If you’re a fan of French Bulldogs, then you’ve probably heard of the Lilac Merle French Bulldog. This unique and stunning breed has been gaining popularity in recent years. With their distinctive coloring and charming personalities, Lilac Merle French Bulldogs have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. But what makes them so special?
In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Lilac Merle French Bulldogs, exploring their history, characteristics, and what makes them stand out from other French Bulldog varieties. So, whether you’re a seasoned Frenchie enthusiast or simply curious about this captivating breed, join us on this journey to discover the magic of the Lilac Merle French Bulldog.
What is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog?
A Lilac Merle French Bulldog is a rare and beautiful breed of dog that is known for its unique coloration. Its coat combines light and dark shades of gray, blue, and purple, sometimes with a white patch or two. The Lilac Merle French Bulldog is a relatively new breed, having only been recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2019.
The breed has its roots in the French Bulldog, which was developed in the late 1800s as an all-around companion dog for the French. By crossing various bulldog breeds, the French Bulldog was perfected and became popular with the upper class. In the early 2000s, breeders began to experiment with various colors and markings, leading to the development of the Lilac Merle French Bulldog.
The Lilac Merle French Bulldog is considered an extremely rare variety, often fetching high prices due to its unique coloration. They are highly intelligent and alert, making them great family pets.
Key characteristics of Lilac Merle French Bulldog
Lilac Merles are born with all typical characteristics of the French Bulldogs, except for the coat color. Let’s take a closer look below!
1. General Appearance
Lilac Merle French Bulldogs have a unique color pattern characterized by a mottled, marbled, or dappled blue, gray, and silver coat. They typically have white markings on their face, chest, and paws. Their eyes are typically amber, blue, or green, and their noses are usually black.
2. Size
The breed is relatively small, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds and standing between 11 and 13 inches tall, making them an ideal pet for many people.
3. Personality
Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are typically loving and loyal companions. They are active and enjoy playing with their owners. They are also intelligent and can be easily trained, making them great for families with children.
It is important to socialize your Lilac merle French Bulldog from a young age to ensure they are comfortable around other animals and people. Socialization helps to reduce the risk of your dog becoming aggressive or fearful.
4. Health
Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, such as breathing difficulties, skin allergies, and joint problems. They are also more vulnerable to heat stroke than other breeds, so it is important to keep them cool in hot weather.
5. Care
Lilac Merle French Bulldogs must be groomed regularly, and their coats should be brushed weekly. They need to be taken on regular walks to keep them healthy and happy. They should also be monitored for any health issues.
How can I tell if my dog is Lilac Merle French Bulldog?
The easiest way to tell if your dog is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog is to look at its coat. A true Lilac Merle French Bulldog will have a light gray coat with darker gray spots and may have a light pink tinge to its coat. If your dog’s coat is any other color, it is not a Lilac Merle French Bulldog.
In addition to its coat color, you can also look at the eyes, nose, and lips of your dog to determine if it is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog. The eyes, nose, and lips of a Lilac Merle French Bulldog may be blue, green, brown, or any combination of these colors. If your dog’s eyes, nose, and lips are any other color, it is not a Lilac Merle French Bulldog.
Finally, you can also take your dog to a veterinarian to get a DNA test done. A DNA test will confirm whether your dog is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog.
How rare are Lilac Merle French Bulldogs?
Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are a rare and highly sought-after variation of the French Bulldog. There are only a few breeders around the world who specialize in this color, and the demand for Lilac Merles is extremely high.
The rarity of this color is because it is caused by a recessive gene that is rare to find in French Bulldogs. As a result, it is difficult to produce Lilac Merle. French Bulldogs and breeders must breed multiple generations of Lilac Merles to consistently produce this color.
How much is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog?
The price of a Lilac Merle French Bulldog can vary greatly depending on the breeder, the quality of the pup, and the demand for them. On average, a Lilac Merle French Bulldog can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. This price range covers the cost of a healthy pup with all their vaccinations and other necessary expenses.
When purchasing a Lilac Merle French Bulldog, it is important to research the breeder and inquire about the pup’s background. Make sure that the pup is healthy and that the breeder has a good reputation. The more research you do, the better the chances of finding a healthy pup at a reasonable price.
It is also important to factor in the costs of food, vet visits, toys, and other necessary expenses. These expenses can add up quickly and should be considered when purchasing a Lilac Merle French Bulldog.
How long do lilac merle French Bulldogs live?
Lilac merle French Bulldogs have an average lifespan of between 10 and 14 years when properly cared for. This breed is generally considered to be quite healthy, and although they may experience some minor health issues, they are often considered to be one of the healthiest of all breeds of French Bulldog.
When caring for a Lilac merle French Bulldog, it is important to provide them with plenty of exercise, a nutritious diet, and regular veterinary checkups. As with all breeds, regular brushing and grooming can help keep their coat and skin healthy.
Health issues in Lilac Merle French Bulldogs
Lilac Merle Frenchies carry the gene of Merle and French Bulldog, both known to possess some health concerns.
1. Brachycephalic Syndrome: Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are prone to this condition due to their short snouts and flat faces. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, snoring, and snorting, which can be exacerbated by exercise or hot weather.
2. Allergies: French Bulldogs can suffer from skin and food allergies, which can cause redness, itchy skin, and lesions.
3. Eye Issues: Because of their protruding eyes, French Bulldogs are more prone to eye problems, such as dry eye, entropion, and corneal ulcers.
4. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common genetic disorder in dogs and can be seen in French Bulldogs, especially those with the Lilac Merle color pattern. This condition causes pain and lameness in the hind legs and can lead to arthritis if left untreated.
5. Intervertebral Disc Disease: This disorder affects the discs between the vertebrae in the spine and can cause pain, paralysis, and even incontinence in French Bulldogs.
6. Heat Stress: Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are prone to heat stress due to their short muzzles, leading to difficulty breathing, collapse, and even death if not treated quickly.
Tips when adopting a Lilac Merle French Bulldog
Lilac Merles are expensive and difficult to breed. Therefore, keep in mind these tips before adopting a Lilac.
1. Find a reputable breeder
It is important to find a breeder registered under official organizations to avoid scams and other problems. If possible, you should consult professionals to get contacts of reputable breeders.
2. Meet up with the breeder
You don’t want to fall for scams when investing such a huge amount of money, right? You should always meet up with the breeder rather than just get the dog at home.
3. Ask for certifications
It is difficult to confirm whether a dog is a Lilac Merle Frenchie or not just by the look. You need to see the certifications or results of DNA tests to be sure.
4. Get the dog’s health records
Lilac Merles are prone to several health problems. Therefore, you may want to ensure the one you are adopting is in good shape. If possible, have a veterinarian check their conditions.
5. Sign a contract
Last, you should sign a written contract that states all terms clearly. Make sure to include the refund or return in case of health issues.
Lilac Merle French Bulldog vs. Other French Bulldogs
Lilac Merles may look similar to other types of French Bulldogs, such as Isabella and Blue Merles, in terms of colors. However, their genetic makeup is still different.
1. Lilac Merle French Bulldog vs. Isabella French Bulldog
Lilac Merles are often confused with Isabella Frenchies as they bear almost the same coat color. However, they are still two different breeds when we consider DNA.
As mentioned above, the Lilac Merles are born to two sets of recessive genes, including the Blue gene and the Chocolate gene, also known as the Cocoa gene.
Isabella Frenchies have the Testable Chocolate gene instead of Cocoa. Therefore, Isabella may be born with the Chocolate color, but they aren’t considered Lilac Merles.
However, if your Bulldog has Chocolate coloring, it is likely a Lilac Merle. Only one out of ten Frenchies with this coloring can be Isabella.
2. Lilac Merle French Bulldog vs. Blue Merle French Bulldog
Merle coats have many color variations, and Blue is one of the most common.
Regarding Blue Merles, the color blue is produced by a combination of the standard Black coloring and the Dilution gene. The difference is that in Lilac Merles, the Dilution gene must be recessive. In addition, the base coloring here is chocolate (Cocoa) rather than Black.
3. Lilac Merle French Bulldog vs. Double Merle French Bulldog
A Lilac Merle only carries one dominant Merle gene, while a Double Merle French Bulldog carries two copies of the Merle genes.
When two Merle dogs mate, there is a 25% chance that their offspring is a Double Merle. However, producing Double Merle Frenchies is not recommended since these dogs suffer from many health issues. They are likely to be born blind, deaf, or both.
FAQs
1. Are Lilac Merle French Bulldogs purebred?
No. A dog must be born to parents of the same breed to be considered purebred. Meanwhile, sometimes you need different breeds to make a Lilac Merle Frenchie.
2. Can Lilac Merle be registered with a Kennel Club (KC)?
No. Merles, including Lilac Merles, can’t be registered with a KC. First, the KC doesn’t consider Lilac Merle Frenchies a standard breed color. Second, Merles come with serious health issues, so the KC doesn’t encourage the breeding of Lilac.
3. Are Lilac Merle Frenchies prone to allergies?
Yes! The Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are more prone to allergies than other breeds. What’s worse, they may suffer from more severe effects from allergies.
4. Is the French Bulldog a good family dog?
Yes, the French Bulldog is an excellent family dog. They are small in size and incredibly affectionate, making them a great companion for children and adults alike.
Lilac Merle French Bulldogs are also quite intelligent and can be easily trained. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being around their family members. They are usually very friendly to other animals and people, and they rarely bark or display aggressive behavior. All these qualities make them ideal pets for families.
Closing Thoughts
That’s all about the Lilac Merle French Bulldogs! As you see, they make a great indoor companion and friend to your family. Just make sure you take all factors, such as prices, health issues, nutrition, etc., before adopting one. And don’t forget to find a reputable breeder.
