The classic French Bulldog and its newer counterpart, the Frenchie Floodle, have sparked debates among dog enthusiasts, with key differences in coat type, grooming needs, and price. Created by breeders like Don Chino, the Frenchie Floodle combines the traits of a French Bulldog and a Poodle, resulting in a curly coat. Let’s dive into the contrasts between these two breeds and what it means for prospective owners.
Coat Differences
Short Coat French Bulldog:
This is the traditional French Bulldog, featuring a smooth, short coat. While they shed year-round, their short hair is relatively easy to maintain with occasional brushing.
Pros: Low maintenance in terms of grooming.
Cons: Regular shedding, and they aren't hypoallergenic.
Curly Coat Frenchie Floodle:
The Frenchie Floodle boasts a curly or wavy coat, inherited from its Poodle lineage. This coat type is prized for being more hypoallergenic, making it an appealing option for allergy sufferers. However, the curly coat requires significantly more grooming.
Pros: Lower shedding, more hypoallergenic.
Cons: Requires regular grooming, including trims and brushing to avoid matting.
Grooming Tips
Short Coat French Bulldog:
Brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush once a week to remove loose hairs and reduce shedding.
Bathing: Monthly baths with a mild dog shampoo are enough to keep their coat clean. Over-bathing can lead to dry skin.
Other Care: Pay attention to cleaning their facial folds to prevent infections, and ensure nails are trimmed regularly.
Frenchie Floodle:
Brushing: Brush their curly coat 2-3 times a week with a slicker brush or comb to prevent tangles and matting.
Trimming: The Frenchie Floodle’s coat may need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain its shape and avoid overgrowth.
Bathing: Due to their denser coat, they may need more frequent baths, ideally every 4-6 weeks, with conditioner to keep their curls soft and manageable.
Price Comparison
The price for each breed differs significantly based on their rarity, coat type, and demand.
Short Coat French Bulldog: The average cost ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. French Bulldogs are well-established and thus more readily available, which keeps their prices relatively stable.
Frenchie Floodle: This designer breed is rarer, with prices ranging from $4,500 to $15,000. The cost may climb even higher if the dog comes from a reputable breeder with high-quality lineage.
Temperament and Behavior
Despite their differences in appearance, both the short coat French Bulldog and the Frenchie Floodle share many similarities in temperament. Both are affectionate, playful, and make excellent family dogs. The Frenchie Floodle, with its Poodle genes, may have a slight edge in intelligence and trainability, but both breeds retain the typical stubborn streak that French Bulldogs are known for.
Registering Frenchie Floodles
While standard French Bulldogs are recognized by organizations such as the AKC, the Frenchie Floodle does not meet AKC breed standards. However, designer breeds like the Frenchie Floodle can be registered with the Designer Kennel Club, which welcomes mixed breeds and hybrids.
Ultimately, the choice between a short coat French Bulldog and a Frenchie Floodle comes down to lifestyle preferences. If you want low-maintenance grooming, the traditional French Bulldog is a solid choice. However, if you’re seeking a hypoallergenic option and are prepared for the extra grooming, the Frenchie Floodle may be the perfect companion. Either way, both breeds will bring joy and love into your home!
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