Fluffy French Bulldogs: Real & Exotic or Myth

In recent years, there have been some fluffy Frenchies circulating in the French Bulldog population. And they have people wondering if the Fluffy French Bulldog breed is real or just a myth. They look like Frenchies, they act like Frenchies, but they also have an extra layer of fluff around their ears, so are they really French Bulldogs?

Let’s dig into the mystery and uncover the truth about these longhair Frenchies. 

What is a Fluffy French Bulldog?

Although many French Bulldog breed enthusiasts tend to believe that the long-haired variety is nothing more than a mixed breed, the truth is that fluffy Frenchies are purebred French Bulldogs with long hair. These adorable puppies with long hair are born from regular French Bulldogs that carry a rare gene called LH. They have been around for quite a few centuries, although they were not as desirable then as they are now. In fact, when the breed was defined into the dog we know and love today (with the signature bat ears), the puppies that had the extra fluff were deemed faulty and often euthanized to rid the breed of the LH gene.  

The French Bulldog breed was created by crossing Toy Bulldogs with Terriers. This was done to ensure that the new breed would have funnel ears/bat ears that were considered very desirable at that time. This happened during the 1800s in Normandy France, although the breed originally comes from England. Many English workers from that time were displaced during the industrial revolution, and so they sought better job opportunities in France. They took to France accompanied by their Toy Bulldogs. When they reached Normandy, they had the French people completely enamored with their Bulldog travel companions. The French proceeded to define the breed into the average French Bulldogs of today, although the Fluffy Frenchies were not desirable in France at that time either. 

It took more than two centuries for the Fluffy French Bulldogs to become popular. In the last decade alone, they have seen a bigger rise in popularity than they have ever known in the centuries they have been around. And not everyone knows they exist yet. Most often, those that have seen a fluffy Frenchie have assumed that the dog was a crossbreed and in no way a purebred French Bulldog puppy. Some of the crossbreeds that look like the Fluffy Frenchie are: 

• The French Bulldog Bichon Frise mix – Frenchie Frise 
• French Bulldog Poodle Mix - Froodle 
• French Bulldog Shih Tzu mix – French Bull Tzu 
• French Bulldog and Chow Chow – French Chow 
• French Bulldog and Havanese - Frenchnese 

French Bulldog vs Fluffy French Bulldog Appearance 

There are a few differences that set the regular French Bulldog and the Fluffy French Bulldog apart. And the most obvious one is the extra fluff. Fluffy Frenchies have the same build and the same features as regular Frenchies, but they also have a bit of fluff on their neck, ears, and chest. The rest of their body is also covered in a longer layer of fluff, but that is not always as obvious without the longer hairs on their ears and neck. The size of these dogs is also identical, as is their build. They reach the same weight and height as the average Frenchies. Adult French Bulldogs (fluffy or short-haired) weigh 22 to 28 pounds and stand at 11-13 inches tall. Females of the breed are just a bit smaller.  

The fluffy French Bulldog colors are limited compared to the colors of the standard breed. Because breeders need two LH genes to create these fluffy puppies (and they are as rare as can be), it is often impossible to breed them in all colors. Some colors that are available include: 

• The fluffy merle French Bulldog 
• Blue Fluffy French Bulldog 
• Grey Fluffy French Bulldog 
• And White Fluffy French Bulldog 

Fluffy French Bulldog Temperament 

The temperament of these dogs is the same for both regular and long-haired French Bulldogs. Frenchies are calm, lovey-dovey dogs that thrive on laps and love. They don’t have high energy levels, but they love to zoom and chase things around the house, nonetheless. They also love to swim, though this is not their biggest strength. Although they love water and swimming, Frenchies don’t have the right build to swim effortlessly like other dogs. They should always be supervised near pools and other bodies of water as they may be compelled to jump in regardless of their swimming capabilities. Frenchies are very quiet when it comes to barking, which is why they are considered one of the best dogs for apartments. They aren’t known for being aggressive either, but they might show some stubbornness during training. One of their faults is that they love too much, and this goes for both regular and long-haired pups. Separation anxiety is a common problem for both varieties as these dogs don’t like solitude. 

Frenchies are friendly and kind to everyone. They love kids and are one of the top dogs for families, and they are the type of dogs that thrive with senior owners. Their nature allows them to be great for emotional assistance, and their happy disposition is a true gift for any type of owner. 

Learn more about the Magnificent French Bulldog. 

Are Fluffy French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic? 

Neither regular nor fluffy Frenchies are good for allergy sufferers. Although regular French Bulldogs have a very short, rough coat that sheds, their short hair is not a nuisance when it falls off, though it can still cause allergic reactions. Fluffy French Bulldogs shed just the same, the only difference being that their fallen hair is longer and more visible. Hypoallergenic dogs don’t usually shed, and they are less likely to spread dander through their fallen hair. Frenchies generally shed between seasons, which is why they are not considered hypoallergenic.  

Caring for a Fluffy French Bulldog 

There is not much difference between caring for an average or fluffy French Bulldog. As a breed, they are the same when it comes to health, grooming needs, and general care. French Bulldogs can suffer from some health problems, just like any dog breed, but they do tend to be a bit more predisposed to certain issues. Their muzzles are very short which is why they often suffer from soft palate and Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome. These conditions can pose difficulties during hot and cold weather, as well as during exercise. They are also prone to excessive weight gain, which is why their owner is required to keep a very close eye on what they are feeding them.  

As far as grooming is concerned, fluffy Frenchies might need an extra brushing per week to keep them shiny and healthy-looking. They require their nails be trimmed regularly and their skin folds cleaned daily, just as the average French Bulldog needs. 

Learn more about Grooming your Dog at Home.

Some firmly believe that French Bulldogs (regular and longhaired) should only be owned by experienced owners. We believe that if a new puppy owner is familiar with what it takes to raise a new puppy, there is no reason to need prior experience in owning a French Bulldog. 

How Much Does a Fluffy French Bulldog Cost? 

Fluffy French Bulldogs are as rare as the Painite gemstone which is why they cost a small fortune and not everyone can afford them. The price of a fluffy Frenchie puppy ranges from 13.000 to 16.000 dollars, with some reaching a price tag of over 20.000$ for particularly rare colors. The cost is as high as it is because to breed these fluffy puppies you need two French Bulldogs with the rare LH gene. The presence of the LH gene is tricky to discover, given that the carriers of this gene are the average French Bulldog variety with short hair. 

Fluffy French Bulldog Breeders 

French Bulldog breeders that produce fluffy Frenchie puppies are a rare sight, even in modern times. Since the process is so difficult and the French Bulldog litters are usually very small – between 2 and 4 puppies per litter – many stray away from this practice. Those that do breed these rare and exotic puppies usually have a mile-long waiting list for their customers. That is not to say that owning one of these puppies is impossible. A simple online search can pair you with one of these breeders, though you should expect to wait in line for a bit before you can adopt a Fluffy Frenchie. If you love Frenchies just the same whether they are fluffy or short-haired and want to adopt one today, see our selection of French Bulldog puppies for sale. 

Scroll down to see FAQs about fluffy French Bulldogs!