Blue French Bulldog puppies are friendly, confident, short haired dogs with a dark grey colored coat. They are popular lap dogs, apartment pets and companions, although this shade isn’t accepted in the show ring. Frenchies also come with a lot of health problems in any color, and the blue shade does add some other potential issues into the mix.
Contents
- Official coat colors
- Blue French Bulldog genetics
- Grooming your blue French Bulldog
- Blue French Bulldog training and exercise
Official French Bulldog Colors
The blue coat color is not accepted by the official breed standard, so this coat type will never be intentionally be bred by show breeders.
Breeders who advertise these colors as rare are therefore sadly usually more motivated by money than the importance of following the breed standard. The fact is, by selecting a silver blue French Bulldog, you could be encouraging the proliferation of breeders who select color over health or temperament.
French Bulldogs also come in a variety of additional color combinations, for example, bindle and white or fawn and white. But your pedigree pup will never have blue written on their documentation, although this color has been referred to by the kennel club casually as mouse in the past.
Genetics of the Blue French Bulldog
In dogs, the blue coat color is due to a recessive gene known as the dilution gene. This relatively rare gene is usually viewed as undesirable except in certain breeds such as the Weimaraner, one of the only breeds to only be found in the dilute coat color.
If a French Bulldog has two copies of this gene then rather than having a black coat, they will instead be a light blue French Bulldog.
Unfortunately for Blue French Bulldogs, and some other breeds which express this dilute gene, they can suffer from a genetic condition known as color dilution alopecia (CDA). This is a recessive and inherited condition and arises due to a faulty version of the dilution gene.
You may also see a blue French Bulldog with blue eyes. Again, this is seen as desirable by some but will run the same risks of CDA. We encourage owners never to select a dog for their coat or eye color over their health and wellbeing.
Color vs Trainability
Blue French Bulldogs aren’t any less intelligent than their officially colored cousins. They are alert and generally a joy to be around. Their intelligent and adaptable natures mean they enjoy spending time with their families wherever you may take them.
French Bulldogs are independent little dogs, which can sometimes translate into stubbornness if you don’t dedicate time and energy to their training. But positive food-based training works well to motivate them.
Blue French Bulldog Exercise
French Bulldogs are unable to swim, so great care should be taken around ponds, swimming pools, and rivers.
French Bulldogs are often referred to as a “low energy” breed, with this sometimes being seen as an advantage owing to the fact that they don’t need much exercise. Unfortunately for these little dogs, that’s not the whole story.
The reason they require less exercise than many other breeds is due to the brachycephalic shape of their face. Their shortened muzzles and narrow nostrils are simply not able to get enough oxygen into their bodies.
Potential Health Issues
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs of any color are prone to a wide array of some serious health conditions. Blue French Bulldogs suffer from additional health issues on top of this. First, let’s take a look at the general health conditions suffered by French Bulldogs. A year-long survey found the most common problems are
- skinfold dermatitis
- diarrhea
- conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- ear infections
- long nails
Another one of the main issues with French Bulldogs is due to their flat face shape, referred to as ‘brachycephalic.’ Unfortunately, while many people find this face shape ‘cute,’ it can have some serious health implications for these little dogs. These include increased risks of overheating, obstructed airways, narrow nostrils, issues with their eye sockets, and dental problems.
French Bulldogs are known for their loud breathing, snuffling, and snoring. While these noises may sound cute to some, they point to some major problems.
The cesarean rates for French Bulldogs are also very high. One study focusing on pedigree dogs in the UK found that the incidence rate for cesarean sections in French Bulldogs was over 80 percent.
Blue French Bulldog Hair Loss
In addition to the health issues affecting all French Bulldogs, a pure blue French Bulldog is more likely to suffer from a skin condition known as alopecia.
It may not be obvious that your dog suffers from this condition when you buy them, as it won’t necessarily develop until they are between 4 months and 2 years old. Signs to look out for include
(paid link) - sore, wrinkled skin
- allergic reactions
- dry, scaly, and flaky skin
- itchiness
- brittle hair
- bald patches, usually on the dog’ head, ears, and spine
Alopecia will only affect blue areas, but if you have a solid Blue French Bulldog then their entire body may be affected. However, if you have a fawn and blue French Bulldog, the fawn areas won’t be affected.
Grooming
The short coat of a French Bulldog is easy to look after with a quick brush just once a week. The Frenchie does shed, but minimally.
Any Blue French Bulldog may be prone to suffering from alopecia, which can impact your grooming regime. And since French Bulldogs are not as active as some other breeds, their nails can become uncomfortably long.
Blue French Bulldog Puppies
While French Bulldogs are certainly full of character, it’s highly likely that your puppy could suffer from a range of health issues owing to their brachycephalic face shape. This can often mean costly vet bills and will likely affect the quality of life of your little dog.
Add to the mix the additional health problems that Blue French Bulldogs could potentially suffer as a result of their coat color. We think that’s enough reason to reconsider purchasing one of the pups.
Kelly Webster says
My frenchie died a few days ago we don’t know the cause of death she was a healthy 1year old female started to cum into season suddenly had unexpected fit I gave sum sugar and water which brought her around from the fit she I put her on her feet she walked ok but then kept aving shakes in her little head whilst on way to vet’s. Who told us may be epilepsy he gave her 4lots of meds told us to take straight bk if went into fit again got her home had another fit not even an hour after she’d had meds. Took her to different vets for like a second opinion who kept her over night thought was doggy meningitis so treated her for that but didn’t respond later that day before I got to her she had passed has anyone ever experienced anything like this before with such a young Frenchie?
Serena says
I have a blue brindle frenchie and she is strong, healthy and has no health issues. She is very fast and energetic. She comes from champion lines and her breathing is perfect. I would recommend to get one, they are the most amazing dogs, like babies 🙂 Whoever wrote this probably cant afford one. Of course always make sure to get one from a reputable breeder. The breeder i got mine from adores dogs, they are her life… so saying that someone breeds blue dogs for money and not for their health is a lie. Be careful with them and look after them, feed them the correct food and not cheap supermarket food, look after their eyes (make sure nothing gets into them) and make sure you dont take them for walks in extremely warm weather – and your dog wont have problems.
Cheryl says
I have a blue frenchie, we only had her a week but are struggling to get herto eat James well be loved food that breeder was feeding her, I have added cooked chicken and now she gas bad diarrhoea.Did you ever experience this? She is tiny so a constant worry. Thanks in advance
Jerry says
Same situation. Agree 100%!
Kharon Washington says
Lmfaoooooo “whoever wrote this probably can’t afford one” was thinking the same thing. My blue Frenchie is healthy and energetic. I feed a good brand of food and he has no issues.
fabian says
We had a Frenchie for 12 years and 2 months. He died in March this year. Ours was extremely energetic until age 8. He could drag me uphill and would not stop walking. Walks an hour and an half long were common. Effectively, they have problems evacuating heat. They push like mad and suddenly they stop. But you can always carry them. Positive food training worked effectively very well with him. There is one point that is not mentioned; they are fragile from the lower back. Since they are a bundle of energy they jump a lot and lend on their hind legs. Don’t let them do that because they’ll develop problems later in life.
Jennifer Walker says
I had a fawn Frenchie we just had to let go this month because he pinched a nerve in his lower back and after 3 weeks didn’t recover. He lost all muscle mass and wasn’t in control of bowel or bladder. He was 8. Still makes me really sad.
Lora says
I have a two and a half year old male blue. He has not presented most of the things pointed out here.
He does have some irritation between his toes from allergies we treat with allergy medicine.
He is super active, runs, plays, dances in circles, jumps, plays animatedly with our pit bull who he is the “boss” of.
He has an incredible personality. He is super vocal, and let’s us know when he wants something. He has no issues with his palette or his eyes.
We have had no out of the ordinary veterinary Costs.
He loves his family SO much and is happiest when he can go wherever we go.
We may just be lucky but We have no regrets about our Blue boy.
Sarah says
Agreed. Same with our girl who jsut turned 2. No health or skin issues whatsoever. But I don’t feed her chicken or poultry either. She loves her Purina pro lamb & rice.
MM says
We have a beautiful honey-pied (more white than honey) frenchie. She is now nine years old. She has had her fair share of stomach issues, which were finally resolved with her raw food diet. Apart from environmental allergies, she has no health issues. We have restricted her jumping from a very young age which we hope will help her back. She doesn’t suffer from gas or from drooling or loud snoring. I believe her daily walks of a minimum 3 miles have been very beneficial to her health. My experience has been that frenchies love to walk, yes, sometimes she decides on the route and takes me on a walk!
Ann says
We have a blue frenchie, she is an acceptable color and registered just not for the show ring. Who cares showing as it’s common practice to line breed eg daughter back to father to double up on extreme conformation that’s encouraged to be a champion dog. Our dog is calm and healthy, the show frenchie we bought was aggressive developed allergies and eye issues. His breeder said to fix the cherry eye he will clean up in the ring. That his brother was returned for aggression but you need that look at me attitude in the ring to win. The breed clubs won’t let you join if you breed colors not in the breed standard for showing as a club member You can vote to accept new colors, this is were politics come in as they won’t let you join unless you have show dogs of the current acceptable show colors.
Anyone that breed dilute dogs should know they need to add in a non dilute dog every four generations and you don’t get fur issues. The problem is the huge amount of brokers shipping in frenchies of all colors for resale. They don’t test dogs before they are bred or care. It’s about flipping dogs and they put rare etc. Blues are not rare they are common now. Merle’s are the new trend.
We have owned 4 blue frenchies now. Still have one the rest have retired and live with family. You can’t judge one color breeder and say they are all bad and the blues are sick. I personally have seen way more health and temperament issues with breed standard show dogs vs the few beautiful dilute dogs we have owned.
B Marsh says
I have a 5 year old blue pied male Frenchie. I chose him as a puppy because of his personality, not his colour. He is the most loving, affectionate, sociable, sweet natured dog I have ever had. I saw his litter sister, mother and grandmother at the breeder’s and felt I had done my preparation and research beforehand, nevertheless he needed to have corrective surgery for a hernia and an elongated soft palateHe at 6 months of age. He requires a lot of maintenance, daily cleaning of his facial creases & under his tail flap as well as a twice weekly bathe of his paws. He has a lot of airborne and food allergies, which means regular medication and veterinary visits for blood tests and check ups. He is on a restricted diet of white fish, rabbit, chicken and turkey with potato and vegetables which needs to be freshly prepared daily and given in 3-4 small meals to avoid regurgitation. He is very energetic and loves to run but has to be watched carefully so as not to overheat, which can happen even in mild temperatures of 16C. I was prepared for the work and dedication owning a Frenchie would involve and absolutely adore my dog, he brings me so much joy. A french bulldog can make a wonderful pet but there is no denying they are very high maintenance and very demanding of human company and interaction They are not the dog for everyone, certainly not a novice owner, nor someone who is out at work all day. If you decide to get one, please consider the time, effort and money that will be required to keep your Frenchie healthy and happy.
Louise says
I have a 9week on blue frenchie never had one before just want to know i am feeding her dry food Harringtons but i dont know if i am feeding her too much shes messing so much and how much should i feed her in grams would be brill if someone could tell me this plz
Jason says
Normally feeding guide is on the feed you are using our you can find it online.
Generally, when they are young, you want to get a decent amount of food in to them based on how active they are. Also keep feeling their rib cage.. if you can feel their ribs but can’t see them, they are in good shape
Jo says
I completely agree! We have several blues in our family and extended family with brown eyes and have not had any health issues at all, allergies, or skin issues. I do know that the merle color and blue eye color can cause lots of health issues with some frenchies, but a blue coat color is normal, it wasn’t created by mixing with another breed, it happens, just like an all black puppy in a litter of brindles, or an all white puppy in a litter of pieds. AKC champions, Perfectly normal and healthy parents can have these colors, who is to say that puppy can’t be shown or accepted by the AKC shows?? Or that it will have any health issues?? The owner wasn’t breeding for that color, it was just created. There are many irresponsible breeders who don’t check genetics and don’t have a clue what they are doing. All they see is dollar signs and I agree people need to be educated and they do need to be stopped. They don’t test for health and that’s where these skin issues, allergies, and eye issues come from. There are many responsible breeders who breed blues and normal colors, not crazy specialty colors, and have very healthy dogs with no health issues. We have one that is 7 and he’s never had an issue his whole life or his son 4 years old. They both come from very healthy lines and are remarkable dogs.
Jen says
Can you share what you feed your blue frenchies? Mine is so itchy and on allergy safe food
Darlene Butscher says
I have had show frenchies and been around show frenchies that have all these issues- especially allergies, hernias etc. I don’t see any health issues on blues that I have not seen on the “breed standards” This is really puzzling me.