- What is a Merle French Bulldog?
- Understanding the Merle Frenchie coat
- Merle Frenchies: A Brief Overview
- History of Merle Frenchies
- Breed Standard and Recognition Issues with the Color Variation of the Merle French Bulldog
- Health Concerns and Risks Associated with Merle French Bulldogs
- The Double Merle French Bulldog Puppy
- The Ethics of Merle Breeding
- Responsible Frenchie Puppy Options for Prospective Owners
Throughout history, dogs have been bred to have a set of desirable characteristics. In the case of the French Bulldog breed, who have been bred mainly as companions, this has resulted in puppies with striking and unusual features. Whilst French Bulldogs are probably one of the most popular dog breeds it is hard to ignore the accusations surrounding this breed particularly when it comes to merle French bulldogs; with vets now speaking out about the wide range of serious health issues that they face due to the way they have been bred.
These dogs were bred to have distinctive ‘bat ears’, a sturdy but very compact body and a shrunken head with facial wrinkles. Though french bulldog breeders were focusing on the aesthetic of the dog, they inevitably changed their genes and ended up with serious health predispositions too. A long back is prone to slipped discs, while a shrunken skull means less space for teeth and nostrils. Even those ‘cute’ skin folds are prone to skin infections.
The Merle color variation is a genetic feature, that causes a mottled unique coat in French bulldogs quite different to the usual solid coat color. It is not to be confused with sable French bulldogs, which have a coat that transitions from a light fawn or cream base to darker black or brown-tipped hairs. The merle produces a more mottled color variation, however, we know now that it is strongly associated with a range of certain health issues including deafness and reduced vision. For this reason, Merle French bulldogs are among the most controversial breed variants, and one of the colors in this breed, not recognized by the major Kennel Clubs.
What is a Merle French Bulldog?
To appreciate why the Merle color appears, we need to have some understanding of genetics. Genes are what determine specific traits, like a dog’s propensity to have floppy or erect ears or their coat color.
An allele is a variation of a gene; an alternative form that has mutated. The M Locus codes for the Merle pattern. As it is a dominant gene, one copy is enough for the Merle French bulldog puppies to display the traits.
The Merle coat pattern is easy to spot. There are patches of pigment on the dog that appear diluted or washed out. Many would agree that merle French bulldogs are considered a desirable color, which is unusual and an interesting change to the more solid colors we are used to seeing.
The issue arises when the dog inherits two copies of the Merle gene (homozygous). They inherit one gene from each parent. These ‘Double Merles’ can experience a wide range of health issues including deafness, sun sensitivity, and blindness.
As every Merle dog carries the gene, they must never be bred together. Doing so would mean each puppy would be a double Merle French Bulldog. While breeding a Merle dog to one who is visibly ‘normal’ would generally be okay, there is a risk that the non-Merle dog is actually a ‘cryptic Merle’. This means, that despite looking like a regular Frenchie, they actually carry one ‘hidden’ Merle gene.
Understanding the Merle Frenchie coat
If you’ve ever seen a Merle Frenchie, you’ll likely have noticed how different they look right away. They have colors that are more unique – a dark base with diluted patches of color and skin, in an irregular pattern. As well as this, they may have striking light blue eyes, or heterochromia (one blue and one brown eye). Some will also have mottled or light pink paw pads and noses.
Merle coats are not naturally occurring within the breed and have come about due to a genetic mutation. It is only because breeders liked this mutation and bred from affected dogs, that we’ve seen a new breed variant emerge. The most common Merle variations include:
Blue Merle French Bulldog
The Blue Merle Frenchie is one of the most rare French bulldogs. It has a blue coat with darker spots or patches on a lighter background. The base color is typically gray or silver-blue with darker blue/black patches mixed throughout. Many blue Frenchies often have sparkling blue eyes or one of the eyes is blue – heterochromia (different colored eyes). This unique coat pattern has been popularised on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram making them a more in-demand color for the wrong reasons. This has meant that these dogs are bred for their color rather than a focus on health and temperament so like all Merle color Frenchies they can suffer from severe health conditions.
Blue Merle Frenchies are often referred to as being the most rare of them all, so this combined with the higher demand means these dogs can come with a hefty price tag. They often sell for between $5000 – $15,000 or more.
Lilac Merle French Bulldog
The lilac French bulldog color variation is a light silver or lavender color. They have a ‘dilute’ gene that lightens coat color, as well as the Merle gene affects, which creates patches and mottles.
Chocolate Merle French Bulldog
This breed variant has a deep ‘chocolate’ brown coat with lighter brown patches and mottling. Their eyes are generally hazel or golden, rather than blue.
Black Merle French Bulldog
Black Merle French Bulldogs feature a dramatic coat pattern with a mainly black base mixed with irregular lighter patches, creating a striking marbled effect. As with all merle frenchies, their unique color is often accompanied by striking eye colors, ranging from light blue to heterochromatic combinations, adding to their unique appearance.
Fawn Merle French Bulldog
The fawn merle French Bulldog has a warm, light tan or beige base coat with the characteristic merle pattern, it is actually a lovely blend of soft fawn tones with irregular lighter and darker patches. This color variation has a more subtle and natural-looking merle pattern than some of the rarer merles, with the traditional Frenchie fawn color as the base for the mottled markings that distinguish the merle genetic variation.
Merle Frenchies: A Brief Overview
While Frenchies have been around since the end of the 1800s, Merle Frenchies are a much more recent creation.
History of Merle Frenchies
Standard French Bulldogs do come in a wide range of ‘accepted’ solid colors including brindle, fawn, and pied (white French bulldog with brindle or fawn patches).
It is widely believed that Merle Frenchies were first bred in the early 2000’s, when the French Bulldog was crossed with other breeds that had Merle genes, including the Chihuahua and Dachshund. Prior to outbreeding, there was no record of any Merle Frenchie, as the M Locus gene was not in their natural gene pool.
This theory seems to hold true, as genetic testing of Merle Frenchies can find DNA from these other dog breeds. As well as this, anecdotally, some owners describe Merle Frenchies as having unexpected temperament traits, such as being more energetic than a typical Bulldog.
As Breed clubs became aware of the Merle variants circulating, they spoke out to warn against the potential health risks of using these dogs for breeding. Despite this, Merles remained popular. Today, due to their unusual appearance, they tend to command a higher price tag and are often seen as a status symbol.
Breed Standard and Recognition Issues with the Color Variation of the Merle French Bulldog
Internationally, there is a wide base of kennel clubs that oversee and regulate dog breeding, and who should work to ensure dogs are ethically bred and that their health is prioritized. Some of the better-known Kennel Clubs include the AKC (American Kennel Club), the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), and the United Kingdom Kennel Club.
These Kennel Clubs do not currently recognize Merle French Bulldogs, as these dogs have been outbred with other breeds, so are not classed as purebreds. One of the top aims of a Kennel Club is to preserve the breed standard and original characteristics. On top of this, they have concerns for the dog’s health, and for the potential for breeders to prioritize the worth of rare colors over anything else.
Merles cannot compete in recognized dog shows, and breeders are unable to register them with Kennel Clubs. Despite this, their cost remains high.
Health Concerns and Risks Associated with Merle French Bulldogs
Being a Merle dog means a lot more than just a different fur pattern and color. All of the pigment-containing cells in the body are affected, including melanocytes in the ear and eyes, affecting vision and hearing.
Within the Merle population, there are many pups that are blind and deaf and that suffer from eye issues including microphthalmia (shrunken eyes) and colobomas (a gap in one of the eye’s structures).
Their skin is more sensitive to the skin, due to the lack of pigment. This means a higher risk of both sunburn and skin cancer.
Double Merle Frenchies are also at increased risk of immune system disease including specific types of anemia and polyarthritis. Dogs tend to have a weaker immune system in general, making them more susceptible to infections.
Due to the way the French Bulldog is shaped, they have a much higher incidence of disease when compared to the average dog (Link). If this is complicated by adding in the Merle genes, the chance of medical issues and reduced quality of life surges.
The Double Merle French Bulldog Puppy
A double Merle is a dog that has two copies of the Merle gene; one from each parent.
It is wildly irresponsible to mate two Merle dogs, as this results in a homozygous MM (two Merle genes) Frenchie puppy population. This gene combination has severe health consequences.
Sadly, many of these puppies are so unwell that they are put to sleep early on in their life. Given the above, it is ethically wrong to breed these dogs together, and it is to be avoided at all costs.
The Ethics of Merle Breeding
Consumers are willing to pay a premium for something that is rarer, and this holds true when it comes to Merle dogs. While this is a genetic mutation that can have seriously harmful effects, this seems irrelevant to the breeders and owners who covet a Merle dog. You will see the breeders use terms such as ‘Highly rare’, ‘Much sought after’, and ‘Exceptional’ in their ads, in order to drum up interest and business.
Buyer beware though; this is a marketing tactic to make potential owners think that there is something superior about Merles. As we have learned, quite the opposite is true.
Merles are often glamourized on social media, with large followers on their Instagram or TikTok accounts. Comment after comment says how they’re ‘cute’ or ‘adorable’, but it is rare for anyone to discuss what health issues they may be dealing with.
Responsible Frenchie Puppy Options for Prospective Owners
So, what is someone in the market for a Frenchie to do? Ideally, these prospective buyers would research and find out about the many health issues that are associated with this dog’s shape and conformation and would appreciate why having the Merle gene as well, is not an attractive quality.
For those set on buying a French Bulldog, one of the best ways to minimize the chances of purchasing an unhealthy pup is to find a reputable breeder who health screens their dogs and is Kennel Club registered. Of course, this means not buying a Merle.
Those who buy Merles would preferably only buy those who have come from dogs that have been genetically tested, so it is certain that the pups do not have the MM gene pattern.
Will a Merle French Bulldog pup Cost more?
Cost is based on supply and demand, and the Merle Frenchie is known to be one of the rarest. This is especially true for certain uncommon dogs such as the Isabella French Bulldogs, Lilac Frenchies, and the rare Blue Merle French Bulldog. Depending on where you are in the world, and depending on the color variation you would be looking at a higher price range for a merle than a regular-colored Frenchie. These dogs can fetch prices upwards of $5000.
Conclusion
While visually striking and attractive in the eyes of many, Merle French Bulldogs are often linked to a range of serious medical issues. On top of this, these dogs are not recognized by the major Kennel Clubs. Even still they are readily available for sale and the demand is still high so breeders looking to make money will keep breeding them.
In the world of dog breeding, there is a fine line between choosing dogs based on their physical appearance and prioritizing their health and well-being. It is up to the public to educate themselves and it’s very important to find breeders who prioritize the health of their pups. Unfortunately, where the market for Merle pups exists, these dogs will continue to be sold, regardless of ethics.
References and Further Reading
Scientific studies on Merle genetics
- Being Merle: The Molecular Genetic Background of the Canine Merle Mutation
- The genetics of merle coat patterns in dogs
- Hereditary Deafness in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Prevalence, and Current Research
Kennel club position statements
Statements from the UK Kennel Club:
‘We only register merle dogs in breeds where this type of coat is known to traditionally appear.’
‘Dogs that have two copies of the merle gene variant, inherited from both of their parents, have an increased risk of problems with their eyes and ears, causing blindness and/or deafness’
‘Mating two merle dogs together increases the risk of their puppies having health issues and could have a serious impact on their health and welfare. For this reason, we do not register dogs from merle-to-merle mating’.
Statements from the AKC:
‘It’s essential to DNA test before you breed any dog from a breed or family known to produce merle.’
‘Although beautiful and unique, this color can also be associated with health problems, primarily deafness and blindness. Awareness is key to responsible breeding; it is not recommended to breed two merles together’.
Veterinary resources on French Bulldog health:
Dr Linda Simon
