Coco, the fluffy Frenchie, is quite the attention-getter! Whenever we walk down the street, people stop and ask about her unique appearance. They often assume she is a mixed breed because although shaped like a Frenchie, she has unusual, long hair. They are confused when I explain that both of her parents are purebred French Bulldogs. So what is a fluffy Frenchie or long-haired French Bulldog?
Long hair in French bulldogs is the result of a rare autosomal recessive gene carried by the parents. In Coco’s case, both of her parents have standard length coats, but they are carriers of this gene. Of the five puppies in their litter, three are fluffy, and two have short hair. All three of the fluffy Frenchies are tan with black masks (like their dad), but long-haired Frenchies come in all the same colors as standard coats.
What Is The French Bulldog Breed Standard?
According to the French Bulldog breed standard, only dogs with short hair can compete in the show ring. French Bulldogs with coats that are too long or a disqualified color are looked down upon by many professional breeders. In extreme cases, they may even euthanize puppies without the ideal appearance.
In theory, breed standards exist to protect the health of each type of dog. It appears that Frenchies in some disqualified colors are predisposed to specific health conditions. There is no evidence, however, that the gene that causes long hair in French Bulldogs effects health. The breed standard bans fluffy Frenchies based solely on aesthetics.
What Is A Fluffy Frenchie? – DNA Testing
I have never had an interest in breeding my dogs. It doesn’t matter to me if puppies have registered pedigrees. I don’t even care if my pets are purebred. I had the opportunity to meet the parents of my fluffy Frenchie and saw first hand that they are French Bulldogs. However, because so many people were skeptical of her breed, I decided to have Coco DNA tested.
To test Coco’s DNA, I purchased a test by Wisdom Panel on Amazon.com. They offer several versions, but I recommend the Premium one. The Premium DNA Test identifies the dog’s breed and screens for more than 200 genetic conditions. All you have to do is swab the inside of the dog’s mouth and send it to Wisdom Panel in a prepaid envelope. Several weeks after submitting Coco’s sample, I got the results – she is indeed 100% French Bulldog.
Where Can I Get A Fluffy Frenchie?
Coco was born in France, where long-haired French Bulldogs are not as rare. I found out about her litter through a group for fluffy Frenchie owners on Facebook. Using Google Translate, I communicated to the family who owns her parents. They offered me a puppy for such a reasonable price that I could justify the flight to France to pick Coco up. I just had to wait until she was three months old.
Due to social media exposure, the desire for fluffy Frenchies is increasing. Over the last few years, some French Bulldog kennels have begun intentionally breeding carriers of the long-haired gene. It is now possible to find fluffy puppies born in the USA, but be prepared to pay a premium. As with any purebred dog, please find a reputable breeder. Never buy from a puppy mill!
Have more questions about fluffy Frenchies? Please leave a comment below.
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WOW she is adorable and I have never heard of fluffy ones and I am a fluffy lover. What worries me now is that so many back yard breeders are going to start breeding them like they have done with other breeds and so many are going land up in shelters.
Aww how cute. I love fluffy furballs. If I was going to get a Frenchie I’d want a furry one. It will be interesting to see if they become an interesting alternative. Sort of like the dollface vs peke-face Persians.
I had never heard of a fluffy Frenchie until this article! How adorable! Are there any other differences that they have? What an absolute doll! 🥰
This is really interesting, I’ve never seen a fluffy Frenchie before. That being said, it breaks my heart that some dogs may be euthanized simply for not fitting the ideal aesthetic. If there are no health concerns, these pups should be allowed to live the long, happy lives that they deserve with loving families (like yours, clearly). Then again, I have two mixed breeds, so obviously they wouldn’t be considered acceptable to those who are purely focused on breed standards.
I had never seen a fluffy Frenchie. I love Frenchies and fluff so find yours really cute. We had adorable Beau the Frenchie working with us for several years but he suddenly went into a coma with agonizing/paralysing DVD 2 years ago and did not survive. It was so sad. I have a squishy face- Kilo the Pug- he is a rescue and probably a mix.
Aww, cuteness overload. I do think it’s time to stop focusing so predominantly on looks. Health and soul are more important.
She sure is cute! Like so many others, I didn’t know that Fluffy Frenchies existed.
Coco is so adorable! I love her long hair. I had no idea that long-haired Frenchies existed. I can see why they are gaining in popularity. Who can say no to a face like that?! 🙂
-Purrs from your friends at http://www.PlayfulKitty.net
I’ve always had a love for long haired fluffy dogs. But I don’t love the heavy shedding associated with some long haired dogs. I am curious to know if Coco sheds more than a short haired French Bulldog.
Thanks for teaching me something new.
BTW: Coco is adorable!
Very interesting. I’ve never seen a fluffy Frenchie before. I’ve always preferred the long haired dogs and cats, even though I have to deal with all of the fur and hair.
If all Fluffy Frenchies are like you I need one. The expressions are so cute even my cats would be convinced I am sure!
I love your portrait – ADORABLE
Morning, do you have any information on a reputable breeder? They are adorable! However, breeding a healthy dog ( which I know no one can never be 100 pecent..) Is most important.
Anyone knows, how much are this fluffy frenchies? I’m in NORTH CAROLINA, USA.
for all your Fluffy Frenchie needs go to http://www.futurefrenchies.co.uk
Beautiful pups!
Pls advise where I can locate breeder for a fluffy Frenchie. We have a Maltipoo and have wanted a Frenchie. Only drawback was the shedding. Is it true the fluffy Frenchie has very little shedding? TY so much.
Unfortunately, all frenchies shed. With a fluffy Frenchie, you will just end up with longer hair to clean up.
Hi, would you share contact details of CoCo’s breeder with me please? She is absolutely adorable.
Thank you! She actually didn’t come from a breeder. It was just a family with 2 Frenchies that mated. Unfortunately, Coco’s mother was spayed after the litter so there won’t be any more pups.
Aw what ashame, I guess you were super lucky!
How much are the fluffy Frenchies
It really depends on the breeder and specific puppy. Coco came from a family in France and was not expensive. In the USA they seem to cost at least $5000.
When coco was born could you tell she was fluffy straight away or did it take a couple of weeks to show x
I think it takes a while before you can tell if the puppy will have long hair. In Coco’s case, half the litter were fluffy and half had normal Frenchie coats.
I JUST saw an ad for a fluffy Frenchie on puppyfind. They were asking TWENTY THOUSAND dollars!! I thought it was a typo! Nope, actual price. The cost of a reg Frenchie is high enough. Can’t imagine paying as much for a pup as a down payment for a house! Very cute pup btw!🥰
It’s ridiculous how much people are charging now for “exotic” Frenchies. Coco’s parents are family pets and the owners weren’t looking to cash in on their puppies. They were so reasonably priced, that I could justify flying over to France to get her.
Can puppies from the same litter with same parents have 1 pup with the fluffy gene and one without?
Absolutely! In Coco’s litter, there were 3 fluffy puppies and 2 with normal fur.
I am interested in a female fluffy as a pet & companion dog.
I know a very reputable breeder of them in central Arkansas who sells them for $10k! They are the sweetest things ever!!
Yikes! Definitely more than I paid for Coco but in France, most Frenchies cost less.