French Bulldogs, with their playful personalities and adorable looks, have quickly become one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Their unique charm, small stature, and distinctive bat-like ears make them stand out among other dog breeds. While the classic French Bulldog is known for its short coat, there is an emerging trend of a “furry French Bulldog”—a longer-haired variant that is equally, if not more, charming.
What is a Furry French Bulldog?
A furry French Bulldog, sometimes called a long-haired French Bulldog, is a variation of the traditional French Bulldog breed. While the typical French Bulldog has a short, sleek coat, some French Bulldogs are born with a gene that causes them to have longer, softer fur. This variation is not officially recognized by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the UK Kennel Club, but it has gained a lot of popularity among dog lovers.
Origins and History
The French Bulldog, known for its playful and affectionate nature, was originally bred in England in the 1800s as a smaller version of the English Bulldog. These small dogs were bred to be companions for lace workers in Nottingham, and later, they became popular in Paris, where they were beloved by artists, aristocrats, and socialites.
The long-haired variant of the breed is the result of a recessive gene that can occur when two French Bulldogs with this gene mate. It is important to note that while this variant exists, the long-haired French Bulldog is not an official breed category and is considered a genetic mutation of the standard breed. This makes the furry French Bulldog a rare but desirable find for many prospective dog owners.
Appearance of the Furry French Bulldog
Furry French Bulldogs look very similar to their short-haired counterparts, with some key differences in their coat length and texture. Here’s a closer look at their physical traits:
Size and Build
Like the standard French Bulldog, the furry variant is a small, muscular dog with a compact and sturdy frame. These dogs typically weigh between 16 to 28 pounds (7 to 13 kg) and stand around 11 to 12 inches tall (28 to 31 cm). Despite their small size, they have a broad, powerful build, with a large chest, thick neck, and muscular legs.
Their signature bat-like ears are prominent, and their faces are flat with a squished appearance. Their eyes are typically dark and round, giving them an expressive and endearing look.
Coat and Fur Texture
The key distinguishing feature of the furry French Bulldog is its longer coat. Unlike the smooth and short fur of a traditional French Bulldog, a furry French Bulldog’s coat is slightly longer, soft, and dense. The coat is often described as silky and can vary in length from slightly longer than the usual short coat to a full, fluffy fur. The texture is generally soft and plush, especially around the neck, where the fur can resemble a mane.
Coat Colors
Furry French Bulldogs come in a wide range of colors, similar to their short-haired cousins. Common colorations include:
- Brindle: A mix of dark and light stripes.
- Fawn: A cream to light tan color.
- Piebald: A mixture of solid and white patches.
- Black: Solid black French Bulldogs.
- Blue: A diluted grayish-blue color.
- Chocolate: A brownish shade that can appear in various tones.
While the furry French Bulldog’s coat is generally longer, it doesn’t necessarily require a drastic difference in color variations from the standard French Bulldog. However, due to their rarity, certain colors, like blue and chocolate, can be considered more valuable.
Facial Features
The face of the furry French Bulldog retains all the characteristics that make French Bulldogs instantly recognizable. With their flat faces, large round eyes, and signature bat-like ears, these dogs still maintain the endearing features that have made them so beloved. The addition of longer fur around the face can give them a softer and even more approachable appearance.
Personality and Temperament of the Furry French Bulldog
The furry French Bulldog’s personality is just as lovable and charming as the short-haired variety. Known for being affectionate, loyal, and friendly, these dogs are excellent companions and family pets. Here are some key traits:
Affectionate Companions
Furry French Bulldogs, like their short-haired cousins, thrive on human companionship. They are known for being affectionate and love spending time with their owners. These dogs are eager to please and are generally good with children, making them excellent family pets. They are equally content snuggling up on the couch or playing in the yard, adapting well to a variety of living environments, including apartments.
Playful and Energetic
Despite their compact size, furry French Bulldogs are lively and playful dogs. They enjoy games like fetch and tug-of-war and are often seen exhibiting bursts of energy. While they can be somewhat lazy at times, they generally enjoy physical activity and mental stimulation. However, they don’t require excessive exercise, and a few short walks or play sessions each day are usually sufficient.
Social and Friendly
Furry French Bulldogs are known to be friendly, not only with their family members but also with strangers and other pets. They are social dogs who enjoy being around people, and they often act as little “clowns,” seeking attention and affection. Early socialization is important to ensure they develop positive interactions with other animals and people.
Stubborn But Trainable
French Bulldogs, in general, can be a bit stubborn, and this applies to the furry variety as well. While they are intelligent and capable of learning commands, they can also be a little willful, making training a bit challenging. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is often the most effective way to train them. They respond well to short, engaging training sessions that focus on rewards.
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Care and Grooming of the Furry French Bulldog
One of the most important considerations for owners of a furry French Bulldog is grooming. While they do have longer fur than the traditional French Bulldog, their grooming needs are not significantly more demanding, though they still require regular care to keep their coat healthy.
Coat Care and Brushing
Furry French Bulldogs require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their longer fur. Depending on the length of their coat, brushing should be done at least 2-3 times a week to remove loose fur and prevent buildup of dirt. A pin brush or slicker brush is ideal for this breed.
For dogs with very long fur, more frequent grooming might be needed, particularly around areas like the neck, ears, and underbelly, where tangles can easily form. Regular brushing also helps keep their coat shiny and soft.
Bathing and Skin Care
Like all dogs, furry French Bulldogs should be bathed as needed, typically every 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if they get dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo that is suitable for their sensitive skin. After bathing, it’s important to thoroughly dry their coat, especially around the folds on their face, to prevent irritation or infection.
Ear and Eye Care
Furry French Bulldogs have large, upright ears that require regular attention. It’s important to check their ears weekly for signs of dirt, wax buildup, or infection. Clean the ears with a damp cloth or a dog-safe ear cleaner, but be careful not to insert anything into the ear canal.
Their eyes should also be monitored for any discharge or irritation, which can be common in brachycephalic breeds like the French Bulldog. Clean the area around their eyes with a soft cloth to avoid tear stains.
Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is an essential part of your furry French Bulldog’s grooming routine. Trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on their activity level, to prevent discomfort or injury. You can do this at home with a pair of dog nail clippers or take them to a groomer for professional trimming.
Health Considerations for the Furry French Bulldog
Like all French Bulldogs, the furry variety can be prone to certain health issues due to their unique physical structure and genetics. It’s essential to be aware of these potential health concerns to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
One of the most common health concerns for French Bulldogs, including the furry variant, is brachycephalic syndrome. This condition is related to their flat faces, which can cause breathing difficulties. Furry French Bulldogs may experience wheezing, snoring, and difficulty breathing, particularly in hot weather or during physical exertion. Keeping them cool and avoiding strenuous activities in hot environments is essential.
Hip Dysplasia
French Bulldogs, like many other small dog breeds, are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing pain and mobility issues. Regular vet checkups can help identify this condition early on, and weight management is important to prevent unnecessary strain on their joints.
Allergies
Furry French Bulldogs can be prone to skin allergies, especially due to their longer coat. Be mindful of environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust, as well as food allergies. If you notice signs of itching, redness, or irritation, consult your vet to determine the cause.
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Conclusion
The furry French Bulldog is an adorable and unique variation of the classic French Bulldog breed. With their long, soft coats and lovable personalities, they make wonderful companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they share many characteristics with the standard French Bulldog, they do require regular grooming and care to maintain their beautiful coat.
Whether you’re considering adding a furry French Bulldog to your family or you’re already a proud owner, understanding their care needs, health concerns, and temperament will ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy. With their playful nature and affectionate demeanor, furry French Bulldogs make loyal, lovable companions for those willing to provide the care they need.
