The Merle French Bulldog has gained great popularity, and it is now a rare and relatively new dog breed that has appeared in the United States only since the 2000 century. The unique coloration and adorableness of this dog’s nature attract many fans.
In this article, we talk about Merle French Bulldogs, their unique coat patterns, health concerns over them, their affectionate and playful nature, and much more. Merle French Bulldogs make great family addictions because not only do they look beautifully regal like that, but their personalities are often very amiable. They are loyal and affectionate dogs with good obedience records and are generally good with other animals and children. Obedience comes easily as they like to please their masters.
However, the question of health is a problem for maintaining the coat color of Merle French Bulldog. So, for all of you considering bringing one into your home, look no further as we will conduct an in-depth study on Merle French Bulldog from what they are to what they come with and other crucial information.
Characteristics of Merle French Bulldogs
The Merle French Bulldogs are a type of Bulldogs that display characteristic splashes and patches of colors on their coat patterns. Merle French Bulldogs are characterized by a coat that is dense and silky, one that, in general, generally falls within medium to long lengths. These dogs are usually well proportioned with the body, which has stocky muscles.
Merle French Bulldogs excel as pets because of their friendly and affectionate character. Even though they have an active characteristic, they have a deep love for cuddles and moments of affectionate display.
Coat Patterns in Merle French Bulldogs
The Merle coat pattern is a recent addition to the French Bulldog breed type because it is derived from breeding programs that introduced the color variant with Merle Pugs and Boston Terriers. This coat pattern arises due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation, the merle gene, giving the coat a marbled or mottled look.
The standard colors for Merle French Bulldogs may also combine the shades of tan, black, and white into play. A multicolored coat, characterized to indicate a Merle French Bulldog, is usually mainly of shades encompassing tan, gray, white, and black. In many regular cases, their eyes and nose color are darker than the rest of their fur.
Health Concerns of Merle French Bulldogs
Merle French Bulldogs often have several health problems, although some good caretaking and maintenance will often play good odds in preventing them. The primary health conditions commonly affecting Merle French Bulldogs include illnesses, allergies, and hip dysplasia.
Most eye problems could be due to bad eating or hereditary. Since hip dysplasia occurs in the hip, one of its causing elements can be either due to breeding or genetic predisposition. All dog breeds need regular exercise to avoid any risks of hip dysplasia.
Several kinds of allergies are common to dogs, but Merle French Bulldogs are seen and observed to be the most commonly predisposed. From an ocular and nasal discharge up to ear drooping due to congestion, even until anaphylaxis, the range of an allergic auto-immune reaction is wide. Therefore, it’s essential to be mindful of these health issues and take appropriate measures to keep your Merle French Bulldog healthy and comfortable.
The brachycephalic classification is due to their short, wide heads with flattened faces. Owning the French Bulldogs entails recognition of the unique attributes that can result in multiple respiratory complications, including but not limited to breathing problems and overheating.
Some of the respiratory conditions to which French Bulldogs are particularly susceptible include:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome, abnormality with large palatine tonsils, elongated soft palate, and the typical shape of small nostrils. This particularity can contort French Bulldogs’ breath flow, characterized by difficulties such as loud breath sounds, snores heard during sleep or rest, and complications engaged in some activities.
- Tracheal collapse is a pathological condition in the trachea that suffers from weakness or hole formation and occurs as a respiratory block.
- Laryngeal paralysis, the problem the dog faces in breathing, causes paralysis in the muscle associated with the larynx (voice box).
However, it can always be said that every French Bulldog will not develop these health-related issues, and many can lead a long life without any such. However, it is pertinent to note that a French Bulldog owner must keep the dogs under close observation and cooperate with the vet to confront whatever risk or complication arises.
Temperament of Merle French Bulldogs
These merle French Bulldogs may differ in individual personality given by home and neighborhood conditions. Still, generally, these dogs’ nature or temperament is loyal, sweet-natured, and gentle. They are social dogs, too, highly fond of human company, making them ideal family dogs. Merle French Bulldogs are also known for their exceptional intelligence, making them quite trainable.
In addition, the French Bulldogs are usually active dogs and have medium to high energy levels, even in the case of Merle variations. They need regular exercise as they like running everywhere, browsing things around them, and bagging people’s hearts. They are also curious by nature and require a lot of mental stimuli to keep themselves engaged.
However, Merle French Bulldogs may tend to be slightly more headstrong and independent in personalities than other French Bulldogs. As they can sometimes be vocal dogs, consistent training and positively reinforcing methods like rewarding with treats and praise have proven very effective.
Training and Exercise Needs
All dogs need training and exercise for their well-being and happiness, and Merle French Bulldogs are no exception. Early training is crucial so your Merle French Bulldog picks up proper behavior and obedience on command. They are usually reasonably intelligent but sometimes can be a little stubborn so appropriate training may take patience and consistency, especially in aspects like potty training.
Socialize your Merle Bulldog from as early as this also helps build self-confidence and a rounded canine. New people, places, and experiences are required to be introduced.
The physical aspect of the Merle French Bulldogs’ health life is crucial also. Excessive exercising for any puppy below 12 months of age indulging in the puppy exercise can create future joint and mobility issues. Best for puppies are short walks with low intensity and sufficient rest times. The level of physical activity required may keep increasing with the dog’s age; the puppies will be getting tired more rapidly compared to the adult dogs. If they start lagging or find difficulties, it is better to approach back to your home.
Play should be the cornerstone of their exercise routine as it provides for physical and mental workouts. Interactive play with its individual and other dogs must keep them occupied. Also, using lick mats and providing Kongs will get them engaged in some activity or the other in your absence.
Feeding and Nutrition Needs For A Merle French Bulldog Dog
A Merle French Bulldog dog has specific feeding and nutrition needs for their health status growth. Understanding the right food portions based on their weight, an essential part of their diet should primarily be food comprising protein, which should include 25 percent. Also, dog owners should consult veterinarians as, in some cases, a dietary change may be due to other underlying problems, such as liver, kidney or heart problems requiring specific diets.
Also, closely monitor your dog’s weight so as not to turn it into an obese animal. Always seek regular consultation from any veterinary officer concerning changes that need to be done to its feeding. Merle French Bulldogs may be more predisposed to allergies or sensitivities, so if anything peculiar occurs, seek veterinary recommendations.
The genetics behind Merle French Bulldogs
The gene responsible for the unique Merle pattern in French Bulldogs is the “Merle gene.” It determines the way the coloration and distribution of the dog’s coat should appear, making the patterns seen in Merle Frenchies very intricate.
The most standard Merle coat pattern has two outstanding characteristics: a lighter base color such as blue or gray and irregular patches typified with another darker color. Other than the standard Merle pattern, two variations include diluted Merle and harlequin Merle.
Diluted Merles blend a few delicate marks of a darker Merle hue into their dilution. In Harlequin Merles, more significant, extensive patches of a darker Merle hue are present, while the more prominent spots mask the white underlay. It is also to be noted that special health issues could exist with the Merle gene. If two Merles are mated together, it will result in puppies “double Merle” patterned. Such dogs are more susceptible to various health problems.
Double Merle French Bulldogs predispose their dogs to the whole complex of eye problems and hearing impairments of various intensity degrees – from aberrations and vision issues as partial or complete blindness to abnormality in hearing, including partial hearing loss up to total or complete deafness. This heightened risk is due to the influence of the Merle gene on eye pigmentation and inner ear development. Both breeders and owners should be aware of those possible issues. They should ensure double Merles Frenchies are taken care of, especially regarding their health, including regular veterinarian visits and conditions that suit their everyday needs and requirements.
Types of Merle French Bulldogs
Merle French Bulldogs come in various eye-catching forms, and the Merle pattern is another surefire avenue to enhance the distinctness of their coat. Highlighted herein are some favorite papers of Merle Frenchies:
- Blue Merle Frenchie: This variety features a blue-gray base on the coat coupled with the Merle coat pattern, as seen in many other breeds only. The Grey French Bulldog is the Blue-colored French Bulldog with tan points and sometimes even white markings that decorate its coat.
- Fluffy Merle Frenchie: Unlike the standard French Bulldogs’ coat of short and smooth appearance, that of those with Fluffy Merle French Bulldogs variations entails having a Merle coat pattern coupled with having longer, softer hair. This is so for the other Merle variants, such as Chocolate Merle and Blue Merle.
- Chocolate Merle Frenchie: They carry a chocolate background on their body, and the Merle coat pattern will be found on it. The Chocolate Merle Frenchies could also bear darker or lighter patches on their coats like all other Merle Frenchies, and at the same time, they can also carry white or tan markings.
The different color variations of Merle only add to the fascinating diversity the breed brings, whereby all bear their unique and stunning coat patterns.
Can Merle French Bulldogs shed?
All French Bulldogs shed hair like other types, with some tending to shed more. Though they have a short and smooth coat, the French Bulldogs have the tendency or are prone to moderate seasonal shedding year in and year out.
Merle French Bulldogs specialize in shedding since the distinct coat pattern of the breed is marked by random patches of color on a basecoat. In the case of a French Bulldog, the kind and type of individual dog texture may include a relative amount of shedding. Although French Bulldogs don’t shed significantly, one must keep their fur clean and healthy. Regular brushing and a bath every once in a while would be enough not to have fur all over the place, and it will help prevent the matting and tangling of their fur.
Most importantly, the deviation in the dog’s regularly scheduled shedding or excessive one indicates health problems such as allergy, hormonal irregularity, and skin allergy. If you’re concerned about excessive shedding in your Merle French Bulldog, always consult a vet. That way, any issue related to their health will be ruled out, and your dog’s overall health condition will be guaranteed just fine.
Fascinating Facts about Merle French Bulldog
French Merle Bulldogs Suffer Health Problems
Already pointed out, health problems surrounding Merle French Bulldogs are thought to be associated with the dog’s Merle coloring. Inheritance is among the general issues that take place to create deformations. In several conditions, this leads a French Bulldog to be deaf and have limb shortages or even blindness. Immune system disorders, allergies, hip developmental anomalies, and heart murmuring are common problems for Merle French Bulldogs. Additionally, due to the light color of their eyes, they occasionally develop eye abnormalities.
A Discourse Circles Merle French Bulldogs
To a certain extent, the ethical debate surrounding buying and breeding Merle French Bulldogs is fueled by the reputation for health issues that might show in such dogs. Others argue that if they are not bought, they will be left to die at the animal shelter centers. Others say that it might be better to refrain from breeding totally.
The Merle French Bulldogs Are Rare
Owning is a cherished dream that could be carried out with considerable financial investment. Moreover, purchasing the Bulldog only from the high reputation breeder is essential.
Triple Varieties of Merle French Bulldogs
Are Populist Ones. That being said, there appear to be three types of Merle French Bulldogs that seem to take the very top in rankings for being the most enjoyments for a pet owner. They would include the Merle and variations in black, lilac, and blue. Though amongst the rarest living breeds of dogs, they aren’t as scarce as the Merle colors mentioned above.
The cost of Merle French Bulldogs is costly.
On the other hand, a Merle French Bulldog goes from $6,000 to $8,000, while the standard one can be procured from about $1,500 to 3,000. The health complications and genetic makeup make buying the Merle French Bulldogs a costly breed compared to the other breeds of French Bulldogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Blue Merle French Bulldog a Great Pet?
Blue Merle French Bulldogs may be an affectionate little pet. They are said to be social, comical, and loyal and usually get along well with children of all ages. But then again, as is in the case of any other breed of dog, one would have to socialize and train their dog from a very early age so that there will not be a single problem regarding the dog’s being around both children and animals.
How Much Do Blue Merle French Bulldogs Cost?
The Blue Merle French Bulldogs are one of the world’s most expensive dogs—their pricing swings from $5,000 to USD 20,000. The prices may vary according to the breeder rating, the lineage of puppies’ parents, and all the actions underpinning the health.
To ensure a healthy dog, one must request a DNA test and ensure the puppy is vet-examined to determine its health. Bringing in a Blue Merle French Bulldog into the home means accepting a new family member; hence, ensuring its health is flawless would be smart.
Does the AKC even recognize the Merle French Bulldog?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) features Merle French Bulldogs as a non-standard color. Thus, AKC confirmation shows are not mandated to accept such dogs, nor do they register them.
Who Approved Merle French Bulldogs as Purebred?
Merle in French Bulldogs is not true or purebred since the complete patterning and coloring known as Merle come from crossbreeding with other breeds. Naturally, the Merle gene does not occur within the purism of the purebred French Bulldogs.
Do Merle French Bulldogs Have More Health Issues?
Merle’s pattern results in health issues that include blindness, deafness, nervous system deformities, and malfunctioning of the immune system. Such health issues affect mainly “Double Merle” French Bulldogs.
Are Merle French Bulldogs Rare?
Merle French Bulldogs are rare due to their exceptional coat colors and patterns. They tend to be extremely costly compared to the other kinds of French Bulldogs.
Conclusion
Merle French Bulldogs can make great family pets, as it has been confirmed that they are pretty hardy and amicable dogs. However, they are not recognized by the AKC officially, so they are relatively expensive. When considering obtaining a Merle French Bulldog, consider the health issues attributed to the Merle gene. Besides, because of their desirability, French Bulldogs are sometimes stolen; therefore, ensuring your furry pal’s security is absolutely necessary.
References:
- Merle French Bulldog – TomKings Kennel. (2022, September 13). TomKings Kennel. https://tomkingskennel.com/upcoming-color/merle-french-bulldog/
- F. (2023, June 28). Merle French Bulldog: Everything to Know – FrenchieWiki. FrenchieWiki. https://www.frenchiewiki.com/blog/merle-frenchie/
- Dueck, K. (2023, October 5). French Bulldog Colors: Full List from Rarest to Most Common. AZ Animals. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/french-bulldog-colors-full-list-from-rarest-to-most-common/
