bulldog is a purebred French Bulldog with longer, fluffy hair that results from a very uncommon mutation of the fibroblast growth factor 5 ( FGF5) gene.
This is a genetic mutation that leads to an overgrowth in the fur of these dogs. Fluffy Frenchies are produced by breeding two French Bulldogs with the long hair gene. As such, Fluffy Frenchies have two copies of the FGF5 gene. Besides the longer hair, Fluffy Frenchies are the same as all other French Bulldogs.
Quick Look at Fluffy Frenchies
Fluffy Frenchies are not different from regular French Bulldogs. They share similar characteristics apart from the hair. The table below summarizes the Fluffy French Bulldog:
| Attribute | Fluffy French Bulldog |
| Height | 11-13 inches |
| Weight | 16-28 pounds |
| Coat type | Medium-length, fluffy |
| Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, social, alert, relaxed |
| Grooming needs | Low, Easy to groom |
| Shedding level | Low, infrequent |
| Relationship with other animals | Good, relates well with other dogs |
| Relationship with kids | Good, relates well with children |
| Intelligence level | Average |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy level | High |
| Barking level | Low, barks infrequently |
| Life span | 11-14 years |
History
The History of the is similar to the regular French Bulldogs, which dates back to the early 1800s. French Bulldogs have their roots in ancient England, where they were popularly used for bull baiting. However, these dogs were left without a purpose following the outlawing of the bull-baiting sport in 1835.
These dogs were later bred with Terriers to minimize and preserve their size. This gave birth to the bat-eared French Bulldog that we know today. The small-sized Frenchies were introduced to France by English lacemakers who carried them along as they migrated and settled in Nottingham, France, following the industrial revolution.
Soon the popularity of erect-eared dogs grew, becoming a favorite of high-end French society. With the rising popularity, breeders continued sending more Frenchies to France. While the origin of the Fluffy Frenchie is not well documented, the long hair gene (LH) that produces the fluffier coat is believed to have existed since the French Bulldogs became a breed.
Breeding Variations
There are 5 variants of the Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene that are linked to long hair in dogs. These are as follows:
- FGF5:p.Cys95Phe: This is denoted as L, the most common across breeds.
- FGF5:c.578C.>T (L2): This occurs in Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and Akita dog breeds.
- FGF5:c.556-571deI16 (L3): It occurs in the Eurasier breed
- FGF5:c.559-560dupGG (L4) occurs in French Bulldogs, Afghan hounds, and Eurasiers.
- FGF5:g.8193T>A (L5): iT OCCURS IN Afghan hounds.
Thus, for a French Bulldog to be fluffy, it must have two copies of either L or L4 alleles. It can be L/L, L/L4, or L4/L4.
Genetics of the Fluff: Where Does the Longer Hair Come From?
Mutations in a recessive gene cause the longer hair in Fluffy Frenchies called the long hair gene or the Fibroblast Factor 5 (FGF5). A Fluffy French Bulldog is produced when both parents carry the recessive longhair gene.
A French Bulldog with two copies of the shorthair gene Sh/Sh will have short hair, while Frenchies with Sh/Lh will be short-haired but carriers of the long hair gene.
The possible genes determining the hair length in French Bulldogs are S for short hair and L or L4 for long hair.
The following are the possible combinations of the trait:
- A Frenchie with S/S is a short hair French Bulldog.
- A Frenchie with S/L or S/L4 is a long-hair carrier French Bulldog. This Frenchie will also be short-haired since the short hair gene dominates over the long hair gene.
- A Frenchie with L/L L4/L4, or L/L4, is a Fluffy Frenchie. The offspring of this Frenchie will have the long hair gene.
What is a Fluffy Frenchie mixed with?
Nothing, a Fluffy Frenchie is not mixed with anything. The Fluffy Frenchies are purebred Frenchies not mixed with any other breed. Two Frenchies with the long hair gene are bred together to obtain a Fluffy Frenchie.
Facts About The Fluffy French Bulldog
The following are some facts about the Fluffy Frenchie:
- They are clingy: Like the regular French Bulldog, a Fluffy Frenchie loves spending time with its owners. This dog loves cuddling in bed and will follow you wherever you go. Fluffy Frenchies can’t handle being left alone as they are prone to separation anxiety.
- They snore a lot: French Bulldogs, fluffy Frenchies included, are brachycephalic dogs. This means they have flattened snouts with narrow airways, making them more prone to loud snoring than dogs with longer snouts.
- They are easy to train: Fluffy Frenchies will learn commands easily, especially when positive reinforcement training methods are used.
- They are not big barkers: A fluffy Frenchie is a good choice if you are looking for a quiet dog. These dogs hardly bark without a good reason, making them excellent apartment dogs.
- They struggle with breathing issues: Being brachycephalic dogs, Fluffy Frenchies have narrow nostrils, which makes them prone to breathing difficulties, especially when exercising.
Appearance
What are the physical features of a Fluffy Frenchie?
Besides the long fluffy hair, Fluffy Frenchies are similar to the traditional French Bulldogs. They have a fluffier medium-length coat around the neck, ears, chest, and back and have extra folds on their skin.
Fluffy French Bulldogs are short dogs with compact bodies, short-muzzled, flat faces, large square heads, and dark-colored eyes. They also come with bat-like pointy ears and short, straight, or screw-like tails nearly touching the ground. The ears and noses of French Bulldogs are darker compared to the rest of the body.
What size is a Fluffy Frenchie?
The Fluffy Frenchie is a small, compact dog with a strong build. The dog stands between 11-13 inches in height for both males and females. The male Fluffy Frenchies are slightly bigger, weighing 20-28 pounds, compared to females weighing 16-24 pounds.
What is a Fluffy Frenchie’s coat type?
The coat of a Fluffy Frenchie is similar to that of the regular French Bulldog. The only significant difference is that their coat is medium-length, and they have much softer hair that gets fluffier around their faces.
The coat also comes in different colors, with most Fluffy Frenchies having dark colors. The coat of a Fluffy Frenchie is quite easy to maintain as they don’t shed often. Regular brushing and grooming are enough to keep the coat in top condition.
Personality and Temperament
Fluffy Frenchies have the same personality and temperament as the regular French Bulldog. These dogs are highly social and friendly and get along well with people, including children and the elderly, as well as with other animals. Fluffy Frenchies are highly people-oriented and like to be close to people. They thus don’t handle being left alone for long durations.
Fluffy French Bulldogs are quiet dogs who rarely bark without a reason. This makes them a great choice if you live in an apartment. These dogs are also easy to train, especially if positive reinforcement methods are used.
Are Fluffy Frenchies affectionate?
Yes, Fluffy Frenchies are very affectionate dogs. They enjoy being around their owners at all times. The best moments for these dogs are their time with their owners and families. They like to cuddle and sit on and around their owners. Fluffy Frenchies are attention-seekers and are excited when care is given to them.
Are Fluffy Frenchies good with kids?
Yes, Fluffy Frenchies are great with kids. These dogs have a calm demeanor, are gentle, and non-aggressive, which makes them good companions and playmates for children. Additionally, these Frenchies come in a stocky build, making it possible for them to play with children without the risk of injury.
Are Fluffy Frenchies good with other animals?
Fluffy Frenchies are social dogs that get along well and love to play with other dogs when properly socialized. They also relate well with cats and other pets if introduced early. You should socialize your Fluffy Frenchie for the best relationship while it’s still a puppy.
Are Fluffy Frenchies aggressive?
No, Fluffy Frenchies are not aggressive. While these dogs have a calm temperament, just like any other dog, they can become hostile when provoked. While aggressiveness depends on the individual dog and its upbringing, the typical fluffy Frenchie is laid-back, affectionate, and calm and hardly attacks without a reason.
Do Fluffy Frenchies bark a lot?
No, Fluffy Frenchies are not known to bark a lot. Generally, these Frenchies are quiet dogs and only bark for a reason. They usually only bark to notify their owners of the presence of strangers or other unfamiliar occurrences.
This low barking tendency makes them great watchdogs. They are also ideal if you live in an apartment. Fluffy Frenchies are more prone to bark as puppies, but as they age, they grow calmer and less vocal.
Are Fluffy Frenchies intelligent?
Fluffy Frenchies are not the most intelligent dogs but are of average intelligence. They are easy to train and quickly learn basic commands. Training a fluffy Frenchie will be easy if you use positive reinforcement methods.
Are Fluffy Frenchies good apartment dogs?
Yes, Fluffy Frenchies are good apartment dogs. Besides their small size and pleasant temperament, Fluffy French Bulldogs are not known to be barkers. They only bark when it’s necessary to warn their owners of strangers and other unfamiliar occurrences. This makes them a great choice for people living in apartments.
Are Fluffy Frenchies good watchdogs?
While Fluffy Frenchies are not good guard dogs, they make excellent watchdogs because they don’t bark unless provoked. They are ideal if you want a dog that will warn you of any danger or significant event. While this dog is not the most aggressive and won’t stop the danger, you can tell when something is wrong when it starts barking.
Are Fluffy Frenchies good service dogs?
Given their small size and average intelligence level, Fluffy Frenchies don’t make good guide dogs and hence are not great as service dogs. They are, however, excellent therapy and emotional support dogs as they are emotionally intelligent and comforting.
Training and Exercise Needs of a Fluffy Frenchie
Are Fluffy Frenchies easy to train?
While Fluffy Frenchies are not the smartest dogs, they are also not dumb. These dogs have average intelligence and can easily learn basic commands like sit or come. It’s easier to train Fluffy Frenchies early as it becomes very hard to train them as adults. It may also take longer for these dogs to learn the commands compared to other dogs.
Health and Care
Besides exercise, a proper diet is crucial for the health of Fluffy Frenchies. Fluffy Frenchies are small dogs that are prone to weight gain. Obesity is a big issue for these dogs as it can lead to serious health issues. It is important to avoid free-feeding these dogs and ensure they are well-exercised. Being active will promote your dog’s health and well-being.
What should a Fluffy Frenchie eat?
Fluffy Frenchies require a complete and balanced diet to remain healthy like other dogs. These dogs need about 25-35 calories per pound of weight daily on average. The ideal diet should be natural and consist of high-quality lean proteins like chicken, beef, or fish.
Since they easily gain weight, their food should be low in carbohydrates and fats. The food should be easy to digest and rich in fiber to enhance digestion. Generally, Fluffy Frenchies should be fed on a diet suitable for their size, age, weight, and activity levels.
Common Health Issues
Fluffy Frenchies have the same health issues as the regular French Bulldog. Due to their unique facial structure, Frenchies are genetically prone to several health issues, including breathing and other problems. They also have spinal, eye, ear, neck, and back issues. The following are some of the common health issues facing Fluffy Frenchies:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome: Being a brachycephalic breed, fluffy Frenchies have a squished facial appearance that makes breathing hard. These dogs get tired easily and often pant even with slight exercise.
- Patella luxation: Fluffy Frenchies are prone to patellar luxation, which involves the dislocation of kneecaps. This can lead to ligament destruction and other serious issues.
- Skin issues: Fluffy Frenchies are prone to skin problems due to their heavily folded facial structures. If not properly cleaned, bacteria can easily grow in the skin folds, leading to bacterial infections.
- Temperature regulation: Fluffy Frenchies have problems regulating their body temperatures due to their short muzzles and constrained nostrils. Hot and humid weather can lead to exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Spine issues: Due to their screw tails, Fluffy Frenchies are prone to spinal problems like butterfly vertebrae and spinal cord compression.
- Eye issues: Frenchies are prone to eye issues like cataracts, cherry eyes, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers due to their facial structure.
Grooming
While Fluffy Frenchies have longer hair than the regular French Bulldog, grooming them is easy. These dogs come with medium-sized coats that shed minimally. However, the shedding may increase at certain times of the year.
Normally, weekly brushing is enough to keep the coat of a Fluffy Frenchie in good condition. During the shedding season, you may need to increase the brushing frequency to keep loose hairs at bay. Brushing your dog’s coat regularly helps keep its natural oils evenly distributed through the coat, leaving it shiny and healthy.
Fluffy Frenchies only require occasional bathing as regular baths can remove the natural, protective oils from the dog’s skin. Only bathe your dog when necessary, like when it develops a smell or gets in mud.
You’ll need to take extra care of the wrinkles on your dog’s face, as these are breeding places for bacteria if not properly cleaned. Ensure you clean them daily and keep them completely dry to avoid infections.
Do Fluffy Frenchies Shed?
Yes, Fluffy Frenchies shed slightly more than the regular French Bulldog, as their hair is also slightly longer. However, the shedding is minimal compared to other breeds. You won’t have to worry about finding lots of hair on your furniture.
Adopting a Fluffy Frenchie
Fluffy Frenchies are among the rarest breeds available, making them very hard to come by. This is due to the rarity and the recessive nature of the long hair gene, which calls for selective breeding for these dogs. It also calls for several breedings before a puppy can develop long hair.
Even then, this does not guarantee that every puppy in a litter will have longer hair. This makes Fluffy Frenchies very expensive. Additionally, breeders have realized that they can make a kill from these dogs due to their rising popularity, further driving their costs higher. You can expect to pay between $13,000-$16,000 for a Fluffy Frenchie.
How Can I Find a Fluffy Frenchie Breeder?
Although Fluffy Frenchies are rare, some breeders still specialize in this breed across the US and other places. It’s important to ensure that you go for a reputable breeder, as this will guarantee you a healthy pup. You can search for Fluffy Frenchie breeders online and go for those with many positive reviews and customer feedback.
Fluffy Frenchie Breeders
Just like the fluffy Frenchies are rare, their breeders are even rare. This is especially so for reputable breeders. The table below shows some of the popular Fluffy Frenchie breeders, plus their contacts and location.
| Breeder Name | Location | Contact information |
| Frenchies Unleashed | Victorville, CA | Email: johnny@frenchiesunleashed.comTel No: 707-845-8853 |
| Beantown Frenchies | Andover, MA | Email: beantownfrenchies@gmail.com |
| FrenchieClassifieds.com | USA, Nationwide | Various breeders |
| Top Paw Frenchies | Central Florida | Email:toppawfrenchies@gmail.comPhone: 407-801-0510 |
| REO Ranch | Carmel Valley, CA | Email: kathy@reoranch.com |
| TatosFrenchies.com | West Palm Beach, FL | Phone: 1-561-806-4818 |
| BlueBuddhaFrenchies | Tennesee, USA | Email: bluebuddhafrenchies@gmail.com |
How do you take care of a fluffy Frenchie?
Taking care of a fluffy Frenchie is quite easy. All you need to do is ensure that your dog gets the right diet and gets enough exercise to keep it fit and healthy. Ensure you feed it a balanced diet suitable for its age and size.
Fluffy Frenchies are easy to groom. They only need regular brushing to keep their coat in order. These dogs only need occasional baths when it’s necessary. You’ll also need to wipe their skin folds daily and keep them always dry to prevent infections.
How Long Do Fluffy Frenchies Live?
While the lifespan depends on factors such as diet, exercise, and health conditions, Fluffy Frenchies are expected to live between 11-14 years.
However, some Fluffy Frenchies can live beyond this period.
What makes a fluffy Frenchie Fluffy?
Fluffy Frenchies results from a recessive gene called fibroblast factor 5 (FGF5) mutation, which gives them longer hair than the regular French Bulldog.
Are Fluffy Frenchies Purebred?
Yes, Fluffy Frenchies are purebred. They result from two French Bulldogs with long hair genes, making them fluffier than the regular French Bulldog. As such, Fluffy Frenchies are purebred French Bulldogs with a slight genetic variation.
What is the difference between a fluffy Frenchie and a regular Frenchie?
Fluffy Frenchies are just like the regular Frenchie, with the only difference being that they have slightly longer hair that’s fluffier around the neck, ears, and neck. This long hair is a result of a rare and recessive gene.
Are fluffy Frenchies worth more?
Yes, Fluffy Frenchies are rare and thus worth more than the regular French Bulldog and some other designer breeds. This is because of the rare presence of the long hair gene.
Can Fluffy French Bulldogs swim?
No, Fluffy French Bulldogs are not good swimmers. This is mainly because of their short legs, large heads, and solid body, making it difficult to float in water. Their short muzzles make it hard to hold their breath in water.
Are Fluffy Frenchies amenable to air travel?
No, Fluffy Frenchies are not amenable to air travel. Fluffy Frenchies are prone to breathing difficulties like brachycephalic dogs with flat facial structures. It’s thus best to avoid traveling by air with your Fluffy Frenchie.
What is the lifespan of a fluffy Frenchie?
While this depends on the diet, health condition, and activity level, a Fluffy Frenchie generally has an average lifespan of 11-14 years.
What is the most expensive fluffy Frenchie?
Fluffy Isabella Frenchie is the most expensive fluffy Frenchies, costing up to $30,000 for a puppy.
What is the rarest Frenchie color?
Blue Merle is considered the rarest French Bulldog color. This makes a Blue Merle Frenchie rare and expensive. It’s also associated with a higher risk of health issues.
Can two fluffy carriers produce a fluffy Frenchie?
Yes, it is possible to produce a Fluffy Frenchie if you breed two fluffy carriers. However, this only happens 25% of the time. The offspring will be a fluffy carrier 50% of the time, while another 25% will result in a short hair Frenchie.
What is the DNA of Fluffy Frenchie?
A fluffy Frenchie carries two copies of the recessive longhair gene L1 or L4. These dogs are products of two French Bulldog parents, each possessing the rare long hair gene.
How big do fluffy Frenchies get?
A fully grown Fluffy Frenchie stands between 11-13 inches tall and weighs 16-28 pounds. Male Fluffy Frenchies are slightly bigger at 20-28 pounds in weight compared to females who weigh 16-24 pounds.
Will a fluffy puppy stay fluffy?
Yes, a fluffy Frenchie puppy will maintain its fluffiness throughout its life.
Is a Fluffy Frenchie the Right Dog for Me? Final Thoughts
Fluffy Frenchies are distinct and beautiful and make great family pets. They are highly affectionate dogs that crave constant attention from their owners. Fluffy Frenchies have low barking tendencies, making them excellent watchdogs and apartment dogs.
The following are some of the pros and cons of Fluffy Frenchies that you should consider before getting one:
Pros
- Low exercise needs
- They are quiet dogs making them perfect for apartment living
- They are great with children and other animals
- Easy to groom
- Easy to train
Cons
- They are expensive to acquire and maintain
- They are rare and hard to find
- They are prone to several health issues
- They are prone to separation anxiety
