• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
ned hardy logo

Ned Hardy

The Intriguing World Of Entertainment

  • Television
  • Movies
  • About Us
  • Contact

9 Things You Should Know About Merle French Bulldogs

By Ashley Reyes | November 11, 2021

merle french bulldog

French bulldogs are known for their easygoing and playful temperament making them a popular pet for many. In addition to this, some feature the merle gene which gives them a stunning fur coat and striking blue eyes. Below you’ll discover more about merle French bulldogs and why they’re so sought after.

1. Merle is a type of genetic condition that creates a unique type of pattern on a dog’s coat

This gene results in various pattern styles that occur either in solid or piebald forms. While it mainly affects a dog’s coat, it can also result in heterochromia iridum, a condition that causes the eyes to be different colors.

2. Double Merle

If two merle dogs are bred together, each litter has a 25% chance of being born a double merle. A double merle inherits the merle gene twice. Unlike a regular merle dog, a double merle dog’s coat is almost completely white but has a few splotches of color throughout it. Double merles also have a very high chance of being born blind, deaf or both.

3. The merle coat is produced when a dog has a single copy of the M allele.

Merle dogs have the genotype Mm, which means they have one allele for merle (M) and one allele for non-merle (m). If you breed a non-merle dog (mm) to a merle dog (Mm), you will on average get a litter of puppies that are half merle and half non-merle.

If you breed two merle dogs together, you will on average get a litter of puppies that are half merle, one quarter non-merle and one quarter double merle.

4. Merle French Bulldogs Have Blue Eyes

One of the most distinctive features of the merle French bulldog is its vibrant blue eyes. These are the result of their body containing the M-locus (or merle) gene. This gene causes random pigment dilution which lightens their eye color.
While this gene is what mainly causes blue eyes in merle French bulldogs, sometimes the ALX4 gene will as well. If a French bulldog has this gene, they will likely have blue eyes. On the other hand, if a French bulldog doesn’t have the ALX4 gene they will probably have brown eyes.

In addition to this, some merle French bulldogs might have blue eyes because of low melanin levels. If their body doesn’t have a high amount of this amino acid, the dog has a better chance of developing blue eyes.

merle french bulldog

5. Merle French Bulldogs Are More Expensive Than Regular French Bulldogs

Because this type of French bulldog is not natural, its cost is significantly higher. These canines can be priced anywhere from $6,000-$8,000 unlike a regular French bulldog that costs around $1,500-$3,000.

Besides the purchase price, merle French bulldogs are expensive to care for. They have a voracious appetite and, because of their genetic composition, tend to need to visit the vet often.

6. These dogs are somewhat rare, so it can be difficult to find one

To locate a breeder, you can usually do a quick online search. However, this doesn’t always indicate that the breeders are reputable. To ensure you’re buying from an ethical breeder, you should always make sure to ask for the dog’s DNA test and have a quick vet examination done.

7. Merle French Bulldogs Aren’t Purebred

This is because to create a merle French bulldog, sometimes different dog breeds are needed. To be considered a purebred, the dog must have parents of the same breed.

Are Merle French Bulldogs Recognized by the AKC? Can They Be AKC Registered?

Most merle French bulldogs can be registered by the AKC, but they aren’t considered a standard breed color. Despite this, the AKC still recognizes them.
To register a merle French bulldog with the AKC, you’ll first need to obtain an AKC registration form. After doing so, take pictures of your pet. The photos should show your dog from the front and the side. Then, write the AKC registration number (found on the form) and your dog’s name on the back of the photos. Once you do this, fill out the rest of the registration form and then mail it to the address printed on the top.

8. Merle French Bulldogs Have Health Issues

One of the most common problems is genetic deformities. Because this dog has a unique genetic condition, it could result in stunted limbs, blindness, or deafness. Numerous merle French bulldogs also suffer from allergies, immune disorders, heart murmurs, and hip dysplasia.

You’ll also need to keep in mind that because they have such light-colored eyes, they could have some eye abnormalities. Some of the common problems being one eye is bigger than the other, one eye is covered by a nictitating membrane, cataracts, and coloboma.

9. There is a wide debate over whether it’s ethical to buy a merle French bulldog

Many say that it’s important to purchase a merle French bulldog, otherwise, these sweet creatures would end up in animal shelters. Those who are against it claim that it only makes it easier for disreputable breeders to stay in business. They also state that because this type of French bulldog tends to have significant health problems they live in agony.

If you want to purchase a merle French bulldog, you’ll need to be prepared for possible health issues. It’s also vital to ensure that the dog is from an ethical breeder. This will make sure that the dogs receive proper nutrition, care, and socialization. An ethical breeder will usually be happy to answer any questions you have about their dogs.

Merle French bulldogs are beautiful animals known for their distinctive coat pattern. While very patient and affectionate dogs, they do have some serious health concerns due to their genetic condition.

Other Merle Breeds You Might Be Interested In:

Merle Australian Shepherds, Merle Bernedoodles, Merle Chihuahuas, Merle Corgi, Merle English Bulldog, Merle French Bulldogs, Merle Mastiffs, Merle Pit Bulls, Merle Pomeranian, Merle Poodles, Merle Pugs

Related Posts:

    Isabella French Bulldogs - 14 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or Adopting
    Isabella French Bulldogs - 14 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or…
    Teacup French Bulldogs - 13 Things You Should Know Before Buying or Adopting
    Teacup French Bulldogs - 13 Things You Should Know Before Buying or…
    21 Things You Should Know About Merle Pitbulls
    21 Things You Should Know About Merle Pitbulls
    11 Things You Should Know About Merle Pugs
    11 Things You Should Know About Merle Pugs
    9 Things You Should Know Before Buying/Adopting A Merle Chihuahuas
    9 Things You Should Know Before Buying/Adopting A Merle Chihuahuas
    9 Things You Should Know Before Buying/Adopting A Merle English Bulldog
    9 Things You Should Know Before Buying/Adopting A Merle English…
    Merle Poodles - 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or Adopting
    Merle Poodles - 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or Adopting
    Merle Australian Shepherds - 12 Things You Should Know Before Buying or Adopting
    Merle Australian Shepherds - 12 Things You Should Know Before Buying…
    Merle Bernedoodles - 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or Adopting
    Merle Bernedoodles - 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or…

About Ashley Reyes

Ashley is a Ned Hardy staff writer who loves covering pop culture and television. When not writing, she can be found snuggled up to her cats, Mitski and Millie and thinking about how she can convince her husband to adopt another cat.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mark A White says

    September 1, 2020 at 5:44 pm

    How can the AKC register a merle French bulldog if it’s a mutt. Something to do with money and the AKC.

    Reply
    • Rick says

      December 17, 2022 at 3:30 pm

      👏🏽

      Reply
  2. Mark A White says

    September 1, 2020 at 5:45 pm

    How can the AKC register and Merle French bulldog if it’s in mutt. You follow the money to the AKC.

    Reply
  3. Dean says

    September 1, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    If two merle dogs are bred together, each puppy in the litter has a 25% chance of being born a double merle. A double merle inherits the merle gene twice. … Double merles also have a very high chance of being deaf, blind, or both because they lack pigment where it would normally be.Nov 20, 2016
    The Dogington Post › double-merle…
    Double Merle Dogs: A Lethal Genetic Combo

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    September 1, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    I would LOVE TO purchase one for a forever home. Any inquiries please send to [email protected]. Thank you

    Reply
  5. Mia A Pritzl says

    September 25, 2020 at 9:10 am

    The puppy on top of this article is in another website to sell that puppy. They seem to be a scam. Watch out.

    Reply
  6. Renee says

    October 9, 2020 at 1:40 am

    First of all this is the stupidest article ever. Whoever wrote this didn’t do any research and I’m actually LOL-ing so hard.

    Only one Merle parent is needed to make a Merle, so only a stupid breeder would breed 2 merles together and risk having double merles which health problems.

    Reply
  7. Lori says

    December 17, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    Renee… I was thinking the SAME exact thing. This article is filled with inaccuracies.

    Reply
  8. Gucci Mckiver says

    January 18, 2021 at 10:22 pm

    This article is so full of untruths the the merle Gene has been bred into the Frenchy for more than 20 generations there are 100% pure bred Frenchy’s that Merle. It really sounds like a lot of butt hurt standard Frenchy breeders that are upset that the rare colour is non-standard or out selling their dogs get with the times try and integrating more DNA into your programs

    Reply
  9. Robyn says

    January 26, 2021 at 10:28 pm

    This picture is of my dog at the top laying on the hardwood floor. I would think you need my permission? She’s on Instagram @chloedthefrenchie

    Reply
  10. Matthew says

    February 16, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    This Article is a so WRONG! The Author needs to do more than just google INFO for there research! The Merle gene is just a Gene that has surfaced, Its always been in there DNA. All dogs started from wolfs, So when The Merle gene surfaced instead of killing it, someone liked the pattern and said “Hey I like this” and Breed that Dog and more were produced ,so on and so forth, MERLE DOES NOT MAKE A BULLDOG A “MUTT”.I have had a Merle DNA tested and it came back PURE BREED???
    Such a bad article here.

    Reply
  11. QC says

    February 17, 2021 at 5:19 pm

    The flagrant inaccuracies in this article border on libel and slander. Is the author a shill for one of the organizations (read as: collection of breeders protecting their bloodlines) that enforces French Bulldog “standards?”

    Reply
  12. Mira says

    March 8, 2021 at 8:52 pm

    I would love to purchase one can you kindly message me here
    [email protected]

    Reply
  13. Mishell Parker says

    May 24, 2021 at 9:30 pm

    This is seriously irresponsible and wrong information. To Merles should never be bred together. I’m not sure why this post has not been reported and taken down yet. The writer should be ashamed

    Reply
  14. Le Pepite says

    May 31, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    Hello! I agree with the comment above and we are also a breeder https://lepepitefrenchies.com/

    Reply
  15. Tamara says

    July 22, 2021 at 1:59 am

    OMG! I am so glad I read all the comments. I have a beautiful Merle boy reserved and this article had me contemplating changing my mind! I’m not interested in breeding him I just want a happy healthy pet. He expensive but he’s coming from a trusted breeder with really good reviews and quality dogs.

    Thank you for clearing up some misconceptions!

    Reply
  16. Shelly says

    October 26, 2022 at 6:30 am

    What if you have an encrypted Merle can she produce Merle pups? Or?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar


Star Trek Actor Reveals His Humiliating Experience Working With The Seinfeld Actors


She Played ‘Nadia’ In American Pie. See Shannon Elizabeth Now at 49.


Rachael Leigh Cook Says It Was A Huge Mistake To Pass On This Superhero Movie


Leonardo DiCaprio’s Worst Movie Is So Terrible It Has a 0% Rotten Tomatoes Score


See MythBusters Kari Byron Now At 48.


This Rock Icon Was On An Episode Of DS9 And Many Star Trek Fans Had No Idea


The True Story of Why James Cameron Tried To Disown His First Movie


5 Highly Underrated Futurama Episodes That Many Fans Have Overlooked


Which Firefly Cast Member Had The Most Successful Career After The Show Ended?

About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | Fact Checking Copyright © 2023