Blue French bulldogs, sometimes referred to as Frenchies, blue Frenchies, or simply French bulldogs, are one of the rarest and most popular breeds of French bulldogs. Surprisingly, unlike the name, their furs are not actually blue but more greyish in color.
The Blue Frenchie is a fun-loving, easy-going small canine that has a flat face, big eyes, and the characteristic French Bulldog bat ears. In this article, we’ll explore some facts about Blue Frenchies and highlight details necessary to train and care for these fur babies.
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Table of Contents
What Are Blue French Bulldogs?
Blue French bulldogs are a breed of French bulldogs that are recognized by their small size, muscular build, and characteristic “bat ears.”
Blue French bulldogs are not a separate breed from French bulldogs, rather, the term blue refers to its specific coat color. The coat color of the blue Frenchie is a dilute shade of gray, with a trace of silver and their eyes are often a striking blue color
These adorable little dogs with a distinctive short coat are devoted, energetic, and easy to teach. The grey-blue coat isn’t a standard coat color, and as a result, it is not recognized by any of the numerous dog breed associations, including the American Kennel Club.
Brief History of Blue French Bulldogs
Unlike their name suggests, blue French bulldogs do not originate from France, but Notthingham, the North of England, in the United Kingdom.
In the 19th century, the north of England was famous for making lace and France was one of the countries where their demand was high. They loved carrying little pets and the English bulldog was the perfect size.
The English lacemakers carried their small bulldogs with them as they emigrated to France amid an industrial revolution. Eventually, the English bulldogs were crossbred over time with pug dogs to create what is now known as the French bulldog.
This new breed gained popularity amongst various social classes in France especially in Paris. The French Bulldogs became fashionable companions for the city’s artists, shopkeepers, and other residents.
By the late 18th century, the French bulldog made it into the United States, and in 1898, it gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club. The officially accepted coat colors for French Bulldogs are brindle, cream, fawn, fawn brindle, and white or any combination of these colors; but not the blue coat.
This is majorly because the blue color is due to a mutation in the melanophilin gene (also known as dilution gene) which causes pigments that were originally black to appear silver or grey.
Today, the French Bulldog is the 6th most popular dog breed in the US and the 4th most popular overall in the world (according to American Kennel Club data) and has gradually become a symbol of status. The pups are sold for about $2500 to $8000. The price depends on the location, the color, and the breeder.
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Types of Blue Frenchies
Because of their wide range of color patterns, Blue French Bulldogs are frequently categorized into four distinct types based on the color of their coat they are;
1. Blue Merle
This pattern is considered one of the most beautiful, but it is equally the most difficult Blue French Bulldog to breed. Blue Merle Frenchies look so unusual and are very difficult to breed. To create this rare color pattern, a Merle Frenchie is mated with a blue Frenchie.
This results in a coat with patches of Merle and blue and leaves patches of the original color remaining. The patches have varying sizes and shapes and can be located anywhere on the dog.
2. Blue Brindle
Blue Brindle Frenchie has an obvious blue/grey coat with traces of brindle striping. Their eye color may vary from yellow and brown to blue and grey.
Blue Brindle French Bulldogs
3. Blue Pied
This pattern is obtained by breeding a pied Frenchie with a blue Frenchie. The coloring is easy to achieve, but the pattern is highly unpredictable. The coat color is usually a mix of fawn, cream, and brindle, with a lighter color on the chest area, cheeks, and legs. Other times, only one side of the Frenchie’s face may be covered with the pied pattern.
4. Blue Fawn:
This type of Blue Frenchie carries the double recessive dilution gene of the blue and pied colors and two additional genes giving the fawn color. The darker blue color usually has a brindle gene, and it is more visible around their eyes, ears, muzzle, and back. This unusual color blend makes it one of the most popular for Frenchie owners.
Blue-fawn French Bulldogs
Physical Characteristics of Blue Frenchies
Blue French Bulldogs have distinctive physical characteristics that contribute to their unique and charming appearance.
They are a small and muscular breed that typically weighs between 7 and 13 kg and stands about 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their body is compact and well-muscled, and their short, smooth coat lies close to the body.
The head of a blue French bulldog is large and square, with a flat, rounded forehead. The breed is known for its distinctive bat ears, which are large and rounded at the top. They often have loose, wrinkled skin around the head and neck. Their eyes are typically blue and round, set wide apart.
Blue French Bulldogs have a bluish-gray coat that is short, smooth, and fine in texture. They are known for their expressive faces and affectionate expressions. They often have a curious and alert look.
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How to Train Blue Frenchies
Training these fur babies, like all others, requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods. Although it is recommended to hire a professional, here are some tips on how to train your blue French Bulldog:
- Start early! Puppies, like babies, are like children, so starting as early as possible helps them assimilate and receive the training easily.
- Develop simple command words. Use simple phrases such as “come, sit, stand, stop” and use them consistently.
- Keep training sessions short and focused. Bulldogs, generally, have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep training sessions short and engaging. Each session should be focused on one particular trick or command.
- Buy a cage and let the puppy get used to sleeping in it. You may need to lock in for a few weeks so it knows it has to stay there.
- Be diligent with potty training. You may need to get products such as mats and odor sprays to attract the puppy to the same spot every time.
- Use Treats Wisely. Although treats are effective rewards during training, you should be mindful to prevent overfeeding. You can use small, low-calorie treats or break larger treats into smaller pieces.
- Patience and consistency are key! Use the same cues for specific behaviors, and ensure that everyone in your household is on the same page regarding training methods to avoid confusing your dog. Avoid getting frustrated or raising your voice, as this can cause your dog to be anxious.
You may need to remember that every dog is unique, and adapting personalized training methods that best suit your blue Frenchie’s personality and temperament would be of great benefit. If you encounter challenges or have specific training goals, it is advised that you consult a professional dog trainer.
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Health Challenges of Blue Frenchie
As cute as blue Frenchies are, they are notorious for having severe health challenges, and intending pet parents need to be aware of illnesses to which they are prone. Below are a few:
- Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome: Due to their short snouts and flat faces, Frenchies are prone to breathing problems as their airways are obstructed
- Joint problems: because of their stout body structure and short legs, a slight case of overweight could lead to joint problems such as arthritis
- Alopecia: This is a skin disorder that causes the blue part of the coat to loosen. It also causes wrinkles and flaky skin.
- Eye diseases. Blue Frenchies are also prone to eye diseases such as juvenile cataracts.
- Most female blue Frenchies experience reproduction issues and often require artificial insemination
Regular visits to the veterinarian are imperative to monitor and keep these fur babies in good health.
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How to Care For Your Blue Frenchie
All dogs, including Blue Frenchies, require special attention to their needs, putting into consideration both their unique physical qualities and any potential health issues. Here are some pointers on how to care for your blue Frenchie
- Provide a comfortable and loving living space for them
- Bathe them, but not too often. The coats of blue Frenchies have natural oils that can be stripped due to over-bathing. Ensure that you use dog-formulated shampoos
- Brush their coats frequently to avoid shedding and pay attention to any slight change in their coat.
- Feed them with a balanced diet appropriate for their age. Be careful not to overfeed them as they have a high tendency to become overweight.
- Veterinary checkups should be done regularly to monitor their health.
- Taking them on a short walk several times daily is preferable to taking them on a single long walk. This is because they are not overtly energetic and are easily fatigued.
- Pay attention to their breathing patterns and avoid strenuous exercises in hot weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Blue French Bulldogs a separate breed or is blue just a color variation?
Blue French Bulldogs are not a separate breed but rather a color variation. They are rarer than other color Frenchies.
What health conditions are specific to Blue French Bulldogs?
There are no specific health conditions in Blue French Bulldogs. All French Bulldogs have some prevalent health conditions, such as joint problems, Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome, etc.
Do Blue French Bulldogs have distinct personality traits compared to other French Bulldogs?
Although it is normal for personality traits to vary within a breed, the only difference Blue Frenchies have from other Frenchies is the color of their coat. Other than that, their personality traits are largely the same. Some of these include friendliness, playfulness, loyalty, and adaptability.
Blue French bulldogs are rare, beautiful, loving fur babies that make such a wonderful addition to the family. If you’re looking to purchase one, we hope this article has provided you with insights on what you need to know about the small canine.