Merle French Bulldog

Merle is the pattern that gives the dog a mottled or dappled look with random patches of color mixed with the base color, it is a rare coat pattern you see in various dog breeds including the French Bulldog. Aside from these, the Merle gene is also the determinant factor in the blue or odd-colored eyes you see in some dogs. The Merle French Bulldog is not recognized by some Kennel Clubs such as the American Kennel Club, but they are not recognized by others, including the United Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK.

The Merle French Bulldog’s first appearance can be dated back to the 2010s when breeders began to breed the Merle gene intentionally. This breeding was done by crossing the French Bulldogs with other dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians that carry the Merle gene naturally. The result of this breeding was a dog with a French Bulldog body and a Merle coat pattern.

The Merle gene in French Bulldogs comes about often as a result of mixing with other dog breeds like the Dachshund, Chihuahua, or Pomeranian. Nevertheless, there seems to be some contention concerning the Merle pattern in French Bulldogs due to various health issues such as deafness, blindness, and skin problems that may occur as a result of the breeding pattern.

Notwithstanding the potential health issues, the Merle French Bulldog has risen to become a popular dog breed over the years with some breeders charging a premium for these unique dog breeds. It is necessary for potential owners to know the potential health risks related to the Merle genre and to only purchase from a reputable and trusted breeder.

Overview of Merle French Bulldog

When it comes to popularity and uniqueness, the Merle French Bulldog is top on the list among the color variations of the standard French Bulldogs. These unique dog breeds are well known for their brilliant Merle coat pattern which is a mottled combination of different colors like black, gray, and white. They are also characterized by the well-defined marble-like coat that differentiates them from other French Bulldog colors. 

Height and Weight

The Merle French Bulldog stands between 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder level and weighs between 16 to 28 pounds or more for females. They are generally considered to be a small dog breed compared to the standard French Bulldogs.

Lifespan

The Merle French Bulldog is estimated to live between 10 to 12 years on average. Although, with proper care and nutrition these unique dog breeds can live longer.

Colors

When it comes to color varieties, the Merle French Bulldog is undeniably top among the list as they do appear in colors like Blue Merle French Bulldogs, black, chocolate, fawn, gray, and black, and sometimes, these colors also combine with white markings on the coat

Temperament

Merle French Bulldogs are known for their loving and friendly nature. They make great family pets as they are very sociable, enjoy attention, are playful, and energetic but can also be very calm and relaxed when indoors. These unique dog breeds are great companions as they are known for their loyalty to families and individuals alike.

Grooming

As a result of their short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to care for, the Merlie French Bulldog can be said to be an easy-to-maintain dog breed. They require regular bathing and brushing with a soft bristle brush to help control shedding and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy because they shed moderately. Occasional nail trimming is also required.

Exercise

Due to their moderately playful nature, one or two short walks or playtime a day should be enough for the Merle French Bulldog as they do not require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation and are well suited for apartment living as long as there is an outlet for their energy.

Training

Merle French Bulldogs are typically an eager-to-please dog breed and are quick to learn but, they can show some traits of stubbornness at times. With positive reinforcement and training methods through verbal and physical rewards, these unique dog breeds will make great companions as they respond well to praise and rewards. It is worth noting that early socialization and training are necessary to help your Merle French Bulldog become a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dog.

All in all, the Merle French Bulldog is a lovable and unique dog breed that makes a great companion for potential pet parents and families looking for a small-sized, friendly, and affectionate dog. It is necessary to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this unique dog breed due to its merle coloring. So proper research for a reputable breeder is important when considering this color variation.

Characteristics of Merle French Bulldog

1. Unique Coat Pattern: The Merle French Bulldog is known to have a coat with a marble or patchy speckled look. This unique look is a result of a gene mutation that causes irregular pigmentation in the coat.
2. Coat Colors: Merle French Bulldogs can come in colors like blue, chocolate, fawn, black, and gray. Some of the color variations like blue merle, chocolate merle, and lilac merle are produced from the merle gene.
3. Size: The Merle French Bulldog is a unique dog breed that stands between 11 to 12 inches tall and weighs between 16 to 28 pounds or more. Despite their small stature, they have a muscular and sturdy build.
4. Personality: Merle French Bulldogs are known to be a friendly and sociable dog breed. They are good with children and other pets and as such make great family pets.
5. Grooming: Merle French Bulldogs require minimal grooming as a result of their short, smooth, and shiny coat. However, due to their moderate shedding, regular brushing and bathing is still required to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
6. Health Issues: As a result of their Merle gene, Merle French Bulldogs may be at a higher risk for some health issues like eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and skin problems. When purchasing a Merle French Bulldog it is important to obtain from a reputable breeder who conducts regular health screenings for their breeding dogs.
7. Training: Merle French Bulldogs are known to be intelligent and easy-to-train dog breeds. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement methods through verbal and positive rewards.

Appearance

Merle French Bulldogs are known to have a very unique and eye-catching appearance. Their coat can come in different colors but are usually patterned with a marbling effect that gives them a unique look

Their base coat color can be blue, brown, gray, fawn, white, or overlaid with patches of darker colors like black, chocolate, or brindle. Some Merle French Bulldogs may also come with white markings on their chest or face.

Aside from their striking coat patterns, Merle French Bulldogs may also have attractive bright blue or green eyes which can either be surrounded partially or fully by the darker merle coloring. They also appear to have a distinctively wide head with a short muzzle and trademark bat ears.

All in all, the Merle French Bulldogs have become increasingly popular in recent years as a result of their aesthetically unique and mesmerizing appearance.

Temperament

Individual personality and upbringing play a crucial role in the temperament of a Merle French Bulldog. Nevertheless, they are known to be friendly, playful, and loving dog breeds. Merle French Bulldogs are also very intelligent dog breeds which makes them easy to train and fast learners.

They are typically known to be social dogs and are a great companion for their human family and other pets. This social dog breed has a tendency to develop separation anxiety if left alone for a long period. It is necessary to provide them with plenty of attention and love.

Other things that make Merle French Bulldogs great companions for families and individuals alike are their goofy and comical personalities. They have a moderate energy level and will enjoy one or two short walks a day and playtime, but they are also content to snuggle up on the couch with their owners.

Merle French Bulldogs are also known to be good watchdogs as a result of their protective nature. However, early socialization is important to ensure that they do not become overly protective or aggressive toward strangers.

In general, Merle French Bulldogs are an excellent choice for a family pet as a result of their loving and playful temperament. However, it is important to remember that every dog is an individual and may exhibit different traits and behaviors. Proper training, socialization, and consistent positive reinforcement are important for developing your Merle French Bulldog into a well-behaved adult dog.

Cost of Merle French Bulldog

The cost of a Merle French Bulldog varies from breeder to breeder, You can expect to pay anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000 on average for a Merle French Bulldog, Other factors that affect the cost of a Merle French Bulldog include the coat color, pedigree and location of the breeder. 

Because Merle French Bulldog is not recognized as a French Bulldog by the American Kennel Club (AKC), breeders who specialize in this unique dog breed may charge higher prices because they are considered rare breeders.

Additionally, Merle French bulldogs can come with potential health issues, such as deafness and eye abnormalities, which can drive up the cost of breeding and ultimately the cost of this unique dog breed.

Health Conditions

French bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but like any other dog breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Merle French bulldogs may be particularly at a higher risk of certain health issues like vision and hearing problems, skin and coat issues, and orthopedic issues due to their genetic makeup.

• Vision and Hearing Problems: Merle French bulldogs are at a higher risk for vision and hearing problems due to their Merle gene. This merle gene is responsible for the pigment abnormality in the eyes and the ears leading to conditions like partial or total deafness and impaired vision.
• Skin and Coat Issues: Merle French bulldogs may also be more prone to skin and coat issues like allergies, skin infections, and other skin conditions due to their unique coat color gene. Their merle coat may require special grooming and care to maintain its health and appearance.
• Orthopedic Issues: French bulldogs generally are at a higher risk for orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Merle French bulldogs may be more susceptible to these issues due to their genetic makeup, which may affect their bone and joint health.

How to Care for a Merle French Bulldog

Regular grooming:

Just like any other dog, regular grooming like brushing their coat at least once a week to remove any loose hair and prevent matting is required for a Merle French Bulldog. For a Merle French Bulldog, bathing should be done at least every 2 to 3 months with dog-specific shampoo, and ensure to dry their coat thoroughly after bathing.

Dental care:

Regular brushing of teeth is important for Merle French Bulldogs because they are prone to dental issues. It is also important to provide dental treats and toys to keep their teeth clean and healthy as well as regular dental checkups with a veterinary

Exercise:

Merle French Bulldogs should not be exercised too vigorously, especially in warm weather because they are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened skull that can make breathing more difficult. One or two short walks a day and playtime are great forms of exercise for this unique breed.

Proper diet:

A Merle French Bulldog’s diet should consist of high-quality, age-appropriate dog food. French Bulldogs can be prone to obesity if overfed, so it’s necessary to feed the recommended portion for their size and age.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Merle French Bulldog worth?

A Merle French Bulldog is worth $5,000 to $10,000.

What is a Merle French Bulldog?

A Merle French Bulldog is a dog breed with a unique pattern on its coat that combines two or more colors, usually gray, blue, black, or fawn.

Why are Merle French bulldogs so expensive?

Merle French Bulldogs are so expensive because they are highly sought after, rare and beautiful.

Can you breed 2 merle French bulldogs?

Yes, you can breed 2 Merle French Bulldogs.