The French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, is a small breed of domestic dog that originated in France. They are known for their distinctive bat-like ears, compact size, and affectionate personality. French Bulldogs are a popular choice for families, as they are great with children and make loyal companions.
While all Frenchies have some common traits, such as their friendly nature and adorable looks, there are different types of French Bulldog that you may not be aware of. In this guide, we will explore the various types of French Bulldog and what sets them apart from each other.
The History of the French Bulldog Breed
French Bulldogs were originally bred in the 1800s by English lace makers who moved to France during the Industrial Revolution. These lace makers brought with them their small bulldog breeds, which were then bred with local French breeds to create the French Bulldog as we know it today. Learn more about their interesting history by clicking here.
Different Types of French Bulldogs
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes several types of French Bulldogs based on their coat colors and patterns. Here is a detailed description of each of the types recognized by the AKC:
- Blue French Bulldog
- Chocolate French Bulldog
- Fawn French Bulldog
- Cream French Bulldog
- Brindle French Bulldog
- Pied French Bulldog
- Black French Bulldog
The following types are considered non-standard French Bulldog types by the AKC:
- White French Bulldog
- Merle French Bulldog
- Sable French Bulldog
- Miniature French Bulldog
You can learn more about Frenchie types in our detail article here but read on below to learn a little more about each type of the French Bulldog breed.
Blue French Bulldog
Blue Frenchies have a coat that ranges from a light gray to a deep blue-gray color. This color is created by a dilution gene that causes the coat to appear blue instead of black. Blue French Bulldogs have a unique appearance that makes them stand out from other Frenchies. They have a friendly and affectionate personality and are great with children and families.
Chocolate French Bulldog
Chocolate Frenchies have a rich brown coat that is caused by a recessive gene. They are a rare type of Frenchie and are sought after by breed enthusiasts who love unique colors. Chocolate French Bulldogs have a playful and affectionate personality and are great with children and families. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Fawn French Bulldog
This is one of the most common types of French Bulldog. They have a short and smooth coat that ranges from a light tan to a darker reddish-brown shade. Fawn Frenchies may have a black mask or other black markings on their coat. This type of French Bulldog is beloved for their affectionate and gentle nature, making them great companions for families and individuals.
Cream French Bulldog
Cream Frenchies have a light-colored coat that ranges from off-white to pale yellow. They are a rare type of Frenchie and are often mistaken for white Frenchies. Cream French Bulldogs have a calm and affectionate personality and are great with children and families. They are a low-maintenance type of Frenchie that only requires occasional grooming.
Brindle French Bulldog
Brindle Frenchies are another popular type of French Bulldog. This type of Frenchie has a coat pattern that features a base color of fawn, cream, or white, with dark stripes or streaks overlaying the base color. The stripes can be black, dark brown, or gray in color. Brindle French Bulldogs can have a variety of stripe patterns, from classic tiger stripes to more irregular patterns. They are known for their playful and energetic personality and are great with children and other pets.
Pied French Bulldog
Pied French Bulldogs have a white coat with patches of any other color, including fawn, brindle, black, or a combination of these. They have a distinct and eye-catching appearance that makes them stand out from other Frenchies. Pied Frenchies have a friendly and outgoing personality and are great with children and families. Their white coat requires regular grooming to prevent staining and matting.
Pure Black French Bulldog
Black Frenchies have a solid black coat that is smooth and shiny. They are a striking type of Frenchie that stands out from other colors. Black French Bulldogs have a playful and energetic personality and are great with children and other pets. They require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best.
White French Bulldog
A white coat is not one of the standard colors of the French Bulldog breed according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards. However, some breeders may produce French Bulldogs with white coats, which can occur due to genetic variations or crossbreeding with other dog breeds.
It’s important to note that some white French Bulldogs may have health issues, such as hearing or vision problems, due to their lack of pigmentation. It’s essential to choose a reputable breeder and conduct thorough research before deciding to adopt a white French Bulldog.
Sable French Bulldog
Sable is not one of the standard colors of the French Bulldog breed according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards. However, some French Bulldogs may have a sable-like coloring, which is usually a variation of the fawn coat color. Sable-colored French Bulldogs typically have a base coat color of fawn with black tipping on the hairs, which gives them a dark or shaded appearance.
While sable French Bulldogs are not a separate type or variety of the breed, they may have unique color patterns and are sometimes seen in the show ring. It’s important to note that the AKC does not recognize sable as a standard color for French Bulldogs, and sable-colored dogs may not be eligible for show competitions under AKC rules.
Merle French Bulldog
The merle color pattern is not one of the standard colors of the French Bulldog breed according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards. Merle is a pattern that features patches of diluted pigment that can create a marbled or speckled appearance on a dog’s coat. While merle is not recognized as a standard color for French Bulldogs, some breeders may produce merle-colored Frenchies through crossbreeding or other means.
It’s important to note that merle-colored French Bulldogs may have a higher risk of certain health issues, including deafness and blindness, due to the genetics of the merle pattern. It’s essential to choose a reputable breeder and conduct thorough research before deciding to adopt a merle-colored French Bulldog. Additionally, merle-colored French Bulldogs are not recognized by the AKC and may not be eligible for show competitions under AKC rules.
Miniature French Bulldog
This type of Frenchie is smaller than the standard breed, with a height of 8-10 inches and a weight of 9-21 pounds. They also come in a variety of colors, and their small size makes them a popular choice for those who live in apartments.
Distinct Characteristics of the French Bulldog Dog Breed
French Bulldogs have some unique characteristics that make them stand out from other breeds. For one, they are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a short, flat snout. This can sometimes cause breathing difficulties, so it’s important to keep them cool in warm weather and avoid over-exerting them during exercise.
Another unique characteristic of the Frenchie is their bat-like ears, which are erect and pointed. They also have a corkscrew tail, which adds to their distinctive appearance. Frenchies are also known for their affectionate and friendly personalities, which make them great family pets.
Caring for Your Frenchie
Like all dogs, French Bulldogs require proper care to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips on caring for your Frenchie:
- Diet: French Bulldogs require a balanced diet that is appropriate for their size and activity level. Feed your Frenchie high-quality dog food that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Exercise: While Frenchies don’t require a lot of exercise, it’s important to provide them with regular walks and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. Avoid over-exerting them, especially in hot weather.
- Grooming: French Bulldogs have short coats that require minimal grooming. Brush their coat weekly to remove loose hair and bathe them only when necessary. Keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frenchies
Q: Are French Bulldogs good with kids? A: Yes, French Bulldogs are great with kids and make excellent family pets.
Q: Do French Bulldogs shed a lot? A: No, French Bulldogs have short coats that don’t shed a lot.
Q: Are French Bulldogs easy to train? A: Yes, French Bulldogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
Conclusion
French Bulldogs are a charming and lovable breed that make great pets for families and individuals alike. While all Frenchies share some common traits, there are different types of French Bulldog that you should be aware of. From their history to their unique characteristics, this guide has given you all the information you need to become a Frenchie expert. Remember to care for your Frenchie properly to ensure they stay healthy and happy for years to come.