What is a Brindle French Bulldog?
Brindle relates to a specific patterning that can appear on a Frenchie. The pattern itself is often compared to tiger stripes due to it’s alternating pattern of light and darker colors. In order for the Brindle pattern to appear a certain set of genetics need to be present this is located in the K Locus. The Brindle affect itself is a dominant trait in Frenchie’s this means it only needs to be passed on by one parent to appear in the offspring.
Due to Brindle being a pattern rather than a Color it is possible to have the Brindle affect in a variety of colors. Also with it being a dominant gene it is not a rare sight to see a Frenchie with Brindling although some colors do mask this.
What Colors can a Brindle French Bulldog be?
Black Brindle French Bulldog
The typical Brindle Color people think of is a mix of Brown/Black striping. This is the combination which you will see most often on a French Bulldog and is also the most common combination seen. There are however a number of other colors that can have a Brindle effect.
Blue Brindle French Bulldog
In order to have a Blue Brindle a certain set of recessive genes need to be present. This requires the dilution gene which lightens the base coat color. This is often referred to as the Blue gene and is found in the D Locus. Due to this being a recessive gene it is much rarer and requires both parents to pass on the coloring.
The Brindling effect on a Blue coat will lead to lighter and darker shades of Blue throughout. Breeders often try to avoid the Brindle pattern but it is highly popular with pet owners due to the beautiful patterns it can produce.
Reverse Brindle French Bulldog
Reverse Brindle relates to a phenomenon where the Brindle effect appears to be in reverse due to larger areas of lighter color. Whilst this would appear as though it would be down to separate genetics it is no different to a regular Brindle. The amount of Brindle appearing on a dog can vary wildly which leads to some being described as Reverse Brindle. It is also worth noting that some Frenchie’s can be Brindle with it only appearing in very few areas usually on their flank.
Brindle & White French Bulldog
As with any other French Bulldog it is common to have white markings usually on it’s underside. Whilst these parts of the Frenchie will not be Brindle it does not stop the rest of the coat from showing the Brindle effect. This can result in the darker areas of coat being Brindle with White areas.
Brindle Pied French Bulldog
Similar to the the Brindle and White French Bulldog the White areas will not be brindled but the spots will be. This can create a very unique look in that there are patterned spotted areas on a most white dog.
Lilac Brindle French Bulldog & Isabella Brindle French Bulldog
Whilst very similar in appearance Lilac and Isabella are two different types of chocolate coloring which has been diluted by the Blue gene. Similar to other shades these can also be affected by the brindle pattern. As with any diluted color the Brindle pattern does not show up as clearly as it does with Brown/Black. You will however be able to note brindling of the Lilac coloring.
Chocolate Brindle French Bulldog
There are two different ways a Chocolate dog can exist. This relates to the Brown gene also known as Testable Chocolate and the Cocoa gene. These are very similar in looks and the only way to tell the difference is usually through a DNA test. You should expect to see lighter shades of chocolate mixed in with darker in this coloring.
Are Brindle French Bulldogs More Expensive?
A standard brindle Frenchie is likely to be the cheapest type of French Bulldog available. It is worth noting however that even the cheapest Frenchie’s are expensive in comparison to other breeds. Once you start mixing in rarer colors the price is likely to rise but still be below there non brindle versions. This is due to Brindle being undesirable in the eyes of a number of breeders who are breeding purely for coloring. The below gives an idea of the prices you should expect to see from a reputable breeder.
| Puppy Color | Expected Cost |
| Black Brindle French Bulldog Puppy | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Blue Brindle French Bulldog Puppy | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Reverse Brindle French Bulldog Puppy | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Brindle & White French Bulldog Puppy | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Lilac Brindle French Bulldog Puppy | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Isabella Brindle French Bulldog Puppy | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Brindle Pied French Bulldog Puppy | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Chocolate Brindle French Bulldog Puppy | $2,000 – $3,000 |
Are Brindle French Bulldogs Purebred
Brindle is a recognised Color by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and therefore these dogs can be considered purebred. However if they were crossbred then it is perfectly reasonable that those offspring could also be Brindle. It is therefore important if you want certainty to look at the lineage and you can also find out more information through DNA testing.
French Bulldog History
Surprisingly the first French Bulldogs weren’t bred in France but in England. They were originally bred from the English Bulldog breed and were referred to as Toy Bulldogs. It was the lace industry cantered around Nottingham where they were at the height of popularity.
They were largely migrated to France along with the lace industry itself where they were renamed Bouledogue Francais. From here they were popularised and often referred to in tandem with the nightlife of Paris at the turn of the 20th Century. There are many iconic images of women working in Parisian Brothels accompanied by their French Bulldogs and it was captured within postcards of the time.
Eventually the popularity of this breed began to spread worldwide and has been popular amongst a range of people. They were once the pet of choice of Tatiana Romanov of the Russian Royal Family and there is even one recorded as going down sadly on the titanic.
French Bulldog Health Problems
It is widely accepted that French Bulldogs have a large number of health concerns. Whilst good breeding can alleviate some of the issues below is a list of common health problems, how to spot them and manage them if possible.
Allergies
Whilst not unique to Frenchies they are known to suffer more than other breeds. This will usually display in red/raw patches often around their paws. Also it can show through watery eyes, ear infections or sneezing. If you suspect allergy issues it is best to discuss with a vet around possible treatments.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS)
Due to their short snouts it can lead to issues around their breathing. This usually results in snoring and noisy breathing. It can however lead to retching, regurgitaion and vomiting and it certainly lowers their tolerance to heat. Due to this it’s best to ensure they are not over exposed to heat as this can quickly turn into heat stroke due to their inability to cool themselves quickly.
Skin Fold Dermatitis
Whilst we love their wrinkles and skinfolds it can lead to issues within these folds. It is important these areas are checked for redness and sores, you will usually see your Frenchie attempting to lick/scratch any irritated areas.
Ear Infections
Due to the shape of the French Bulldog they can have issues in keeping their ears clean. Often these areas become breeding grounds for bacteria. In order to clean them the first rule is not to put anything inside the ear, this often just compacts any dirt within the ear. It is best to use an ear cleaner to break down the dirt.
Corneal Ulcers
As a result of the eyes standing more predominately on their face they are at risk of eye issues. They can also be born with small amounts of tissue sticking out of their eye. If you notice this or any redness/lumps around the eye your best bet is a trip to the vet.
Back and Spine issues
Unfortunately it is more common in Frenchie’s for them to have issues around their back and necks. This often results in back pain and sometimes slipped discs. Often these issues will display themselves later in life and it is best to consult a vet.
