The Blue French Bulldog is a color variety of the French Bulldog. Like the French Bulldog, the Blue French Bulldog is a stocky but small dog. Its flat face and loose-skinned body are adorned with wrinkles. However, what sets them apart is their smooth, bluish gray coat which can either be entirely solid or patterned with some white markings on the chest and belly.

The Origin of the Blue French Bulldog

As with humans, dogs’ physical traits come from genetics. This includes their fur color. The way a French Bulldog is bred determines its color.

Frenchie colors are a result of breeding. The two basic pigments that determine the color of a dog are black and red. These pigments can be modified by various genes which results in other colors, like the blue Frenchie coat color. Genes tell cells what pigments to produce and where to produce them and this is where a Frenchie’s unique color comes from.

Color Variations

These rare-colored dogs are also known as gray or mouse. The unique-looking blue fur gets comes in several variations.

Blue Merle Frenchies

When Blue French Bulldogs are bred with a Merle French Bulldog, you get a Blue Merle Frenchie. Blue Merle Frenchies are the rarest and most exotic-looking dog according to many people. A Blue Merle Frenchie is very unique with a combination of different, irregular patches and streaks. Their appearance may be compared with that of cookies n’ cream ice cream.

Blue Pied Frenchies

It is very difficult to breed a Blue Pied Frenchie, so there’s a chance you haven’t seen it. This can happen when pied (white) French Bulldogs are bred with a solid blue French Bulldogs. Typically, a Blue Pied Frenchie has a light-colored chest, legs, and cheeks.

Blue Fawn Frenchies

This type of Blue French Bulldogs has sort of dusky looking fur. They carry the same double recessive dilute genes as blue and pied ones, except that they also carry  2 genes for the fawn color. In blue fawn Frenchies, the parts of darker blues also carry a brindle gene and they are most visible on their ears, around the muzzle, around eyes, and on their back. Recent years, this rare French bulldog color has become one of the most popular among Frenchie owners.

Blue Brindled Frenchies

Blue Brindle Frenchie has a visible blue/grey coat with traces of brindle. Brindle striping appears on the puppies when they are usually 4 weeks old. Their eye color may vary from yellow, brown to blue and grey.

Blue French Bulldogs Versus Other French Bulldogs

Blue French Bulldogs are like other colored Frenchies when it comes to their shape, size, personality, and companionship. Here are some differences between blue Frenchies and other colored ones:

• Color, of course: The biggest difference is their enthralling blue, or gray, color tone. This is because of a dilute recessive gene. Some other dogs develop a gray color over time, while blue French Bulldogs are born with their color.
• Not approved by the AKC: The American Kennel Club does not approve the blue Frenchie. Years ago, when they AKC listed approved coat colors, blue French Bulldogs were being bred with other blue dogs, so they weren’t considered purebreds and weren’t approved as a standard color.
• More expensive: As mentioned, the rarity of blue French Bulldogs reflects in their higher price. The average price is around $3500.
• More possible health issues: While blue French Bulldogs can be carefully and responsibly bred, many times they are not. This results in possible health issues. It’s important to know what to look for in a breeder to ensure that your Frenchie was bred properly and won’t face unnecessary health issues.
• More street credit: Many people are understandably fascinated by blue French Bulldogs. These cool-looking dogs are so unique and have such a spectacular color that they will always stand out against other pups. 

French Bulldog Care Guide

The neatest feature of Blue French Bulldogs is, of course, their color. With that said, keeping their coat looking its best is a top priority of blue Frenchie owners. You can do that by following these simple tips and tricks:

• Regular grooming: Bathe your Frenchie at least 4 times a year and more if they are outside often. In between baths, regular combing can rid of excess dirt in their fur, reduce shedding, and keep their coat looking nice.
• Quality diet: What you feed your blue French Bulldog can affect their coat’s appearance. Healthy foods with quality ingredients including water, minerals, vitamins, good carbohydrates and grains from fruit, vegetables, rice, oats, and barley, and healthy fats found in meat and oils are best for a dog all around. Avoid foods with preservatives read as BHA and BHT, as well as artificial colors, gluten, corn syrup, and white flour.
• Provide homemade food: While store-bought dog food can be perfectly fine if you carefully read ingredients, homemade food can be made just right with all the best stuff for your blue beauty’s coat.

Pros and Cons of Blue French Bulldogs

Purchasing a blue Frenchie, like any dog, should be carefully considered. Here are some pros and cons that come along with making this rare dog a family member.

Pros

• Little or no barking: Frenchies are known to be calm and quiet. They typically only bark when there is reason to such as to notify of a strange person or alarming situation.
• Easy to groom: While Frenchies can shed, it’s not usually all year and is often minimal. Since their hair is so short, it’s easy to clean when it sheds. Regular brushing can remedy excess shedding, also.
• Low energy level: They aren’t hyper so short walks and a little playtime is really all they need. This is especially great for busy pet parents.
• Special appearance: French Bulldogs are already adorable pups as it is. Blue French Dogs are another level of cuteness and their color makes them distinctive among most other dogs.
• Small size: Their small size makes them easier than larger pets especially when it comes to space. They are great apartment dogs!

Cons

• Health issues: As mentioned, all French Bulldogs are prone to health issues. Vets will say that blue French Bulldogs are even more susceptible to other health issues like congenital deafness, which is a loss of hearing due to genetics.
• Should avoid warmer climates: If you live in a warmer climate, blue Frenchies may not love it. It could work, but you’d have to be extra mindful since they have breathing issues and are also prone to sunburn with their thin coat.
• Cost: Blue French Bulldogs are so special and rare that they cost more than many other dogs.
• Cautious/longer purchase process: Since blue French Bulldogs are rare, it’s crucial to be cautious when looking for your perfect furry family member. You must select a reputable breeder to ensure that the dog was properly bred. It may also take some extra time to find this uncommon breed.

Interesting in learning about other types of French Bulldogs? See out post: French Bulldog Colors & Patterns.