Introduction
This is the Long Haired French Bulldog, better known as the “Fluffy Frenchie,” and it has quickly become one of the most searched-for and sought-after variations of the breed.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Long Haired French Bulldog: the genetics behind the fluffy coat, whether they’re truly purebred, current pricing, grooming needs, health considerations, and how to avoid scams when buying one.
What Is a Long Haired French Bulldog?
A Long Haired French Bulldog is a purebred Frenchie carrying two copies of a naturally occurring recessive gene that produces a longer, softer coat instead of the breed’s usual short, smooth fur.
Aside from the coat, Fluffy Frenchies share the exact same compact build, bat ears, short snout, and affectionate temperament as standard French Bulldogs.
The Genetics Behind the Fluffy Coat
The long, fluffy coat comes from the FGF5 gene (Fibroblast Growth Factor 5), often nicknamed the “fluffy gene” or “LH gene” by breeders.
Because it’s recessive, a puppy needs to inherit one copy from each parent to actually display the long coat.
How Breeders Produce Long Haired French Bulldog Puppies
- Two long-haired parents (Lh/Lh x Lh/Lh): All puppies in the litter will be long-haired.
- Two short-haired carriers (Lh/lh x Lh/lh): Roughly 1 in 4 puppies will be long-haired.
- One long-haired, one short-haired carrier: About half the litter may carry or display the gene.
Because the gene is rare and easy to lose from a bloodline within a generation or two, true Long Haired French Bulldogs remain limited in supply, which directly affects their price.
Are Long Haired French Bulldogs Purebred?
Yes — a genuine Long Haired French Bulldog is 100% purebred. The longer coat is the result of a naturally occurring gene within the breed’s own gene pool, not the result of crossbreeding with another breed.
Modern DNA testing from labs like Orivet and Animal Genetics now allows breeders to confirm a dog’s coat-length genotype with certainty, and some Fluffy Frenchies can even be AKC registered when they come from a verified four-generation purebred pedigree.
Buyer warning: Not every “long haired French Bulldog” advertised online is genuine. Some sellers mix Frenchies with Poodles, Pekingese, or other long-coated breeds to fake the fluffy look. Always ask for DNA/genetic test results and pedigree documentation before buying.
Long Haired French Bulldog Price in 2026
| Source | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard-coat Frenchie (for comparison) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| DNA-verified Fluffy Frenchie (reputable breeder) | $4,000 – $8,000+ |
| Rare fluffy colors (blue, isabella, merle) | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
| Unverified/backyard “fluffy” listings | Varies widely; proceed with caution |
Because of their rarity and the specialized breeding required to produce them, Long Haired French Bulldogs typically cost significantly more than standard-coat Frenchies.
Grooming a Long Haired French Bulldog
The fluffy coat is soft and low-shedding compared to many long-haired breeds, but it still needs more attention than a standard Frenchie’s coat.
- Brush 2–3 times per week with a soft slicker brush to prevent matting, especially around the ears and chest.
- Bathe every 3–4 weeks using a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo to keep the coat soft without stripping natural oils.
- Check and clean skin folds regularly, since French Bulldogs of any coat type are prone to fold dermatitis.
- Trim around the paws and rear for hygiene, as longer fur here can trap dirt and moisture.
Health Considerations for Long Haired French Bulldogs
Because a Long Haired French Bulldog is genetically the same breed as a standard Frenchie, it shares the same brachycephalic health considerations, including:
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: breathing difficulty due to the short snout.
- Skin fold dermatitis requires regular cleaning regardless of coat length.
- Spinal and joint issues are common across the breed due to its compact body structure.
- Weight management needs: obesity worsens nearly every other health risk in this breed.
The long coat itself does not add health risks; it is a cosmetic trait only, but responsible breeders should still screen for the same standard French Bulldog health issues.
How to Choose a Reputable Long Haired French Bulldog Breeder
- Ask for DNA/genetic coat-length test results confirming the Lh/Lh genotype.
- Request health clearances for the parents, not just coat verification.
- Avoid sellers who cannot explain the genetics behind the fluffy coat.
- Check for AKC registration or a verified multi-generation pedigree.
- Read independent reviews or ask for references from past buyers.
Final Thoughts
A Long Haired French Bulldog offers everything people love about the standard Frenchie: a playful, affectionate, compact companion wrapped in a rarer, softer coat that’s hard to find anywhere else.
If you’re drawn to the fluffy look, be prepared for a higher price tag and make sure you’re buying from a breeder who can prove genuine genetics, not a crossbred imitation.
With proper grooming and the same attentive care every French Bulldog needs, a Fluffy Frenchie can make a wonderful, one-of-a-kind family companion.
FAQs
1. What causes a French Bulldog to have long hair?
A recessive gene called FGF5 causes the longer, fluffy coat, and a puppy must inherit one copy of the gene from each parent to display it.
2. Are Long Haired French Bulldogs purebred?
Yes, when produced correctly, they are 100% purebred French Bulldogs carrying a naturally occurring recessive gene, not a crossbreed with another dog breed.
3. How much does a Long Haired French Bulldog cost?
Prices typically range from $4,000 to $8,000 or more from reputable, DNA-verified breeders, with rare colors sometimes exceeding $10,000.
4. Do Long Haired French Bulldogs shed a lot?
No, their coat is relatively low-shedding compared to many long-haired breeds, though regular brushing is still needed to prevent matting.
5. Are Long Haired French Bulldogs recognized by the AKC?
Yes, Fluffy French Bulldogs can be AKC registered if they come from a verified four-generation purebred pedigree meeting the club’s requirements.
6. How can I tell if a “fluffy Frenchie” is genuine?
Ask the breeder for DNA/genetic coat-length test results and pedigree documentation, since some sellers mix Frenchies with other long-coated breeds to fake the look.
7. Do Long Haired French Bulldogs have more health problems than standard Frenchies?
No, the long coat is purely cosmetic and doesn’t add extra health risks; they share the same breed-related health considerations as standard-coat French Bulldogs.
8. How often should I groom a Long Haired French Bulldog?
Brush 2–3 times a week and bathe every 3–4 weeks with a gentle shampoo to keep the coat soft, healthy, and free of mats.
Sarah Mitchell has been raising French Bulldogs for over 9 years in Austin, Texas. After adopting her first Frenchie, Biscuit, she became passionate about helping new owners navigate the unique needs of the breed from breathing care to diet and heat safety. Sarah has worked closely with local veterinarians and attended the AKC National Championship three times as a breed enthusiast. Her guides focus on practical, real-world advice for American Frenchie owners.
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