French Bulldogs Blue and Tan are a unique and adorable breed, but they do require some special care. They need regular exercise, but due to their brachycephalic nature, they can tire easily and may need to be carried or given frequent breaks.
Their short noses can also make breathing difficult, especially in hot or humid weather. This means owners need to be mindful of their environment and take steps to keep them cool and comfortable.
French Bulldogs Blue and Tan are also prone to skin issues, such as allergies and fold dermatitis, due to their skin folds. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these folds is crucial to prevent infections and irritation.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are still essential for their overall health and well-being.
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French Bulldog Size and Growth
At six months old, a French Bulldog typically weighs between 17 and 22 pounds, with males averaging 18.5 pounds and females averaging 17 pounds.
Male French Bulldogs usually weigh more than females, but both males and females will stand around seven to nine inches on average at six months old.
French Bulldogs reach their full grown size between 9 and 12 months of age, with most weighing between 20 and 28 pounds.
On average, a full-grown French Bulldog will weigh about 20 to 28 pounds, with males weighing around 20 to 28 pounds and females weighing about 17 to 24 pounds.
A French Bulldog's height is relatively consistent, with most standing between 11 and 13 inches tall.
Here's a rough estimate of a French Bulldog's growth:
Care and Health
French Bulldogs require regular veterinarian appointments to assess their health and catch any potential problems early. These appointments can help prevent and treat conditions like skin problems, ear infections, and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome.
Brachycephalic syndrome is a common issue in French Bulldogs, causing them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, which can lead to breathing problems. In fact, the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems.
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French Bulldogs also need to be careful not to overexert themselves, especially in hot weather. Temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided to prevent overheating and heat stroke.
A healthy diet and daily exercise are also crucial for French Bulldogs. A leisurely walk or active playtime can help them stay happy and healthy. However, it's essential to be mindful of their brachycephalic syndrome and avoid overexertion.
Regular veterinarian appointments can help identify potential health issues, such as obesity, which can lead to serious problems like type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and heart disease.
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Colors and Patterns
French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors and patterns, and their genetics play a big role in determining their coat color. The A locus, or agouti, controls the amount of black and red pigment, while the K locus, or dominant black, controls the amount of brindle.
The E locus controls the presence of a mask, and the D locus determines the dilution of dog hairs. The S locus, or spotting gene, controls white spotting patterns. This combination of genes creates a wide range of color possibilities.
Some non-standard colors in French Bulldogs include blue, merle, lilac, isabella, chocolate, blue fawn, and platinum. These colors may be considered disqualified by breed standards, but they're still beautiful and popular dogs.
Non-Standard Colors & Patterns
French Bulldogs have a wide range of non-standard colors, including Blue, Merle, Lilac, Isabella, Chocolate, and Blue Fawn. These colors are not recognized by breed standards, but they're still beautiful and popular.
The Blue color is actually a dilution of the black color caused by the "d allele" gene, resulting in a grayish or silver hue. It's a highly sought-after coat and can be quite expensive.
Merle, Lilac, and Isabella colors are also considered non-standard, and they're often associated with health concerns. Blue Merle is especially rare and can be prone to color dilution alopecia.
Non-standard colors like Platinum, which is characterized by a rare, silvery-blue color, are often mistaken for light cream or white Frenchies.
Here are some non-standard French Bulldog colors and patterns:
- Blue
- Merle
- Lilac
- Isabella
- Chocolate
- Blue Fawn
- Platinum
- Any mix of the above + tan
Keep in mind that non-standard colors can come with a higher price tag due to their rarity and desirability. It's essential to prioritize a puppy's health over anything else when adopting a non-standard French Bulldog.
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Fawn
Fawn French Bulldogs have a light brown base coat that's the foundation of their color.
The fawn gene is responsible for producing this base coat, which is often the primary color associated with French Bulldogs.
Blue Fawn French Bulldogs, specifically, achieve their unique coat color by diluting the fawn gene, resulting in a blueish hue overlaying the light brown base coat.
This dilution process creates a beautiful, one-of-a-kind color that's not just blue or gray, but a distinct blend of the two.
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Dog Care and Insurance
French Bulldogs, especially the blue and tan variety, require regular veterinary check-ups to maintain their health.
They are prone to respiratory issues, so it's essential to monitor their breathing and seek medical attention if you notice any signs of distress.
Regular exercise, such as short walks and playtime, can help prevent joint problems and obesity.
However, due to their brachycephalic nature, they may tire easily and need more frequent breaks.
Puppy Prices
Puppy Prices can be a significant expense, ranging from $2,000 to $12,000 or even higher for a Blue French Bulldog puppy.
This is because breeding a litter of Blue French Bulldog puppies incurs significant costs, including health testing and c-section expenses.
You can't get a high-quality puppy for a small amount, as reputable breeders like those who've been fighting for over 20 years for healthy puppies, charge accordingly.
These costs are necessary to ensure your puppy has never had any health issues and has received the best care and nutrition.
Dog Insurance
Dog insurance is a must-have for every dog owner. It can help cover unexpected vet bills, which can be as high as $1,000 or more for a single visit.
Accidents can happen at any time, and it's not just the big ones that can be costly. Even minor issues like ear infections can cost around $500 to treat.
As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to consider the cost of insurance to ensure your furry friend gets the care they need. The average cost of dog insurance is around $300 to $500 per year.
Some breeds are more prone to certain health issues, which can impact insurance costs. For example, Bulldogs are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems, while Poodles are more susceptible to eye issues.
Ultimately, the decision to get dog insurance depends on your individual circumstances and financial situation.
Colors and Genetics
French Bulldogs come in a wide range of colors, including blue, tan, and merle. The genetics behind these colors are fascinating, and understanding them can help you appreciate your Frenchie even more.
The color of a French Bulldog is determined by genetics, with certain combinations of genes dictating the coat color. Both the mother and father dog contribute to these genes, passing down one copy of each gene to their offspring.
The A locus, or agouti gene, controls the amount of black and red pigment in a dog's coat. The K locus, or dominant black gene, controls the amount of brindle, and the E locus controls the presence of a mask. D refers to the dilution that happens in dog hairs, either full color, the dominant gene, or dilute, the recessive.
Here are some of the genes that play a role in determining canine coat colors:
- A locus: agouti gene, controls black and red pigment
- K locus: dominant black gene, controls brindle
- E locus: controls mask
- D: dilution, either full color, dominant gene, or dilute, recessive
- S: spotting gene, controls white spotting patterns
These genes interact with each other in complex ways to produce the wide range of coat colors we see in French Bulldogs.
Merle
Merle French Bulldogs are quite rare and come with a unique appearance. They're characterized by multiple tiny spots that can come in a wide range of colors like tan, black, lilac, and blue.
These spots are often used to name these puppies, such as blue merle, tan merle, and so on. The merle gene is nearly as rare as the blue and chocolate gene.
Merle dogs are quite different from Pied Bulldogs. Pups inheriting two merle genes are prone to several medical conditions.
The risk of health concerns is one reason why merle dogs are rarely bred. Merle Frenchies from reputable breeders are a safer bet for potential owners.
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Genetics of Colors
The genetics of French Bulldog colors are fascinating, and it all comes down to the combination of genes passed down from their parents. Each parent has two alleles for hair color, some are dominant and some are recessive.
The A locus, or agouti, controls the amount of black and red pigment, while the K locus, also called dominant black, controls the amount of brindle. The E locus controls the presence of a mask, and the D locus determines the dilution of color. The S locus is the spotting gene, which controls white spotting patterns.
Genes play a crucial role in determining a pup's coloring, and the different combinations of recessive and dominant genes create a wide range of color possibilities. A few genes, including the A locus, K locus, E locus, D locus, and S locus, all contribute to the final coat color of a French Bulldog.
Here are the genes that determine a French Bulldog's coat color, along with their functions:
Each parent contributes one copy of each gene to their offspring, resulting in a unique combination of genes that determines the final coat color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blue and tan French Bulldogs rare?
Yes, Blue and Tan French Bulldogs are relatively rare due to their unique genetic combination. This distinct coat color makes them a special and sought-after variation of the breed.
How much is a blue and tan French Bulldog?
Blue and tan French Bulldogs typically cost between $5,790 and $6,290, depending on age and beauty. Prices vary between boys ($5,790-$5,990) and girls ($5,990-$6,290).
What color Frenchie is most expensive?
French Bulldogs with rare colors like blue, lilac, or chocolate, and specific coat patterns like pied or merle, tend to be the most expensive. Additionally, females with blue eyes are also pricier.
Are blue and tan French Bulldogs healthy?
French Bulldogs, regardless of coat color, are generally prone to breed-specific health issues such as brachycephalic syndrome and joint problems. While blue and tan French Bulldogs are not inherently unhealthy, responsible ownership requires awareness of these potential health concerns.
Sources
- American Kennel Club Official French Bulldog Standard (akc.org)
- FRENCH BULLDOG COLORS: STANDARD & NON (mypawesomefrenchie.com)
- Blue French Bulldogs Explained - A Complete Guide (frenchbulldogbreed.net)
- serious health problems (frenchbulldogclub.org)
- French Bulldog Colors: Common And Rare (vetplayas.com)
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