While the French Bulldog undeniably ranks high on the cuteness scale, we can’t help it when we say, “But Wait! There’s more!” In this case, we’re talking about the Fluffy Frenchie, an adorable dog that makes us put up our paws and cheer. Meet the fuzzy, furry, and utterly fabulous Fluffy French Bulldog.
What is a Fluffy Frenchie?
The Fluffy French Bulldog — affectionately referred to as the “Fluffy Frenchie” — is a fluffy rendition of the already charming French Bulldog. Despite a distinct difference in appearance, they remain 100% true to their French Bulldog heritage. Their long-haired show-stopping coat comes from a genetic mutation in the Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF5) gene. Despite this anomaly, these fluffy dogs maintain all the endearing qualities of the regular French Bulldog, the sole distinction being their longhaired coats.
Fluffy Frenchies showcase a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from enchanting lilac merle to a stunning black brindle. Despite the growing popularity of the French Bulldog — they were recently named the most popular dog breed in the country — the Fluffy French Bulldog remains rare. Furthermore, the rarity factor impacts their pricing. Accordingly, the more distinct and unique a Fluffy French Bulldog’s coat is, the higher the puppy price tag. As such, you might be in for sticker shock if you’re hoping to add a Fluffy French Bulldog puppy to your home.
Quick facts
- Origin: England, later gaining popularity in France
- Size: Small to medium, 11-12 inches tall, weighing 19-28 pounds
- Breed Group: Non-Sporting
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat: Medium coat with longer fur around the ears that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including brindle, fawn, and cream
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, adaptable, and intelligent
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- Training: Moderately easy to train, but can be stubborn
- Health: Generally healthy, but may be prone to certain health conditions, such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, hip dysplasia, and allergies
- Fun Fact: Fluffy French Bulldogs are known for their bat-like ears, wrinkles, and “frog legs.”
Heritage of the Fluffy Frenchie
The French Bulldog’s history traces back to the early 19th century in England, where they were known as Toy Bulldogs. Initially bred for the cruel sport of bull-baiting, these dogs faced an uncertain future when the practice was outlawed in 1835. To salvage the breed, breeders embarked on a mission to transform the bulldogs’ aggressive nature. By crossing them with Terriers, they successfully reduced their aggression and introduced a new trait: erect bat ears. However, this trait was deemed undesirable in England, leading to the export of bat-eared Bulldogs to France.
In a surprising turn of events, these rejected pups found favor among French social elites. Bat-eared French Bulldogs became a symbol of status and elegance, and breeders further refined the trait through selective breeding. Despite that, the origins of the long hair gene remain shrouded in mystery. It is unclear whether the longhaired coat emerged naturally or through intentional introduction. Regardless of their origins, these dogs are now selectively bred to possess a striking, longer coat, which has become the distinctive characteristic of Fluffy French Bulldogs.
Fluffy French Bulldog temperament
Fluffy French Bulldogs, adored for their affectionate and easygoing nature, make excellent family companions. These social pups thrive on human interaction but may struggle with extended periods alone. Despite their small stature, they don’t exhibit excessive barking or high-alert behavior, making them ideal for those seeking a mellow small dog. Their intelligence facilitates quick learning during training, but their stubbornness demands a firm yet consistent approach.
Similar to many other dog breeds, French Bulldogs are susceptible to separation anxiety. This condition manifests as destructive behavior when the dog is separated from their owner or caregiver. Given their highly social nature, French Bulldogs may form strong attachments to their owners, leading to distress if left alone for extended durations. As such, it is imperative for owners to gradually acclimate their Fluffy Frenchies to periods of solitude to ensure their well-being.
Fluffy French Bulldog colors and size
In terms of size, a full-grown Fluffy French Bulldog is relatively compact. They typically weigh between 16 to 28 pounds and stand at an average height of 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder. Additionally, these charming Fluffy Frenchies come in a diverse array of colors. Cream or cream and white are the most prevalent, often accompanied by a dark nose and eyes. Some white Fluffy French Bulldogs may even feature captivating blue eyes, adding to their unique appearance.
Fawn-colored Fluffy Frenchies exhibit a body color ranging from light tan to dark fawn, often with red highlights, a black muzzle, and occasional white patches, particularly on the chest. Brindle patterns are another common variation, with subtle stripes that may mix with white or include large white patches.
How much is a Fluffy Frenchie?
Due to the rarity of the recessive fur gene that causes the adorable fluff, Fluffy French Bulldogs can be challenging to acquire. When it comes to the Fluffy Frenchie price, we’lll put it plainly — they aren’t cheap. The growing popularity of Fluffy French Bulldogs, fueled by social media attention, has further amplified their rarity and driven up their prices. The French Bulldog already fetches a premium price, typically ranging between $4,000 and $7,000. With the addition of the rare fluffy gene, a Fluffy Frenchie puppy may cost a staggering $10,000. Rarer color variations may result in even higher prices. In fact, some Fluffy Frenchies with rare colors have been known to sell for over $30,000.
If you’re looking for a Fluffy French Bulldog for sale, you may face difficulties finding one in your area. Not to mention, you may also encounter a hefty price tag. Of course, if you decide to purchase a Fluffy French Bulldog puppy, it is essential to research reputable breeders. Sadly, backyard breeders and puppy mills can capitalize on trending dog breeds, and the Fluffy Frenchie is no exception.
Fluffy Frenchie Bulldog health
Despite their shock-inducing price, enthusiasts are drawn to their adorable appearance and affectionate nature, making them a cherished and sought-after companion for those willing to invest in their unique charm. Albeit, Fluffy Frenchies can be prone to several health issues, including Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome, Tracheal Collapse, and Laryngeal Paralysis. These concerns arise due to their narrow airways, exacerbated by poor breeding practices in the past.
Finding a reputable Fluffy Frenchie breeder
Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies who will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support.
On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems or socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health and behavioral issues.
