Fluffy Frenchies. Woolly Bullies. These are just two of the names used to describe long-haired French Bulldogs, a rare and interesting phenomenon in the dog world. As the American Kennel Club’s breed standard dictates, French Bulldogs that conform to the breed standard must have short, smooth coats. However, a recessive gene can give some dogs longer hair, usually measuring about an inch and a half. This has made the demand for these already-popular dogs skyrocket.
1. Woolly Frenchies Have a Recessive Gene
For a long-haired Frenchie to exist, both parents must have a copy of the recessive LH gene. Here, both parents will likely have the breed standard short hair, while the puppies could have longer coats. Note that “recessive” doesn’t mean “bad.” It simply means that it’s not as common and less likely to be expressed.
Here’s a fun fact: many people believe that the gene that produces a merle coloration is recessive, but that’s not true. In fact, the gene is so dominant that even if one parent has it, chances are, so will the puppies. This has unfortunately led to “double merle” dogs, where two merle-colored dogs breed puppies that are both deaf and blind.
2. Long-Haired French Bulldogs Are Expensive
French Bulldogs are not cheap. When purchased from an ethical breeder who conducts responsible gene testing, these dogs can easily cost more than $2,000. Because longhaired French Bulldogs are such rarities, they can easily go for more than $10,000. A recent article from The New York Post notes that one interviewee spent $12,000 on a woolly Frenchie for his daughter.
Breeders can list these prices because demand is high, and market competition is low. There are many French Bulldog breeders but only a few who focus on breeding the fluffy variety. If you’re hoping to get a fluffy Frenchie, expect to be on a waitlist before the puppies are even born. You may have to travel across state lines or take a long road trip to connect with a breeder who has the puppy you want.
3. Fluffy Frenchies Are Ineligible for Dog Shows
To understand why long-haired French Bulldogs can’t compete in dog shows, it’s first important to understand an important concept: breed standard. Breed standards exist to ensure that certain dog breeds conform to a baseline. This makes predicting the temperament, size, and even personality of litters possible. For instance, thanks to consistent breeding, a litter of Border Collie puppies will yield intelligent, high-energy dogs. A litter of Great Danes will eventually grow into giant couch potatoes.
Per the breed standard for French Bulldogs, Frenchies have coats that are “brilliant, short and smooth.” A long-haired Frenchie isn’t considered a good representation of the breed, and because it doesn’t conform to the breed standard, it can’t be judged in dog shows. However, it can compete in dog sports, as these events do not focus on physical attributes.
4. Concerns About Unethical Breeding Surround Woolly Bullies
Ask any reputable breeder, and they’ll tell you that breeding puppies isn’t about profit; it’s about preserving the integrity of the breed standard. To this end, responsible breeders will conduct extensive genetic testing to ensure breeding dogs do not pass along congenital health problems, such as hip dysplasia or allergies. They’re not concerned with the colors and coat types of puppies, but instead whether they’re good representatives of the greater breed.
Now, get in the mind of a backyard breeder, and all you’ll see are dollar signs. They’re not interested in preserving the breed, but rather, capitalizing off trends. So, they may breed dogs with incompatible genetics, sell puppies with common health problems, or fail to disclose accurate information. Some backyard breeders may not even breed true Frenchies, but instead, mix these bulldogs with miniature Australian Shepherds. This would give the puppies the chance at both long hair and a merle coat, but it would not be a purebred dog.
5 Woolly Bullies Come in Many Colors
If you go to Google and type in “fluffy French Bulldog,” you’ll see that many of these pups sport merle, dappled, and piebald coats. But really, these dogs can come in a host of color combinations, including brindle, white, and cream. Brindle is among the most common color for Frenchies, although fawn is another close contender.
6. Frenchies Have Some Health Problems
There isn’t a single dog breed that is completely immune to health problems. Even Golden Retrievers, which are considered by many to be the healthiest breed, are at risk of developing certain types of cancer. French Bulldogs, including the woolly variety, can suffer:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Some Frenchies have airway abnormalities that result in restricted airflow. Responsible breeders don’t breed dogs with this condition, but some puppies will have it no matter what. It can be corrected with weight loss and surgery.
- Obesity. Frenchies aren’t known for being athletic dogs. In fact, most are perfectly content with one or two short walks a day. Still, the breed can develop dog obesity from a lack of inactivity, putting undue pressure on their joints.
- Heatstroke. Because of their narrow airways and anatomical shape, Frenchies can’t effectively cool themselves when it gets too hot. They can become easily dehydrated and suffer heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition.
Don’t see these problems and write off your dream of having a flat-faced dog breed. By working closely with your dog’s veterinarian, you can create a treatment plan that puts their health first.
7. Frenchies Aren’t the Only Dogs with Long Hair
French Bulldogs are just one of many dogs that feature a long-haired variety. Dachshunds are another small dog breed that also has long hair, thanks to a recessive gene. They also come in a wire-haired variety, a dominant gene. Chihuahuas can also have long hair but unlike the iconic wiener dog, they do not feature wire hair.
Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, with some inevitably being rarer than others. If you’re thinking of getting a woolly bully, just be sure to do your research first. Only conduct business with reputable breeders, and make sure you’re considering a dog’s personality over its looks when adopting.
