Merle French Bulldog – Top Facts & Complete Guide 2024

Merle French Bulldog known for their loyalty, intelligence, and lovable personality. They are probably one of the most distinct and unique looking dogs in the Frenchie dogs world. The breed’s rare color pattern has become extremely popular in recent years. French Bulldogs, known for their compact size and friendly demeanor, originated in England but gained popularity in France. They attract our attention wherever appear not only because of their unique coat color combination but also because of their witty personalities.

The merle french bulldog is a stunning and adorable companion breed an eye-catching coat pattern that makes it one of the most expensive dogs to get. These patches can be of various colors ranging from blue, black or even lilac. Merle french bulldog often have sparkling blue eyes, which is a rare characteristic of the breed. Frenchies are also one of the best dogs for apartment/flat living conditions. Since the list of good features doesn’t end here, we shouldn’t be surprised by the fact that they currently take 2nd place on the AKC list of the most popular dogs worldwide.

History & Origin

French Bulldogs with the Merle coat share the same history as regular Frenchies, but with a twist! Their story begins in England, where breeders aimed to create a miniature version of the English Bulldog.

During the 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, many lace workers from Nottingham, England, moved to France seeking better work. They brought their beloved toy Bulldogs along, which quickly charmed the French, particularly Parisians.

These miniature Bulldogs became a hot trend, adored by socialites, artists, writers, and even nobles! Breeders further refined the breed by introducing specific characteristics. For instance, the Rat Terrier contributed the signature upright “bat ears,” while the Pug helped shorten the snout.

By the late 1800s, the French Bulldog had transformed into a cherished pet dog, distinct from its English cousin. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1898.

However, remember that the AKC has specific guidelines for Merle French Bulldog appearance, and the Merle coat pattern isn’t one of them. While Merle Frenchies are popular and can be expensive, they don’t meet the breed standard.

What Makes The Merle French Bulldog So Interesting?

Thinking about a French Bulldog? The Merle French Bulldog might be for you! They share the same friendly, loyal, and affectionate personality that makes French Bulldogs so popular. But what truly sets them apart is their stunning coat. Unlike standard Frenchies, Merles come in a variety of unique colors and patterns, making them look absolutely eye-catching.

These pups have a solid coat color, like fawn, cream, or brindle. Merle French Bulldogs are more desired because of their distinctive coat. The merle pattern creates a one-of-a-kind look, with each dog having its own splotchy design. They have a unique spotted pattern with a lighter base coat and patches of a darker color, which can be blue, black, or even lilac. This splotchy effect, called merle, makes them stand out from the crowd. This rarity and unique appearance are what make them so special and interesting!

Merle French Bulldogs are known for their loving personalities. They’re playful goofballs who adore spending time with their humans. Whether you’re in a city apartment or a suburban house, these adaptable pups can adjust to your lifestyle.

Different Colour Variations Of A Merle French Bulldog

Lilac Merle French Bulldogs

Lilac Merle French Bulldog have a unique color. They get their unique coloring from a combination of chocolate brown and blue pigments that blend together to create a beautiful lilac hue. This diluted blue effect is what gives them their special “merle” designation. Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are quite rare because achieving this specific coat color requires very particular breeding. This rarity is reflected in their price, which can be quite high – up to £15,000! If their rarity and unique appearance are important to you, then the cost might be worth it.

Blue Merle French Bulldog

Imagine a French Bulldog, already known for its adorable smooshed face and bat ears, but with a stunning twist! The blue merle French Bulldog boasts a one-of-a-kind coat. It has a light base color like cream or light gray, splashed with patches of blue-toned gray that shimmer in the light. These patches can vary from light to almost black, making each pup unique.

Chocolate Merle French Bulldog

The chocolate merle French Bulldog combines the classic Frenchie personality with a beautiful, spotted coat. Chocolate merle French Bulldogs are rare and might cost more than standard Frenchies. Before you bring one home, be sure you can handle the potential health concerns and provide them with lots of love and attention.

Black Merle French Bulldog

The Black Merle French Bulldog is a captivating canine canvas adorned with a one-of-a-kind coat. Owning a Black Merle French Bulldog is not just about aesthetics, though. These charmers are known to inherit the playful and affectionate personality that has won hearts worldwide, making them a delightful addition to any loving home.

Health Issues of These Dogs

The adorable merle French bulldog, with its splotchy coat, comes with a hidden health risk. The merle gene, responsible for the unique coloring, can unfortunately cause problems.

Scientists studied dogs with a special gene called merle. This gene makes some dogs deaf in one or both ears, but the chance is quite low (around 3%). Merle Frenchies also have a higher chance of eye problems because the merle gene can mess with their eye color. Their skin can also be more sensitive and prone to allergies, which can make them itchy and lose fur.

These pups also have smooshed-in faces, which can make it hard for them to breathe. This can lead to a problem called Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, or BOAS for short. Frenchies with BOAS might cough a lot, like they have something stuck in their throat, and get tired easily because they can’t get enough air.

These cuties can also get other sicknesses besides not being able to see or hear well, like:

  • Breathing troubles: Their short snouts can make breathing difficult, like having a stuffy nose all the time. This can sometimes lead to loud breathing or even dry heaving.
  • Eye problems: Some Frenchies get pink bumps around their eyes, and some might have trouble seeing.
  • Spine problems: Some Frenchies might get weak muscles or wobbly legs due to spine problems.
  • Leg problems: Some Frenchies might have hip problems or kneecaps that pop out of place.
  • Skin issues: The wrinkles on their faces can trap moisture and germs, causing itchy skin infections.
  • Other problems: They can also be prone to getting overweight, allergies, upset tummies, and dental problems, just like some other dogs.

If you’re considering a merle French bulldog puppy, responsible breeding is key. Reputable breeders screen their breeding stock for health issues and avoid breeding two merle Frenchies together, which significantly increases the risk of health problems in the puppies. Remember, a healthy pup, regardless of color, is the happy pup!

Training & Exercise Of These Puppies

Merle French Bulldogs are adorable pups with some special needs when it comes to training and exercise. Let’s learn how to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!

Training Your Clever Puppy:

The best way to train a Merle Frenchie is with positive reinforcement, which means rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or belly rubs! These smart cookies can be a bit stubborn sometimes, so consistency is key. Here are some important things to teach your pup:

  • Obedience: This includes basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down.
  • Socialization: Let your pup meet other friendly dogs in a safe environment to help them become comfortable around new furry friends.
  • Leash Manners: Walking on a leash politely makes walks more enjoyable for both of you!

Exercise For A Healthy Frenchie:

Merle French Bulldogs may be small, but they still need some exercise every day to stay healthy and avoid getting chubby. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Short Walks: Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of walks each day, broken up if needed.
  • Indoor and Yard Fun: Playtime inside or in a fenced yard is a great way to keep your pup active.
  • Beware of Overheating: Their short snouts and breathing problems make them sensitive to hot weather. Avoid exercising them when it’s too hot and always carry water!

Common Misconceptions About This Pet

Despite their captivating marbled coats and dazzling blue eyes, Merle French Bulldogs are shrouded in a surprising number of misconceptions. One prevalent myth suggests they’re more susceptible to health problems due to their unique coloring. Thankfully, the merle gene itself doesn’t cause inherent health issues. Another misconception surrounds their temperament, with some fearing an aggressive streak. In reality, Merle French Bulldogs inherit the same loving and playful nature as their non-merle counterparts.

Responsible breeding practices and proper socialization are key to shaping any dog’s behavior, regardless of coat color. Even their maintenance is sometimes misconstrued. While the merle coat requires attentiveness to keep its vibrancy, regular brushing is usually sufficient, dispelling the myth of excessive grooming needs. So, if you’ve been hesitant about these captivating canines due to misconceptions, fret no more! With proper research and responsible breeding, a Merle French Bulldog could be the perfect addition to your loving home.

Pros And Cons Of Owning A Merle French Bulldog Dog

Adopting a Merle French Bulldog has some special benefits and challenges. It’s important to know the good and bad of having this puppy as a pet before you decide.

Pros:

  • As any other dog, they are loyal, loving and helpful.
  • Thier coat patterns of different colors make them unique.
  • These dogs are unique and rare as compare to other dogs and breeds

Cons:

  • Diferent health issues like eye problems and deafness come with thier genes.
  • They becomes expensive because of their rarity and uniqueness.
  • Their flat faces can lead them to breathing issues.

How Much Do These Puppies Cost

The eye-catching merle coat pattern on a French Bulldog comes at a premium price. Merle Frenchies, already more expensive than their standard colored counterparts, can range anywhere from a starting point of roughly $5,000 US dollars to a staggering $20,000 US dollars and even higher depending on the specific colors present in the merle. Lilac merles, a blend of chocolate and blue that dilutes to a beautiful lilac, tend to be the most expensive.

Even within the merle category, prices fluctuate based on the base color. For instance, blue fawn merle French Bulldogs are generally less costly than lilac merles. It’s important to remember that these are just starting points, and the prestige of the breeder, pedigree of the pup, and overall conformation can influence the final price tag.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Merle French Bulldog is a captivating canine that stands out not only for its playful and affectionate personality, but also for its one-of-a-kind coat. These remarkable Frenchies possess a base coat splashed with a mesmerizing array of marbled patches, creating a truly unforgettable appearance.

While not officially recognized by the standard breed clubs, their unique coloring and potential for sparkling blue eyes make them highly sought-after by dog enthusiasts. Owning a Merle French Bulldog comes with the responsibility of understanding the potential health concerns associated with the merle gene. However, for those prepared to provide a loving and attentive home, a Merle Frenchie can become a cherished companion, bringing a lifetime of joy and quirky charm.





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