Although the French Bulldog is the second most popular breed , the fluffy French Bulldogs are very rare. This unusual breed of French Bulldog, also referred to as the Fluffy Frenchie, has been in the trend for the past few years. This French Bulldog has a medium-length coat, as opposed to the typical French Bulldog's short coat. If you are planning to pet one, here is a detailed guide on fluffy french bulldog- their appearance, how to train, food requirements, and health concerns to look out for.
Appearance of Fluffy French Bulldog
The fluffy Frenchie is a cute Variation of the popular French bulldog breed. They have the same bat-eared, squishy-faced appearance but with a signature fluffy coat.
Coat
Fluffy Frenchies have a medium-length, soft, wavy or curly coat compared to the typical short, smooth coat of French bulldogs. Their fur is extra dense around the neck and chest, forming a ruff of thicker hair. The fluffy coat can be various colours like fawn, brindle, white,cream, gray, reddish, or black.
Physical Appearance
Under all that fluff, fluffy Frenchies share the classic physical features of French bulldogs. They have a stocky, muscular build with broad shoulders and chest. Their head is large and square with loose skin on the face forming wrinkles. They have a very short snout that is flat between the eyes.
Ears, Eyes and Tail
Fluffy Frenchies also have the bat-like, upright ears that are a hallmark of French bulldogs. Their eyes are wide and dark. The tail is short and slender, either straight or screw-shaped. They are a sturdy yet compact dog averaging under 28 pounds.
How to Train Fluffy Frenchie
The training of a fluffy french bulldog is quite simple. Here is how to train them-
Start Early
It's important to begin training as soon as you bring your Frenchie puppy home. Puppies have a prime socialisation period before 12 weeks old, so early obedience training helps them develop properly.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Frenchies respond best to positive reinforcement like praise, treats, and play. Reward your pup every time they demonstrate a desired behaviour. Be patient and consistent with this approach. Never use punishment like scolding or hitting, which will just make a Frenchie shut down.
Keep Sessions Brief
The fluffy french bulldog has short attention spans, especially as puppies. Keep training sessions to 10-15 minutes, several times per day. Try to end sessions on a positive note with your puppy succeeding at a command.
Motivate with Treats
Food motivation is key to training a Frenchie. Use small treat bits and reward your dog for paying attention and obeying. Gradually phase out food rewards as your pup learns commands.
Use Clicker Training
Clicker training is highly effective for French bulldogs. The clicker sound marks exact moments of desired behaviour. Your pup will soon associate the click with receiving a reward.
Practice Daily
Consistency is crucial when training a Frenchie. Practice obedience drills and commands daily to help them sink in. Train in different locations too, since Frenchies may not initially generalise behaviours to new environments.
Food and Diet Requirements
Food and diet requirements of the fluffy french bulldog are as follows -
Choose high-quality kibble: Look for a dry dog food formulated for small or medium breeds. Make sure the first ingredient is a protein source like chicken, lamb, or fish.
Check protein and fiber content: Puppies need kibble with at least 22% crude protein. For adults, 18% is sufficient. Fiber should be less than 4% to support digestion.
Feed age-appropriate portions: Follow package guidelines based on your Frenchie's ideal weight, not current weight if overweight. Split into 2-3 meals daily.
Provide constant water: Use a ceramic, stainless steel or glass food bowl. Change water daily.
Consider a limited ingredient diet: If your Frenchie has food sensitivities or allergies, try a diet with fewer ingredients.
Add joint supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health as your dog ages. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Weigh regularly: Monitor your dog's weight and adjust food as needed to maintain ideal body condition. Extra weight stresses joints.
Health Concerns
Unlike other French bulldog breeds, the fluffy french bulldog comes with many health concerns. Those include-
Breathing Problems
One of the most common issues for Frenchies is brachycephalic syndrome, caused by their shortened snouts and narrow nostrils. This can make breathing difficult, especially in hot weather or with exercise. Signs include loud breathing, snoring, gagging, coughing, and collapsing.
Spinal Issues
The corkscrew tails and screw-shaped spines of French bulldogs put them at risk for intervertebral disc disease and back problems. Signs include reluctance to jump or go upstairs, yelping in pain, trembling, and paralysis. Avoid activities that stress the back like jumping on and off furniture.
Joint Problems
Theawkward body shape of Frenchies also predisposes them to luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Look for limping, difficulty standing up, and reluctance to walk or play.
Eye Issues
French bulldogs' prominent eyes are prone to injury and conditions like cherry eye and dry eye. Signs include redness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eyes, or crusty eyes. Gently wipe eyes daily and see your vet promptly if eye problems develop.
Dental Disease
Overcrowding and misalignment of teeth are common in this breed. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, drooling, chewing difficulties, and mouth pain. Daily tooth brushing and professional cleanings can prevent dental problems.
Heart Disease
French bulldogs are prone to heart conditions like pulmonic stenosis and mitral valve disease. Symptoms can include coughing, exercise intolerance, fainting, and abdomen swelling. Have your vet check for any heart murmurs.
Allergies
Skin allergies are common in Frenchies. Watch for symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, and skin irritation. Your vet can help you identify any allergies and provide treatment options.
Conclusion
The fluffy french bulldog is an expensive dog to own and care for, but they make excellent companions. They fulfil every requirement that a person might ask for in a pet dog. Although they require simple training like other breeds, the health concerns are worth considering before petting them.
