All Frenchies are cute – and the rare blue French Bulldog is stunning without a doubt! But it’s not just their coat color that separates them from other French Bulldogs. They also have added health issues. Read on for our complete guide to blue French Bulldogs.
Blue French Bulldogs have a silvery-gray coloring. They’re rare, and thus cost more to purchase than Frenchies with other coat colors. Blue Frenchies are prone to a skin condition called color dilution alopecia, alongside the plethora of other health issues associated with the breed as a whole.
In this article, we’ll discuss the health and care of the blue French Bulldog, from what they look like to their health problems and more.
What is a Blue French Bulldog?
Blue French Bulldogs are Frenchies that have silvery gray fur. This coat color is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but Blue French Bulldogs can still be purebred–they just can’t participate in AKC dog shows.
Blue Frenchies are prone to color dilution alopecia (CDA), which is a skin condition that occurs in a multitude of breeds. Lilac Frenchies are also prone to CDA.
What do Blue French Bulldogs Look Like?
Blue French Bulldogs have the flat faces, upright ears, and short statures of other Frenchies. The only physical difference is their coats.
There are a variety of blue Frenchie coats, which include:
- Blue French Bulldog: These dogs are silvery gray in color, sometimes with white patches (especially on the chest).
- Blue Merle French Bulldog: Light fawn or white coats with darker blue (silvery gray) patches is one of the most sought-after Frenchie colors. However, merles should be bred carefully as dogs with a double merle gene have an increased risk of deafness, light sensitivity, blindness, sunburn, and skin cancer.
- Blue Fawn French Bulldog: These pups are fawn-colored with blue markings on the face and the backs of the ears.
- Blue Brindle French Bulldog: Blue with dark stripes, these Frenchies also tend to have lighter-colored eyes than others of their breed.
Blue French Bulldog Genetics
Blue French Bulldogs have diluted black genes. This makes what would have been their black fur lighter in color, so it’s more of a gray.
The gene to dilute fur color is recessive, so it must be inherited by both parents. This doesn’t mean both parents have to be blue, but they do have to carry the gene and pass it to their puppy.
Dogs with one dominant and one recessive gene won’t be blue–only dogs with two recessive genes.
Blue French Bulldog Health Issues
Blue French Bulldogs are prone to the same health issues as other Frenchies, alongside an added skin condition called color dilution alopecia (CDA).
CDA is inherited through recessive traits and occurs in some dog breeds with dilute-colored fur. It causes abnormal fair follicles, which results in symptoms like hair loss, scaly skin, skin bumps or lesions, skin infections, and itchiness.
There aren’t currently any genetic tests for CDA. It isn’t curable, but also isn’t a life-limiting condition. Your veterinarian can help manage dry skin, itchiness, and skin infections as they arise. CDA mainly impacts the way a dog looks.
Blue french bulldogs are also at risk for other common french bulldog health issues:
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased risk of heat stroke
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
- Allergies
- Eye problems
- Skin infections
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
Many of these health issues could be resolved by breeders who complete recommended health testing prior to breeding. However, even the best Frenchie breeders are still breeding dogs to have shortened snouts that cause a multitude of health problems. Unfortunately, it’s very hard, if not impossible, to breed brachycephalic dogs ethically.
It’s also important to know that French Bulldogs struggle considerably when giving birth – so much so that it’s rare for them to have successful natural births. C-sections are often needed (or done preemptively to avoid putting the dog through a dangerous labor).
Pros and Cons of Owning a Blue French Bulldog
Pros of Owning a Blue French Bulldog
- Frenchies have sweet personalities. Most people fall in love with French Bulldogs for their personalities. They’re affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and gentle. They also tend to be funny little pups and love to play!
- They bark very little. Most French Bulldogs are quiet, which is great if you live near neighbors or just don’t want a yappy dog.
- French Bulldogs require only moderate exercise. You’ll still need to play with and walk them daily, but they aren’t super hyper or work-driven dogs.
- They’re small. Small dogs are easy to manage on leash, carry when needed, and are also cheaper to feed than larger breeds.
- They’re so cute! Frenchies are definitely adorable, and you and I aren’t the only ones who think so–they’re the most popular dogs in the United States for a reason! Most people love their big puppy eyes, large ears, and even their flat snouts.
Cons of Owning a Blue French Bulldog
- They’re prone to health problems. While blue Frenchies are cute, they’re bred for looks above health. Their flat faces can cause a plethora of health problems including breathing difficulties, tracheal collapse, dental disease, and more. They’re also prone to all of the health conditions we discussed above, including color dilution alopecia due to their coat color.
- Veterinary care is likely to be more expensive than for other breeds. Frenchies are an expensive breed to own. They often have abnormally high vet bills, so it’s extra vital to purchase pet insurance as soon as your dog comes home. But, even pet insurance for Frenchies is higher than for most other breeds because the companies know that they’re likely to pay more for their care.
- They’re prone to separation anxiety. French Bulldogs are clingy and love spending time around family. This isn’t a con if your family is around most of the day–but for single people who work full time outside of the home, Frenchies likely aren’t the right breed.
- They cannot swim. Their muscular bodies just weren’t built to stay above water. You’ll need to watch your Frenchie closely around water and they must wear a lifejacket if you do take them swimming.
- They tolerate heat poorly. Frenchies and other dogs with short snouts struggle to breathe, especially in the heat and when exercising.
How Much is a Blue French Bulldog?
Blue French Bulldogs can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. Very low prices almost always indicate that the breeder takes poor care of their dogs, but very high prices can mean the same–they’re seeking to maximize profits.
Frenchies tend to cost more than other breeds because they don’t typically conceive or birth puppies naturally. Rather, most breeders will have them artificially inseminated and then bring them to the vet for a C-section. Of course, this costs more money than a naturally-born litter.
Blue Frenchies are also rare and sought-after, so breeders can charge a higher price for them than other colors. This often attracts bad actors who just want to breed rare dogs for the high price tag. Be aware when searching for a breeder and make sure to choose one that is breeding as ethically as possible.
You can sometimes find French Bulldogs for rescue in shelters or rescue organizations. For the best odds of finding a Frenchie for adoption, look for French Bulldog-specific rescues in your area. Typically, rescue Frenchies will cost less than $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a blue French Bulldog?
Blue French Bulldogs are quite rare for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s not a color accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) due to the risk of color dilution alopecia. Colors not accepted by AKC breed standards are bred less frequently, as most breeders are looking to adhere to these standards.
The color blue is also caused by recessive genes, meaning each parent must pass the blue gene down to their offspring. If the puppies inherit one dominant and one recessive gene, or two dominant genes, they will not be blue.
Are blue French Bulldogs healthy?
French Bulldogs are known for their health issues, and blue Frenchies are prone to yet another health condition due to their coat color. This condition is called color dilution alopecia.
Do blue Frenchies stay blue?
Blue Frenchies do stay blue. Some dogs who seem blue as puppies may in fact be lilac, and their coats will grow paler with time.
What’s the difference between a lilac and blue French Bulldog?
Lilac French Bulldogs have a light brown coat that can look almost purple. Their coats are lighter than blue Frenchies, who are more of a dark silvery gray.
When it comes to genes, blue Frenchies are a dilute black while lilacs are a dilute brown. Both are at risk of color dilution alopecia due to their coloration.
