The merle French Bulldog stands out from regular Frenchies because of his several unique qualities. Learn what makes him different from his standard counterpart.
1. Merle is a unique coat pattern in Frenchies.
The merle pattern in the French Bulldog breed is desirable to many pet owners because of its one-of-a-kind beauty. Merle Frenchies have a light-base coat colour adorned with darker patches and blotches.
The markings on the merle pattern range from dark colours like black and brown to light like white and cream. Some of the most popular types of merle colours in French Bulldogs are:
Blue Merle French Bulldog: His blue-hued coat is due to diluting his black coat base colour.
Lilac Merle French Bulldog: His base coat colour is a combination of chocolate and blue. The dilution of his blue fur reveals its lilac shade.
Isabella Merle French Bulldog: He is often mistaken for his lilac counterpart as both of them nearly have the same coat colour. However, Isabella merle Frenchies have a darker shade of purple on their coats compared to Lilac merle French Bulldogs.
2. Blue eyes are common in merle French Bulldogs.
The coat pattern of merle French Bulldogs is not the only thing that makes them unique. Their brilliant blue eyes are another one of their distinctive traits. The merle gene in French Bulldog merles dilutes and lightens their eye colour.
However, it is not uncommon for some merle Frenchies to have brown eyes. Other notable characteristics of merle French Bulldogs are the light pink pigmentations on their paws and noses.
3. Merle is a result of cross-breeding French Bulldogs.
Is merle natural in French Bulldogs? No, French Bulldogs do not naturally possess merle coats. Acquiring this coat pattern involves the use of another dog breed.
This begs the question: “How do you get a merle French Bulldog?” Selectively cross-breeding Frenchies with Chihuahuas carrying the merle gene will produce merle French Bulldog puppies.
4. French Bulldog merles do not come by so easily.
Are merle French bulldogs rare? Yes, finding merle Frenchies can be challenging. The merle gene is not naturally occurring in the French Bulldog breed. Thus, breeders will need to look for merle Chihuahuas, which are equally rare.
Moreover, litters coming from merle Chihuahuas and non-merle French Bulldogs do not produce all-merle Frenchie puppies. Half of the litter will likely possess non-merle coats, whilst others will inherit the merle French Bulldog colour.
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5. Merle French Bulldogs can develop many health issues.
Are merle French Bulldogs healthy? Few studies have shown that merle French Bulldogs are vulnerable to several ailments due to their merle gene.
“What is wrong with merle French Bulldog?” is frequently asked by many dog enthusiasts. Eye problems such as thinning of the iris (iris hypoplasia), deformed eyes (microphthalmia), and blindness are common in French Bulldog merles. Deafness is also linked to these pooches.
Because of merle Frenchies’ predisposition to numerous illnesses, many pet owners wonder: “How long do merle French Bulldogs live?”
Unfortunately, they have a lower life expectancy than other dog breeds. On average, French Bulldog merles can live up to 10 years.
However, some are unable to reach this age due to the serious breed-related health problems they develop. For this reason, pet owners who want to own merle French Bulldogs should be financially ready to pay for high vet bills.
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6. Breeding 2 merle French Bulldogs can lead to dangerous results.
It is often asked if you can breed 2 merle French Bulldogs, but the answer is no. Reputable breeders avoid breeding 2 French Bulldog merles to prevent the risk of having sickly puppies.
Mating 2 merle Frenchies produces double merle French Bulldog puppies. Studies show that double merle Frenchies have an 86% chance of being blind, deaf, and deformed.
In another research, it was found that they have a 10% chance of being born deaf in one ear and a 15% chance of being born deaf in both ears.
With this in mind, steer clear of anyone who breeds 2 merles with each other. It is considered an unethical practice that places the offspring in serious danger.
7. The merle is not acceptable in the French Bulldog breed standard.
Due to the cross-breeding history of merle Frenchies, they are not considered purebred dogs by the American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK.
The French Bulldog merles’ predisposition to many diseases due to their coat colour is another reason why both organisations refuse to acknowledge them.
They cannot compete in any AKC or KC events nor be officially registered in these organisations. If you are intent on joining competitions and getting your dog registered, consider acquiring a regular French Bulldog rather than a merle Frenchie.
8. Merle French Bulldogs come at exorbitant prices.
How much is a merle French Bulldog? Merle French Bulldog costs can range anywhere from £1,500 to over £2,000. The rarity of merle Frenchies and the high demand from pet owners make them expensive pooches to own.
Another factor that contributes to their priciness is the costly birthing method most mother French Bulldogs go through. The compact body of the breed prevents the safe, natural birthing of puppies. Thus, breeders will have to opt for the expensive C-section.
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Beware of shady breeders when in search of merle French Bulldogs for sale. Get referrals from trustworthy people around you, such as the vet, to find a reputable breeder. You can also try asking around in breed clubs and dog shows near your area.
Once you have found a reputable breeder, do not forget to ask them for the merle French Bulldog puppy’s health certificates. It ensures that you are acquiring a pup without any deformities or hereditary health problems.
Asking for DNA testing is also important since it hits 2 birds with one stone. The test will confirm if your puppy is an authentic merle French Bulldog. It also determines whether or not he is a double merle Frenchie.
