All Frenchies are Special, But is Yours Rare?

 Table Of Contents
French Bulldog Colors
Blue
Black
Chocolate
Platinum
Lilac
Sable
Merle

 

Based on the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club, the only acceptable colors for French Bulldogs are cream, white, light to red fawn, or a combination of the three. These colors could appear with several patterns or markings, including piebald and brindle. A black mask or some black shading is also acceptable.

Colors other than those listed in the breed standard are considered genetic mutations or dilutions. So, French Bulldogs that bare those colors are barred from the competition and cannot even register with the AKC. Despite that, so-called undesirable colors are what propelled the Frenchie’s superstardom.

Instagram and similar platforms love all French Bulldogs. Sometimes, a snapshot with some Frenchie jewelry is all it takes to launch a dog’s social media career. But, it is the dogs with rare colors that are especially sought out as dog influencers, especially by brands that specialize in French bulldog clothes and accessories.

So what French Bulldog colors are considered rare?

Blue

Stella the Blue Frenchie wearing a “WOOF” dog hoodie.

Blue Frenchies are undeniably stunning. But, they’re more prone to hair thinning than others. Consequently, they have trouble tolerating frosty weather. For these dogs, Frenchie clothes and sweaters are not just fashionable but also functional.

Black

Milo the French Bulldog wearing the Miami Vice Frenchie harness.

Black is one of the most common colors in dogs, but they’re actually pretty rare among the French bulldog breed. They often appear with patches of either tan or white, but can also be pure black.

Chocolate

Motor City Frenchies wearing French Bulldog raincoats.

Chocolate or liver-colored Frenchies are rare because the color needs to be inherited through a recessive gene from both sides. Although the color itself is beautiful, chocolate French Bulldogs are made even more attractive because they tend to have lighter-colored eyes.

Platinum

Zkittlezwearing a Frenchie bomber jacket and classic gold chain.

A platinum French bulldog might be mistaken for white or very light cream. But, what makes them unique is their light-colored eyes, snout, lips, and paw pads. Their coats might also have a silvery sheen.

Lilac

Cody the Frenchie wearing a dog bomber jacket and a Cuban gold chain.

The Frenchie’s lilac color is a diluted version of the chocolate or liver. This coat is also commonly referred to as Isabella. It usually appears as a very pale brown with a tinge of gray. Their pinkish muzzles and light eyes tend to enhance their extraordinary appearance.

Sable

Luma wearing a Frenchie jacket.

Sable Frenchies are predominantly fawn-colored, but their hairs are black-tipped. That gives off a gorgeous gradient or ombre-effect. There are also blue sable French bulldogs, which have blue-tipped rather than black-tipped hairs.

Merle

Duke the Merle French Bulldog wearing Frenchie jewelry.

Like sable, merle is technically not a color. It is a combination of colors, patterns, and streaks that appear irregularly across the body. As if they couldn’t be more remarkable, these dogs are prone to heterochromia, a condition where the eyes are of two distinct colors.

With the exception of Merle, all these colors can appear as solid, with patches of tan, or in pied and brindle patterns. Outside of canine clubs, these rare Frenchie colors are considered exotic. They are highly prized by breeders and dog enthusiasts alike. When purchased from a reputable breeder, these dogs fetch several thousand dollars. But their low energy and adaptable nature, not to mention their irresistible faces and incredible star potential, make the cost all worth it.

Related: What’s up with the long haired Frenchie?