Merle French Bulldogs, also known as “Frenchie Merles,” are French Bulldogs that have a merle pattern on their coat.
This coat pattern is characterized by irregularly shaped patches of color on a solid or piebald background.
The merle gene is a dominant gene, meaning that only one copy of the gene is needed for the merle pattern to appear.
French Bulldogs with Merle coats come in seven different colors: blue, blue-fawn, Isabella, chocolate, pied, black, and fluffy.
The Isabella Merle French Bulldog is the rarest variety; it has a hard-to-find color pattern that increases its desirability among pet owners.
However, the merle gene can also cause health problems such as deafness and blindness, so it is important to purchase a Merle French Bulldog from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents.
Due to the potential health issues, some French Bulldog breeders and organizations do not support breeding for the merle coat pattern.
It’s important to research and carefully consider all the potential risks before getting a Merle French Bulldog.
Let us begin!
1. The merle in Merle French Bulldogs is a particular genetic disorder
Yes, that’s correct.
The merle gene is a genetic condition that creates a unique coat pattern on a dog’s coat.
This pattern is characterized by irregularly shaped patches of color on a solid or piebald background.
Research by vets proves that this information is 100% valid. (1)
The merle gene can affect dogs of many different breeds, not just French Bulldogs.
The coat color can vary depending on the breed, but common colors include blue, chocolate, and lilac.
It’s important to keep in mind that the merle gene can also cause certain health issues, such as deafness and blindness, so it’s important to purchase a Merle French Bulldog from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents.
2. Double Merle
A double merle, also known as a homozygous merle, is a dog that has inherited two copies of the merle gene.
This can occur when both parents are merle-colored and pass on the gene to their offspring.
Double merles have a much more pronounced merle pattern and are often much lighter in color than single merles.
Double merles also have a higher risk of health problems, such as deafness, blindness, and eye defects.
Because of this, many breeders consider double merles to be undesirable and will not breed them.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks before getting a double merle dog, and to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents.
3. Merle French Bulldogs with a single copy of the M allele develop the merle coat
No, the merle coat is produced when a dog has two copies of the merle allele (M/M).
A dog that has only one copy of the merle allele (M/N) is considered a “single merle” and will have a less pronounced merle pattern than a dog that has two copies of the allele (M/M) also known as double merle.
Have a look at what researchers say about this fact! (2)
A single merle can also pass on the merle allele to its offspring, so breeding two single merles together can result in some offspring being double merles.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of breeding merle dogs, as the merle gene can also cause certain health issues, such as deafness and blindness.
It’s important to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents and follow the guidelines of the breed club and/or reputable organizations when breeding merle dogs.
4. Merle French Bulldogs have blue eyes
Merle French Bulldogs may have blue eyes, but it is not a guarantee.
The merle gene can cause eye color changes in some dogs, including blue eyes, but not all merle dogs will have blue eyes.
Some may have one blue eye or no blue eyes at all. In addition, the merle gene is associated with an increased risk of eye defects, such as cataracts and colobomas, which can lead to blindness.
Therefore, it is important to purchase a Merle French Bulldog from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, including eye testing, to ensure that the dog is healthy.
5. French Bulldogs With Merle Coats Cost More Than Regular French Bulldogs
Merle French Bulldogs may be more expensive than regular French Bulldogs due to their unique coat pattern.
Some breeders may charge more for merle French Bulldogs due to the rarity of the coat pattern and the increased demand for these dogs.
Additionally, breeding merle French Bulldogs can also be more expensive due to the potential for health issues, which may require additional veterinary care and testing.
Some expert researchers say that buying a Merle French Bulldog is a waste of money! (3)
However, it’s important to note that price should not be the only factor considered when purchasing a dog.
It’s crucial to research the breeder and check the parents’ health clearances and the breed standard before making a decision.
It’s also important to note that the merle coloration is not accepted by some breed standards and some breeders and organizations do not support breeding for the merle coat pattern due to potential health risks.
6. Finding Merle French Bulldogs might be challenging because they are not common
Merle French Bulldogs can be somewhat rare and it may be difficult to find one, as not all French Bulldog breeders breed for the merle coat pattern.
Some breeders may not breed for this pattern because of the potential health issues associated with the merle gene, or because it is not accepted by the breed standard.
Additionally, some organizations do not support breeding for the merle coat pattern in French Bulldogs.
Therefore, it may take some time and effort to find a reputable breeder who has Merle French Bulldogs available.
It’s important to research carefully, ask for health clearances and consider the risks before getting a Merle French Bulldog.
7. Merle French Bulldogs are not purebred
Merle French Bulldogs are purebred French Bulldogs, but the merle coat pattern is not a recognized color by the AKC standard for the breed.
The AKC standard recognizes only fawn, brindle, white, and combinations of those colors.
Therefore, dogs with the merle coat pattern may not be eligible for AKC conformation shows, although they can still be registered with the AKC and participate in other AKC events such as obedience, agility, and therapy dog.
It’s important to note that breeding for a merle coat pattern in French Bulldogs is not supported by some breeders, organizations, and breed clubs.
Merle coat pattern is not common in French Bulldogs and it is associated with certain health risks.
It’s important to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, before getting a Merle French Bulldog.
8. Health Concerns Affect Merle French Bulldogs
Merle French Bulldogs, like other dogs with the merle coat pattern, may be at an increased risk of certain health issues.
The merle gene can cause changes in the pigmentation of the eyes, which can lead to an increased risk of eye defects such as cataracts and colobomas and can also cause deafness in one or both ears.
These health issues can occur in single-merle and double-merle dogs.
In certain research by experts, the health hazards of the merle french bulldogs have been significantly proven! (4)
It’s important to purchase a Merle French Bulldog from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, including eye testing, to ensure that the dog is healthy.
It’s also important to note that breeding for the merle coat pattern in French Bulldogs is not supported by some breeders, organizations, and breed clubs due to the potential health risks.
It’s important to research carefully and consider the potential risks before getting a Merle French Bulldog.
Regular vet check-ups and eye, ears, and genetic testing are essential to ensure the health of the dog and detect any potential issues early on.
9. There is a heated argument about whether purchasing a merle French bulldog is morally acceptable
There is a debate among breeders and dog enthusiasts over the ethics of breeding and purchasing a merle French Bulldog.
Some argue that the unique coat pattern is desirable and that with proper health testing, merle French Bulldogs can be healthy pets.
However, others argue that the potential health risks associated with the merle gene outweigh the benefits of the unique coat pattern and that breeding and purchasing a merle French Bulldog is not ethical.
It’s important to note that the merle coat pattern is not recognized by the AKC standard for French Bulldogs, and it’s not supported by some breeders, organizations, and breed clubs due to the potential health risks.
Some of the potential risks include deafness, blindness, and eye defects. (4)
Before getting a Merle French Bulldog, it’s important to research carefully and consider the potential risks, purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, and follow the guidelines of the breed club and/or reputable organizations.
It’s also important to consider the ethics of breeding and purchasing a merle French Bulldog, as well as ensuring that the dog will have a happy and healthy life.
10. Unique Pattern Holders
Merle is a special pattern in a dog’s coat, characterized by irregularly shaped patches of color on a solid or piebald background.
The merle gene can affect dogs of many different breeds, not just French Bulldogs, and can come in a variety of colors such as blue, chocolate, and lilac. (1)
This coat pattern is caused by a genetic mutation and is considered a dominant gene.
This means that only one copy of the gene is needed for the merle pattern to appear.
However, it’s important to note that the merle gene is associated with an increased risk of health issues, such as deafness, blindness, and eye defects.
This is the reason why breeding for this coat pattern in French Bulldogs is not supported by some breeders, organizations, and breed clubs.
It’s important to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents before getting a Merle French Bulldog.
11. Merle French Bulldogs are banned by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Merle French Bulldogs can participate in AKC events such as obedience, agility, and therapy dog, but they may not be eligible for AKC confirmation shows.
The AKC standard for French Bulldogs recognizes only fawn, brindle, white, and combinations of those colors, and the merle coat pattern is not recognized by the AKC standard for the breed.
Therefore, dogs with the merle coat pattern may not be eligible to compete in AKC conformation shows, which focus on judging a dog’s adherence to the breed standard.
It’s important to note that while a Merle French Bulldog may not be eligible for AKC confirmation shows, it can still be registered with the AKC and participate in other AKC events such as obedience, agility, and therapy dog.
Furthermore, it’s important to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, before getting a Merle French Bulldog.
12. Merle French Bulldogs are Loving and Fun-Loving Dogs
All dogs, regardless of their coat pattern or color, have their own unique personalities and temperaments. Merle French Bulldogs, like other French Bulldogs, are known for being fun-loving, affectionate, and loyal companions.
They are known to be great with children and other animals and make excellent family pets.
They are playful, loving, and have a sweet disposition.
They are also known for their clownish and comical nature which makes them a great source of entertainment and joy to the family.
However, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual and may have its own unique personality, which is not determined by its coat pattern or color.
It’s important to research the breed and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with information about the temperament of the specific dog you are interested in.
It’s also important to consider the potential health risks associated with the merle gene and ensure that the dog will have a happy and healthy life.
13. Crossing two Merle French Bulldogs is a really bad idea
It is generally not recommended to breed two merle dogs together, as the offspring have a high risk of being double merle (homozygous merle) which can have severe health issues.
Double merles have a much more pronounced merle pattern and are often much lighter in color than single merles.
Double merles also have a higher risk of health problems, such as deafness, blindness, and eye defects. (4)
Double merles are produced when both parents are merle-colored and pass on the merle allele to their offspring.
When two merle dogs are bred together, there is a high chance that the offspring will be double merles, which can have serious health issues.
Therefore, it is important for breeders to be aware of the potential risks and not to breed two merle dogs together.
It’s important to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, and follow the guidelines of the breed club and/or reputable organizations when breeding merle dogs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Merle French Bulldogs are purebred French Bulldogs that have a unique coat pattern caused by the merle gene.
This coat pattern is characterized by irregularly shaped patches of color on a solid or piebald background and can come in a variety of colors such as blue, chocolate, and lilac.
However, the merle gene is associated with an increased risk of health issues, such as deafness, blindness, and eye defects.
This is the reason why breeding for this coat pattern in French Bulldogs is not supported by some breeders, organizations, and breed clubs.
It’s important to research carefully and purchase from a reputable breeder who has done health testing on the parents, and follow the guidelines of the breed club and/or reputable organizations when breeding or getting a Merle French Bulldog.
Merle French Bulldogs can participate in AKC events such as obedience, agility, and therapy dog, but they may not be eligible for AKC conformation shows, as the merle coat pattern is not recognized by the AKC standard for the breed.
It’s also important to consider the ethical aspect of breeding and purchasing a Merle French Bulldog, and ensure that the dog will have a happy and healthy life, regular vet check-ups, and genetic testing are important to ensure the health of the dog and detect any potential issues early on.
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