The Blue Merle French Bulldog is a relatively new color variation of the popular French Bulldog breed. While the Blue Merle is not yet recognized by the AKC, this coat color is becoming increasingly popular among Frenchie enthusiasts.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the Blue Merle Frenchies, from coat care to health concerns.
What Is a Blue Merle Frenchies?
A Blue Merle French Bulldog is a rare coat color variation of the French Bulldog. The mutation is the result of a random occurrence in breeding dogs. or “blonde merle”.
It is believed that the genetic mutation that causes blue merle Frenchies comes from a mutated gene of the dominant color gene. Because of this, all puppies with the merle gene will have a 50% chance of inheriting one copy of merle and a 50% chance of inheriting two copies of merle.
The next generation will only inherit one copy of merle and the resulting puppies will be either all merles or all non-merles. Over time, this will eventually result in a Blue Merle Frenchies.
By randomly eliminating pigment from the dog’s coat, paw pads, nose, and eyes, the Merle gene results in patches of missing pigment that are positioned in the previously listed locations.
The condition is known as heterochromia iridis, which gives Blue Merle Frenchiestheir distinctively vivid blue eyes, occurs when the pigment is removed from the iris.
Although merle is seen as a negative trait in some dogs, the same cannot be said for the French Bulldog breed. The mutation has been thriving in French Bulldog breeding programs for years.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Blue Merle Frenchies?
While the life expectancy of any dog is determined by the individual dog, it is still helpful to know the general life expectancies of different breeds of dogs.
Blue Merle FrenchiesLife Expectancy Males: 12 to 14 years Females: 10 to 13 years.
As you can see, the Blue Merle Frenchies have a long life expectancy, compared to other breeds. While there is no guarantee that every Blue Merle will live as long as its counterparts, it is still a healthy dog with a lot of potential.
What Is the Cost of Care for a Blue Merle Frenchies?
The cost of caring for a Blue Merle Frenchiesis dependent on the individual dog, breed, and condition. The average cost to care for a Blue Merle Frenchiesis estimated to be $1500 to $2500 per year.
Blue Merle French Bulldog History
The history of the Blue Merle Frenchies is very similar to that of the White French Bulldog. In the 1970s, Rassegna Storica Italiana released a study on dog colors in which they listed white, black, and blue merles as colors found in their sample population. The white merle French Bulldog was already well-established at this point in time, but the discovery of blue merles was a very recent development.
In 1998, the Internationale Zaunezucht Club released their first standard for the French Bulldog. In this standard, they recognized both the White and Blue Merle coat colors as acceptable and recognized the breeding of these dogs.
The AKC followed suit in 1999 by including a white and a blue merle into their pedigrees. Although the blue merle French Bulldog is not a new phenomenon, the general public has only become more aware of the breed since 2017. This is likely due to their becoming an accepted show dog in 2018.
Health Problems and Conditions for a Blue Merle French Bulldog
All dogs can and will develop health problems over the course of their life. However, some dog breeds are more predisposed to certain conditions than others. The following are some of the more common health problems and conditions that French Bulldogs are prone to:
1. Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the dog’s thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs may include Weight gain or loss, hair loss, dry skin, lethargy or a constant, dull feeling, and swollen or soft eyeballs.
2. Retinal Dysplasia:
Retinal dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the retina. It can cause blindness if not detected early enough.
3. Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is an eye condition that results in increased pressure in the eyes. Over time, this can lead to blindness.
4. Cataracts:
Cataracts are clouding the lens of the eye. They are not painful but can cause blindness as a result.
5. Neoplasia (Liver Cancer):
Liver cancer is the most common fatal disease in dogs and it is also the leading cause of death in dogs 2 to 9 years of age.
6. Cardiomyopathy:
Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle fails to function properly. As a result, the dog may be panting excessively, have rapid breathing, or fail to thrive.
7. Intervertebral Disk Disease:
Intervertebral disk disease is an inflammation of the spaces between the vertebrae in the spine. It is one of the most common causes of back pain in dogs.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Physical Appearance
The length, texture, and thickness of a merle French Bulldog’s coat are the same as those of other Frenchies. It ought to be short, silky to the touch, and fashionable. Furthermore, the dog’s entire body is the same tiny length.
The eyes of Merle Frenchies are different from those of normal Frenchies. Regular French Bulldogs have eyes that range from dark brown to black, but those that carry the merle gene may have eyes that are lighter colors like green or even blue.
In double merle French Bulldogs, created by mating two merle Frenchies, these lighter hues are quite prevalent.
The French Bulldog with merle coloration has a petite, compact frame. They have a square cranium, a large chest, and a somewhat muscular build.
The merle Frenchie’s weight ranges from 16 to 25 pounds, but it shouldn’t go beyond 28 pounds. They range in height from 11 to 12 inches.
The merle Frenchie may become smaller and lighter than ordinary French Bulldogs if unwell as a result of the merle gene mutation.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Temperament
While they share many characteristics with other French Bulldogs, Blue Merles have a few unique traits that set them apart. For one, they are known for being particularly intelligent and easy to train.
They are also very affectionate and make great companion dogs. However, Blue Merles can also be prone to separation anxiety and may bark excessively if left alone for too long. Overall, the Blue Merle Frenchies is a great choice for those looking for an intelligent, loving, and low-maintenance pet.
Blue Merle Frenchies Exercise Requirements
In order to keep your Blue Merle Frenchie’s healthy and happy, make sure they are given enough exercise each day. Activities that are good exercise for French Bulldogs include running, playing fetch, and playing tug of war. The following are exercise guidelines for French Bulldogs of all ages:
- Puppies under 12 months should not be exercised excessively. Instead, they should be given short bursts of activity every few hours.
- Dogs 12 to 18 months old should be exercised for 30 minutes a day.
- Dogs over 18 months old should be exercised for an hour a day. 4. Older dogs should be exercised for an hour and a half a day.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Training Requirements
Like all French Bulldogs, Blue Merles are intelligent dogs that can be difficult to train. That said, with patience and a good training regimen, they can be excellent pets. Some of the basic training requirements for Blue Merles include the following:
- Be patient: French Bulldogs are notoriously difficult to train, but with patience and consistency, they can be excellent pets.
- Be consistent: Be consistent in your training methods and do not give up on your dog early on.
- Use positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog how to behave. This can include treats, verbal praise, or petting.
- Use a trainer: If you are not able to train your dog yourself, consider using a professional trainer.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Diet Requirements
Like all French Bulldogs, Blue Merles need a high-quality diet to maintain their health. Their diet should include plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. Some of the best foods for Blue Merles include the following:
- Adult Blue Merles should be fed 1/2 to 1 cup of wet food per day.
- Puppies under 12 months old should be fed 1/4 to 1/3 cup of wet food per day.
- Dogs 12 to 18 months old should be fed 1 cup of wet food per day.
- Older dogs should be fed 2 cups of wet food per day.
Blue Merle French Bulldog Grooming and Cleaning Requirements
French Bulldogs are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming and cleaning. They require minimal daily care, including brushing and a trip to the veterinarian annually. Some of the things you should keep in mind when grooming your Blue Merle Frenchies include the following:
- Brush their hair regularly: Brush their hair regularly to remove dead hair and excess oils.
- Trim their nails regularly: Trim their nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long.
- Check their ears for wax buildup: Check their ears for wax buildup and clean them if necessary.
- Check their teeth for tartar buildup: Check their teeth for tartar buildup and clean them if necessary.
8 Things You Need to Know About Merle French Bulldogs
Merle French Bulldogs are a relatively new color variation of the popular breed. While they are not yet recognized by the French Bulldog Club of America, they are becoming increasingly popular among dog enthusiasts. Here are eight things you need to know about Merle French Bulldogs:
- Merles are a variation of the French Bulldog that is characterized by a mixture of black and white fur.
- Merles are not yet recognized by the French Bulldog Club of America, but they are becoming increasingly popular among dog enthusiasts.
- Merles are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming and cleaning. They require minimal daily care, including brushing and a trip to the veterinarian annually.
- Merles are intelligent dogs that can be difficult to train. 4. Merles are susceptible to genetic diseases, including deafness and liver disease.
- Merles are good dogs for families with children, as they are gentle and loving.
- Merles are good dogs for families with other dogs, as they are tolerant and friendly.
- Merles are good dogs for families with cats, as they are non-aggressive and gentle.
- Merles are good dogs for families who want a dog that is visually stunning.
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Conclusion:
The Blue Merle French Bulldog is a unique breed that is well-suited for those who are looking for a loyal and intelligent pet. They are affectionate and easy to train, but can also be prone to separation anxiety.
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