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Do you love the unique coloring of a blue merle french bulldog? If so, you’re not alone. These dogs are considered quite rare, and many people are curious about them. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about these dogs.
We’ll cover their rarity, why they’re controversial, how you get the blue merle coat on a french bulldog, and their health complications. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these beautiful pups!
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
The Blue Merle French Bulldog At a Glance
Blue merle french bulldogs are simply stunning. Though they are not a recognized color by the French Bulldog standard, they are increasingly popular.
These dogs get their unique coloration from a genetic mutation that affects the way pigment is distributed in the coat. As a result, blue merle french bulldogs typically have a dark base coat with lighter blue and gray patches.
While not all blue merle french bulldogs are born with blue eyes, many have this striking feature. In addition to their distinctive appearance, blue merle french bulldogs are known for being loyal and affectionate companions.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Rare?
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are beautiful dogs that are unfortunately quite rare.
According to the American Kennel Club, only about 5% of all registered French Bulldogs are blue merles. This rarity is due to the fact that the blue merle coat pattern is caused by a recessive gene.
Blue Merle is a coat color pattern that can occur in many different dog breeds, not just French Bulldogs. The Merle gene works by lightening the coat color of the dog and adding random patches of darker colors.
However, this gene can also cause health problems like deafness and blindness. For this reason, many Kennel Clubs have banned the breeding of Merle dogs.
As a result, Blue Merle French Bulldogs are quite rare, and their price reflects this rarity. If you are lucky enough to find one of these dogs for sale, be prepared to pay a high price.
However, the beauty of these dogs makes them well worth the cost.
How Do You Get a Blue Merle French Bulldog?
There are two ways to breed a Blue Merle French Bulldog. One way is to breed a merle French Bulldog with another Frenchie that has a solid coat. The other way is to breed (irresponsibly) two merle French Bulldogs together.
The reason the first method is a responsible breeding practice and the other isn’t is because when two merle dogs are bred together, there is a 25% chance that their puppies will be born blind or deaf. This is because when the Merle gene is present in both parents, it can cause a fatal mutation called Merle-to-Merle breeding (creating a “Double Merle” puppy).
For this reason, many Kennel Clubs have banned the breeding of two merle dogs together.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Purebred?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Blue Merle French Bulldogs are not recognized by the Kennel Club as an official coat color.
This is because the Merle gene is considered a fatal mutation. However, Blue Merle French Bulldogs are purebred in the sense that they are only bred with other French Bulldogs. They are not mixed with any other dog breeds.
Does The AKC Recognize Blue Merle French Bulldogs?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize Blue Merle as an official coat color for French Bulldogs. This is because the Merle gene is considered a fatal mutation. However, the AKC does not regulate coat color, so Blue Merle French Bulldogs can still be registered with the AKC.
Why Do People Have a Problem With Breeding Blue Merle French Bulldogs?
There are a few reasons why some people have a problem with breeding Blue Merle French Bulldogs. The first reason is that the Merle gene is considered a fatal mutation. This means there is a 25% chance that puppies born to two merle parents will be blind or deaf.
The problem with this is that breeding two merle French Bulldogs together gives you the most merle Frenchie puppies, which means more money. So the problem people have is there are breeders out there who want to make the most money, regardless of having some puppies born as double merles.
Which is where the health issues like deafness and blindness take place.
What Are Blue Merle French Bulldog’s Genetics?
The Blue Merle French Bulldog’s coat is the result of a genetic mutation called the “Merle” gene. This gene works by lightening the coat color of the dog and adding random patches of darker colors.
The Blue Merle gene is dominant and dilutes the dog’s original coat color. It is denoted by the “M” in the genotype. That gene will always be expressed in at least 50% of the puppies because all dominant genes result in its expression in at least half of the offspring.
The Blue Merle gene impacts the dog’s coat color patterns as well as its eyes, nose, and paw pads’ pigment. As a result of the dilution of pigmentation in the eyes known as heterochromia iridis, Blue Merle Frenchies almost always have blue eyes.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Size (Weight & Height)
Blue merle French Bulldogs are generally the same size as other Frenchies, regardless of their coat color/type. They usually weigh between 16 and 28 pounds and stand between 11 and 13 inches tall.
Males are typically taller and heavier, while females are usually shorter and lighter. However, there is not a significant difference in size between the two genders.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Shedding & Grooming
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are moderate shedders. They will shed their winter coat in the spring and their summer coat in the fall. However, their coat does not require as much grooming as other dog breeds.
Blue Merle French Bulldogs should be brushed a few times a week to remove any dead hair and keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
Robot vacuums are becoming increasingly popular for dog owners to help stay on top of their pup’s shedding. They’re certainly not a necessity, but definitely helpful.
They’ll need a bath every 8-12 weeks on average, nail trimming and ear cleaning roughly once a month, and teeth cleaning a few times per week.
However, like with all Frenchies, they’ll need their skin folds cleaned weekly. If they go for too long without being cleaned, they’re likely to get dermatitis or develop an infection.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
No, Blue Merle French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. They do shed their coat and produce dander which can trigger allergies in some people.
However, they are considered a low-shedding breed. So they may have less of an effect on peoples’ allergies than other breeds. If your heart is set on getting a Blue Merle French Bulldog and you have allergies, it’s best to go see how you react to being around them before deciding to add one to your family.
Lifespan Of A Blue Merle French Bulldog
The average lifespan of a Blue Merle French Bulldog is between 11 and 13 years. However, like all dog breeds, there are health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
Common Health Issues In Blue Merle French Bulldogs
The most common health issues in Blue Merle French Bulldogs are the same as those in other Frenchies. They include:
- Hip dysplasia: A condition in which the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit together correctly, causing pain and arthritis.
- Patellar luxation: Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, particularly small breeds. It occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position. This can cause pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. Patellar luxation is usually treated with surgery, but it can be a costly and invasive procedure. There are also several potential complications, such as infection or nerve damage.
- Allergies: French Bulldogs are prone to allergies, both food and environmental. Common symptoms include itching, redness, and in some cases, hair loss.
- Cleft Palate: A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the roof of the mouth doesn’t close properly. This can cause difficulty eating and breathing, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections. Treatment typically involves surgery to close the palate, but it can be a long and expensive process.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): IVDD is a common condition in dogs, particularly small breeds. It occurs when the discs between the vertebrae break down and collapse. This can cause pain, paralysis, and even death.
However, because of improper breeding, some Blue Merle French Bulldogs are “Double Merles,” which means they carry two copies of the Merle gene. These dogs are often deaf or blind.
Trainability & Intelligence Of A Blue Merle French Bulldog
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are considered to be a relatively smart breed. They’re not the quickest of learners but are very food motivated, so training should always involve their favorite treats.
Like all dogs, Blue Merle French Bulldogs need socialization from a young age. This means exposing them to as many new people, places, and things as possible.
Many times French Bulldogs have problems with separation, but when you provide them with plenty of socialization opportunities when young, it can help avoid this.
This way, they’ll behave well around new people and animals without acting overly jealous.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Despite their small size, Blue Merle French Bulldogs are relatively active dogs. They need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy.
They’re not a high-energy breed but do enjoy a good game of fetch or tug-of-war. Just be careful not to overdo it, as they can easily get overheated.
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are also prone to obesity, so it’s important to ensure they’re getting enough exercise and not eating too much. A good rule of thumb is to feed them according to their weight and activity level.
If you’re unsure how much to feed them, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you create a tailored feeding plan for a Blue Merle French Bulldog.
It’s also important not to forget about mental stimulation for Blue Merle French Bulldogs. They need to be challenged both physically and mentally to avoid boredom.
One way to do this is through obedience training. This not only helps them stay active but also strengthens the bond between the two of you.
Another way to keep their minds sharp is by providing them with puzzle toys or food dispensing toys. These are a great way to keep them entertained and prevent boredom.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Temperament & Behavior
Do Blue Merle French Bulldogs Bark A Lot?
One common question people have about Blue Merle French Bulldogs is whether or not they bark a lot. The answer to this question is that it really depends on the dog. Some Blue Merle French Bulldogs do bark more than others, but it’s not necessarily due to their breed.
Barking is often a learned behavior, so if they are constantly barking, it could be because they’ve learned that it gets them attention. In this case, you’d need to work on training them not to bark.
But in general, they’re not terribly vocal dogs.
Do Blue Merle French Bulldogs Like To Cuddle?
This is another common question people have about Blue Merle French Bulldogs. And the answer is yes. They definitely like to cuddle! They’re a very affectionate breed and love nothing more than snuggling up with their favorite person.
They also make great lap dogs. So if you’re looking for a dog to cuddle with, a Blue Merle French Bulldog would be a great choice.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Good With Kids?
Yes, Blue Merle French Bulldogs are good with kids. They’re a very friendly breed and love being around people.
They also have a lot of patience, so they’re good with kids even if they’re a little rough. Just be sure to supervise them when they’re around small children as they might accidentally knock them over.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Good With Other Dogs?
Yes, Blue Merle French Bulldogs can be good with other dogs. They’re a very social breed and love being around other animals.
However, it’s important to introduce them to other dogs slowly and ensure they’re properly socialized from a young age. Otherwise, they might be too aggressive or territorial around other dogs.
Without proper socialization, they are likely to get overly jealous when they see you interacting with other dogs. While this doesn’t make them aggressive (generally), it can make them overly clingy when other dogs are around.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Good With Strangers?
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are generally friendly with strangers. They love meeting new people and will usually approach them with a wagging tail.
However, because they’re so friendly, they can also be quite gullible. So it’s important to be careful when introducing them to new people.
Make sure you only introduce them to people you know and trust. And always supervise them when they’re around new people, just to be safe.
Are Blue Merle French Bulldogs Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Blue Merle French Bulldogs can be great apartment dogs. They’re not particularly active and don’t need a lot of space to run around.
However, because they’re so social, they do need plenty of human interaction. So if you’re gone all day, it’s best if they have another dog or person to interact with.
Otherwise, they can become bored and destructive. For example, they might start chewing on things or barking excessively.
Puzzle toys can also work well to keep their minds occupied if you have to leave for an extended period of time.
Food & Diet Requirements
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are not particularly active dogs, so they don’t need a lot of food.
The best food for Blue Merle French Bulldogs is a high-quality dry dog food. It should be formulated for small breeds and contain all the nutrients they need.
You can also supplement their diet with some wet food, raw food, or home-cooked meals. Just be sure to talk to your vet first to make sure you’re feeding them the right foods and the right amounts.
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are also prone to obesity, so it’s important to keep an eye on their weight. Make sure they’re getting enough exercise and not eating too much.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Price
The process of breeding a Blue Merle French Bulldog is quite complicated.
This means that they’re not always the easiest dogs to find. And when you do find one, they tend to be quite expensive.
A Blue Merle French Bulldog puppy can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000. And that’s just for the puppy.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of food, vet bills, obedience training, and other supplies.
If you’re looking for a Blue Merle French Bulldog, be prepared to pay a premium price.
Be very careful when you see one going for a low price. Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy Blue Merle French Bulldogs.
Always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Blue Merle French Bulldog For Sale
There are a few websites that claim to have Blue Merle French Bulldogs available.
However, it’s important to do your research before you purchase a puppy from any of these sites. We have not purchased a puppy from these sites, so we don’t have experience with the breeders.
But they do produce Blue Merle French Bulldogs, so it’s worth looking into them and doing a little further research/reaching out to them.
They are Tomkings Puppies, FRENCHbulldogsLA, and Wild Blue French Bulldogs.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Pros And Cons
Before you decide to get a Blue Merle French Bulldog, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the breed.
Here are some of the pros:
- They’re very cute and have unique coloring.
- They tend to be calm and laid back.
- They have fun and goofy personalities.
- They’re good with kids and other pets.
- They don’t need too much exercise (30 minutes per day should suffice).
And here are some of the cons:
- They are expensive.
- They can be gassy.
- They’re prone to health problems.
- They snore a lot.
- They require a lot of care and attention.
- They can be stubborn.
Final Thoughts
Though Blue Merle French Bulldogs have some controversy around them, they’re healthy, happy dogs when they’re bred appropriately.
They make great companions and are very loyal to their families. Yes, they are expensive. But if you have the means to purchase one and take care of it properly, a Blue Merle French Bulldog can be a great addition to your family.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Merle French Bulldog: Everything You Need To Know