Unlike other canine breeds, French Bulldogs present with various coat color variations. The AKC acknowledges and accepts the color standards of fawn, brindle, cream, and white, along with those rare variations of lilac, Isabell, blue, chocolate, and sable. There are also colors and markings accepted as well, such as brindle markings, piebald (pied), black mask, ticked, and white markings.
For this article’s purpose, we will take a look at those coat colorings that are considered rare in this breed of canine. There are those varieties that are currently accepted by the AKC, such as fawn, brindle, cream and white, with a few that have yet to be accepted. However, no matter how you look at it, these colorings can be stunning, beautiful, and breathtaking nonetheless.
Blue
Undeniably one of the most striking of the colors, blue French Bulldogs, definitely turns heads. With their rare coat color, provided by a rare dilute gene, it is not unusual to see them with either blue or grey eyes. There are two camps on owning these beauties. However, contrary to what some believe, coat color has absolutely no effect on the dog’s health—its genetic line determines that.
Cream
Upon first glance, many individuals are prone to mistaking cream for white Frenchies. Very understandable as the colors of their coats are quite similar. However, whereas white French bulldogs have pink rimmed eyes, cream Frenchies have darker colored eye rims and darker lips. Their coats are also more of an eggshell color rather than that of a white. The AKC accepts both the cream and the white varieties of this canine.
Chocolate
This coat color is created due to a recessive gene that the Frenchie carries. In order to achieve a chocolate-colored coat, which can vary from a dark to a lighter shade, both of the pup’s parents must also be carriers of the recessive gene. As if the color of their coat isn’t striking enough, many of them also present with eye colorings ranging from green, brown, gold, and in some cases, even bright yellow.
Pure Black
No other color on this list is more stunning, powerful, and unique in appearance than the rare black Frenchie. French bulldogs that present with this coat color will not contain any other color than the solid black coat coloring. Although the color is beyond beautiful, unfortunately, it is not currently accepted for the AKC breeding standards. That, however, does make it any less sought after by pet owners.
Blue and Tan
This variety of French bulldogs presents with a dominant blue color, which is then accented by a fawn, cream, or white marking. These lighter markings usually appear above the eyes, on the cheeks, on their bellies, or on their legs. The beauty of this combination is created due to a dilute recessive gene inherited through both parents and, as a result, put them in the group of rare French bulldogs.
Merle
Many believe that Merle takes the award when it comes to the most unique and strange coat coloring available for this breed. Usually, a smattering here and there of dark brown or black, most often than not the most dominant color proves to be cream, fawn, or white—beautifully mixed with the dark brown and black colors. The merle coloring gene is not known to cause any type of health issue, as it is already considered a dominant gene. Merles commonly present with eyes of different colors produced by a genetic condition known as heterochromia.
Lilac
In the French bulldog arena, the lilac coat coloring continues to be one of the favorites amongst owners. Because of the recessive gene they carry, that presents with their lilac color, they often reside on the high price range of cost. Also a result of their recessed gene, their eyes may present in the colors of yellow, light brown, or even blue. Unlike other coat coloring found with the Frenchies, they will become lighter and lighter in shade as they age. When firstborn, a lilac Frenchie will often appear similar to a blue Frenchie.
Black and Tan
Even though this color combination appears in many other breeds of canines when present in Frenchies, it is considered rare. French bulldogs will feature a black coat coloring, coupled with tan colored markings on various areas of their bodies—including their cheeks, on their bellies, above their eyes, and inside their legs. The tan markings will vary from a cream shade to a reddish tone, and the contrast in the colors proves to be absolutely gorgeous.
Isabella
Without a doubt, this coloring of French bulldogs is fascinating, amazing, and considered by many as unreal. Eye color is usually towards the light shade and vary from yellow, light blue, grey, and green. They can also present with either white or cream markings on their chests. Due to the exposure of their pink skin around those areas of their mouth, eyes, and on the ends of their noses, owners of this breed need to pay extra attention to skin protection.
Sable
Sable Frenchies have a sort of reddish pigmentation with an added basic fawn coloring. With this variation, the coat coloring has been seen to vary from a light tan to a darker shade. Sables also have either black hairs or those of being black-tipped. Many breeders feel that this coloring of the coat is one of the most unique and usual out there.
Fawn
This variety of French bulldogs is known to have a variety of different coat colors. The colors usually range from light tan to reddish, to cream, to even golden tan. Along with these colors, they will present with a black face, almost like they are wearing a mask.
Anyone who has been privileged to see one of these rare coat colorings in a French bulldog is sure to agree that they are some of the most amazing in the canine world. With their colors ranging from common to rare, if you are considering one for a pet, then you are sure to find a coat coloring that strikes your fancy.