Fluffy Frenchie Puppy Who Resembles An '80s Teddy Bear Will Steal Your Heart
You may have heard of fluffy French bulldogs before, but you may not have seen little Ruxpin. This tiny Frenchie puppy is viral online, amassing attention because he looks like the popular 1980s talking toy named Teddy Ruxpin — but come to life decades later!
This California-based Frenchie is featured on social media by SoCal Fluffy Frenchies, also known as Cali House Frenchies. Rather than a standard smooth Frenchie coat or even those that are more fluffy, Ruxpin has a soft, brownish-gray, and curly coat that resembles a plush toy, pine cone, or small woodland critter. While "teddy bear coat Frenchies" isn't an official classification recognized by veterinary experts, it is how SoCal Fluffy Frenchies lists little Ruxpin. Puppies may not always look like their parents, but we must admit that we're curious to see his 'rents after seeing him!
Between Ruxpin's plush coat, little round face, and tiny French Bulldog ears, we can't get over his preciously cute resemblance to the Teddy Ruxpin toy. All puppies are cute, and it's hard to not fall in love with them or other furry friends like the Maine coon cat with a cream coat or this fluffy pit bull that looks like the cowardly lion.
How is Ruxpin different from traditional fluffy French bulldogs?
Ruxpin's longer, curlier fur makes him unique, but it also means he won't be able to compete in any official dog shows, as the official American Kennel Club breed standard for a typical French bulldog calls for a "short and smooth" coat. Meanwhile, fluffy Frenchies are considered designer or exotic breeds, rather than an officially recognized rare breed.
Little Ruxpin's fur is dense and plush, with a textured coat that makes his little body look like a stuffed animal. Around his face in particular, Ruxpin's fur brings out that rounded, teddy bear-like appearance. We can't say for certain what his grooming maintenance is like, but based on his photos and videos, his coat seems to be well-maintained.
The genetics behind Ruxpin's hair are fascinating, too. We know from veterinary researchers that several genes influence a dog's coat, and they don't control the same things. Some affect hair length, while others are linked to types of fur, like wavy or curly coats. These gene traits aren't necessarily inherited from both canine parents, as just one can pass that down to the puppy. With Ruxpin specifically, there doesn't seem to be enough publicly available information to say which gene combo is responsible for his cute coat, but nevertheless, he's an adorable French bulldog who looks like he escaped from the toy aisle. That's why Ruxpin is such a perfect name for him, after all.