The Most Popular Coloration of the French Bulldogs
The distinctive blue color of a new born blue French Bulldogs puppies is probably due to a pigment known as melanin. This pigment known as a melanocyte, naturally produces this color in humans, and when a French Bulldog has blue colored eyes, there’s simply no melanocytes in their iris. This would explain why only the purebreds have this coloring. All other forms of the breed are bred with the same defects and are recognized as having pale or blue colored eyes.
The other two colors common to the blue french bulldog, are the fawn and the pied variety. The pied variety is usually much darker than its counterpart, the fawn, while the pied Frenchie is lighter in color. Breeding the pied Frenchie and the fawn Frenchie can have some surprisingly contrasting results, although most Frenchies are normally reasonably balanced in overall appearance. The blue french puppies could be considered a mixed breed however.
Blue French Bulldogs are one of the few dog breeds that can undergo color dilution alopecia, though it is relatively rare. The majority of blue French Bulldogs will develop a darker splotches on their fur, which fades over time as they mature. Most of these splotches are unnoticeable on the petite sized puppies that are less than ten weeks old. However, they may become more apparent as the puppy gets older and larger. Breeders will sometimes use special dye to create the desired effect and to minimize any possible damage that can occur to the puppies’ coat. This coloring will only last as long as the puppy is a live animal.
Since blue eyes are a signature trait for blue Frenchies, the breed often produces blue eyes throughout its life span. They can have blue eyes from birth, but more frequently they will get blue eyes caused by genetic issues. These issues can include cataracts or macular degeneration. Even blue eyes from common genetic disorders can turn the dog blue during the later stages of its life.
Because there are so many different blue Frenchies being bred, reputable breeders will always choose the best breeding stock. These blue bloodlines are chosen over other options because they possess specific traits that make them desirable. For example, the blue Frenchies that are purebred to show are almost always the winners of American Kennel Club shows. These dogs are often full of energy and very intelligent.
Blue Frenchies are the only purebreds that are true blue in color. They have the classic brindle markings of the merle, with some white or blue spots mixed in. Merles are naturally blue in color, but the blue spot is not a mutation. Instead, it is a gene that shows up randomly on the French Bulldogs. With the random blue spotting, the Frenchies are also known as the “Amish Merle”.
Blue French Bulldogs are the only dogs in the world with the exact same coat color. Their coats come in a variety of shades of blue ranging from pale to deep bluish. The most commonly found shade in this breed is a creamy blue. Some french bulldogs have a short muzzle, while others do not. A short muzzle makes them easier to handle around children, but may restrict their snuggling capabilities.
The blue French bulldog has become such a popular pet that there are even toy stores selling them. They are sometimes even referred to as the blue frenchie. The only official breed standard for the blue Frenchies is the one from the American Kennel Club. Because there have been so many different variations in the appearance of these dogs, they have been given official recognition by the United States Dog Breeders Association (DFA). This organization offers blue breeders a status card and a certificate which proves they are true breeders.