Cream French Bulldog

A cream French Bulldog has a solid coat in a warm, creamy shade. They are slightly darker than white Frenchies, but paler than a fawn Frenchie.

Cream Frenchie dogs usually have no markings. But, occasionally, you may find a cream French Bulldog with a black mask. This is not to be confused with the fawn Frenchie.

French Bulldogs with cream coloring will have the same overall personality and general health concerns as any other Frenchie shade.

So, let’s take a closer look at how this color happens, and how to find a cream French Bulldog puppy.

Is Cream a Standard French Bulldog Color?

Many people don’t worry about whether a color is ‘accepted’ in the breed standard or not. But, it can be an important factor if you’re planning on showing your Frenchie.

Luckily, if you’re hoping to show a cream French Bulldog, you’re in luck. According to the AKC breed standard, cream is a standard and accepted color for the Frenchie breed.

In fact, cream French Bulldogs are also allowed to have a slightly lighter nose than other shades, according to the AKC breed standard.

Of course, if you aren’t planning on showing your Frenchie, this fact might not matter to you!

But, it can be a fun fact to tell your friends when you’re showing off your new furry friend.

Are Cream French Bulldogs Rare?

To understand if cream Frenchie dogs are rare, we need to learn a little more about how this color happens.

There are two pigments that control all dog coat colors. The one that creates cream coats is called pheomelanin, which shows up as red in its basic form.

Cream coats occur when pheomelanin pigment is diluted. The gene that causes this dilution is known as… the dilution gene.

However, the dilution gene is recessive. So, puppies need to receive it from both parents in order to have a cream coat.

Because of this, cream Frenchies can be quite rare. Because, if they don’t receive the genetic instructions for producing pheomelanin, and the dilution gene from both parents, they will be a different color.

Can Breeders Breed for Cream Coloring?

So, if puppies need this gene from both parents, can breeders encourage a cream coat with selective breeding?

Luckily, we know a lot more about coat color genetics in dogs than we used to. So, some breeders may choose to increase the chances of getting cream puppies by breeding certain dogs together.

However, it’s very important that you only choose a reputable breeder. Breeding for a specific color at the expense of overall health or temperament is risky.

Reputable breeders will prioritise good health over other traits, such as coat color. Especially in a breed like the Frenchie that already suffers from a number of shape-related issues.

Given the popularity of this shade, you may need to go on a waiting list for a cream Frenchie puppy. But, it’s worth the wait to choose a reputable breeder and get a healthy puppy.

Fawn vs Cream French Bulldogs

Fawn and cream colored Frenchies are often mistaken for one another! So, how can you tell the difference between the two?

In terms of genetics, fawn and cream are two very different colors. Cream, as we know, is controlled by the dilution gene.

But, fawn coloring is decided at the K locus – a different place altogether in their genetic code.

Fawn is another standard, accepted color for Frenchies. But, it is a lot darker than cream Frenchies. Plus, fawn Frenchies are more likely to come with black faces.

Fawn can also come with other colors, including fawn and white, or fawn brindle.

White vs Cream French Bulldogs

Another coloring that is often mistaken for cream is white. White is another standard and accepted color for Frenchies to come in.

However, white Frenchies are much paler than cream Frenchies. They are a pure white, rather than a warmer shade.

White Frenchies can come with fawn or brindle coloring as well as their base white shade.

And, like the fawn and cream colors, they can come with any of the standard Frenchie markings.

Are Cream French Bulldogs Healthy?

As we know, cream French Bulldog coloring is caused by the dilution gene. And sadly, this gene is linked to alopecia in many dogs.

Cream Frenchies with alopecia may start to lose their coat in patches, or altogether. Or, their fur could thin over time.

But, on top of this, cream French Bulldogs will suffer from the same health issues as other Frenchies. Including all health issues related to their face shape.

Owners should be aware of the following problems if they are looking to own a cream French Bulldog:

• Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
• Tendency to overheat
• Trouble giving birth
• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Heart problems
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis
• Tracheal Hypoplasia
• Skin problems

Finding a Cream French Bulldog Puppy

Cream Frenchies are popular, but may be hard to find, since puppies must inherit the color dilution gene from both parents.

So, you may need to wait on waiting lists for your perfect puppy. Alternatively, look for an older cream French Bulldog in a rescue center.

If you do choose the breeder route, make sure you are only buying from reputable breeders.

Often, they will prioritise health over colors. So, they may not specifically advertise the colors they are expecting until the puppies have arrived.

It’s important to avoid pet stores, backyard breeders, and puppy mills in your search, even if you are struggling to find cream Frenchie puppies elsewhere.

Puppies and dogs in these places are often treated poorly, kept in bad conditions, and used only for making a quick profit.

Because of this, health testing often takes a back seat, and puppies can be sold too early, leading to higher risks of health and behavioral issues.

Do You Have a Cream French Bulldog?

Have you managed to get your hands on a cream French Bulldog puppy? We would love to hear what they’re like in the comments!

What’s your favorite thing about this small breed?

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References and Resources

• Buzhardt, L. ‘Genetics Basics – Coat Color Genetics in Dogs’, VCA Hospitals
• Kaelin, C. & Barsh, G. ‘Genetics of Pigmentation in Dogs and Cats’, Annual Review of Animal Biosciences (2013)
• Schmutz, S. & Berryere, T. ‘The Genetics of Cream Coat Color in Dogs’, Journal of Heredity (2007)
• Saif, R. (et al), ‘Dog Coat Color Genetics: A Review’, Advancements in Life Sciences (2020)
• Sponenberg, D. & Rothschild, M. ‘Genetics of Coat Color and Hair Texture’, The Genetics of the Dog (2001)
• Caramalac, S. (et al), ‘PCR-RFLP Molecular Confirmation of Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs in Brazil’, Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation (2021)
• The Canine Health Information Center
• Packer, R. (et al), ‘Impact of Facial Conformation on Canine Health: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome’, Plos One (2015)
• O’Neill, D. (et al), ‘Demography and Disorders of the French Bulldog Population Under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK in 2013’, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2018)
• Evans, K. & Adams, V. ‘Proportion of Litters of Purebred Dogs Born by Cesarean Section’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2010)