The grey French Bulldog is one of the most controversial pets In the canine world. While many pet enthusiasts love them, grey Frenchies are frowned upon by others. But what exactly makes this dog the talk of the town?
The grey Frenchie is well-loved by many fanciers because of its unusual bluish coat. However, a lot of critics are quick to tag them as sickly and unstable because their health and temperament were set aside to achieve their color.
If you find all these intriguing, then you’re in for a treat! This guide details everything you need to know about the grey Frenchie, including the controversies that make them a trending breed color.
What Is a Grey French Bulldog?
A grey French Bulldog is not a separate breed but a color variant of the French Bulldog. Its rare color is a result of a dilute gene that affects black and liver-colored coats. Often, this color variation is also called the blue French Bulldog.
A gray French Bulldog’s color comes in several variations like the blue merle, blue pied, blue fawn, and blue brindle.
Interestingly, the dilute gene that indicates their coat color also affects the shade of their eyes. You can actually find a grey Frenchie with grey or blue irises.
Generally, grey Frenchies do not differ much from their other-colored cousins aside from being prone to more health issues. These dogs also have short noses, large square heads, and wrinkled faces.
A gray Frenchie can also be smaller than a standard French Bulldog. This is especially true if it is born from a teacup Frenchie parent. Likewise, while rare, it can also sport a fluffy coat similar to that of a fluffy French Bulldog.
Are Grey French Bulldogs Rare?
Although grey is the trendiest among all the French Bulldog colors, the process of creating these pooches is not easy. Thus, they are considered rare and are sold at a relatively higher price.
The fact that they are also not recognized and considered a fad by the French Bulldog Club of America and other major kennel clubs also affects their production.
They are banned from joining conformation shows, so breeders who are only after profit do not see them as good investments.
Grey French Bulldog Appearance
The grey Frenchie’s distinct features are its blue or grey eyes and sleek bluish-grey coat. For the rest of its physical attributes, it echoes that of a classic Bulldog.
Grey Frenchies have muscular and compact bodies, heavily wrinkled faces, and squarish heads. They also have a short snout which makes their face appear even more squished.
If you want to learn more about the variations of the grey Frenchie, take a look at the photos below. Note, though, that grey is interchangeable with blue in terms of Frenchie color.
Watch this video to see a grey French Bulldog in action:
Blue Merle French Bulldog
Blue merle French Bulldogs have blue-grey coats that come with a merle pattern. These patches of lighter pigments can be visible on a dog’s nose, coat, eyes, and paw pads.
Blue merle Frenchies are also known for their permanently blue-colored eyes.
Blue Pied French Bulldog
A blue pied Frenchie shows off a predominantly white coat with blue-colored patches covering parts of its head, body, or both. They typically have light-colored hair on their lower body parts.
Blue Fawn French Bulldog
French Bulldogs that have a fawn coat with grey masks are called blue fawn Frenchies. Their blue-grey overtones are most visible on their ears, back, around their eyes, and muzzles.
Blue Brindle French Bulldog
Blue brindle French Bulldogs have tiger-striped patterns in their blue or grey coats. The lightness and darkness of their grey coat depend on how heavy the brindle pattern is.
Grey French Bulldog Coat Color Genetics
A very rare dilute black gene is the main culprit for a grey French Bulldog’s unusual blue-grey overtones. This gene affects the eumelanin, a dog’s dark pigment, and is responsible for reducing color saturation.
Once a French Bulldog carries two copies of this recessive gene, it will have a lighter coat than the typical colors of a Frenchie. The Loci or genetic location for dilution in a grey French Bulldog is referred to as the D gene.
If a French Bulldog possesses a genotype “d/d,” it will display a blue-grey coat. Two recessive genes (dd) are needed for a naturally dark-coated Frenchie to turn into a gray French Bulldog.
Having a litter of grey Frenchies is highly possible when a grey French Bulldog is bred with another of its kind, being both carriers of the dilution gene.
On the other hand, once a grey French Bulldog is bred with a non-grey Frenchie, there is a chance that half of the litter will have the blue-grey tone.
If two non-grey French Bulldogs carrying the dilution gene are bred, an estimate of at least one-fourth of the puppies will be grey Frenchies.
Do Grey French Bulldog Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Grey French Bulldogs only experience subtle changes in their coat color as they reach maturity. To illustrate, a grey Frenchie puppy born with a black coat may develop a bluish-grey hue after some time.
Most French Bulldog puppies, regardless of coat color, usually keep their colors as they age.
However, it should be noted that this shift is greatly dependent on how genetics play out. Its exact color is unpredictable.
Other factors that aren’t gene-related may also trigger color changes, such as nutrition, exposure to sunlight, health issues, and medication.
If you are unsure why your grey Frenchie suddenly exhibits a lighter or darker tone, consult your vet immediately.
Can Grey French Bulldogs Be AKC-Registered?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) only registers French Bulldogs with white, pied, black brindle, cream, or fawn coats. The AKC doesn’t consider other colors, such as blue or grey. Hence, grey Frenchies are unrecognized.
In addition, gray French Bulldogs are disqualified for pet shows due to their fad tone. Because of this, they can’t participate in events such as dog shows and agility competitions.
Other kennel clubs outside the country, like the Federation Cynologique International, Canadian Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel Club, and Australian National Kennel Councils, also do not recognize grey Frenchies.
Grey French Bulldog Temperament and Personality
Grey French Bulldogs are as loving and caring as other Frenchie colors. As puppies, they are playful and energetic, but they would prefer siestas over playtimes as they grow older.
Because of their friendly nature and temper, gray French Bulldogs are considered one of the best family dogs. They are highly intelligent, easily trained, and social.
They can instantly form a bond with anybody, even a young child. They are a bit reserved, but they sure are affectionate dogs.
Aside from all these, grey Frenchies can also be mischievous and funny. They are heavy attention seekers, so make sure to give them some.
In connection, it’s best not to leave them alone for too long because they can feel depressed or anxious.
Female grey Frenchies are known to be more docile, affectionate, and aggressive if tempted. On the other hand, male grey French Bulldogs happen to be more assertive and take a long time to train.
They might also become aggressive, destructive, barky, and stubborn. Fortunately, all these negative traits can be prevented with proper socialization and training at an early age.
Grey French Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues
The average life expectancy of a grey French Bulldog is 10 to 12 years, around the same as standard-colored Frenchies.
Due to the dilute black gene they possess, they can possibly suffer from color dilution alopecia (CDA), but they may also acquire the diseases common to all Frenchies.
Below is a comprehensive list of diseases and disorders that grey French Bulldogs can suffer from:
- Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA): It is a genetic disorder caused by a defective variant of a dilution gene. This is common in dogs with fawn or blue coats. Aside from patches of hair loss or thinning, it can also cause itchy or flaky skin.
- Hip Dysplasia: Genetically, a grey French Bulldog may inherit a condition known as hip dysplasia. This disease can also be affected by external factors such as diet, environment, and growth rate. Your grey Frenchie will have difficulty walking and standing because this genetically transmitted condition causes lameness and weakness of its hind legs.
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: Brachycephalic syndrome is a common disorder of dogs with short muzzles and noses, like a grey French Bulldog. Because of this, their airways are blocked, resulting in obstructive breathing. Snuffling or snorting in Frenchies is also caused by this condition.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition is common to all breeds regardless of color. Patellar luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated for a moment; then, after some time, it goes back as if nothing happened. Although not an emergency situation, it can eventually cause other injuries like torn cruciate ligaments.
Gray French Bulldogs will only come out as unhealthy puppies if not properly bred, so it is essential to source them from reputable and responsible breeders.
It is also recommended to seek a veterinarian’s medical advice to detect early signs and symptoms of these medical conditions. Likewise, a healthy lifestyle and proper diet will go a long way in keeping your dog healthy.
How Much Does a Grey French Bulldog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Grey French Bulldogs are a lot more expensive than other Frenchies due to their rarity. In the United States, the price of a grey Frenchie pup can cost up to $10,000 if purchased from a professional breeder.
For comparison, a French Bulldog with a standard coat ranges between $2,000 and $7,000.
Some other reasons why grey Frenchies are high-priced are the additional medical costs of breeding them and the high demand for these rare-colored pooches.
As you may already know, French Bulldogs generally can’t undergo a natural birthing process, so C-section is required. This procedure isn’t cheap and may incur a significant amount.
Aside from these, the grey Frenchie’s price is also determined by several other factors like the dog’s age, gender, and pedigree, as well as the breeder’s reputation and health guarantees.
Here is a list of the other supplies and accessories needed to raise a grey Frenchie:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $60 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
The estimated initial cost ranges from $495 to $2,470. Fortunately, this can still be reduced if you choose to buy in bulk or opt for budget-friendly options.
You should also take note that some of these expenses are recurring. These include dog food, treats, vet fees, and more.
Places to Find Grey French Bulldog Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Grey French Bulldogs are definitely harder to find as compared to the AKC-recognized Frenchie variants. Fortunately, there are a handful of reputable sources where you may find these rare dogs.
Here are some of the reputable grey Frenchie breeders in the United States:
- Blue Frenchies US – This breeder specializes in breeding healthy blue/grey French Bulldog puppies in Orange County, California. With more than 20 years of experience in breeding dogs, they can ensure that their litters exhibit the best coat as well as health and temperament.
- French Bulldogs LA – Based in Los Angeles, California, this breeder focuses on breeding well-tempered, healthy, and well-socialized pups. They produce all types of grey Frenchies, including the blue merle, blue pied, blue fawn, and blue brindle.
- Silverblood Frenchies – This breeder, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, takes pride in producing the finest grey French Bulldog puppies, which come with health certificates. Aside from grey Frenchies, they also breed other rare-colored French Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, an alternative to buying a grey Frenchie is adopting from shelters or rescues.
To help you in your search, here are some rescue organizations where you can find grey French Bulldogs for adoption:
- French Bulldog Rescue Network – This rescue organization from Massachusetts, California, aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome French Bulldogs. Their main goal is to provide shelters for unwanted dogs, so you’ll be sure to find a grey pup here.
- French Bulldog Village – This is a rescue group composed of volunteers from all over the United States. They take in French Bulldogs and French Bulldog mixes, then rehabilitate and find homes for them. There is a great chance that a gray French Bulldog is available for adoption in this organization.
- Short Noses and Friends United Rescue – This rescue focuses on vetting, rehabilitating, and rehoming French Bulldogs and other breeds. Their adoption fee may vary depending on various aspects, such as the dog’s age, but it is still very much affordable compared to buying from breeders.
Aside from these sources, you may locate grey Frenchie breeders on social networking sites by using hashtags. Just be extra cautious when doing so since there are a lot of scammers online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grey Natural in French Bulldogs?
As of today, the naturalness of the grey color in French Bulldogs is still heavily contested. Whether its bluish-grey coat is natural or not depends on what perspective an individual will adhere to.
Scientifically, the grey color of a Frenchie results from a recessive dilute gene, as explained earlier. Therefore, having a lighter coat can be considered a natural phenomenon for French Bulldogs.
On the other hand, some breeders go the extra mile to produce this rare color by breeding with a different pool of genes. These breeders unnaturally push for the production of a rare-colored French Bulldog solely for profit.
How Much Is a Grey French Bulldog With Blue Eyes?
Grey French Bulldogs with blue eyes are not that common, so expect that they are a few thousand dollars more expensive than those that only exhibit the grey coat.
An accurate estimate of their price would be around $10,000 to $20,000. However, micro-sized pups even reach $100,000.
What Is the Rarest Color of French Bulldogs?
The rarest colors of a French Bulldog are grey (blue), merle, chocolate, and lilac. These are not recognized as standard colors of the American Kennel Club, but they are much rarer because of their complex breeding process.
Final Thoughts
All the good traits of a standard French Bulldog are also apparent in its grey variety. However, because of the grey Frenchie’s rarity, they aren’t as affordable and easy to source.
There are also a lot of controversies that target them, so it is best to think it through before investing in them.
If you have already decided to purchase this Bulldog variety, be vigilant while searching for breeders and ask around as much as possible.
Also, remember that not all the good reviews on the web should be believed, so you must always do a thorough background check.
So, will you be adding a grey Frenchie to your family soon? Let us know what you think about the grey French Bulldog in the comments below!
