Breed

Blue French Bulldog: Your Complete Guide

BY DOGACADEMY PUBLISHED: January 15, 2025 UPDATED: January 30, 2025
15 minutes

The blue coat color is among the rarest in French bulldogs, making these Frenchies in high demand. In fact, those who want a blue French bulldog often need to sign up for long waiting lists, as there isn’t a guarantee that a litter will produce a puppy with a blue coat.

However, the blue coat, in many regards, isn’t simply a color difference in French bulldogs. Breeders obtain blue French bulldogs by selectively breeding dogs carrying this recessive gene, and due to the limited genetic pool, they come with unique characteristics that might surprise those already familiar with this companion breed.

Our breed guide will cover everything you need to know about the blue French bulldog, going over the breed’s history, physical appearance, temperament, intelligence, trainability, and more. Read to the end to find out if the blue French bulldog is the right dog breed for you.

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Quick Look at the Blue French Bulldog

Below is a quick overview of the blue French bulldog. We’ll cover each section in detail in the coming parts of the article.

Weight/Height Under 28 pounds / 11-13 inches
Coat Type Short, smooth coat
Grooming Needs two green bones three grey bones
Shedding two green bones three grey bones
Temperament  Loving, playful, social, gentle
Good With Kids four green bones one grey bone
Good With Other Animals four green bones one grey bone
Intelligence three green bones two grey bones
Easy to Train three green bones two grey bones
Energy Level two green bones three grey bones
Barking Habits two green bones three grey bones
Lifespan 10-12 years

What Is the History of Blue French Bulldogs?

By looking at the breed’s name, it is natural to assume that the blue French bulldog originates from France. However, these companion dogs actually come from England, where small bulldog-type dogs were a common pet among lace workers in the 1700s.

After being displaced by the Industrial Revolution throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, lace workers began settling in Normandy, France. It was in this part of Europe that the French bulldog as we know it today gained popularity among the general population and became a favored companion.

The first Frenchies made their way to the United States in the late 19th century, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1898. As for blue French bulldogs, it is unknown when they first appeared. It is likely that one blue-coated Frenchie led to another at some point, contributing to the popularity of these French bulldogs.

Nowadays, the blue French bulldog is one of the rarest varieties, along with chocolate, lilac, and merle Frenchies. These dogs are also among the most expensive French bulldogs due to being very few in numbers.

What Do Blue French Bulldogs Look Like?

As the name suggests, blue French bulldogs have a blue coat color. However, the blue in their coat isn’t like sky blue – French bulldogs with this coat color appear much like a dulled version of black, giving the coat a slate-gray appearance that resembles blue.

What Size Is a Blue French Bulldog?

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French bulldogs are small-to-medium-sized dogs that weigh under 28 pounds. While they can be heavier than a typical small-to-medium-sized dog, blue Frenchies stand just 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulders.

What Is a Blue French Bulldog’s Coat Type and Length?

black curly wavy corded wiry lines green straight linegreen short hair black medium hair black long hair

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Blue French bulldogs have a short, smooth coat. Unlike many popular breeds with a similar coat texture, like the American Staffordshire terrier, the coat of the blue French bulldog is fairly soft to the touch. 

This coat type and length don’t require much upkeep, though blue French bulldogs will benefit from regular brushing, as well as the owner if they suffer from pet allergies – more on the breed’s grooming needs below.

What Is a Blue French Bulldog’s Temperament?

blue french bulldog sitting on grass

The blue French bulldog is a companion dog with many of the temperament traits you would expect to find in this type of breed. Blue Frenchies are loving, social dogs that get along well with pretty much anyone. They have outgoing personalities that enable them to make friends quickly and initiate play after a brief interaction.

The playful personality of the blue French bulldog makes this breed such a joy to have around. They are ready for playtime at a moment’s notice and enjoy any activity with their owner, whether playing fetch at the park, a short walk around the neighborhood, or simply snoozing on the sofa after a long day.

While one of the most playful and social dogs, blue Frenchies also keep a calm demeanor and behave well around other dogs and strangers, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. Inexperienced dog owners won’t need to worry about their blue Frenchie drawing negative attention, but socialization and training are still essential.

Here’s more on the personality traits of the blue French bulldog, taking a look at the breed’s family life, aggression, barking habits, and more.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Good With Kids?

The small size, playful personality, and gentle nature of the blue French bulldog make these dogs get along well with children of all ages. If you have kids and a backyard, you’ll have hours of entertainment with a blue French bulldog. They are adaptable dogs that will adjust to the playstyle of the small members of their family.

However, children must learn to respect a blue French bulldog’s boundaries. As with any other dog breed, a blue Frenchie may not tolerate the behavior of rowdy children. It is essential for parents to teach kids how to behave around dogs, regardless of breed.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Good With Other Animals?

Blue French bulldogs generally do well with other dogs during walks and play sessions. Owners of this breed shouldn’t be worried about their dog’s behavior around unfamiliar dogs as long as they receive adequate socialization and training when young. 

While blue French bulldogs typically get along well with other dogs, it is important to note that they have a fairly high prey drive. This trait makes the blue French bulldog prone to chase small animals, like cats and squirrels.

However, you can manage their instincts with appropriate training and directing your blue French bulldog’s attention elsewhere during these moments. Additionally, a blue French bulldog can get along well with cats if they grow up with one at home, though they may still have a different view towards cats and other small animals outside the family.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Aggressive?

Blue French bulldogs aren’t known to be aggressive. They are friendly dogs that enjoy interacting with unfamiliar dogs and strangers. However, blue French bulldogs can be prone to aggression like any other breed. Owners of blue Frenchies must start socializing their dogs at a young age to prevent aggression.

One thing to note about blue French bulldogs is their prey drive shouldn’t be mistaken for aggression, as it is their natural instinct to chase and catch prey. Similarly, blue French bulldogs may make grunting noises while playing due to being a brachycephalic breed.

These grunting noises aren’t the same as growling. It is simply a blue Frenchie trying to get more air to keep up with the intensity of the playtime. We’ll cover more about things to pay attention to during play and exercise with blue Frenchies below.

Do Blue French Bulldogs Bark?

Blue French bulldogs aren’t barkers. They tend to observe their surroundings quietly, even when something catches their attention. Although a blue French bulldog may bark from time to time, it is usually to alert their owner. This tendency to keep quiet and the small size makes the blue French bulldog an excellent fit for apartment living.

Despite this, however, any dog may be prone to excessive barking, especially if there are behavioral issues that need addressing. Adequate playtime and exercise are two quick fixes to eliminate worries about barking in blue French bulldogs.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Affectionate?

Affection is like a middle name for blue French bulldogs. The highlight of this breed’s temperament is their loving nature. They bond strongly with their owners and enjoy nothing but spending time with them. 

Blue Frenchies may be more playful than affectionate at times, but they tend to lose their enthusiasm for playtime fast due to getting tired quickly. This makes them switch between a couch potato and a playful pup frequently, making them an excellent fit for prospective owners looking for an equally playful and cuddly companion.

This loving personality also extends beyond a blue French bulldog’s family. It doesn’t take much for a blue French bulldog to warm up to new faces. They welcome strangers and unfamiliar dogs with open arms, making them sociable dogs that befriend everyone they meet during social outings.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Intelligent?

black small bulb green medium bulb black large bulb

The blue French bulldog has an average intelligence. They aren’t the smartest, but their intelligence is enough to satisfy owners. With their eagerness to please and motivation to get rewards like treats, the blue French bulldog’s intelligence doesn’t have a negative impact on training, which we’ll cover in detail below.

While there are many types of intelligence in dogs, the blue French bulldog has impressive social skills. They have an exceptional understanding of emotions and social cues, making them navigate different social situations better than most other breeds.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Energetic?

energy comparison low and medium highlighted

Blue French bulldogs fall somewhere between low and medium energy. As mentioned, blue Frenchies tend to have streaks where they are playful and energetic in one moment and complete couch potato the next. Taking them out for 30-minute-long daily walks should be enough to keep most blue French bulldogs fit.

However, when you take a blue French bulldog for walks is more important than for how long. Because they are brachycephalic dogs, blue Frenchies cannot tolerate hot temperatures well. Being flat-faced dogs also makes them prone to certain health conditions we’ll cover in the coming parts.

Owners of this breed, along with other brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, should take their dogs for walks early in the morning or evening to prevent overheating in the summer. Otherwise, they can be susceptible to heatstroke, quickly becoming a life-threatening emergency.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Easy to Train?

french bulldog in yellow raincoat

Blue French bulldogs are relatively easy to train as long as the owner knows what they’re doing. They tend to have a sensitive side with their affectionate personalities, so harsh correction never works with blue French bulldogs. 

To have an easier time during training, owners of this breed must know what motivates their dogs. While most blue Frenchies will consider a tasty treat as the best reward, others may enjoy a quick play session more valuable. Once you find what motivates your blue French bulldog, training won’t take much effort.

Following positive training techniques, you can teach a blue French bulldog a wide range of impressive tricks like playing dead or fetching specific items. Blue French bulldog owners can even take training to the next level by competing in dog sports like rally and obedience.

The only downside of training a blue French bulldog tends to be potty training. These dogs are known to be difficult to housetrain, but as a blue French bulldog gets older and the owner learns how to motivate them, this difficult phase passes quickly.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Good Watchdogs?

Blue Frenchies don’t make the best watchdogs. They are good-natured dogs that treat strangers as potential friends rather than looking for what’s bad in people or animals. 

While they may give a quick yap after spotting a stranger, being territorial for a blue French bulldog usually ends there. You shouldn’t count on a blue French bulldog to guard your yard or any territory, for that matter. The best job for a blue Frenchie is simply to be a loving dog that provides companionship to every member of their family.

Are Blue French Bulldogs Good Service Dogs?

Service animals are highly trained dogs that stay on task to assist their handler with a disability no matter what. Due to the training difficulties and playful personality that wants to chase wherever the fun is, the blue French bulldog is not an ideal dog breed for service dog work. 

As previously mentioned, blue French bulldogs excel in being loyal, loving companions, which are useful traits in other areas, such as providing comfort to individuals with psychiatric conditions as emotional support animals.

How to Care for a Blue French Bulldog?

A blue French bulldog requires an involved owner to live a fulfilling life. Here’s what to expect from the care needs of blue French bulldogs, covering grooming, health, feeding, and other needs.

Do You Need to Groom a Blue French Bulldog?

green brush black scissors comb black razor

Blue French bulldogs have low grooming needs with short, smooth coats that don’t require trips to a professional groomer. Removing loose hair using a rubber grooming mitt once a week is enough to maintain their luxurious blue coat.

However, it isn’t only the coat of the blue French bulldog that needs attention. Owners of this breed should clean the wrinkles around the face a few times a week to prevent any buildup of dirt and debris. 

Lastly, blue French bulldogs require ear cleaning, paw care, tick prevention, and bathing as needed as part of their regular grooming routine.

Do Blue French Bulldogs Shed?

shedding comparison graphic with average highlighted

Blue French Bulldogs shed low to average year-round. Although any amount of shedding is sure to trigger allergic reactions in people with pet allergies, brushing the coat to remove dead hair once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain shedding at home.

What Health Problems Do Blue French Bulldogs Have?

Blue French bulldogs, like other brachycephalic breeds, aren’t the healthiest dogs. They are prone to breathing problems, particularly in hot and humid weather. Owners of this breed should take their dogs out for walks only early in the morning or evening to prevent overheating.

Additionally, blue Frenchies are susceptible to autoimmune disorders, skin allergies, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Due to the limited genetic pool in blue French bulldogs, they may be at risk of developing these conditions more than other Frenchies.

With all the health problems affecting blue French bulldogs, it is critical to work with a responsible breeder who screens their breeding stock for health problems.

How Long Do Blue French Bulldogs Live?

Blue French bulldogs have an average lifespan between 10 and 12 years, though the health risks they are prone to develop may decrease their lifespan and overall life quality.

What Should a Blue French Bulldog Eat?

As with any other dog breed, the best diet for a blue French bulldog should be appropriate for their weight, lifestyle, and age. On average, they should eat about two cups of dog food daily, but it is best to consult a vet before making big changes to a blue French bulldog’s diet.

Is a Blue French Bulldog the Right Dog for Me?

hand holding blue french bulldog puppy

The blue French bulldog is a small-to-medium-sized companion dog breed with an affectionate and loving personality. They thrive on the attention of their family members and require an involved owner to live a fulfilling life.

Blue French bulldogs are an ideal breed choice for individuals and families with enough time and resources to look after their dogs. Although feeding and grooming a blue Frenchie doesn’t cost much, the potential health problems in this breed can lead to expensive vet bills.

If you’re prepared for the unexpected challenges that may arise due to their health and have the time to provide the attention they need, you will find a blue French bulldog to be an excellent companion that will bring endless joy to your life.