The Blue Merle French Bulldog is another rare and striking breed, known for its distinctive coat with blue-grey spots on a lighter base, often paired with striking blue eyes. Their unique appearance has made them highly sought after, although their rarity often comes with a higher price tag.
In addition to their looks, Blue Merles have gained fame and stardom for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them the perfect companions. However, due to the merle gene, they can be susceptible to health problems such as hearing and sight problems, so choosing a reputable breeder is key.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes the French Merle so special, the genetics behind their wonderful coat, and what care every owner should know.
Whether you’re looking to add a special little one to your family or you’re interested in that rare breed you’ve always wanted, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
What Makes Blue Merle French Bulldogs Unique?
Blue Merle Frenchies are known for their blue color and distinctive markings, which have made them very popular.
These dogs have a distinctive merle pattern characterized by colored spots due to a genetic trait that causes water to drip randomly onto the coat, creating a beautiful, marbled effect.
This pattern is not just limited to their skin it also extends to their eye color. Typically, Blue Merle puppies possess light blue or almost grey eyes, which can remain vibrant from puppyhood into their adult years.
Distinctive Coat Color
The coat of a Blue Merle French Bulldog displays an impressive mix of colors, with variations including blue, red, black, chocolate, and fawn. The blue merle variant specifically displays a blue-based coat with irregular flecks or flecks of diluted pigment, often blue or gray, mixed with flecks of the base color.
This striking appearance is due to the Merle dominant gene, which affects coat color and contributes to the overall health of the breed.
Eye Color Variations
The Merle gene has a great influence on dogs with colored eyes, usually blue or oddly colored eyes. French Blue Merle puppies have a unique genetic makeup, as the dark pigment in their eyes blends with the overall black pigment, making them distinctive with their distinctive color.
This genetic makeup makes their eye color one of the most distinctive and different from other French Bulldog breeds.
Breeding and Genetic Considerations
Understanding the Merle Gene
French Bulldogs with blue merle coats are unique due to the existence of the merle gene, which creates a mottled coat with white and dark markings. This gene is dominant, so only one parent needs to carry it to pass it on.
Typically, responsible breeders breed merle carriers with non-merle dogs in order to reduce the risk of “double merle” disorders. They perform genetic testing and health screenings to ensure the puppies are healthy.
The merle gene is characterized by a random dilution of eumelanin (black pigment) in the coat
This gene can cause heterochromia iridium, causing changes in eye color. However, breeding two merle dogs can increase the risk of producing “double merle” offspring, which are usually white and may suffer from hearing and vision impairment.
Risks of Breeding Two Merles
While the Merle pattern is very beautiful, breeding Blue Merle dogs requires careful consideration. If two merle dogs are mixed together, their puppies can inherit two copies of the merle gene. These “double blackbirds” often face health problems, including deafness, vision problems, and even blindness.
To avoid these risks, responsible breeders usually pair a small carrier (a dog with a blackbird gene) with a non-blackbird dog. This approach will help reduce the chance of producing double blackbirds and result in healthy puppies.
Health Issues with Blue Merle Frenchie
The striking blue merle coat in French Bulldogs comes with a hidden cost – potential health problems. The merle gene responsible for the unique coloring can also lead to.
- Hearing and vision issues: This includes deafness, blindness, malformed eyes, or even missing eyes in Blue Merle in some cases.
- Increased risk of severe eye problems: Light-colored eyes, common in blue merles, are more prone to vision loss later in life.
- Neurological defects and immune disorders: These can be serious health complications.
- Shorter lifespan: While a healthy Frenchie can live 10 years, blue merles are more likely to have health issues that affect their lifespan.
overcoat It’s important to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes health over coat color.
Blue Merle French Bulldogs Personality
While their stunning coat steals the show, blue merle French Bulldogs boast just as much charm in their personality. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cute Companions: Frenchies, including blue merles, are known for their love of snuggles and devotion to their owners. They thrive on companionship and aren’t suited for long periods alone.
- Playful Personalities: Blue merles inherit the Frenchie’s playful and goofy nature, making them entertaining companions.
- Apartment-Friendly Size: Their small stature makes them perfect for city living or those with limited space.
- Popularity for a Reason: The combination of their loving nature, playful spirit, and manageable size has propelled French Bulldogs, including blue merles, to the second most popular dog breed in the US!
What is a Double Merle French bulldog?
While Blue French Bulldogs are irresistibly cute, breeding a pair together is a big risk. The pups, called double merles, inherit the merle gene from both parents.
- Extremely Patchy Coat
Double merles often have very little colored fur, appearing mostly white with minimal darker patches.
- Increased Health Concerns
They are even more prone to the health issues seen in single merles, including.
- Vision Problems: Wandering eyes, deformed eyes, or even missing eyes are more common.
- Skin Sensitivity: Their light-colored skin is more susceptible to sunburn and irritation.
while double merle Frenchies may look like a rare, artistic masterpiece, the reality is that their health can be a bit of a mess. Responsible breeders avoid breeding merles to merles for this reason. It’s better to stick with the single merle or standard Frenchie – you’ll get a healthier puppy and still have a charming charmer!
Living with a Blue Merle French Bulldog
Living with a Blue Merle Frenchie is a dream of you and also mine, and I think it’s a wonderful experience, but there are some special things.
- Get ready for love! Blue merles are known for being friendly and playful. Whether you’re having fun or hanging out, they’ll be your constant companion.
- Their intelligence and wit add to their charm, making them a joy to be around.
- Separation Anxiety: These velcro pups don’t like being alone for long. If you’re out and about all day, a blue merle might not be the best fit.
- Heat Sensitivity: Their low heat tolerance means keeping them cool in hot weather to avoid overheating.
- Special Care
- Regular grooming is needed for their unique coat and to prevent skin issues.
- Monitor their diet to avoid obesity, which can worsen health problems common in Frenchies.
- Gentle play and mental stimulation are key to keeping them physically and mentally happy.
By understanding their needs, you can provide your blue merle Frenchie with a loving and healthy life in your entire life!
Blue Merle French Bulldog Price
Thinking about getting a merle blue Bulldog? Get ready to open your wallet! The Blue Merle French Bulldog is one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the world, which is why they command a higher price than the average Bulldog.
French Terriers typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000, but Blue Merles can range from $7,000 to over $10,000, depending on the breeder’s reputation and the rarity of the breed. Lilac merles, for example, can fetch upwards of $50,000 due to their rarity.
These high prices reflect not only the rarity of the dogs, but also the breeders’ most conscientious breeding practices. This Blue Merle French Bulldog is probably the product of a breeder who spends his profits on people’s health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Blue Merle French Bulldogs have stolen hearts with their adorable coat and playful spirit. But owning this particular puppy requires dedication.
From their need for constant companionship to their sensitivity to heat, blue merles require minimal attention. But with the right knowledge and a lot of love, you can give your Blue Merle Frenchie a happy and healthy life.
So, if you’re ready to share your life with a unique breed of beauty, a Blue Merle French Bulldog might be the perfect match for you!
FAQs
Thinking of getting a blue merle Frenchie? Be prepared to open your wallet! These spotted cuties are super expensive, ranging from $5,000 to a jaw-dropping $20,000. The reason? Their unique fur and fancy breeding make them rare.
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are expensive due to their rarity and the complex genetics involved in breeding them. The merle gene is uncommon, and responsible breeding requires careful genetic testing to avoid health issues like hearing and vision problems. Additionally, their unique coat color and high demand drive up prices, with reputable breeders charging more for ensuring the health and quality of these dogs.
Blue Merle French Bulldogs are rare because the merle gene needed for their unique coat pattern is uncommon in the breed, and careful breeding is required to avoid health risks.
Spotted Frenchies come in two cool colors: blue merle and lilac merle!
Blue Merle: Think “blueberries on cream” – light fur with blue splotches.
Lilac Merle: Imagine “lavender on cream” – even lighter fur with greyish-purple patches, even rarer than blue merle!
