Merle French Bulldogs are a relatively new color variation of the popular breed. While traditional French Bulldogs are either brindle or fawn, Merles can come in a variety of colors, including blue, black, and red.
The Merle coat pattern is created by a mutated gene that causes the pigmentation to be uneven. As a result, Merle French Bulldogs typically have patchy coats with splashes of color. In addition to their unique coloration, Merle French Bulldogs often have blue or odd-colored eyes.
Because the Merle coat pattern is a relatively new development, there is still much debate among breeders about whether or not it is an acceptable color variation.
Some believe that the Merle coat pattern is a sign of poor health and should not be bred, while others believe that it is simply a cosmetic variation with no impact on the dog’s health.
The Merle French Bulldog color is still not recognized by the American Kennel Club, though it is recognized by the United Kennel Club.
While Merle French Bulldogs are not currently eligible for AKC registration, many breeders believe that it is only a matter of time before the AKC reconsiders their stance on the color.
What Are The French BullDog Breed Standard Colors Recognized By AKC?
The standard colors for the French Bulldog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) Include the following.
- Brindle
- Fawn
- Cream White
- Brindle and White
- Fawn and White Cream
- Fawn Brindle & White
- White
- White & Fawn
- White & Brindle White, Fawn & Brindle
There are also a variety of non-standard colors that are not recognized by the AKC but are still considered French Bulldogs. These colors include but are not limited to the following:
- Blue
- Black
- Red
- Merle
- Chocolate
- Lilac
However, Whilst of the markings and colors are not recognized by the AKC they can be registered with other kennel clubs, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
The Whilst at AKC includes the following
- Sable
- Beige
- White Markings
- Black Markings
- Brown
- Isabella Fawn
- Blue Fawn
- Piebald
- Slate Fawn
- Brindle Markings
- Ticked
- Black Mask
What Are The Different Merle French Bulldog Colors Available?
There are a variety of Merle French Bulldog colors available. The most common colors are listed below.
1. Blue Merle Frenchie
The blue merle French Bulldog is one of the most popular colors. The blue color is caused by a dilution of the black pigment. Blue merle French Bulldogs often have blue eyes and a white chest.
2. Chocolate Merle French Bulldog
The chocolate merle French Bulldog is a rarer color, but it is becoming more popular. The chocolate color is caused by a dilution of the brown pigment. Chocolate merle French Bulldogs often have brown eyes.
3. Cream Merle Frenchie
Cream French Bulldogs are very popular and are often mistaken for white French Bulldogs. The cream color is caused by a dilution of the red pigment. Cream French Bulldogs often have green or blue eyes.
4. Fawn Merle Frenchie
Fawn French Bulldogs are one of the most common colors. The fawn color can range from light to dark and is caused by a dilution of the black pigment. Fawn French Bulldogs often have green or blue eyes.
5. Red Merle Frenchie
Red French Bulldogs are fairly rare, but they are becoming more popular. The red color is caused by a mutation of the black pigment. Red French Bulldogs often have attractive copper eyes.
6. Sable Merle Frenchie
Sable French Bulldogs are fairly rare, but they are becoming more popular. The sable color can range from light to dark and is caused by a mutation of the black pigment.
7.Black Merle Frenchie
Black French Bulldogs are the rarest of all colors. The black color is caused by a mutation of the brown pigment. Black French Bulldogs often have green or blue eyes and a white chest.
8. Lilac Merle Frenchie
Lilac French Bulldogs are very rare, but they are becoming more popular. The lilac color is caused by a dilution of the black and brown pigments. Lilac French Bulldogs often have blue eyes.
9. White Merle Frenchie
White French Bulldogs are very popular and are often mistaken for cream French Bulldogs. The white color is caused by a dilution of the black pigment. Moreover, white French Bulldogs often have blue or green eyes.
What Are The Different Merle Patterns?
There are four different merle patterns that can occur in dogs. These patterns are referred to as brindle, harlequin, merle, and sable. Each of these patterns is caused by a different mutation in the genes that control coat color.
1. Brindle
Brindle is a pattern that is characterized by dark stripes on a light background. The stripes can be any color but are typically black or brown.
This pattern is caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene.
2. Harlequin
Harlequin is a pattern that is characterized by large patches of color on a white background.
The patches can be any color but are typically black or brown. This pattern is caused by a mutation in the KIT gene.
3. Merle
Merle is a pattern that is characterized by irregular patches of color on a background of any color.
The patches can be any color, but are typically black or blue. This pattern is caused by a mutation in the PMEL17 gene.
4. Sable
Sable is a pattern that is characterized by dark hairs on a light background. The background can be any color but is typically yellow or red.
This pattern is caused by a mutation in the ASIP gene.
What Are The Common Health Issues Associated with Merle French Bulldogs?
Merle French Bulldogs are often associated with a number of health issues. These health issues can be divided into two categories: those that are specific to merle French Bulldogs and those that are common to all French Bulldogs.
The health issues that are specific to merle French Bulldogs include:
1. Allergies
One of the most common health issues associated with Merle French Bulldogs is allergies. Allergies can be caused by a number of things, including environmental allergens, food allergies, and even allergies to certain medications.
Symptoms of allergies can include itching, redness, and swelling.
2. Ear Infections
Ear infections are another common health issue in Merle French Bulldogs. Ear infections can be caused by a number of things, including bacteria, yeast, and even ear mites.
According to Frenchie Journey in most cases, double merles are deformed, deaf, blind, or have color dilution alopecia.
Symptoms of an ear infection can include excessive scratching at the ears, head shaking, and discharge from the ears. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis.
3. Respiratory Issues That Include Severe Breathing Issues And Tracheal Collapse
Respiratory issues are also common in Merle French Bulldogs. Respiratory issues can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, infection, and even genetics.
Symptoms of respiratory issues can include coughing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.
4. Skin Issues
Skin issues are another common health concern in Merle French Bulldogs. Skin issues can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, infection, and even hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of skin issues can include excessive licking or scratching, hair loss, and changes in coat texture.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues are also common in Merle French Bulldogs. Gastrointestinal issues can be caused by a number of things, including infection, allergies, and even food intolerance.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues can include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
6. Hip and Elbow dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common issue in all French Bulldogs, but it is especially common in Merle French Bulldogs. Hip and elbow dysplasia is caused by a malformation of the hip or elbow joint.
Symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia can include limping, pain, and stiffness.
7. Arthritis
Arthritis is another common health issue in Merle French Bulldogs. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can be caused by a number of things, including hip and elbow dysplasia, trauma, and even infection.
Symptoms of arthritis can include limping, pain, and stiffness.
Eye Problems in Merle French Bulldogs
1. Merle French Bulldogs are susceptible to a number of eye problems due to their unique coat color.
2. The most common eye problem seen in Merle French Bulldogs is called pigmentary uveitis, which is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
3. Pigmentary uveitis can lead to a number of serious problems, including glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness.
4. Another common eye problem in Merle French Bulldogs is called entropion, which is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye.
5. Entropion can cause a great deal of discomfort and may lead to corneal ulcers or other serious problems.
6. Merle French Bulldogs are also at increased risk for developing cherry eye, a condition where the gland that produces tears prolapses, or pops out, from its normal position.
7. Cherry eye can be quite painful and may require surgery to correct.
8. Because of their susceptibility to eye problems, it is important that Merle French Bulldogs receive regular veterinary care and have their eyes checked on a regular basis
Are Merle French Bulldogs Unhealthy?
When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Some people believe that these dogs are unhealthy, but this is simply not true.
While it is true that Merle French Bulldogs can be more prone to certain health conditions, such as deafness and blindness, this does not mean that they are inherently unhealthy.
In fact, with proper care and nutrition, Merle French Bulldogs can live long, healthy lives. The key is to work with a reputable breeder who can help you select a healthy puppy and to provide your dog with the best possible care.
With the right care and attention, your Merle French Bulldog can be a beloved member of the family for many years to come.
Merle French Bulldog Breeding Process In Detail
The Merle French Bulldog is a relatively new breed of dog, having only been around for a few decades. The breed was created by crossing a French Bulldog with a Merle English Bulldog.
The resulting offspring was a dog that possessed the best qualities of both breeds: the small size and adorable appearance of the French Bulldog, combined with the gentle and loving nature of the English Bulldog.
How The Merle Gene Works
The merle gene is a dominant gene, which means that it only takes one copy of the gene to produce the merle coat pattern. When two dogs that both carry the merle gene are bred together, there is a 25% chance that each puppy will be born with two copies of the gene (homozygous), a 50% chance that each puppy will be born with one copy of the gene (heterozygous), and a 25% chance that each puppy will not inherit the gene at all.
A Merle dog has a genotype of Mm, meaning they have one allele for merle and one allele for non-merle.
The Different Types Of Merle Coats
There are two different types of merle coats: blue and red. Blue merles have black spots on a grey or silver background, while red merles have red spots on a cream or white background.
Both coat colors are equally beautiful and desired by many French Bulldog enthusiasts.
What is an Allele?
Alleles are variations of a gene. Variations can be caused by mutations, which are random changes in the DNA sequence. Most alleles are harmless, but some can lead to disease.
According to Britannica, an allele is a gene that can exist alternately at a specific place on a chromosome.
Some alleles are also advantageous, such as those that confer resistance to disease. When two different alleles are present at a gene locus, only one allele will be expressed.
The allele that is expressed is called the dominant allele, while the allele that is not expressed is called the recessive allele. The terms “dominant” and “recessive” describe the effect of the alleles on phenotype, not genotype. For example, consider a gene locus for eye color.
The allele for brown eyes is dominant, while the allele for blue eyes is recessive. If an individual has one brown-eye allele and one blue-eye allele, they will have brown eyes (BB or Bb).
However, if an individual has two blue-eye alleles (bb), they will have blue eyes.
In this example, the phenotype (eye color) is determined by the genotype (the alleles present).
However, it is important to remember that dominant and recessive alleles do not necessarily correspond to superior or inferior versions of a gene.
Instead, they simply describe how the alleles interact with each other.
In the case of Merle French Bulldogs, we know that they have genotype Mm while the Non-Merle dogs have the genotype mm. So, if you breed a merle (Mm) to a non-merle (mm), on average, half of the litter will be merles (Mm) and half will be non-merles (mm).
How Much Do Merle French Bulldogs Cost?
Everyone wonders and I get that question a lot how much is a Merle French Bulldog? Well, Merle French Bulldogs are a rare and beautiful variation of the popular French Bulldog breed.
Though they may have a higher price tag than other Frenchie types, their unique coloring, and low-maintenance coat make them an excellent choice for many dog lovers.
On average, Merle French Bulldogs cost between $8,000 and $25,000. This wide range in prices is due to a number of factors, including the dog’s size, age, and health history.
Are Merle Frenchies Rare?
Yes, Merle French Bulldogs are quite rare. In fact, less than 10% of all Frenchies are born with the merle gene. That’s because the merle coat color is caused by a recessive gene, which means that both parents must carry the gene in order for their puppy to be born with it.
However, even if both parents carry the gene, there’s no guarantee that their puppy will be born with the merle coat color.
In fact, it’s estimated that only about 25% of all puppies born to merle’s parents will actually be Merle themselves. So if you’re looking for a rare and unique French Bulldog, then a merle Frenchie is definitely the way to go.
Is Merle Natural In French Bulldogs?
The answer is that it really depends on how you define “natural.” If you mean “occurring in nature,” then the answer is no merle color French Bulldogs do not occur naturally in the wild.
However, if you mean “not artificially produced,” then the answer is yes Merle French Bulldogs are not artificially produced. Their coat color is the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation done by breeders in an artificial way.
So while they may not be “natural” in the sense that they occur in nature, they are certainly not purely artificial.
Final Words
In the end, I hope now you know enough about Merle French Bulldog and can make an informed decision about whether or not this beautiful dog is right for you.
Remember, they are rare, so if you do decide to get one, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. But in my opinion, they’re definitely worth it!
If you still have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be more than happy to help in any way I can.
