You’ve seen them on TikTok. Those dogs that look like a standard Frenchie but someone decided to glue a mohawk or a pair of fuzzy slippers onto their ears. They’re called long hair French Bulldogs—or "Fluffies" if you’re deep in the breeder circles—and they are currently tearing the dog world apart. Some people think they’re the cutest thing since sliced bread. Others? They think it’s a genetic disaster that shouldn’t exist.
Honestly, the first time you see one, it’s a bit of a trip.
Frenchies are supposed to be smooth. Sleek. Like a velvet-covered brick. But the long hair French Bulldog flips that script entirely with a coat that’s wavy, soft, and surprisingly long around the ears and neck. It isn't a "designer crossbreed" like a Goldendoodle, though. This isn't a Frenchie mixed with a Pomeranian. It’s a purebred dog, technically, just one carrying a specific, rare genetic mutation.
The LH Gene: How a "Mistake" Became a Status Symbol
Let's get into the science of why this happens. It all comes down to the Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 gene. We just call it the LH gene. Most Frenchies have two copies of the short-hair gene. To get a long hair French Bulldog, a puppy has to inherit two copies of the recessive long-hair gene—one from each parent.
For decades, this was the "shame" of the breeding world.
If a breeder accidentally produced a fluffy pup, they’d hide it. They’d sell it as a "pet quality" dog for cheap and hope nobody noticed. Why? Because the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the French Bull Dog Club of America (FBDCA) consider long hair a disqualifying fault. In their eyes, if the hair isn't short and smooth, it isn't a "real" Frenchie. But then the internet happened. Instagram and TikTok turned "faults" into "features," and suddenly, breeders realized people would pay triple the price for a dog that looks like a Muppet.
Prices are wild. Seriously.
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While a standard Frenchie might set you back $3,000, a long hair French Bulldog can easily command $10,000 to $15,000. If the dog has a rare color like lilac or merle and long hair? You're looking at the price of a used Tesla.
It's Not Just About the Fur
People always ask if they act differently. Short answer: No. Long answer: They’re still Frenchies, which means they are basically tiny, farting clowns with a stubborn streak the size of Texas. They want to sit on your feet. They want to snore in your ear. They want to judge your choice of snacks.
But the grooming? That’s where things get real.
You can't just wipe a long hair French Bulldog down with a damp cloth and call it a day. That wavy fur around their ears and chest mats easily. If you don't brush them a couple of times a week, they turn into a walking tangle. Also, they shed more than the standard version. It’s not Golden Retriever levels of shedding, but you’ll definitely find "fuzzies" on your black leggings.
The Health Debate: Are They Less Healthy?
This is where the vet visits get complicated.
There is no evidence that the long-hair gene itself causes health problems. Long hair is just... hair. However, the controversy stems from how these dogs are bred. Because they are so valuable, some "greeders" (greedy breeders) focus entirely on the fur and ignore the actual structure of the dog.
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Frenchies already have enough trouble. They’re brachycephalic. Their flat faces mean they struggle with heat and intense exercise. When you prioritize a fluffy coat over a healthy airway or a stable spine, you get dogs that suffer. Expert breeders like those following the Health Tested Frenchies protocols argue that as long as the parents have clear OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) scores for hips, patellas, and hearts, a fluffy coat doesn't make them "lesser." But finding those breeders? That’s the hard part.
Why the AKC Won't Budge
The FBDCA is pretty firm on this. Their breed standard states the coat must be "short and smooth." They argue that the Frenchie was bred to be a companion dog with a low-maintenance coat.
Traditionalists fear that by accepting the long hair French Bulldog, we are diluting the history of the breed. They see it as a fad, like "micro" dogs or "exotic" colors that often come with a host of health issues. It’s a classic gatekeeping battle. On one side, you have the old-school show judges who want to preserve the 19th-century look. On the other, you have a new generation of owners who just want a cool-looking, fluffy best friend.
What to Look for if You're Actually Buying One
If you’ve decided you absolutely need a fluffy in your life, stop. Don't go to Craigslist. Don't buy from a "kennel" that has 50 different puppies available right now.
You need to ask for DNA results. Specifically, look for the "L4" gene marker. That’s the most common long-hair variant in Frenchies. If the breeder can't show you a Laboklin or UC Davis DNA report for the parents, they’re flying blind.
- Check the nostrils: Are they wide open, or do they look like tiny slits? Narrow nostrils (stenotic nares) mean the dog will struggle to breathe.
- Ask about "BOAS": Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Has the mother or father had surgery for it? If so, think twice.
- The "Fluffy" texture: A true long hair French Bulldog has soft, silkier hair. If it feels coarse or wiry, it might be a different genetic mutation or a crossbreed.
The Reality of the "Fluffy" Lifestyle
Owning one of these is a social experience. You will get stopped. Every. Single. Time.
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"Is that a Frenchie?"
"Why is his hair like that?"
"Is he part spaniel?"
You’ll spend half your walk explaining recessive genes to strangers at the park. It's kinda fun, but it gets old. Also, keep in mind that because they are high-theft targets due to their price tag, you can't just leave a long hair French Bulldog in a backyard or outside a coffee shop. They are high-value assets in the eyes of dognappers, which is a dark reality of the high-end dog world.
Practical Steps for Potential Owners
Buying a long hair French Bulldog is a massive commitment that goes beyond the initial five-figure price tag. If you're serious about bringing one home, you need to prepare for the specific needs of the breed.
First, secure a specialized pet insurance policy immediately. Since Frenchies are prone to IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) and respiratory issues, you want a plan that covers hereditary conditions without a "waiting period" that leaves you vulnerable. Companies like Trupanion or Pumpkin are often cited by Frenchie owners for their coverage of breed-specific ailments.
Second, find a "Bully-savvy" vet. Not all vets understand the nuances of brachycephalic breeds. You want someone who knows how to intubate a flat-faced dog safely and who won't just tell you "he's fine" when he's clearly struggling to breathe in 80-degree weather.
Third, invest in high-quality grooming tools. A standard slicker brush and a metal comb (often called a "Greyhound comb") are essential for keeping the fluff from matting, especially behind the ears where the friction from collars often creates knots.
Finally, join a community. Groups like the French Bull Dog Club of America (even if they don't like the hair) or specific "Fluffy" owner forums provide a wealth of real-world advice on everything from the best slow-feeder bowls to prevent bloat to which harnesses are least likely to damage their spine. This isn't just a dog; it's a subculture. Navigating it with your eyes open is the only way to ensure you're supporting ethical breeding and giving a unique animal a healthy life.