The French Bulldog is known for their endearing smiles and little bodies, but some French Bulldogs can actually have long fur. If you’ve ever seen one of these sweet pups, you’ve probably wondered; what is a fluffy Frenchie mixed with?
Some Frenchies are bred with other long-haired dogs, such as long-haired Chihuahuas, but fluffy Frenchies can also be purebred French Bulldogs. There is a particular gene within French Bulldogs that can cause them to grow fur. If one were to find two fluffy Frenchies, they could be bred to birth more fluffy Frenchies.
These unique Frenchies have a lot of the same characteristics that a short-haired Frenchie has. It’s quite fascinating to learn about how the fluffy Frenchie originated, as well as some of their more unique features that set them apart from short-haired Frenchies.
What Is A Fluffy Frenchie Mixed With?
Technically speaking, French Bulldogs were bred with a different type of dog initially to create this fluffy gene. The long-haired gene can be traced back to a bulldog being crossbred with a ratter dog. It’s estimated that this combination occurred back in the 1800s in France.
It’s unclear what exactly the ratter dog was, but they must have had longer fur. Over time, a gene was created within the offspring of this crossbred that continues to be passed down through new generations.
There is no consensus among breeders of the fluffy Frenchie as to whether or not they can be classified as a crossbreed or a purebred dog. Unfortunately, some irresponsible breeders will take advantage of how unique a fluffy Frenchie is in order to profit off their adorable appearance.
The only way a pet parent can know for sure whether or not their fluffy Frenchie is purebred or a crossbreed is by having genetic testing done.
The Fluffy Gene
The particular genetic trait in Frenchies has been studied recently, and scientists have named this gene the Fibroblast growth factor, or FGF. This particular gene leads to longer hair or fur in dogs, and Frenchies aren’t the only ones with these genes.
When it comes to crossbreeding, it’s important to know that health conditions can arise from continuing to crossbreed animals. Thus, seeking out respectable, knowledgeable breeders with a proven track record of exceptional care for their animals is one of the most crucial aspects of adopting a dog from a breeder.
The Fluffy Frenchie’s Fur
A fluffy Frenchie will not grow very long fur; it would be considered short to medium in length compared to other furry dogs. Their fur can grow in a variety of colors, just like short-haired Frenchies. Some colors include white, brown, and black, or more rare colors such as chocolate and lilac.
Fluffy Frenchies also tend to have more fluffed fur around their ears, their heads, and their chests. The fur is typically soft and silky to the touch, and regular grooming and brushing can ensure the fur stays soft.
How Fluffy Frenchies Compare To Short-Haired Frenchies
Like their short-haired counterparts, fluffy Frenchies also have the breed’s signature smushed faces, with shorter airways. Thus, they are prone to the same breathing issues and other health issues that any other Frenchie might face. They also have short statures, with short arms and legs, making it difficult for them to run very fast or swim.
Fluffy Frenchies also have the same loving, cuddly, and playful personalities as short-haired Frenchies. Just like short-haired Frenchies, fluffy Frenchies also love their food. They need to be fed a healthy diet, and should go for frequent walks and have dedicated play time to keep their weight down.
Fluffy Frenchies, like short-haired Frenchies, will usually get along well with families of all sizes and ages, as well as other pets. They should be socialized slowly with other pets, just as any other dog. They are smart and usually pick up training well, especially if they are rewarded with treats and praise.
Unique Characteristics Of Fluffy Frenchies
One of the other unique features of a fluffy Frenchie, other than their fur, is the shape of their ears. Fluffy Frenchies typically have rounded ears, often referred to as rose-shaped ears, or angular ears, often called bat-shaped ears. The bat-shaped ears are more common, and they tend to be large and stand up straight.
You don’t have to brush your fluffy Frenchie daily, but should aim to do it weekly to avoid any knots or matting, as well as to help control shedding. While their fur isn’t very long, they can shed, especially as the warmer months come about.
Why Fluffy Frenchies Are So Rare
The crossbreeding that occurred to spawn the fluffy Frenchie is somewhat recent comparatively. Furthermore, the FGF gene that was passed down to Frenchies through this action is considered a recessive gene. This means that the short hair gene in Frenchies is stronger, meaning it’s more likely to be passed down from puppy parents than the long-haired gene.
Thus, if you were to bring together a Frenchie with a long hair gene and one with a short hair gene, the short hair gene is going to win out when puppies are produced. If two Frenchies with the long hair gene are brought together, the gene should be passed down. With fluffy Frenchies being a growing but still somewhat rare presence, this is easier said than done.
How Expensive Are Fluffy Frenchies?
If you were to find a breeder that had some fluffy Frenchies up for adoption, chances are, you are going to have to pay a lot of money to bring one home. This is because it’s very difficult to find two fluffy Frenchies, and a responsible breeder will have to invest a lot into bringing new fluffy Frenchies into the world.
In order to guarantee that they are going to be able to reproduce fluffy Frenchies, they would have to get genetic testing done on their pups to see if they still carry the FGF gene. Consequently, there have been fluffy Frenchies that have been sold for upwards of $100,000, but typical prices range from between $10,000 and $20,000.
Breeding Frenchies, fluffy or not, is an expensive endeavor in and of itself. Since Frenchies cannot give birth naturally, there is a lot of costly care involved with helping keep Frenchies safe during pregnancy and while giving birth, as well as after birth. Frenchies have to have c-sections because of their body structure.
Adoption is always best, but it will likely be much harder to find a fluffy Frenchie at a shelter. If you manage to do so, you’ve struck doggy gold.
Final Thoughts
So what is a fluffy Frenchie mixed with? As of now, they are the result of two fluffy Frenchies becoming mates. A Frenchie with longer fur can technically be the offspring of a Frenchie and another dog, but that’s much less likely.
If you want to bring a fluffy Frenchie home, a lot of research needs to be done on responsible breeding practices and breeders, as it’ll be tough to find one of these fluffy Frenchies in a shelter waiting to be adopted. Regardless of whether your Frenchie has short or long fur, they’ll end up being one of the best friends you’ll have in your life.