Among the many reasons why French Bulldogs are so fascinating is their wide range of coloration. One of the rarest varieties of French Bulldog is the merle variety. You probably gave these dogs with unusual coat patterns a second glance if you ever saw one. They have a cute appearance, and we all know French Bulldogs are cute to begin with.
A merle French Bulldog is not only unique, but also quite interesting. Your concerns about the breed’s origins, appearance, health, availability for purchase, and suitability as a pet will all be addressed today.
You may also want to read about Fluffy French Bulldogs.
History
A merle Frenchie is the result of careful selective breeding. A merle French Bulldog, contrary to popular belief, is not a crossbreed. A purebred dog, as is commonly known, comes from two members of the same breed.
A merle French Bulldog is the result of breeding a French Bulldog with a dog carrying the merle gene, typically a chihuahua. Once this is accomplished, two merle French Bulldogs can mate to produce more of the breed, but the resulting puppies would not be purebred because neither of their parents would be. The American Kennel Club (AKC) therefore does not recognize merle French Bulldogs as a valid breed.
Colour variations
The merle pattern is the result of a recessive gene being diluted by other genes. This results in a spectrum of merle shades.
In the color of lilac, Merle
With a chocolate brown and blue base coat color and light-colored eyes, the lilac merle French Bulldog is a rare coat pattern. The lilac undertones of the blue fur are brought out by the dilution. One of the rarest merle Frenchies, this beauty can set you back upwards of $30,000.
African Black Merle
When one dominant gene is black, the result is a black merle; over time, other coat colors begin to appear. Common examples of these colors include black, tan, and fawn.
Color: Blue Merle
Blue merle Many people believe that the French Bulldog is a blue-gene breed. Still, its black coat is so watered down that it looks blue. One unique trait of blue merles is that their eyes stay a lighter shade of blue than those of a typical French bulldog, even as they age.
Care
There are some things you should know about taking care of your new merle Frenchie when you bring it home and officially become a parent. The good news is that they tend to be laid-back canines.
Grooming
Even though Merles don’t shed excessively, keeping their hair brushed regularly will reduce the amount of hair that comes out of their coat and will also help keep them clean in between baths.
In general, a bath once every few months is sufficient, as Frenchies shouldn’t spend too much time outside due to their breathing issues. To prevent infection, it is also crucial to regularly clean their ears and other folds of skin. To do this, simply use a wipe or a wet wag before drying it off completely.
Exercise
Since they don’t need a lot of exercise themselves, merle French Bulldogs are great companions for people of varying activity levels. Daily short walks, say once or twice, are sufficient. The following are a few suggestions for games you can play with your French bulldog.
Training
Keep in mind that French Bulldogs are notoriously difficult to train because of their stubborn nature. In any case, they enjoy pleasing their master and are particularly fond of tasty treats.
Food
Your merle French Bulldog needs food, of course. Some Frenchies can even eat bones! Since they don’t engage in excessive physical activity, however, it’s vital that they adhere to strict dietary regimens. Reduce their food intake or try a restricted diet if you see that they are gaining weight. Get your dog checked out by the vet to make sure he or she is eating properly and staying at a healthy weight. Make sure to give them the right food.
Is it ethical to buy a French Bulldog?
The beautiful merle French Bulldog is the result of selective breeding, which is known to cause health issues. If you’re wondering whether or not investing in a merle is a wise move, that’s something only you can answer. Taking a merle Frenchie into your home can have positive effects.
Too many dogs are abandoned every year, as we all know. On the other hand, there are those who believe that supporting this rare breed financially only encourages more inbreeding.
Some reputable breeders are actively working to improve the health of the Frenchie breed. Prospective dog owners must do their own research to find a reliable breeder and weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
