Lilac English Bulldog is one of the rarest types of English Bulldogs. With its short snout, adorable drool, and sweet personality, a lilac Bulldog will surely win anyone’s heart!
They are hard to come across, and their rarity makes them more awe-inspiring. For sure, you may have questions in your mind about this intriguing breed.
Keep reading this article if you are excited to know more about this cute and tiny ball of sunshine! The lilac Bulldog’s appearance, history, price, and health are comprehensively discussed in this guide.
What Is a Lilac English Bulldog?
A lilac English Bulldog is a tri-colored English Bulldog. The mix of chocolate and blue colors gives the shade of lilac. The white coat appears on its chest, with the third color, tan, as markings. The depth of the lilac color can be similar to champagne or a darker sable.
Lilac English Bulldogs may look more appealing than the usual bi-colored English Bulldogs. However, their temperament, playfulness, and wit are just as good — true for all colors of English Bulldogs.
The cuddly color of these puppies is a favorite among dog lovers. They have lesser pigmentation in their coat and eyes with visible tan markings. While the shade of lilac may vary, their appearance is still mesmerizing.
Are Lilac English Bulldogs Rare?
Tri-colored English Bulldogs are the rarest type of this breed. Among the four possible tri variations, the lilac English Bulldogs are the rarest and most sought-after type.
In fact, my colleague who breeds all variants of English Bulldogs has mentioned that in order to produce lilac, the black pigment must be diluted twice. Thus, they have to come from parents who carry the necessary genes to achieve this color.
Unsurprisingly, my colleague has also indicated that this is, by far, the most challenging color to produce.
The challenges and scarcity of breeding lilac English Bulldogs make their puppy prices significantly higher. Nevertheless, this adorable companion is undoubtedly worth it.
Lilac English Bulldog Appearance
The lilac tri Bulldog is a small breed that stands from 14 to 15 inches tall and weighs 40 to 50 pounds. Their body has wide frames with a relatively muscular build.
The three colors that make up the coat of this breed are lilac, white, and tan. These colors can appear in different shades and patterns.
Tri-colored English Bulldogs commonly have solid coats but can also have brindle and merle patterns.
The white coat is visible in its chest and belly area, while the lilac color dominates most of its body. On the other hand, the tan color is usually found around its cheeks, inner arms and legs, ears, and above its eyes.
Usually, the shade of lilac in most lilac tri-English Bulldogs is champagne, which is light and close to cream. Meanwhile, sable lilac Bulldogs have a darker lilac closer to brown.
Meanwhile, their eyes are wide-set. Just like its coat, the eye colors of the lilac English Bulldog are stunning. It can range from aqua blue to light green.
They also have short and almost flattened snouts. Their cheeks tend to be droopy, so expect that they may drool. Meanwhile, their ears are floppy and hang toward the front of their faces.
Here is a cute video of a lilac English Bulldog puppy with blue eyes:
Lilac English Bulldog Color Genetics
Lilac English Bulldogs are real showstoppers. Hence, it is not surprising if you are curious how they got this color.
The K Locus gene produces two pigments called eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which are black and reddish or yellowish, respectively.
Meanwhile, another gene called D Locus affects the production of the black pigment. If the puppy inherits two copies of recessive D Locus, the black pigment turns blue or grey.
On the other hand, it is the B Locus that controls phaeomelanin. Similarly, if the puppy gets two recessive copies, the red or yellow pigments turn brown.
Lilac English Bulldogs have the two dilution genes that give off the blue and brown pigments, giving rise to the stunning lilac color.
A puppy must have parents with recessive B and D Locus copies to be lilac. This instance is infrequent, making the lilac color hard to produce.
Do Lilac English Bulldog Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Like most English Bulldogs, your lilac tri Bulldog does not change colors drastically. Most puppies are born with slightly darker coats, and their colors become lighter as they mature.
Remember that color changes in a puppy should not be dramatic. Thus, if you think your lilac Bulldog has oddly changed color, it is better to see your veterinarian.
Likewise, you may get a DNA test if you need clarification about your pet’s coat color. This detects the specific genes present in your puppy.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Lilac English Bulldogs?
Tri-colored English Bulldogs, including lilac, are gorgeous pets. However, they are considered non-standard and unrecognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Fawn, white, red, fallow, and any two combinations of these are the standard colors of the English Bulldog breed. A brindle pattern in fawn and red English Bulldogs is also acceptable.
Thus, a lilac Bulldog cannot compete in shows sanctioned by major kennel clubs. Unfortunately, they can’t also be registered with most kennel clubs since lilac is not an official color for the breed.
Lilac English Bulldog Temperament and Personality
Lilac English Bulldogs are affectionate and protective, making them good family pets. It is also great with kids and friendly with strangers.
These dogs have moderate energy levels and spectacular intelligence. They may get a little stubborn in training, so it is essential to use positive reinforcement.
As puppies, they tend to be aggressive towards other dogs. You should include early socialization in their training to improve this behavior.
My friend was able to purchase his own lilac English Bulldog, Mandy, when the dog was only about a year old. Mandy rarely barks or makes noises at passersby. This makes Mandy a perfect companion for my friend, who values silence.
A good disposition and a charming personality are the usual traits of a lilac English Bulldog. Raising them with love and care will help them maintain this endearing nature.
Lilac English Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a lilac English Bulldog is 8 to 10 years. Those who are well taken care of can live up to 14 years of age.
The gorgeous coat of lilac English Bulldogs does not directly affect its general health. Thus, you can expect your lilac tri Bulldogs to be just as healthy as the other-colored English Bulldogs.
Nonetheless, they are not entirely immune to diseases and illnesses. Below are some of the most common health issues among lilac English Bulldogs:
- Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome (BAOS): Because of their flat snout and narrow upper airway, lilac English Bulldogs are susceptible to BAOS. This condition causes difficulty in breathing in dogs, resulting in overheating. Keeping track of its weight is recommended as obesity worsens this condition.
- Cherry Eye: Unlike humans, all dogs have a third eyelid whose primary function is to protect and supply additional moisture to the eyes through the tear gland. When the tear gland becomes inflamed, it bulges out of the eyes. This swollen and red protrusion is called cherry eyes.
- Hip Dysplasia: Its tiny build and unique stature make the lilac English Bulldog prone to bone and joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. This develops when the joint misfits into the hip socket. Although large dog breeds are at higher risk for this condition, it is better to have your English Bulldog tested to ensure it does not have it.
There are several steps you can take to prevent these common health issues. You can start by purchasing your lilac English Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder, complete with health tests.
You should also have regular visits to the vet and a proper hygiene routine. If you want to go the extra mile, you can invest in dog healthcare insurance, freeing you from hefty medical expenses in the long run.
How Much Does a Lilac English Bulldog Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of a lilac English Bulldog ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. This price is influenced by the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s coat color, eye color, and pattern.
Their price is definitely higher compared to the price of other-colored English Bulldogs. Those with aqua or green eyes also tend to be more expensive than those with hazel eyes.
Aside from the actual cost of a lilac English Bulldog puppy, below are the first-time expenses you should expect:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Toys | $20 – $30 |
Beds | $30 – $200 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
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 |
Owning a lilac English Bulldog is challenging for your pocket, from the puppy price to the first-time expenses. You must be financially prepared to give your pet the comfortable life it deserves.
You should also consider the recurring expenses of raising a lilac tri Bulldog. In particular, food and healthcare expenses are vital to your pet’s well-being.
Places to Find Lilac English Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Due to its high demand and rarity, you can expect that looking for places where you can purchase a lilac English Bulldog puppy can be extremely challenging.
You may easily find breeders online advertising lilac English Bulldog puppies, but you should be cautious as most are either scammers or irresponsible breeders.
To help you, we listed below some reputable breeders you can check for available lilac English Bulldog puppies:
- Rare Bulldogs – This breeder raises tri-colored English Bulldogs, including blue, black, chocolate, and lilac. All of their puppies undergo DNA testing to verify the coat colors. You can buy puppies with or without complete AKC registration. Their prices range from $1,800 to $7,500, depending on color.
- Gray’s Bulldogs – Gray Bulldogs is located in Southern California and has been breeding rare Bulldogs since 2012. Their lilac English Bulldog puppies cost between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on bloodline, color, structure, and gender.
- Shrinkabulls – This breeder had sold tri-colored English Bulldogs to celebrities, with some puppies appearing on magazine covers. Lilac tri and merle lilac Bulldogs are available on their website, with prices ranging from $9,000 to $28,000. Gender, coat pattern, and prestige of the breeder all contribute to this price tag.
Understandably, lilac English Bulldogs can get expensive if you buy from a reputable breeder. Although it may cost you a lot, you can be assured that they are healthy and ethically raised.
If you are tight on budget, you may adopt a lilac tri Bulldog from rescue organizations and shelters. Adoption fees are usually lower than breeder prices.
Here are some places you can check for lilac English Bulldog adoption:
- Bulldog Rescue Network – Being directly under the Bulldog Club of America (BCA), this organization rescues, fosters, and rehomes abandoned English Bulldogs. On average, their adoption fees can cost $450 to $800, which covers medical expenses, microchipping, spaying or neutering, and vaccinations.
- AdoptaBull English Bulldog Rescue – This team of dedicated volunteers caters to rescued English Bulldogs in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. All officers of this organization are members of BCARN. They conduct a three to four-week screening process for those who apply to adopt a Bulldog. You can expect to pay $750 to $950 for adoption fees.
- Georgia English Bulldog Rescue – This organization has successfully rescued over 800 Bulldogs since 2009. Rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and surrendered Bulldogs are their priorities. They only accept adoption applications via mail. Expect a representative to contact you through email or phone after sending your application.
Remember that lilac English Bulldogs are rare and expensive. This means that lilac tri Bulldogs may not be available in these rescue shelters. However, reaching out to them may be worth trying.
Best Dog Names for Your Lilac English Bulldog Puppy
After getting a lilac English Bulldog puppy, you must be excited to name your new companion. There are several choices for cute names, and feeling lost is entirely natural.
When choosing a name, it should reflect your puppy’s physical characteristics or personality. Because of its rare and stunning color, you can be creative with naming your lilac English Bulldog!
Check the list below for names that you can give to your lilac tri Bulldog:
- Azure
- Max
- Lunar
- Sprinkles
- Pepper
- Skye
- Butch
- Cookie
- Cleo
- Lucille
- Molly
- Bud
- Duke
If none of these names caught your attention, you could think of a unique one for your pet. It will be even more memorable if the name represents a special memory with your dog.
Nonetheless, when picking a name for your pooch, it is best to avoid naming it after a family member or a friend to avoid confusion. Make sure it is unique but, at the same time, easy to recognize and not confusing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lilac Bulldogs Healthy?
Yes. The common misconception about lilac English Bulldogs is that they are unhealthy because of the genetic mutation that causes their coat color.
This is not entirely true, as most health issues arise from poor diet and nutrition, an inactive lifestyle, and infrequent visits to the vet. A lilac English Bulldog is just as healthy as other English Bulldogs.
Why Are Lilac Bulldogs So Expensive?
The lilac color is achieved by breeding parents who are carriers of recessive pigment-related genes. This gene for lilac color is rare for English Bulldogs, making lilac Bulldogs hard to produce.
Moreover, this specific color is the most sought-after among the rarest tri-colored English Bulldogs. This means that there is a low supply and a high demand that push the prices higher.
Do Lilac English Bulldogs Have Blue Eyes?
Yes. The possible eye colors of a lilac English Bulldog are blue, aqua, green, and hazel. Because of reduced pigmentation, lilac Bulldogs tend to have light and bright-colored eyes.
Generally, blue eyes in dogs are scarce and difficult to produce. But because lilac Bulldogs already inherit the necessary genes to achieve them, it is common and natural for these puppies to have blue eyes.
What Is the Rarest Color for English Bulldogs?
Tri-colored English Bulldogs are the rarest colors of this breed. In particular, the lilac English Bulldog is the rarest among the tri-colored Bulldogs.
A lilac Bulldog can have a solid or merle-patterned coat. The latter, being more uncommon and challenging to breed than the former, is more scarce and expensive.
What are your thoughts about the lilac English Bulldog? Do you have any questions about this particular color in these dogs? Let us know in the comments!