Do French Bulldogs come in variations?

French Bulldogs are like little four-legged clowns, wouldn’t you agree? With their pointy ears, piggy snouts, and spunky personalities, Frenchies are the apple of dog lovers’ eyes! You will be thrilled to know that yes, there are different types of French Bulldogs.

These adorable dogs do indeed come in variations. Frenchies are such a popular breed that breeders all over have been experimenting with color variations.

Frenchies can be found in a whole range of color types. However, not all colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are some colors that do exist, but the AKC does not condone them because they may come with genetic or health issues.

The type of Frenchie also dictates its price.

It does not matter what color they are, because Frenchies will never fail to look overwhelmingly adorable. Read on to find out more about all the variations of this cutesy canine champ!

The most common French Bulldog types as recognized by the AKC

The AKC recognizes all colors except a few, which it has listed under disqualifiable colors. According to the AKC, pure black, mouse, liver, and black and tan are amongst some unacceptable types of French Bulldogs.

 

White

French Bulldogs can be found in white, which is the result of certain genetic combinations. These stubby doggos look absolutely stunning in white! Usually, white Frenchies are categorized as ‘off-white’ because they have dark pigmentation around their eyes, nose, and lips.

If the coloration around these areas is pink, though, it can be linked to deafness or hearing impairments. White Frenchies may also be the result of albinism, but this is not very common and can be differentiated from a true white.

 

Fawn

Fawn French Bulldogs are amongst the most adored types, and with good reason. These Frenchies are the epitome of symmetrical perfection.

The fawn coloring may fall anywhere on a spectrum ranging from cream to nearly yellow. Some fawn Frenchies also have reddish-brown hues. They typically have dark pigmentation around their noses. Lighter fawn types may lack this, which is all right but not desirable.

Fawn Frenchies also have black snout and eyes, which gives the impression that these doggos are wearing black masks over their piggy faces! The black mask is quite common in fawn French Bulldogs.

 

Brindle

Brindle is perhaps the most common of all types of French Bulldogs. It is a traditional pattern that greatly complements the cute features of Frenchies. Brindle Frenchies also have black noses.

Brindle dogs are the best when it comes to anatomy, health, and type. This is because it is a natural and greatly improved type.

The Brindle pattern is usually seen as dark or light coats with strands of another color fused within. This ends up producing a beautiful shaded effect. Usually, the base coat is fawn, and dark hair extends from within, in varying degrees of dominance.

It has further variations too.

·        Dark or black brindle

Dark brindle Frenchies have a base coat of fawn, through which black hair emerges in bands. To put it simply, the black hair is more dominant, with light strands mixed within. Dark brindle coats are caused by the Agouti gene that controls the distribution of the black pigment.

·        Tiger brindle

Frenchies of this brindle type look like small, chubby little tigers. Tiger brindle is a variation of the natural brindle type, that is, dark brindle. In tiger brindle Frenchies, the fawn hair predominates, which creates a light coat with dark, more defined stripes.

·        Seal brindle or brindle and white

Seal brindle Frenchies may almost look pure black. This is because they have very light white hair strands mixed within their coat. They may also have white patches. Pure black Frenchies are not acceptable, so make sure your furry baby has some trace or another of the brindle feature!

Pied

When a doggo’s coat has a base of white and darker patches on any part of it, the pattern is known as pied. A common characteristic of pied Frenchies is a dark patch around one or both of their eyes. This gives the little mischiefs a stand-out personality.

The pied type also comes in a brindle variation. In this case, the Frenchies have a white coat with darker patches and shades throughout, and spots on their feet.

Some dog lovers say that pied Frenchies sometimes look like their very own miniature cows, but with oversized ears and a whole lot of love!

 

Rare French Bulldog types

While the AKC recognizes only certain Frenchie types, breeders all around the world do experiment with genetics and colors. These energetic, friendly pooches can be found in remarkable colors and shades, which makes them exotic and even more worthy of obsession!

However, this also makes the cutesy doggos more prone to health issues. Rare Frenchie types are also prone to another alarming condition, known as color dilution alopecia. It is a genetic recessive inherited condition and causes hair loss, thinning, and itchy skin.

Here are some of the rare Frenchie types:

Blue

If there is anything such as a ‘common rare,’ then blue Frenchies are such a type. It is a lovely shade that looks just perfect on these potatoes. However, it is not accepted by the AKC due to it being a discoloration flaw in the Frenchies.

It is also associated with alopecia.

Chocolate or liver

Chocolate Frenchies are known as liver Frenchies. This is yet another type that is not recognized by the AKC. For a tubby Frenchie to be chocolate-colored, both parents should carry the recessive chocolate gene. If your Frenchie pal is of the liver type, you can prepare yourself for some pretty, captivating eyes in light hues.

Lilac

The Lilac type of Frenchies is perhaps one of the rarest. It has super-specific gene requirements. Both parents must carry chocolate as well as the blue gene. Lilac French Bulldogs are very pricey because of this reason. They also require a lot of extra love and care since they are sensitive.

Pure black

Doggos in pure black is a dream come true. The same goes for Frenchies! Pure blacks are, again, a type that is disqualified by the AKC. The black coat is caused by a recessive black gene. These Frenchies often have stunning sapphire or muddy brown eyes.

Merle

Merle is a type that is highly sought after in Frenchies nowadays. This pattern is a relatively new emergence but is not acceptable as per the breed. Frenchies do not carry this gene naturally, which means that for them to be merle, a dog who does carry the gene must be mixed into the breeding line. Sadly, merles suffer from various serious health conditions.

Isabella

Isabella is paws-down the rarest type of French Bulldogs. Heartbreakingly, though, they are linked to alopecia and are also one of the unhealthiest types of Frenchies. Isabella Frenchies have a light to dark blue or chocolate coat with spectacular purplish hues. This type comes from breeding Frenchies that carry black DD genes.

Do some Frenchie types really come with more health issues than others?

As unfortunate as it may be, some French Bulldogs do come with more health issues and deformities as compared to others. These tiny, chubby clown doggos are one of the most fun-loving and energetic breeds out there. However, sometimes genetic issues may rain on their parade- and yours too.

Frenchies already have rather lackluster health. The acceptable and common Frenchies types are healthy and easy to care for. They include fawn, brindle, white, cream, and combinations.

Rare types and variants of Frenchies are the results of hyper selective breeding and inbreeding. This leaves the rotund buddies susceptible to diseases and shorter lifespans. Problems such as skin diseases, allergies, food sensitivities, and more severe brachycephalic syndrome also prevail.

If you do plan on lighting up your life with a rare Frenchie type, then make sure you approach a reputable breeder with a good and positive history. Seek out information about the puppy’s parents and their health too.

You must also keep track of your puppy’s health with regular visits to the vet. You will have to put in a lot of extra effort with your doggo’s diet and nutrition, activity, and other characteristics. It will all be worth it!

It is certainly not advisable to go for a rare Frenchie type that is not approved by the AKC.

 

To wrap up

French Bulldogs are beautiful in all forms. The added benefit of having multiple types of Frenchies is almost like a dog paradise!

Each type is unique in its own way. While genetic experimentation comes with a lot of risks, you may still agree that the results are remarkable.

If you are looking for your very own clown-like yet loving Frenchie, you have a whole range to select from. You must give all your love and affection to your Frenchie because your doggo certainly deserves it all.