A Fluffy Frenchie? Yes, They’re Real: Meet 5 of Them
Rocky Kanaka
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French bulldogs have been a super trendy breed for more than a decade, and have always held a place of honor as a favorite breed amongst the world’s most rich and famous. Undeniably adorable with their squishy faces, bat ears, and rolly-polly bodies, French bulldogs were the #1 most popular dog breed in the US in 2023, stealing that spot from the Labrador Retriever
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While you’re probably used to seeing Frenchies by now, how would you react if you saw one with fuzzy, wild hair? That’s right, there are fluffy Frenchies out there just waiting to be discovered, and these feathery versions of their smooth-coated cousins are every bit as adorable as they sound.
Insta-Famous Fluffy Frenchies
Let’s dive right into the fluffy Frenchie universe by checking out five insanely cute fluffy Frenchies that are racking up the likes on Instagram.
1. Banjo the Fluffy Frenchie
Banjo’s ears are the main attraction wherever he goes, and this handsome one-year-old devil parades his stuff all over LA. A purebred with certified lines and tested genetics, this little man is a great example of the breed.
2. Fletcher the Fluffy Frenchie
Fletcher’s long fur is all over his body, and he even has curly chest hair! Fletcher’s little legs look like he’s wearing feathered boots, but don’t let his gorgeous exterior fool you: this guy likes to get into everything!
3. Enzo the Fluffy Frenchie
Enzo is an example of a fluffy Frenchie that carries most of their fluff around the face and ears. A subtle example of the breed, we love the serious look Enzo always seems to be sporting!
4. Barney the Fluffy Frenchie
Barney is a certified and experienced stud who is currently awaiting a new litter with his girlfriend! A gorgeous little fluffy Frenchie, Barnie almost has corgi-like fur and coloring, and we’re obsessed.
5. Burney the Long-Haired Frenchie
Coming to us from London, England, Burney is a great example of just how long long-haired Frenchie fur can get! A total fuzz-bucket, Burney is almost 8 years old and loves a good adventure or a nap in the bed.
Long-Haired French Bulldog Basic Info
Wondering what it would be like to have a fluffy Frenchie of your very own? Here’s what these little dogs are like, and what you can expect when buying one.
What Is a Fluffy Frenchie?
A fluffy Frenchie (or a long-haired Frenchie bulldog) is a French bulldog that visibly displays a recessive long-coated gene. In other words, fluffy Frenchies are just like regular Frenchies, but with long fur. Beyond fur type, there is no difference between the standard smooth-coated Frenchie and the fluffy Frenchie.
How Do Breeders Produce Fluffy Frenchies?
To produce a fluffy Frenchie, breeders must cross two French bulldogs both carrying a recessive gene called Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5). While this gene has been present within the French bulldog breed for some time, breeders have only semi-recently begun purposefully testing for the gene in order to produce long-haired puppies.
A Frenchie will inherit a genetic marker for fur length from each parent, but because the FGF5 gene is recessive, a Frenchie must inherit it from both parents in order to be visually long-haired. A dog with two FGF5 gene markers is called a “visual long-hair” and will have fluffy fur, while a dog that has one copy of the gene is called a “long-hair gene carrier” and will not have fluffy fur, but can pass on the trait to offspring. A dog that does not carry any copies of the FGF5 gene is called a “short hair”.
Remember Punnett squares from high-school biology? It’s time to refresh those memories!
Short-Hair X Visual Long-Hair:
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair | |
| Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair |
| Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair |
When you cross a short hair Frenchie with visual long hair with a short-hair dog that does not carry the FGF5 gene, 100% of the offspring will have short hair and carry the long-hair gene marker.
Long-Hair Gene Carrier x Long-Hair Gene Carrier:
| Short-Hair | Long-Hair | |
| Short-Hair | Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair |
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair | Long-Hair |
When you cross two long-hair gene carrying French bulldogs, there is a 25% chance their offspring will have short hair and no FGF5 marker, a 50% they will be long-hair gene carriers with short hair, and a 25% chance they will be visual long-haired Frenchies.
Long-Hair Gene Carrier x Visual Long-Hair
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair | |
| Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair | Long-Hair Gene Carrier w. Short-Hair |
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair | Long-Hair |
When you cross a long-hair gene carrying Frenchie with a visual long-haired Frenchie, their offspring will have a 50% chance of having short-hair and carrying the FGF5 gene, and a 50% chance of being visual long-haired dogs.
Visual Long-Hair x Visual Long-Hair:
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair | |
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair | Long-Hair |
| Long-Hair | Long-Hair | Long-Hair |
When you cross two visual long-hair Frenchies, 100% of the offspring will be visual long-hairs. This is the most certain way for breeders to produce fluffy Frenchies!
Fluffy Frenchie Temperament
Fluffy Frenchie’s temperament is identical to their short-haired, smooth-coated cousins! Known as little clowns, French bulldogs are goofy dogs with a fabulous temperament, as long as they are given plenty of positive experiences with people and other dogs. Some of the key features of the Frenchie temperament are:
- Playfulness
- Friendliness
- Mild territorial behavior
- Medium energy
- Sometimes independent
Fluffy Frenchie Size
Like the standard smooth-coated French bulldog, well-bred fluffy Frenchies should be between 16-28 pounds, and stand around 10-13 inches at the shoulder.
Fluffy Frenchie Health
Being a small dog breed, Frenchies have a relatively short life expectancy, typically living between 10-14 years, while other small breeds regularly live to 12-18 years. The reason for the slightly shorter lifespan of the Frenchie is due to their predisposition to medical issues. Many Frenchies experience severe medical conditions, either due to poor genetic pairings or simply because of their breed.
The most significant health factor to consider when getting a fluffy Frenchie is the face. Fluffy Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have short, squished faces. This physical mutation is the result of intentional and selective breeding, but it doesn’t really do any favors for these breeds other than cosmetics.
Other than looking cute, the short face can be a hazardous feature, making Frenchies more prone to issues like asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. Because of the risk of breathing problems, many airlines do not allow brachycephalic dogs on board airplanes.
French bulldogs may also require regular facial cleaning to prevent their folds from becoming infected, and the breed is also known for regularly developing skin rashes and allergies.
Where Can You Get a Fluffy Frenchie?
The best place to get a fluffy Frenchie is from a certified and well-known Frenchie breeder who specializes in the FGF5 gene. We’ve covered how to choose a reputable breeder before, but here are a few key pieces of advice:
- Always ask to meet the parents to verify that they look the same as they do in their photos, and have a pleasant personality.
- Always ask for genetic testing and genealogy results. A breeder that refuses has likely not gone through the proper procedures to determine whether the dogs they are breeding have desirable traits.
- Never buy a dog from Craigslist, Facebook, Instagram, or other social media sites. A reputable breeder will have an established website where you can find all the information you need about their dogs.
Fluffy Frenchie FAQ
You’ve got more questions and we’ve got more answers about the fluffy Frenchie!
What Breed Is A Fluffy French Bulldog?
Fluffy French bulldogs are purebred French bulldogs.
Is A Fluffy French Bulldog Rare?
Sort of. While breeders can specifically breed for these traits, the FGF5 gene is recessive, and not carried by all Frenchies.
How much is a fluffy Frenchie?
The price of a fluffy Frenchie can vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation, lineage, and demand. However, it’s important to note that the term “fluffy Frenchie” is not recognized as an official breed variation, so it’s advisable to research and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Who is Fozzy the fluffy Frenchie?
Fozzy the fluffy Frenchie is a popular social media personality, known for being an adorable and fluffy French Bulldog. Fozzy has gained a significant following on platforms like Instagram, where fans enjoy his charming and fluffy appearance.
What is a white fluffy Frenchie?
A white fluffy Frenchie refers to a French Bulldog with a white coat that has a fluffy or longer-haired appearance. While French Bulldogs typically have short and smooth coats, certain genetic variations or mixed breeding can result in fluffier coats.
Do fluffy Frenchies shed?
Yes, fluffy Frenchies may still shed, although the amount of shedding can vary. Some fluffy French Bulldogs may have a moderate shedding tendency due to their genetic makeup. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage their shedding and keep their coat in good condition.
What is the temperament of a fluffy Frenchie?
The temperament of a fluffy Frenchie is generally similar to that of a standard French Bulldog. They are known for being affectionate, playful, and friendly. However, it’s important to remember that individual temperament can vary, and proper socialization and training are crucial for any dog’s development.
What is a fluffy French Bulldog called?
A fluffy French Bulldog is often referred to as a “long-haired French Bulldog” or a “fluffy Frenchie.” However, it’s essential to note that this variation is not officially recognized as a separate breed or type within the French Bulldog breed standards.
What two breeds make a fluffy Frenchie?
Nothing! Fluffy Frenchies are purebred French bulldogs. breeders can selectively breed French Bulldogs that carry the long-haired gene to produce offspring with fluffier coats. However, it’s important to note that the long-haired variation is not recognized within the official breed standards of kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). Therefore, fluffy French Bulldogs may not be eligible to participate in conformation shows or competitions specific to the breed.
Are Fluffy Frenchies Purebred?
Yes! Fluffy Frenchies are purebred French bulldogs with two copies of the FGF5 gene.
How Much Are Fluffy French Bulldogs?
Because fluffy Frenchies are rarer than the standard smooth-coat Frenchie, you can expect to pay premium prices for these pups. Most breeder rates for fluffy Frenchies start at at least $8,000, with some examples of the breed going for as much as $20,000
The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.
This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.
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2. Sundays Food For Dogs
This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.
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3. We Feed Raw.
This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.
Supplements:
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
Find out more about French Bulldogs here.
