The Blue French Bulldog, or the blue Frenchie, is one of the most popular Frenchies in the world. The chances (if you live in a big city) of meeting a blue Frenchie are higher than if you lived in a smaller town. They might be rare, but these dogs are a top choice amongst French Bulldog lovers.
Frenchies are amongst the best dogs to buy, especially if you live in an apartment. They are popularly regarded as “apartment dogs,” and we agree.
This is due to their small size and how adorable they are. You would even be shocked to hear there are miniature French bulldogs or teacup French bulldogs. You can read up about them here.
The Blue colored Frenchie is very controversial. Yes, you might see people with these breeds, but they are not accepted by many associations, just like the mini Frenchie. This is one of the few reasons why they are rare. According to the breed standard by the French Bulldog Club of America, a Frenchie is disqualified if they have a “trace of blue or green.”
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is also firmly against the breeding of blue French bulldogs. Anyone breeding them is seen as being motivated by money rather than ethics.
You might be wondering why most breeding associations do not accept them, and the reason is that the blue-coated color is a result of a recessive dilution gene which is a recessive gene. In the next section of this article, I will explain a little about the dilution gene.
What is the Dilution Gene?
The dilution gene is a set of genes found in a living creature that combine to create a lighter coat color. In dogs, the diluted gene occurs on the “D” locus; for the dog to be dilute, its genotype must be “DD.” The gene known for causing this dilution in dogs is known as Melanophilin (MLPH).
French bulldogs that suffer from the dilution gene can also have what is known as Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). This genetic condition results from the faulty version of the dilution gene they already have.
What a Blue French Bulldog?
A blue French bulldog is a type of French Bulldog that has a bluish coat resulting from the dilution gene found in them. These dogs are not recognized, and their color is considered a “fad” color.
Unknown to many French Bulldogs didn’t originate from France, and this is confusing because of the term “French” in the breed’s name. They originated from England, and their story begins with Nottingham lace makers who tended to bulldogs and eventually moved to France in the 1800s. These bulldogs mated with other dogs, and we have the French Bulldog of today.
The history of the Blue French bulldog has yet to be discovered, but they have been around in the United States for quite some time.
Many popular types of French bulldogs are “designer dogs” and are not recognized by many reputable dog commissions. One such is the Blue French Bulldog, which makes it rarer to find a great one as you might find out that many of them result from false crossings and many more.
Appearance
This Frenchie is different from the standard French Bulldog, although it is essential to note that there are also similarities. The blue Frenchie usually weighs under 28 pounds and is 11 -12 inches tall.
Some call it a blue-grey french bulldog because of the coat, which is bluish-grey, just like the images shown above.
One prominent feature that stands them out is their bat-like ears which are not accepted by the breed standard. They have a very smooth coat and a short muzzle. Just like the regular Frenchie, their tails are not docked but short & stumpy.
The blue color makes it immediately recognizable from the other features mentioned above. Usually, the blue color is accompanied by white markings, particularly on the chest. They have wrinkles on their faces/necks, which can easily trap bacteria if they are not properly groomed.
Temperament and Personality
They are very clingy, and not giving them the attention they crave can lead to separation anxiety. Blue Frenchies are active, and they rarely bark.
Trust me; even if you do not give them your attention consciously, they will find a way to get it. Some Frenchies (blue) are vocal about their needs and wants.
It is possible to play popular dog games such as “fetch” with them as they are playful dogs. If you have other dogs, you should give your French Bulldog (Blue) extra attention because they can quickly get sick.
Common Health Issues
Some of these issues are peculiar to blue Frenchies and to other Frenchies like the white, cream, merle Frenchies, and much more.
All of the common health risks associated with blue Frenchies are:
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome due to their short muzzle.
- Wrinkled, scaly, and dry skin
- Hair Loss
- Severe allergies
- Conjunctivitis
- Ear Infections
- Skinfold Dermatitis
- Diarrhea
Note that it isn’t all Frenchies (blue) that would face some of these health issues, but all of them are prone to them. Their health largely depends on you as the owner and how you care for them.
Some Blue Frenchie Facts You Should Know
These are some facts that you might find interesting about the Blue Frenchie.
- They are a very lazy breed, as they do almost nothing throughout the day except relax and play. It could be by napping or just “chilling out” on their owner’s laps. Sounds cute!
- They have just one coat, which can make them cold in certain conditions or weather.
- Seeking attention is one of the qualities you would find in all French Bulldogs. They are attention seekers, and you need to give them the attention they are seeking.
- They can’t swim. All Frenchies can’t swim, including blue merle French bulldogs, blue brindles, and even the blue French Bulldog.
- They have a very short and smooth coat. This makes shedding almost impossible (they still do, but less than a regular dog). You can expect them to shed twice yearly since they moderately shed as seasons change.
- Blue French Bulldogs are not easy to find due to the coloring of their fur. This makes their prices double or even triple in some cases compared to the regular French Bulldog. If you ever find one, cherish them because not everyone can get their hands on one.
- They are allergic and fall ill very quickly. If you own one, you might visit the vet regularly. I suggest that you arrange a monthly checkup on your pet with the vet doctor.
- Your blue Frenchie cannot give birth naturally and would need a C- Section to give birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some popular questions people ask regarding blue Frenchies.
How rare is a blue French Bulldog?
Blue French bulldogs are the rarest of all types of French Bulldogs. They are so rare that their prices are incredibly on the high side. Having a French Bulldog with a bluish coat is hard to achieve, as blue is one of the rarest colors in the French Bulldog world.
How much are Blue Frenchies?
The starting price in the United States is usually $2,000 -$3,000. They are costly because of two significant factors, and they include:
- The process of breeding.
- They are rare to come by.
Conclusion
The dog was made to be a companion, and nothing more, so don’t try to take your pet out for unnecessary walks. Remember, they are “low-energy breeds.” I have seen several Blue French bulldog owner that loves their pet, and they are all healthy.
There are also a few cases whereby the life of the Blue Frenchie ended unexpectedly because of the owner’s negligence. If you love them, you should get them as far as you can take care of them.
