French Bulldogs have become one of the most popular dog breeds in recent years. Their cute squished faces, goofy personalities and compact size make them an ideal companion dog for many owners.
Within French Bulldog circles, two of the most coveted and rare coat colors are “Blue” and “Lilac”. These uniquely colored Frenchies stand out from the crowd and are highly sought after by dog lovers.
But what exactly sets Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs apart? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the key similarities and differences between these two rare French Bulldog color variations.
What is a Blue French Bulldogs?
The Blue French Bulldog is an absolutely stunning dog breed with a unique coat coloring. Their fur can range from a dark slate gray to a light silvery blue or grayish-blue hue.
This rare coloration is the result of a recessive dilute gene acting on the black pigment. When a French Bulldog inherits two copies of this dilute gene, it dilutes the black coat into a slate blueish-gray color.
Blue Frenchies first originated in the early 1900s when breeders selectively bred dogs carrying the dilute gene. While still considered quite rare, the Blue French Bulldog has risen enormously in popularity over the last decade.
In terms of temperament, Blue Frenchies are known for being silly, fun-loving and goofy dogs. They have an outgoing personality and crave attention from their owners. Properly trained and socialized Blue Frenchies make wonderful active companions.
What is a Lilac French Bulldog?
The Lilac French Bulldog is an even rarer variety with a gorgeous lavender-colored coat. This distinctive purple/lilac hue is the result of the same dilute gene acting on a chocolate or brown colored coat.
When a dilute gene affects both the black and brown pigment, it creates the pale lilac/lavender tone. Through careful, selective breeding programs, Lilac Frenchies were developed relatively recently compared to Blues.
These gentle purple pooches have quickly become popular for their unicorn-like appearance. Lilac Frenchies have a sweet, mild-mannered temperament and love to cuddle with their owners. They are more relaxed and laidback compared to the energetic Blue Frenchie.
History and Origins Differences
Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs have some key differences when it comes to their origins:
- Blue Frenchies first appeared in the early 1900s when the dilute gene spontaneously emerged in a litter. They remained quite rare until a surge in popularity over the last 10-15 years.
- Lilac Frenchies are a more recent intentional occurrence, first developed in the 1980s/90s by combining dilute genes from Blue and chocolate-colored French Bulldogs.
So in summary, Blue French Bulldogs have been around for longer historically but Lilacs are quickly gaining traction and popularity.
The Different Genetics Behind Blue and Lilac Coats
To understand what gives Blue and Lilac Frenchies their unique colors, we need to take a quick look at genetics:
- Blue Frenchies: Occur when two recessive dilute genes (dd) are inherited, diluting the black pigment to blue or gray.
- Lilac Frenchies: Result when the recessive dilute gene affects both black and brown pigment (Bb dd), creating the lilac tone.
So Blues are “double dilute” black dogs (dd), while Lilacs are “double dilute” dogs carrying both black and brown/chocolate (Bb dd). This genetic combination is what produces their distinctive fur colors.
The dilute gene essentially lightens the coat color. When it acts on black pigment, it lightens it to gray or blue. When it acts on brown pigment, it lightens it to a lavender-lilac shade.
For a puppy to be Lilac, it must inherit a dilute gene from each parent. One parent passes on the chocolate gene, the other passes on the blue gene. The crossover results in the Lilac coloring.
Responsible breeders spend years carefully selecting dogs to develop new colors like Lilac. By understanding and utilizing genetic inheritance patterns, they can breed for desired traits including coat colors.
Proper genetic testing helps ensure only dogs free of defects are used in breeding programs. This minimizes the risk of passing on inherited diseases to Lilac and Blue puppies.
Significant Appearance Differences
While Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs clearly have distinct coat colors, there are some other subtle differences in their looks:
- Coat color variations: Blues can range from dark gray to light blue-gray. Lilacs have light purple coats.
- Eye color: Blues often have striking blue eyes. Lilacs may have blue, amber or light gray eyes.
- Nose and eye rims: Blues have black pigment. Lilacs have lighter grayish-pink noses and eye rims.
In terms of other physical attributes like head shape, ear style, body structure and height, Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs share the breed standard traits.
The main variation is really just the colors of their fur, eyes and noses. Lilacs also commonly have reddish-pink markings on their face, lips and toes.
So in summary, you can distinguish a Lilac from a Blue Frenchie based primarily on their coat shade, eye color, and nose/eye rim pigmentation.
Below is a handy table summarizing the appearance differences:
| Physical Attribute | Blue Frenchie | Lilac Frenchie |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Color | Grey-blue | Lavender-purple |
| Eye Color | Blue, grey | Blue, amber, gray |
| Nose Color | Black | Grayish-pink |
| Eye Rims | Black | Pink |
| Markings | None | Pink lips/toes |
Temperament and Personality Differences
While their looks may differ, do Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs have different personalities? Let’s see:
Blue Frenchies
- Fun-loving, goofy, and outgoing
- Confident and attention-seeking
- Higher energy and activity levels
- Intelligent but can be stubborn
- Protective of owners
Lilac Frenchies
- Sweet, gentle, calm nature
- Affectionate and eager to please
- More relaxed and laidback
- Enjoy lounging and cuddling
- Sensitive and docile temperament
So in general, Blues tend to be more bold and energetic compared to the mellower, docile Lilac Frenchies. But both make wonderful companion pets!
Activity Levels Differences
Due to their breathing challenges, French Bulldogs cannot safely engage in strenuous exercise. However, they still require daily activity to remain fit and healthy.
Blue French Bulldogs typically have slightly higher energy levels than Lilacs. Short walks, play time in the yard, or indoor games help meet their activity needs.
Lilac French Bulldogs are usually more sedentary. They enjoy short strolls and light play. Too much exercise can cause overheating for Lilacs. Activities like climbing stairs or hiking in hot weather should be avoided. But most Frenchies enjoy walks of 15-20 minutes once or twice daily.
Trainability Differences
All French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs, but their stubborn streak can make training a challenge sometimes.
Blue Frenchies tend to be more strong-willed than Lilacs. But with patience and consistency using positive reinforcement, they can learn quickly. Food rewards are great motivators.
The eager-to-please Lilac French Bulldog is usually more sensitive and docile. Gentle, rewarding training helps them pick up on commands fast. Harsh methods do not work well.
Socialization from a young age is essential for any Frenchie. Safely introduce them to new sights, sounds, people, and other dogs. This helps prevent fearfulness or aggression later on.
Overall, both Blues and Lilacs can be trained and well-behaved with time and dedication. Their intelligence makes them very trainable dogs.
Size and Weight Differences Differences
While Frenchies are compact dogs, there are some variations in size between color variations:
- Blue French Bulldogs: 12-13 inches tall, 16-28 pounds
- Lilac French Bulldogs: 11-12 inches tall, 16-20 pounds
As you can see, Blue Frenchies tend to be slightly taller and heavier than their Lilac counterparts. This impacts feeding requirements and activity levels needed to keep each color fit and healthy.
Feeding Requirements Differences
Blue French Bulldogs need about 1-1.5 cups of quality dog food divided into two meals daily. Their food should be specially formulated for brachycephalic breeds.
The smaller Lilac Frenchie requires 3/4 to 1 cup of food per day split into two smaller portions. Avoid overfeeding.
Both Lilac and Blue Frenchies are prone to obesity without proper portion control and exercise. This strains their breathing and joints.
Grooming Needs Differences
The short smooth coats of French Bulldogs require minimal grooming. Weekly brushing helps remove dead hairs. Both Blues and Lilacs should be bathed only when needed.
Lilac Frenchies tend to shed a bit more than other colors due to their light-colored coats. Be prepared for lilac-tinted hair on your clothes and furniture. Their pale fur also shows dirt easily.
Use a moisturizing shampoo when bathing to avoid drying out their sensitive skin. Afterwards, thoroughly dry their facial wrinkles to prevent moisture buildup.
Trim nails monthly and clean ears regularly to maintain good hygiene. Brush teeth frequently with a vet-approved dog toothpaste.
Health Considerations Differences
For the most part, there are no major health differences between Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Reputable breeders are essential to avoid inherited conditions in any Frenchie.
- Color dilute dogs may be prone to certain skin and eye issues if not bred responsibly.
- Blues and Lilacs share most of the same health issues as French Bulldogs including breathing problems, joint issues and back problems.
All Frenchies are brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs that can suffer from a variety of respiratory issues and difficulty regulating temperature. Over-exercising or getting too hot causes them distress.
Why Are Blue and Lilac French Bulldogs Not Recognized?
Despite being purebred, neither Blue nor Lilac French Bulldogs are recognized by major kennel clubs and breed registries such as:
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- United Kennel Club (UKC)
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organization)
This is because traditionally, these organizations only recognized the standard colors of fawn, brindle, white and pied French Bulldogs.
When new color variations like Blue and Lilac emerged, they were not accepted into the narrow breed standards. However, breeders and owners know that despite their unique coats, Blue and Lilac Frenchies are just as purebred as other colors.
With their growing popularity as pets, perhaps one day these rare color French Bulldogs will become more formally accepted. For now, they remain a delightful secret beloved by their owners!
Blue or Lilac French Bulldog- Which one is better?
Deciding between a Blue or Lilac French Bulldog can be difficult. There are several factors to take into account when selecting between these two delightful colors.
Your Lifestyle
Consider your lifestyle and daily routine. Blue Frenchies have slightly higher exercise needs and can be more energetic. The laidback Lilac may better suit a less active home.
If you live in a smaller space, the more compact Lilac takes up less room. Blues need plenty of play time and interaction to prevent boredom.
First-time owners may find the affectionate, eager-to-please Lilac easier to train. The confident Blue can be more stubborn.
Allergies
Allergies are another consideration. Lilac Frenchies tend to shed a bit more than Blues. Their light fur also picks up and shows dander.
If you or a family member suffers from dog allergies, the darker Blue coat may be better tolerated. Discuss hypoallergenic options with your breeder.
Cost
In general, Lilac French Bulldogs are more expensive to purchase than Blue Frenchies. Lilac pricing often starts around $5000 while Blues can start around $3000. Many factors impact cost.
Whether adopting or buying from a breeder, ensure you can properly care for a Frenchie. Budget for ongoing costs like food, supplies, vet care, grooming, training, etc.
Gender
Gender preferences are another consideration. No major temperament differences exist between males and females.
Females tend to be more aloof while males are often more affectionate and silly. Same-sex dogs may have more difficulty cohabitating.
You need to consider gender alongside the puppy’s individual personality when choosing. Speaking to your breeder can help match you with the perfect temperament.
Children and Other Pets
If you have small children at home, the easygoing Lilac may interact with them more gently. Blues can get rambunctious.
Always supervise children with any breed of dog. Educate kids on safe behavior and never leave them alone. Other resident pets should be introduced slowly. Blues are often more dominant. Lilacs do better with calmer pets.
Grooming and Shedding
As mentioned, Lilacs tend to shed more than Blues. Lilac hair on furniture or clothes may bother some owners.
The light coat also requires diligent grooming. Tear stains and dirt show up more on Lilacs. If low-maintenance grooming is important, the darker Blue may fit better into your lifestyle.
Training and Socialization
Lilacs aim to please, making training fairly easy as long as it stays positive. Blue Frenchies can be more stubborn. If you are a novice owner, the biddable Lilac Frenchie may be the better choice. Consider investing in professional training.
Proper socialization is imperative for both colors. Expose them to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people and animals. Always use reward-based training approaches. Harsh methods do not work well, especially for sensitive Lilacs.
Health Screening
Reputable breeders will screen breeding dogs and puppies for health issues. Ask about genetic testing. Blues and Lilacs are susceptible to the same congenital conditions. Selecting healthy parent dogs is critical.
Make sure your breeder offers a health guarantee and will take back any sick puppy. Ask to see parent dog pedigrees.
Personality and Temperament
Think about whether the outgoing, energetic Blue or laidback, snuggly Lilac personality appeals to you more.
The mischievous Blue Frenchie stays busy and entertains you with their antics. Lilacs thrive on Quality bonding time. Lilacs can be needier for attention. Blues are more independent.
Availability
Since Lilacs are rarer, you may have to go on a waitlist to obtain one. Blues are slightly easier to acquire.
Work with your breeder to determine an expected litter schedule. Allow plenty of time, especially if you want a Lilac. Consider adopting if you want to skip the wait. Check with local Frenchie rescues for color availability.
Appearance Preferences
Personal appearance preferences may also sway your choice. Select the eye-catching blue-gray or striking lilac coat that you find most beautiful.
Beware that Lilac coats stain easily and require diligent grooming. The muted blue-grey doesn’t show dirt as much. Lilac Frenchie’s pink facial markings also prone to tear stains. Blues have less visible staining.
As you can see, there are many factors that come into choosing a Blue versus Lilac French Bulldog. Take your time and make an informed decision. Bonding with your preferred color companion will bring you years of joy!
