Merle Frenchies, also known as the Blue Merle French Bulldog, is a beautiful and unique variation of the French Bulldog breed. With their distinctive marbled coats, these pups have captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. But with their growing popularity comes controversy, as the breeding of Merle Frenchies raises concerns about the health and well-being of the breed. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Merle Frenchies and explore all you need to know about this fascinating breed.
History
The exact origin of Merle Frenchies is unknown, but it’s believed that they originated from the blue merle gene found in other dog breeds. The merle gene is a genetic mutation that causes the coat to have a mottled or marbled appearance, and it’s thought to have been introduced into the French Bulldog breed through cross-breeding. Regardless of their origin, Merle Frenchies have become a popular breed in recent years, with their unique appearance and friendly personalities.
Appearance: Height, Size & Weight
Merle Frenchies are small in size, standing at about 11-13 inches tall and weighing between 16-28 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a muscular and compact body, short legs, and a short, flat face. Their coat can come in a variety of colors, including blue merle, black, brindle, and fawn.
Personality & Temperament
Merle Frenchies are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are social and love to be around their human family, making them great family pets. They are also highly intelligent and easily trainable, making them suitable for a variety of activities, such as obedience training and agility.
Colors That They Come In
Merle Frenchies come in a variety of colors, including blue merle, black, brindle, and fawn. Blue merle is the most distinctive and sought-after color, with its mottled and marbled coat that sets it apart from other Frenchies.
Advanced Merle Frenchie Facts
Merle Frenchies are considered to be “designer dogs”, as they are a result of crossbreeding between two different breeds.
Merle Frenchies can have different eye colors, including blue, green, and brown, which adds to their unique and distinctive appearance.
Merle Frenchies are highly adaptable, making them suitable for a variety of living arrangements, including apartment living and suburban homes.
Dog Grooming & Clean Up
Merle Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that is easy to groom. They require occasional brushing to keep their coat shiny and free of mats and tangles. They also require occasional bathing, as well as regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
Training
House Training
House training your Merle Frenchie requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Start by setting a routine and providing plenty of opportunities for your pup to go potty. Use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior and avoid punishment or scolding for accidents, as this can cause anxiety and make the training process more difficult.
Crate Training
Crate training your Merle Frenchie is an effective way to provide them with a safe and secure space to rest and sleep. Start by introducing your pup to the crate slowly, using treats and praise to make the experience positive. Gradually increase the amount of time your pup spends in the crate until they are comfortable staying in there for extended periods of time.
Guard Dog Training
Merle Frenchies are not naturally protective, but with proper training, they can learn to be good watchdogs. Start by teaching basic obedience commands, such as “stay” and “come”, and gradually introduce guard dog training techniques, such as barking at strangers and alerting their owners to potential danger. Keep training sessions short and positive, using treats and praise to reinforce good behavior.
Diet Requirements
Merle Frenchies require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and well-being. Feed them high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for their size and activity level, and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times, and consider feeding them smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Exercise
Merle Frenchies are energetic and playful, and they require regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being. Provide them with daily walks and playtime, and consider enrolling them in an obedience or agility class to help them stay mentally and physically stimulated.
Genetics: How To Breed A Merle Frenchie
Breeding Merle Frenchies requires a thorough understanding of genetics and the potential health issues that can arise from breeding two dogs carrying the merle gene. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing and ensures that their breeding dogs are healthy and free from genetic disorders. Avoid breeding two dogs carrying the merle gene, as this can result in puppies with serious health problems.
Conclusion
Merle Frenchies are a beautiful and unique breed that have captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. With their friendly and affectionate personalities, they make great family pets. However, the breeding of Merle Frenchies raises concerns about the health and well-being of the breed, making it important to work with a reputable breeder and perform genetic testing before breeding. If you’re considering adding a Merle Frenchie to your family, it’s important to do your research and understand all you need to know about this fascinating breed.
FAQs
Are blue merle french bulldogs accepted by the AKC?
No, blue merle french bulldogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC only recognizes the standard colors for the French Bulldog breed, which include fawn, brindle, cream, and white.
Are blue merle french bulldogs purebred?
No, blue merle french bulldogs are not purebred. They are the result of crossbreeding between two different breeds, and they do not meet the standard criteria set by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for purebred dogs.
Are merle french bulldogs rare?
Yes, merle french bulldogs are considered rare, as they are the result of crossbreeding and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a standard color for the French Bulldog breed.
Do blue merle french bulldogs have health problems?
Blue merle french bulldogs, like all dogs, can be prone to certain health issues. However, the breeding of Merle Frenchies raises concerns about potential genetic health problems, such as deafness and blindness. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing to minimize the risk of health problems in their puppies.
How are merle french bulldogs bred?
Merle french bulldogs are bred by crossing two different breeds, one of which carries the merle gene. This results in a unique coat pattern and color that is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a standard color for the French Bulldog breed. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing and ensures that their breeding dogs are healthy and free from genetic disorders.
