10 Of The RAREST French Bulldog Colors

French Bulldogs are one of the world’s most popular small dog breeds. This playful, alert, and adaptable dog is gentle and completely irresistible. These dogs have expressive eyes and an energetic attitude. 

They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and rank 4th on the AKC breed popularity index.

Frenchies are charming dogs that resemble a Bulldog in miniature. They have a large and square head with erect bat ears. French bulldog’s face has heavy wrinkles rolled above the extremely short nose.

Frenchies have a compact and muscular body with a smooth and brilliant coat. These dogs come in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs.

In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the more unusual and lesser-seen French Bulldog colors. We hope you come across a new one, we sure did!

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Related Reading: French Bulldogs vs. English Bulldogs

What Are the Fad or Rare French Bulldog Colors?

Rare Frenchie colors are disqualified by the French Bulldog Breed Standard of the American Kennel Club. If you are not planning to show your Frenchie in competitions, this shouldn’t affect your decision to own a rare color.

The rarest colors of French Bulldogs are pure black, sable, blue, lilac, isabella, merle, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Blue Merle is probably the rarest of them all. 

French Bulldogs can’t reproduce naturally. These dogs have narrow hips that aren’t designed for natural birth. Frenchies require constant attention and care when they are born.

Rare colors in French Bulldogs can be exceptionally expensive. The genes of both parents determine the Frenchie puppy’s color. 

Let’s have a look at some rare French Bulldog colors:

1. Pure black

The Pure Black French bulldogs have a rare and stunning pure black coat color. They look both powerful and unique at the same time. These dogs don’t possess any markings or any other color traces. Their coat color is simply black. 

Pure black color is not accepted by the AKC but it’s still very desirable and popular. The black color is so dominant that when used for breeding, it will eliminate all other colors in the bloodline.

2. Sable

Sable French bulldogs are a rare version of the fawn. These beauties have the fawn coat but with black tipping on the fawn hairs. This gives them a washed-tipped black look with a fawn base.

Sable Frenchies possess a reddish sort of pigment with basic fawn coloring. Their striking coat color may vary from light tan to darker variations. There are rare Frenchies with cream or tan sable coats as well. 

3. Black and tan

The black and tan French Bulldogs are very rare and beautiful. They have gorgeous black-colored furs with stunning tan markings. The tan markings are on their cheeks, above their eyes, on their bellies, and inside their legs.

The tan markings in these beauties can vary from cream to sort of reddish. Any contrast between black and tan colors is simply gorgeous! 

4. Black and white

The black and white French Bulldogs have black fur with white markings. The gene that controls white markings in these dogs is known as the Piebald gene. The markings depend in part on the genes they inherit from their parents.

Despite their cool and rare coat pattern, these little dogs suffer from certain health problems as any other Frenchie.

5. Blue 

Blue French bulldogs are unique dogs that attract the most attention in people. The blue color is the biggest trend of all for Frenchies. These beauties have a slightly bluish hue that derives from genetics. 

The blue coat color comes from a very rare dilute gene. This gene also affects their eye color. You might find blue Frenchies with blue and grey eyes. The blue French bulldog is expensive, rare, and much more difficult to find.

Blue French Bulldogs are prone to many diseases. The health of a dog depends on the health history of the puppy’s parents. Look for a blue Frenchie puppy that was appropriately bred and has been cleared out of any potential issues.  

6. Blue fawn

Blue fawn French bulldogs have blue as their dominant color. They have fawn, white, or cream markings above their eyes, on their cheeks, bellies, and legs.

These rare French bulldogs carry a recessive dilute gene inherited from both parents.

7. Chocolate

Chocolate Frenchie is a charming dog with a rare chocolate coat that is obtained by a recessive gene. The chocolate/brown allele (b) is a recessive gene that is responsible for producing a chocolate coat.

The dilution of the black color happens on the B locus. This recessive gene must be inherited from both parents. 

The eyes of this stunning French Bulldog come in green, brown, golden, and bright yellow color. Their coat color may vary from dark chocolate to lighter versions.

8. Lilac

One of the most desirable and favorite rare colors in French Bulldogs is Lilac. Frenchies that have a purple lilac coat color are quite attractive. 

The Lilac coat of Frenchies can range from cool blue to a very classy-looking silver and purple hue. Some of them have white markings on their chest and face.

Lilac French Bulldog pups are more expensive than the standard French Bulldog puppies. They are usually high priced because of the carried recessive gene. 

Lilac Frenchies often have light-colored eyes. Their eye color can be yellow, light brown, or blue. As the puppy matures, their coats become lighter and lighter. Newly born Lilac puppies resemble the Blue Frenchies.

9. Isabella

The Isabella French Bulldog is a charming, fascinating, and compact French Bulldog. It comes with a rare dilute liver/grayish-blue coat. They are considered to be the rarest variation of the French Bulldog breed because their coats look amazing and unreal.

Isabella French Bulldogs also have light-colored eyes that range in color from yellow, light blue, green, or light brown. 

The Isabella color occurs due to the dilution of the red, liver, or black color genes. They have markings on their chests colored in white or cream.

Isabella Frenchies have pink skin around their mouth, eyes, and on their noses. Dog owners need to pay special attention to their skin protection.

10. Merle

The Merle-colored French bulldogs present the most unique and strange coat color. Merle is a type of genetic condition that creates a unique type of pattern on a French Bulldog’s coat.

One of the most distinctive features of the Merle French Bulldogs is its vibrant blue eyes. They carry a gene that causes random pigment dilution which lightens their eye color.

One of the most common problems with Merle French Bulldogs is genetic deformities. These dogs can have stunted limbs, blindness, or deafness. Merle French bulldogs are expensive to care for.

Merle French Bulldog’s coat has hundreds of markings that are mostly colored dark brown or black. The color that dominates is mostly cream, white, or fawn and is mixed with other darker colors. 

Merle Frenchies present crossbreed dogs that have been bred with Chihuahuas in the past. Depending on the dog’s breed, the color variations of the puppies will vary.

What are standard French Bulldog colors?

French bulldogs also come in a variety of rare and unusual colors. The most common French Bulldog colors are white, fawn, brindle, or piebald. According to AKC Breed Standard, French Bulldogs’ colors are 

• White
• Cream
• Fawn (a caramel-like color) 
• The above colors in any variation

The accepted French Bulldog markings are:

• Brindle markings
• Piebald (pied)
• Black mask
• Ticked
• White markings

Some interesting factoids about French Bulldogs

The French bulldogs are glamorous and oddly beautiful dogs. They are sweet, friendly, and easy-going. Frenchies are fun-loving, humorous, and sometimes mischievous dogs. 

Here are some interesting facts about the French bulldogs:

• Swimming and French bulldogs don’t go together smoothly. This is mainly due to their heavy bodies, short legs, and brachycephalic faces.
• These beauties are very sensitive and are incredible attention seekers. They thrive when they are around their human family members.
• Rare Frenchies are perfect for kids. They have the traits to become a great babysitter.
• The rare coat color is a disqualification according to AKC standards.
• Rare Frenchies are prone to breathing problems and do poorly in hot or humid weather.
• Rare Frenchies are moderately intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
• These gorgeous dogs do not do well in extremely hot cold temperatures.
• These little dogs can’t breed naturally. They require artificial insemination and a C-section to give birth.

Do rare French Bulldogs have health problems? 

French Bulldogs are commonly bred for their looks and appearance. They have a short, stocky appearance with unique and desirable colors.

There is some controversy about how healthy a rare-colored Frenchie can be. If you want to purchase a rare Frenchie, you’ll need to be prepared for possible health issues. The most common rare colored French Bulldog that has health conditions is the Blue.

Let’s have a look at some of the health problems with rare-colored French Bulldogs:

Color Dilution Alopecia

This is the most recurring condition in Blue Frenchies. This genetic condition affects how the pigment is distributed in your dog’s hair follicles. The abnormal pigment clumps cause breakages of the hair shafts which causes stunted hair growth.

This problem ultimately leads to hair loss. There is no cure for this problem. You can give treatments to your Frenchies to prevent secondary skin infections caused by this condition. The Blue color carries a genetic disorder that results in dry, scaly skin and hair loss.

Get cold easily

Blue Frenchies get cold easily. You need to keep your Frenchie warm in colder climates.

Heatstroke

Rare Frenchies are extra susceptible to developing heatstroke, even in moderate temperatures. They have short yet compact nasal bones that are coupled with an extended soft palate. These brachycephalic dogs need a little human help to stay cool.

Deafness

French Bulldogs who are all white or all black with no trace of brindle carry the deaf gene. They can also produce blue-eyed dogs with eye problems.

Early blindness

Liver or chocolate-colored Frenchies can produce yellow-eyed dogs with early blindness or juvenile cataracts.

Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)

This problem occurs when one or more disks are ruptured or leaking. An IVDD-infected spinal cord can no longer support the weight load put on it. Symptoms of IVDD are stiffness of the new, shivering, paralysis, back pain, inability to walk, or partial loss of movement.

Allergies

Rare-colored Frenchies are prone to a variety of allergies. They may be allergic to pollens, dust, molds, certain foods, bedding, dog shampoos, and flea saliva. 

Pet parent tip: Buying a well-bred French Bulldog from an ethical and reputable breeder can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care.

Responsible breeding techniques will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders in rare-color French Bulldogs. 

It is important to understand that as a dog owner, you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet. Remember, the sooner you seek medical attention, the better the outcome will be for your Frenchies.

You must ensure that you are buying your rare color French Bulldog from a reputable breeder. They take special care to breed these dogs for good health and temperament.  

Final Thoughts

Rare-colored French Bulldogs are one the most exciting developments in this delightful breed. When considering a rare color Frenchie, it is important and crucial to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices. 

You can’t use rare colored Frenchies for showing purposes but they might be the right pet for you. All Frenchies are sweet and charming. Color will not affect your dog’s personality. Even if your Frenchie is a disqualifying color, he’ll still have that playful Frenchie temperament.