French Bulldogs are really popular in the United States. They come second in the list of the most popular dog breeds in this county, losing only to Labrador Retrievers. Talking about French Bulldogs, they vary in color. Among the varieties, blue and lilac French Bulldogs are the most popular ones.
When blue and lilac French Bulldogs are still puppies or young, it might be hard to differentiate between them. For those who just got one of them, you may be wondering if your French Bulldog is blue or lilac. So, how do you know if your French Bulldog is blue or lilac?
Actually, it is not that hard to differentiate between blue and lilac French Bulldogs as they are not only different in terms of genetics but also in terms of personality traits. Check out some of their differences below so that it would be easy for you to differentiate them:
- Gene
The bluish coat that blue French Bulldogs have comes from a dilute black gene. Apparently, it is a rare mutation of the MLPH locus. This gene is the one that causes the eumelanin pigment of the dog to dilute or lighten to a gray-blue color without affecting the light brown pheomelanin pigment of the dog. The sad news is that dogs with this gene tend to suffer from a genetic disease called Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA. This kind of disease can cause hair loss due to structural abnormality.
One of the reasons why the blue color is not included in the standard colors by AKC is because it is not only rare but also can cause health issues. The blue French Bulldogs are bred by the breeders by breeding two blue carriers in order to increase the chance of producing an all blue litter. As for the blue French Bulldogs that are produced by non-blue carriers have a special mutation on their Chromosome 25. This kind of mutation is really rare and only happens 1-5% of the time.
On the other hand, lilac French Bulldogs have a dilute brown gene. These dogs are produced by breeding a blue French Bulldog and a brown French Bulldog with blue DNA. Unlike the blue French Bulldogs they do not show traces of brown in their coat. Instead, they have the coat that is dusted and looks purple in the light. Compared to the blue French Bulldogs, they are also harder to breed as they are known as a product of multi-recessive coat coloration. If one wants to produce a perfect lilac puppy, they have to use two dogs that possess two identical pairs of alleles of the brown gene (b/b), the dilute gene (d/d) or both (b/d).
- Appearance
Blue French Bulldogs are bigger than lilac French Bulldogs in size. The blue ones usually stand at around 13 inches in height. As for lilac ones, they rarely surpass 11 to 12 inches. Just like their height, their weights are also different. Blue French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 pounds, which is heavier compared to the average French Bulldogs. As for lilac French Bulldogs, they are much lighter at around 20 pounds.
Apparently, French Bulldogs that are born with bluish eye colors, similar to the ones owned by cats. As they age, the pigment of their eyes darkens to the color brown. However, it is different with the blue and lilac French Bulldogs. The color of their eyes remains the same even after they turn into adults. Usually, their eyes are blue, crystal blue or green. In case the eyes of the puppy turn darker as it grows, the color of their fur may change instead.
- Characteristics
The blue French Bulldogs are known to be small in size. They are also friendly and have a relaxed demeanor. As for the lilac French Bulldogs, they are affectionate and love to be around their owners. They are attention seekers. They will try their best to get attention from humans.
When it comes to intelligence, French Bulldogs in general are smart. With their intelligence, it will be easy to train them as long as everything is fun. Talking about training, please do not give the lilac French Bulldogs a training with high intensity as they are small in size. Aside from that, agility courses are also not recommended. They only need a daily exercise session every day. Due to the fact that the blue French Bulldogs are not particularly athletic, avoiding any obstacles that require climbing, twisting, or jumping is better. However, it is fine if it is suitable for a little breed.
- Health factors
According to A-Z Animals, lilac French Bulldogs have the average lifespan of 12 years. As for blue French Bulldogs they can live longer up to 14 years as long as they are healthy.
What about their health issues? Are blue and lilac French Bulldogs fragile? In general, French Bulldogs are prone to allergies, hemivertebrae, intervertebral disk disease, cleft palate, hip dysplasia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, and other ailments. Compared to the lilac ones, blue French Bulldogs are known for having the most health issues. They have blue dog alopecia that also affects the other dog breeds.
To sum it up, check out the following table:
| Comparison | Blue French Bulldog | Lilac French Bulldog |
| Height | 11 – 12 inches | 11 – 13 inches |
| Weight | Up to 20 lbs. | Up to 28lbs. |
| Coat type | Short, fine | Short, dense |
| Colors | Purplish gray, lilac | Bluish gray |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, laidback | Friendly, relaxed, easily agitated |
| Trainability | Easy to train, avoid high intensity techniques | Easy to train, not athletic |
| Life expectancy | Up to 12 years | Up to 14 years |
| Health issues | Less than average health | Most health issues of Bulldog breeds |
It should be easy for you to differentiate blue and lilac French Bulldogs after reading the information above. Now, can you tell about your French Bulldog? Is it blue or lilac? Did you guess it right? Are you satisfied with the color of your dog?
