Long Haired French Bulldog: The Rare Fluffy Version of a Fan Favorite
Have You Heard of the Fluffy Version of French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs have stolen the spotlight in recent years with their big personalities and adorable bat-like ears. But did you know there’s a rare long haired version of this iconic breed? Nicknamed the Fluffy Frenchie, the long haired French Bulldog is everything people love about Frenchies—just with a little extra fluff. They’re rare, they’re striking, and they’re turning heads wherever they go
The History of the French Bulldog
French Bulldogs actually began their story in England, where they were bred as miniature Bulldogs to be companions for lace workers. When those workers migrated to France in the 1800s, they brought their little pups along—and the French fell in love. Over time, the breed was refined and became known for its compact size, affectionate nature, and signature “bat ears.”
As for the long haired French Bulldog, they’re not a separate breed but rather the result of a recessive gene known as the long hair (LH) gene. This gene has always existed in the breed but appears only when both parents carry it.
The Temperament of the Long Haired French Bulldog
Long haired French Bulldogs are just as full of charm and personality as their short-haired cousins. Here’s what makes them such lovable companions:
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Loyal and affectionate: They form strong bonds with their owners and love being close to their people. These dogs thrive on companionship and often follow their humans from room to room.
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Playful but low-energy: While they enjoy bursts of play, they don’t require intense exercise and are content with short activities and cuddle time. They’re happiest when they can lounge beside you after a few minutes of light fun.
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Sociable and friendly: They usually get along well with other pets and are typically gentle with children. Early socialization helps bring out their best behavior around guests and furry friends.
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Entertaining personalities: Often called "clown dogs," they’re known for their silly antics, goofy expressions, and fun-loving nature. Their playful behavior and expressive faces often keep everyone in the house smiling.
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Quiet and apartment-friendly: They tend to be relatively quiet and adapt well to smaller living spaces, making them ideal for city living. As long as they get enough attention, they’re perfectly content in cozy environments.
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Consistent temperament: The long hair doesn’t affect their behavior—they’re just as sweet, loyal, and amusing as any other Frenchie. You get the same lovable personality, just with a little extra fluff to snuggle.
The Health Problems of the French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are undeniably lovable, but they do come with a set of health concerns that owners should be aware of. Most of these issues stem from their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy, which affects how they breathe, regulate temperature, and manage daily physical activity. Whether short or long haired, these health challenges are common across the breed:
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Breathing difficulties: Due to their shortened snouts and narrow airways, Frenchies often struggle with breathing—especially in hot weather or after physical exertion. This condition, known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), can lead to snorting, snoring, and even respiratory distress in severe cases.
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Overheating easily: Their flat faces also limit their ability to cool down through panting. As a result, French Bulldogs are highly susceptible to heatstroke, even during mild exercise or warm temperatures. It's important to keep them in shaded, air-conditioned environments and avoid strenuous activity during hot weather.
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Skin fold infections: French Bulldogs have adorable facial wrinkles and skin folds, but these areas can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria—leading to irritation, inflammation, or infection. Regular cleaning and drying of skin folds, especially around the nose and tail, is essential for prevention.
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Joint issues such as hip dysplasia: Frenchies are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, where the joints don’t form properly. This can lead to stiffness, pain, or arthritis over time. Keeping them at a healthy weight and avoiding excessive jumping or stairs can help reduce joint stress.
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Dental crowding: Their compact skulls often leave limited room for teeth, resulting in overcrowding or misalignment. This can cause plaque buildup, gum disease, or tooth loss if not managed with regular dental care.
The long haired French Bulldog doesn’t face any additional health risks simply because of its coat. The issues mentioned above are common to both coat types. Responsible breeding practices and proactive veterinary care—like routine checkups, vaccinations, and cleanings—can help your Frenchie live a long, comfortable life.
How to Take Care of a French Bulldog
Caring for a French Bulldog—especially the long haired variety—means meeting their physical, emotional, and health needs with consistency and attention. Here’s how to keep your Frenchie happy, healthy, and looking their best:
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Moderate exercise: French Bulldogs aren’t built for endurance. A couple of short daily walks and some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Avoid overexerting them, especially in hot or humid conditions.
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Use protective dog clothing: Frenchies benefit from lightweight dog sun shirts in summer to prevent sunburn or skin irritation, and warm dog sweaters or hoodies in winter to help maintain body heat. This is especially important for long haired Frenchies, who may appear insulated but still feel the cold due to their small body size.
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Diet and weight management: With their big appetites and small frames, weight gain can happen fast. Feed them a well-balanced, high-quality diet and keep treats in moderation. Obesity increases the risk of joint issues and breathing problems.
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Grooming: Long haired French Bulldogs require brushing several times a week to keep their fluffy coats smooth and free of tangles. Regularly clean their ears and skin folds to prevent buildup and irritation, and trim nails as needed.
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Regular vet visits: Preventative care is essential. Schedule yearly health checkups, keep up with vaccinations, and maintain a dental routine to prevent common issues like gum disease or tooth loss.
With the right balance of care, your French Bulldog—fluffy or not—will reward you with endless love, snuggles, and unforgettable moments.
A Rare Look, the Same Loving Heart
The long haired French Bulldog may be a rare sight, but underneath the extra fluff is the same lovable, snuggly pup Frenchie fans know and adore. With the right care, these dogs make incredible companions, whether they’re curling up beside you on the couch or charming strangers at the park. If you’re lucky enough to meet (or own!) a Fluffy Frenchie, you’ll understand why this unique version of a beloved breed is winning hearts everywhere.
