The Blue French Bulldog is a gorgeous little dog.
But what does this color tell you about your puppy?
Is he any different to another color of Frenchie?
Let’s find out!
Origins of the Blue French Bulldog
While there are a few differences between a Blue French Bulldog and any other color of French Bulldog, this doesn’t mean its origins and history are any different from the rest of the breed.
Interestingly, the history of the French Bulldog doesn’t actually have its roots in France. Instead, Leeds in the north of England is where this characterful dog begins its story.
During the 1800s, the lacemakers in this region developed a fondness for small Bulldogs. At the start of the industrial revolution, a large percentage of lacemakers decided to move to France.
And like any good dog owners, they took their little Bulldogs with them.
In France, these Bulldogs were crossed with a range of other dogs, including Pugs, until they became the breed we recognize today.
Famous for their distinctive bat-like ears, the breed has now became known as the Bouledogue Francais or French Bulldog.
This small breed came to America at the end of the 19th Century and the French Bulldog Club of America was founded in 1897, making it the oldest club in the world dedicated to this breed.
The French Bulldog’s popularity in the US has increased in recent years, thanks in part to celebrity owners raising the profile of the breed.
They are currently ranked at number six on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds.
French Bulldog Colors
First of all, it’s important to note that the blue coat color is not accepted by the official breed standard.
Sometimes you’ll see Blue French Bulldogs advertised as a “rare Blue French Bulldog”.
The French Bulldog Club of America actually refer to this as a “fad color” and strongly discourages breeding Blue French Bulldogs in any way.
You can find an entire article devoted to this debate on their website.
Fad colors, also known as disqualification colors, will never intentionally be bred by reputable breeders who are dedicated to the welfare of the breed.
While the term blue is fashionable, historically the same color has been referred to as “mouse.”
Breeders who advertise these colors as rare (rather than disqualified) are usually more motivated by money than the importance of following the breed standard.
The fact is, by selecting a silver blue French Bulldog, you are encouraging the proliferation of breeders who select color over health or temperament.
That is definitely something you need to take into account when deciding whether or not you should invest in a Blue French Bulldog.
Colors accepted by the breed standard include
- brindle
- cream
- fawn
- fawn brindle
- white
French Bulldogs also come in a variety of additional color combinations, for example, bindle and white or fawn and white.
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.
Blue French Bulldog Appearance
Even though the Blue French Bulldog isn’t accepted by the breed standard, the blue French Bulldog information is going to be more or less in line with this standard.
French Bulldogs are small dogs, usually weighing under 28 lbs and standing between 11 to 13 inches in height.
They have a smooth coat, erect ears which are often referred to as bat-like, and an extremely short muzzle.
Blue French Bulldog 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.
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Any Blue French Bulldog may be prone to suffering from alopecia, which can impact your grooming regime. We’ll look at this in more detail in our health section.
You’ll also need to keep a close eye on your Frenchie’s nails. Since French Bulldogs are not as active as some other breeds, their nails can become uncomfortably long.
Blue French Bulldog Exercise and Training Requirements
French Bulldogs 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.
Positive food-based training works well with French Bulldogs.
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.
We’ll look at this issue in more detail in the next section.
Blue French Bulldog 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.
For a full review of these issues, head over to our article on brachycephaly in Dogs.
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.
French Bulldogs struggle to get enough oxygen into their lungs through their compromised airways.
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
- 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.
Final Thoughts
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.
You may well see adverts for “baby blue French Bulldog puppies” or “silver blue French Bulldogs” and be tempted to bring one home.
Instead, we recommend looking at a healthier breed and consider selecting a puppy which hasn’t been bred for their color alone. Check out our guide to small dog names if you do!
Do you own a French Bulldog or are you considering one? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
References and Further Reading
- American Kennel Club
- French Bulldog Club of America
- Evans KM and Adams VJ. 2010. Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
- O’Neill DG et al. 2018. Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology.
- Phillipp U et al. 2005. Polymorphisms within the canine MLPH gene are associated with dilute coat color in dogs. BMC Genetics.
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%!
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.
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.
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.