Platinum French Bulldog: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)
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The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog species in the world, so it’s no wonder that there are plenty of exotic color combinations to choose from.
One color combination that you might have heard of but don’t know much about is the platinum French Bulldog. They’re extremely popular and extremely rare dogs that have a unique coloring. Here, we break down everything that you need to know about these adorable pups.
The Earliest Records of Platinum French Bulldogs in History
While breeders have only recently started selectively breeding the platinum French Bulldog, the French Bulldog as a whole has an extremely rich history. While there aren’t many platinum French Bulldogs, it’s likely that a few simply came about through genetic luck.
All Bulldogs, including the French Bulldog, originally came from the now extinct Bullenbeisser. The French loved the small Bulldogs that the English didn’t want, prizing their size, which is how the French Bulldog came about during the mid to late 1800s.
This makes it a relatively new breed but a prized and well-loved one, nonetheless. In 2022, they were the most popular AKC-registered dog in the United States.
How Platinum French Bulldogs Gained Popularity
The French Bulldog largely came from castoffs of English Bulldogs. The French took these small dogs and those with erect ears and specifically bred them for these traits, and the English did the exact opposite with the English Bulldog.
By the end of the 1800s, Frenchies made their way back to England, where they met a fair amount of resistance. English Bulldog owners feared that the French Bulldog lineage would enter and corrupt the English Bulldog line.
But despite the initial resistance, after a decade or two, they were both officially recognized as different breeds and rose in popularity. But due to their inability to handle the heat and World War I, the French Bulldog suffered from a significant drop in popularity until the 1980s.
They’ve grown in popularity substantially since then, becoming one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As their overall popularity soared, so did the popularity of specific sub-colors, like platinum.
Formal Recognition of Platinum French Bulldogs
While you can get a certified French Bulldog with a platinum coloring, the AKC does not recognize an “official” platinum coloring. The only colors that the AKC recognizes are brindle, fawn, pied, and a few variations of these. This comes down to the fact that platinum coloring comes from entirely recessive traits, which make them more susceptible to genetic issues and disorders.
So, while you can get an officially recognized French Bulldog, if they’re platinum, they won’t have an officially recognized coloring.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Platinum French Bulldogs
Here are a few of the most interesting facts about the platinum French Bulldog.
1. Platinum French Bulldogs Only Have Recessive Genes
Platinum is a rare French Bulldog color. This comes down to the number of recessive genes that the dog has. If either parent passes down any other gene, you won’t get a platinum French Bulldog.
2. Platinum French Bulldogs Have Many Health Issues
While the recessive genes of the platinum French Bulldog make for a beautiful dog, they also lead to additional health concerns. This is why the AKC and other official organizations will not officially recognize the platinum French Bulldog.
3. Platinum French Bulldogs Can Cost Around $10,000
Due to how rare and how popular the platinum French Bulldog is, they are quite expensive. If you find a reputable platinum French Bulldog breeder, you can expect to spend close to $10,000 to get a puppy.
4. There Are Multiple Platinum French Bulldog Sub-Breeds
While the platinum French Bulldog is a specific coloring, there are multiple sub-colorings. One of the rarest sub-colorings of a platinum French Bulldog is the new shade platinum French Bulldog.
5. Platinum French Bulldogs Tend to Be Less Aggressive Than Regular Bulldogs
While their recessive traits can lead to health issues, these same recessive traits can give them less-aggressive tendencies.
Does a Platinum French Bulldog Make a Good Pet?
While there’s no denying that the platinum French Bulldog has a few additional health concerns compared to most other French Bulldogs, it’s also well noted that these health issues can lead to a milder temperament.
Typical French Bulldogs have a mildly aggressive streak that can make them troublesome around kids and families, but platinum French Bulldogs typically don’t have this problem. Their milder temperament is one of their best and most popular features, and it’s why they make outstanding pets for individuals and families alike.
However, they do have more health concerns than many other dogs, which means you need to take extra precautions with these dogs and ensure that visit the vet often for preventative care.
Conclusion
The platinum French Bulldog might have beautiful coloring, but due to the extra health issues that they can get, they’re also a controversial dog breed. Compounding this issue is that there are only slight differences in the coloring of a platinum French Bulldog and a cream French Bulldog.
But no matter where you stand on the debate, there’s no doubt that platinum French Bulldogs are incredibly adorable and lovable pups.
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Featured Image Credit: Bleshka, Shutterstock
