Black French Bulldog: Appearance, Genetics, Pictures & Facts

The black French Bulldog has a pure black coat that is absolute eye candy, especially for people who adore dark colors. Pairing their unique color with their excellent temperaments, they sure are a great pet choice.

But despite their stunning appearance, the dog lover community does not encourage reproducing the black French Bulldog’s beauty. Unfortunately, the reason behind this is not known to many. 

To properly educate every dog parent or future owner, this guide will discuss everything there is to know about the black French Bulldog!

What Is a Black French Bulldog?

A black French Bulldog is a Frenchie that sports a full black coat. A true black Frenchie should be purely black with no trace of brindle or other common colors found in standard Frenchies. They may be purebred or a result of crossbreeding with black canines.

Though their color is different from the usual, black Frenchies have the same physique, personalities, as well as health concerns as the standard Frenchie. 

The only downside is that a black French Bulldog can cost you more than the standard-colored French Bulldog. 

On the same note, no matter how beautiful this pooch is, some are not accepted as a “natural” breed. 

They are considered designer dogs as they are only produced for the sake of selling them for their unique coat color, just like the merle Frenchie.

This means that any breeder who focuses on producing black Frenchies is probably unreliable. 

As a result, the canine community discourages everyone from supporting unethical breeders who produce this innocent pooch. 

Are Black French Bulldogs Rare?

The black French Bulldog is a rare Frenchie variety. They aren’t as easily available as the other nine standard colors recognized by the American Kennel Club.

There are three main reasons why black French Bulldogs are rare. The first one is the innate rarity of their color. They do not appear in a litter on their own, so they are intentionally bred.

This leads to the second reason which concerns their health. Many of these designer black Frenchies may not make it to adulthood due to being born weaker or with more complications compared to a standard Frenchie.

As a result, the community urges breeders to stop producing all black Frenchies as it is cruel knowing they will only suffer from various health issues. 

The third and final reason, as you may have guessed, is the low supply. Only a few breeders want to produce them, afraid that they may not earn due to the diseases these pooches may carry.

Nevertheless, it’s still possible for a pure black Frenchie puppy to be born naturally. It can happen if it is mixed with a black Pug. However, this will mean that it will no longer be considered purebred. 

Black French Bulldog Appearance

A black French Bulldog looks precisely the same as the common French Bulldog except for its pure black coat. Their coat should have no spots, stripes, or other colors blended in, just all black. 

To find out if a Frenchie is indeed a true black French Bulldog, their all-black fur will look much darker and shiny like silk fabric. This is even more accentuated if they are from the fluffy Frenchie variety.

You can check out this video to see what a black French Bulldog looks like:

Note that the black Frenchie may look slightly different if they were made by crossing with a Pug. 

Sure they would have a shiny black coat, but their features may differ. For instance, they would have wrinkly faces and stouter legs.

Nevertheless, all black French Bulldogs may have blue eyes or yellow eyes. In rare cases, their eye colors can be heterochromatic. 

However, no matter how visually pleasing the black Frenchie looks with its unusual eyes, this is not normal for a French Bulldog. 

These are often clear indications of a medical problem. But, we will go into that in a later section. 

As for the black Frenchie’s size, you can expect them to stand at 11 to 13 inches and weigh no more than 28 pounds according to the American Kennel Club standards.

Black French Bulldog Color Genetics

The French Bulldog does have the color black in its genes. However, it is normally inactive. These inactive genes can be found within the A-locus, also known as the A gene. 

For a dog to be purely black, it must have two copies of the recessive black genes within the A-locus. However, this can rarely occur naturally. 

Breeders will intentionally pair dogs that carry the black genes to manipulate their DNAs in hopes of producing a black French Bulldog puppy. 

If a dog carries these unnatural genes, it will be at high risk of also taking the deaf and blind genes, which they can pass to their offspring. 

On another note, crossing a standard Frenchie with the Pug breed is a simple way to produce the recessive black gene without fearing the occurrence of possible health issues.

Do Black French Bulldog Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

A true black French Bulldog puppy will not change color as they grow. If the color black is active in their genes, it will stay the same as they mature.

The only time their color would change is if their coat is black brindle all along. Brindle-colored puppies will develop white spots as they reach old age.

It is also possible that their coat may change due to sunlight exposure, health issues, medication, and aging. However, the changes will be subtle and almost unnoticeable.

Does AKC Recognize Black French Bulldogs? 

Black French Bulldogs can’t be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) because they are considered unnatural and are not encouraged to be bred.

Even if you can manage to register your pooch to a kennel club, the chance of participating in dog shows or competitions is still low. 

Nevertheless, if you own a black Frenchie produced by crossing with a Pug, you can register it with the American Canine Hybrid Club. This organization acknowledges almost all mixed breeds including your black Frenchie hybrid.

Black French Bulldog Temperament and Personality 

Black Frenchies make good family dogs because of their outgoing personality. Just like standard Frenchies, they tolerate children, and they love playing with their families. 

This pooch also enjoys cuddling and showing its affection for its owners, no matter whether they are male or female. Plus, they are quite alert, so they can provide adequate security to your clan.

But despite qualifying as a watchdog, they are not guard dogs and should not be treated as one. 

Black Frenchies cannot fight for your sake, and the best they can do is alarm you in case of any threat. 

They are also known to be quieter compared to other dogs, so do not expect that they’ll perform the same as a Doberman.

Of course, they can still vocalize from time to time. But generally, many Frenchies tend to bark less, unlike other dogs. If it is of any help, their black color might scare burglars out, but definitely not their bark.

As for strangers and other pets, black Frenchies, especially the teacup size, are quite friendly to them. Even though they are wary in the beginning, they warm up quickly, unlike other breeds. 

Black French Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues 

The average black French Bulldog can live between 10 and 15 years. However, they can only live up to these numbers when given proper medical treatment. 

Unfortunately, black Frenchies are not as healthy as people want them to be. Many of them are born with a lot of health defects, including ear and eye problems. 

This could lead to issues related to balance, which may give some Frenchies a hard time with walking or running. Aside from these, there are also a couple of other health issues to expect from a black French Bulldog. 

Here is a summarized list of common illnesses a black French Bulldog may have:

• Early Blindness: A black French Bulldog with blue eyes may be born blind, partially blind, or fall victim to early blindness because of its unnatural eye color. As mentioned earlier, they can carry the blind gene due to the method used in breeding them.
• Collapsing Trachea: Brachycephalic dogs like the black Frenchie are prone to tracheal collapse. It’s a respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing and severe dry coughs. It’s possible for a black Frenchie to be born with it. 
• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Similar to collapsing trachea, this syndrome is also due to the black Frenchie being a brachycephalic breed. They are at high risk of developing abnormalities in their respiratory system. It can cause breathing problems, fainting, or collapsing after minimal physical activities. 

If the black Frenchie is a hybrid between a standard Frenchie and a Pug, their brachycephalic-related issues may worsen, too. The majority of their health issues may be congenital.

The only option a black Frenchie owner has is to provide all medical support to keep the pooch as healthy as possible. 

However, there are still cases where the black French Bulldog is not severely affected by these common problems. 

How Much Does a Black French Bulldog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses 

Knowing how rare a black French Bulldog is, you can expect their price to be more expensive than common French Bulldogs. A black Frenchie puppy may cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000. 

This price is only an average estimate, and they may still cost more depending on a variety of factors like age, location, size, and training.

If you are lucky to find an available black Frenchie, you should also be ready for the initial expenses of tending to their needs.

Here is a table featuring all the initial expenses needed by a black French Bulldog: 

As a small breed, you can already expect lesser expenses for their meals. However, you must never go short when it comes to their vitamins and medical needs. 

This is to ensure that your black Frenchie will live their life in the best way possible.

Also, it might be beneficial to get them pet insurance so you are prepared for emergencies.

Places to Find Black French Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you are truly set on finding a black French Bulldog, there are a few sources you can contact. 

Since most reputable breeders discourage producing black Frenchies, finding one will be a challenge. Luckily, I’m here to help.

Here’s a list of breeders that can potentially offer a black Frenchie puppy:

• Lindor French Bulldogs – Lindor French Bulldogs is one of the popular black Frenchie breeders today. They’re a family-owned kennel and have been breeding Frenchies for 15 years. They carefully breed their dogs, allowing them to produce the best solid black French Bulldog puppies you can find.
• Designer French Bulldogs – As the breeder’s name implies, this group is focused on producing designer puppies like the black Frenchie. They promote blue, lilac, and black Frenchies, so keep checking their list of available litter or try to contact them via Facebook or Instagram.
• Blue Haven French Bulldogs – Blue Haven is a breeder that supports the existence of exotic colored French Bulldogs like the black Frenchie. They’re a family-owned kennel and ensure that each puppy they offer is well-trained and socialized. However, since they are a small team, their puppies are always limited, and buyers need to reserve fast.

If you still want to keep looking for a black Frenchie, we recommend checking out shelters and rescue organizations near you for an adoptable dog. 

Here’s a list of reputable rescues that you may contact for a black Frenchie puppy:

• Chicago French Bulldog Rescue – The Chicago French Bulldog Rescue is one of the most trusted groups you can find in the United States. They rescue all kinds of French Bulldogs they come across. Most of their French Bulldog rescues come from puppy mills and neglected homes.
• French Bulldog Rescue Organization – Similar to the first group, this organization rescues any type of Frenchies, including the black variety. They have been rescuing French Bulldogs since 2001, and their main goals are the three Rs: rescue, rehabilitate, rehome.
• French Bulldog Village (FBV) – This group rescues black Frenchies from breeders who do not follow ethical breeding methods. Additionally, they also work by supporting other rescue groups and private rescuers to give the best life for their rescued Frenchies.

In the end, pure black Frenchies will always be rare, and we encourage everyone to adopt rather than shop. After all, standard and black Frenchies are the same dog only with different coats.

Dog Name Ideas for Black French Bulldog Puppies

Don’t know what to name your black French Bulldog? Don’t fret. Here are some of the best black French Bulldog names to choose from!

• Cosmos
• Mickey
• Ebony
• Nyx
• Oreo
• Caviar
• Chess
• Smoke
• Inky
• Pepper
• Carbon
• Liquorice
• Obsidian
• Ember
• Darth
• Dusk
• Sirius
• Dementor
• Lead
• Olive
• Frodo
• Coal
• Raisin
• Morpheus
• Ash
• Black beauty
• Shadow
• Dr. Pepper
• Thunder
• Cruella
• Humbug
• Salem
• Maleficent
• Ursula
• Blackberry
• Vortex

Sometimes, you would have to use a few names before your black Frenchie decides which one they would respond to. This process might be simple but also requires lots of patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black French Bulldogs Purebred? 

Yes, most black French Bulldogs are purebred. They are easier to produce by breeding two French Bulldogs with an active black dolor DNA. 

However, some black French Bulldogs can also be the product of crossing a standard Frenchie with a black Pug.

Do Black French Bulldogs Shed? 

Yes, black French Bulldogs shed as much as a regular French Bulldog does. They shed minimally all year long. Their winter coat sheds right before and during the warm season.

What Frenchie Color Is Most Expensive? 

The most expensive Frenchie color is the new shade called “isabella.” This is an exotic color also referred to as “true lilac.” 

Its average price can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $40,000 or even higher if you purchase it with breeding rights. 

This color is a combination of the chocolate Frenchie and the blue Frenchie. However, the chocolate shade is more prominent in an isabella French Bulldog.

Final Thoughts

The black French Bulldog is clearly a stunning, unique dog. However, given their health issues, their quality of life may not be the same as a normal French Bulldog. 

They should be properly cared for in order to live a long and healthy life. If you are up for this challenge and are really a fan of the black coat, then, by all means, find a reliable breeder who can provide you with this charming pooch.

What are your thoughts about the black Frenchie? Let us know in the comments below.