Not all French bulldogs have short coats – there are rare French bulldogs with a long hair gene that results in a fluffy coat, unlike other Frenchies. Better known as fluffy Frenchies, these French bulldogs are rare dogs that shed considerably more.
While it is expected for a fluffy Frenchie to shed more than a short-coated French bulldog, this may be difficult to manage. If you have one of these dogs and ask yourself why does my Frenchie shed so much, our article is here to go over the possible answers. Read to the end to better understand why your fluffy Frenchie sheds more than usual.
Most fluffy Frenchie guides point out that these dogs are average shedders. If your fluffy Frenchie started to shed more all of a sudden, there might be more than one answer. Here are six reasons why your fluffy Frenchie might shed so much.
First and foremost, it is likely that your fluffy Frenchie might shed more due to seasonal changes. If the increased shedding coincides with seasonal changes, it might be the answer to why your fluffy Frenchie is shedding a lot. This happens when your fluffy Frenchie prepares their coat for the next season, where they shed their old coat. Since this is completely normal, brushing your fluffy Frenchie more often and keeping your home clean is the best action to take to manage increased shedding due to seasonal changes.
It is highly likely that your fluffy Frenchie sheds more than usual if you're neglecting brushing. While Frenchies with a short coat need brushing with a grooming mitt once a week or so, fluffy Frenchies require a more attentive grooming routine. These dogs should be brushed several times throughout the week, especially during seasonal changes, to ensure you remove dead hair before it has a chance to fall from your dog's coat.
If your dog has poor skin and coat health, it may lead to an increase in shedding. Taking care of your dog's coat health by brushing them regularly and watching for signs of skin issues is essential. This also includes feeding your dog food that doesn't cause skin allergies, which can lead to an unusual, sudden increase in shedding in fluffy Frenchies. We discuss more on diet's impact on shedding below.
Another overlooked factor that can lead to your fluffy Frenchie shedding so much is stress. While stress typically presents itself in the form of behavioral issues, major life changes or unpleasant experiences can result in your fluffy Frenchie shedding more. If your fluffy Frenchie shedding so much happens after such experiences that can lead to anxiety and stress, reach out to a dog behaviorist to help your fluffy Frenchie get through it without problems.
Aside from dog food that can cause skin or coat allergies, a poor diet can lead to a fluffy Frenchie shedding more. Although this happens over a continuous period of not getting essential nutrients for coat health, like omega fatty acids, changes in diet can also lead to a sudden increase in shedding. If you suspect that the diet of your fluffy Frenchie might be the culprit, speaking to your vet can help resolve this issue.
Just as some breeds shed more than others, some fluffy Frenchies have a genetic predisposition to shed more. Depending on your fluffy Frenchie's individual coat, they may shed more than average. However, you should consider all of the above before determining that your fluffy Frenchie sheds intensely because of genetics. Your vet can be a good place to ask and understand if your dog sheds too much due to this.
While there are many reasons for a fluffy Frenchie (or any other Frenchie) to shed so much, you can take small but effective actions to ensure it becomes less troublesome. First and foremost, brushing your fluffy Frenchie regularly and bathing using a deshedding shampoo as needed is the easiest thing to ensure shedding doesn't get out of control.
Another action you can take to manage shedding is keeping your home clean and investing in a HEPA filter air purifier. These will ensure your dog's shedding doesn't trigger allergic reactions as frequently.
