Merle Chihuahuas: Truths & Facts About This Controversial Coat

Merle French Bulldogs have become one of the most sought-after colour variations of the French Bulldog breed. Their distinctive speckled or mottled coat pattern, often combined with striking blue or heterochromatic eyes, has captured the hearts of many dog lovers. However, there are several important considerations when it comes to merle French Bulldogs, including their health, genetics, and ethical breeding practices.

What Is a Merle French Bulldog?

A merle French Bulldog is a French Bulldog that carries the merle gene, which creates a distinctive mottled coat pattern. The merle gene dilutes random sections of the coat, creating patches of colour alongside the normal base coat colour. This results in a unique and eye-catching appearance that distinguishes them from standard French Bulldogs.

Merle French Bulldog Colours

Merle French Bulldogs can come in a variety of colour combinations due to the nature of the merle gene. Some of the most common merle French Bulldog colours include:

• Blue Merle: This is perhaps the most common and recognisable merle colouration, featuring a grey-blue base coat with darker blue/grey patches.
• Black Merle: A black base coat with lighter patches throughout.
• Lilac Merle: A diluted version of the blue merle, featuring a lighter, almost lavender-coloured base coat with patches of a slightly darker hue.
• Chocolate Merle: A brown base coat with patches of lighter or darker brown, creating a beautiful chocolate marble effect.

Merle French Bulldog Health Issues

While merle French Bulldogs are undoubtedly beautiful, the merle gene is linked to a number of significant health issues, particularly when two merle dogs are bred together (known as double merle or homozygous merle). When two merle dogs are bred, there is a 25% chance of producing a double merle puppy, which can suffer from serious health issues including:

• Vision problems: Double merle dogs can suffer from a range of eye problems, from minor issues such as increased sensitivity to light to severe problems such as microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) or complete blindness.
• Hearing problems: Double merle dogs have a higher risk of deafness or hearing loss, which can range from partial hearing loss to complete deafness.
• Neurological issues: Some double merle dogs may also suffer from neurological problems.

Even single merle French Bulldogs can have an increased risk of certain health issues compared to non-merle French Bulldogs, including a higher risk of eye and hearing problems.

Is the Merle Gene Natural to French Bulldogs?

The merle gene is not naturally occurring in French Bulldogs. To introduce the merle gene, French Bulldogs were typically crossbred with other merle breeds, such as Chihuahuas or Dachshunds, though the exact origin can vary. This means that many ‘merle’ French Bulldogs are technically not purebred French Bulldogs, which is a significant consideration for those interested in pedigree breeding.

Merle French Bulldogs and the Kennel Club

The Kennel Club (KC) in the UK does not recognise the merle colouration in French Bulldogs as a breed standard colour. As a result, merle French Bulldogs cannot be registered with the KC. This is an important consideration for potential buyers, as KC registration is often used as an indicator of responsible breeding practices and adherence to breed standards.

Merle French Bulldog Prices

Due to their unique appearance and high demand, merle French Bulldogs are often sold at higher prices than standard French Bulldogs. However, potential buyers should be cautious. The high price does not necessarily reflect better health or ethical breeding practices. It’s crucial to research any breeder thoroughly before making a purchase. Ensure that health tests have been carried out, that the puppies have been raised in a home environment, and that you can see the puppies with their mother before committing to a purchase.