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White French Bulldog: Info, Pictures, Traits, & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Small cream white colored French Bulldog dog puppy

Known for their bat-like ears and adorable smushed faces, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs. These cuties come in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and black. There is, however, one coloration that is becoming increasingly popular: the white French Bulldog. This stunning colorway has all the same characteristics as any other French Bulldog—but there are some differences that go deeper than the color of their fur.

As with other Frenchies, white French Bulldogs have all of the same winning personality traits, but they’re a little bit rarer, so if you’re looking for a dog that is a little unique, a white French Bulldog might be right for you! Before you bring home your pup, here are a few things you need to know about these beautiful dogs.

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White French Bulldogs in History: The Earliest Records

It may surprise you to learn that despite the word French in their breed name, this breed dates back to Nottingham, England, around the middle of the 19th century. Due to their desire to selectively breed smaller dogs, lacemakers in Nottingham raised many toy-sized Bulldogs at that time. This resulted in the toy bulldog becoming a mascot for lacemakers. Many English workers relocated to the French countryside during the decline of the lacemaking industry. The bulldogs developed evermore distinctive characteristics there as their size decreased and the Frenchies’ bat-like ears are believed to have been the result of a crossbreeding between either terriers or pugs.

France embraced the French Bulldog, and these dogs became the toast of Paris. In fact, one of the earliest representations of an all-white French Bulldog comes from this period, in the form of a glazed terracotta statue made in France in the 1880s. From Paris’ aristocracy, Frenchies spread across the continent because of their adorable appearance. So, the French Bulldog originated in England but was refined and improved in France until it became the breed we know today.

french bulldog walking on grass
Image Credit: Christel SAGNIEZ, Pixabay

White French Bulldogs Gain Popularity

Prior to the 1950s, the majority of Frenchies were brindles with very few pieds and whites. It was during the 1950s that the variety of colors available began to expand. It did not take long for the interest in more unusual colors and patterns to explode, and today we have a wide variety of colors and patterns available in French Bulldogs. There are some colors that breed standards allow and others that they forbid. The reason for this is that some colors are associated with genetic defects. All-white Frenchies can have serious health issues depending on their markings and parentage. Our next step will be to examine those genetic issues in relation to breed standards.

Official Recognition of White French Bulldogs

Because they are just a variety of French Bulldogs, all-white French Bulldogs are not recognized as a separate breed. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes pure white French Bulldogs as being an acceptable coloration for this breed of dog. As part of the breed standard, there are a number of disqualifiers listed by the AKC that limit the type of white Frenchies that are approved for registration. The restrictions are intended to prevent the breeding of unhealthy white dogs. Any dog with blue or green eyes, even the slightest hint of blue or green, is disqualified. In addition, the breed standard excludes dogs with noses that are not black (however, cream-colored and fawn-colored dogs are allowed lighter noses), and dogs with coat colors other than those described in the standard (including merle).

Cute French Bulldog hungry and drooling
Image Credit: Amornpant Kookaki, Shutterstock

The Genetics of White French Bulldogs

White French Bulldogs cannot be classified as one genetic type. There are many factors that contribute to the appearance of white French Bulldogs. The genes that produce a white coat can be associated with albinism, leucism, merle or double merle, or piebald or brindle coloration.

Albinism

French Bulldogs that are white are not necessarily albino dogs. In reality, albino characteristics are not a significant factor in the development of white Frenchies, since albinism is a recessive trait, which means both parents must pass it on to their offspring. It is common for an Albino French Bulldog to have pink, blue, or amber eyes, along with visible blood vessels which cause their skin to appear pink. There are a variety of health issues associated with albino puppies, including sunburn and congenital sensory issues.

Leucism

There is a partial loss of pigmentation in leucism. There are spots of another color on the white coats of leucistic White Frenchies. It differs from albinism in that albinism has no pigment whatsoever. Unlike albinism, leucism does not generally affect the color of the eyes. A genetic test can determine if a dog suffers from albinism or leucism in cases where it is not easy to tell.

white french bulldog
Image Credit: Bleshka, Shutterstock

Piebald or Brindle

White French Bulldogs with markings are really brindles or piebalds. However, White Frenchies are classified as such as long as their bodies are predominantly white. This kind of white French Bulldog will generally have a black nose, brown eyes, and a couple of patches of cream, fawn, or brindle somewhere on their body.

Merle & Double Merle

There is a possibility that Frenchies may inherit merle coats from their parents, as a result of a genetic trait. The merle gene can cause mottled patches on solid or piebald coats, blue or oddly colored eyes, and changes in skin pigmentation. When two dogs with merle genes mate, one-quarter of their puppies are born double merles. This is a dangerous genetic combination for these puppies. In addition to being born with white coats, they are also more likely to suffer from eye defects and hearing loss. Even if these puppies are born sighted and with hearing, as they grow older, they are more likely to become blind and deaf.

Top 3 Unique Facts About White French Bulldogs

1. Don’t Buy Blue-Eyed White French Bulldogs

Because white blue-eyed Frenchies do not meet AKC standards, they cannot compete in shows. Blue-eyed French Bulldogs probably have either albinism or merle genes. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer from vision problems, hearing loss, and skin cancers.

Pied French Bulldog
Image Credit: christels, Pixabay

2. Sun Sensitivity Is a Problem for White French Bulldogs

Due to the fact that the epidermis of white Frenchies contains a lower level of melanin, they tend to be more susceptible to sunlight. In order to help keep the skin of a white French Bulldog healthy and free of irritation, you must be aware of this. Keeping them shaded or limiting their time outside is a good idea. Doggie SPF can also be purchased for sensitive parts of their bodies.


3. The Healthiest White Frenchies Are Pale Cream or White with Markings

Your best bet is to purchase a white or cream-colored dog with some markings because these dogs will be genetically healthy. It is far less likely that these dogs will suffer from health problems, such as blindness, deafness, or skin problems.

Lady carrying Cute little French bulldog
Image Credit: GH Studio,Shutterstock

Does a White French Bulldog Make a Good Pet?

When it comes to suitability as a pet, a white French bulldog’s compatibility with your household will vary depending on a variety of personal factors. For the right person or family, white French bulldogs are wonderful pets. If you want to know if a white French bulldog would be a good pet for you, there are a couple of things to consider.

Typically, they’re friendly, playful, and loving animals that cherish human companionship. As well as being relatively hassle-free, they don’t require extensive grooming or exercise. But with any dog, make sure you take into account the individual animal’s temperament, parentage, exercise needs, and the presence of any other pets in your home.

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Conclusion

This dog may be the perfect match for you if you are looking for a distinctive-looking canine companion. Besides being affectionate and playful, they are also wonderful pals to hang out with. There is no doubt the white French Bulldog is a beautiful and unique breed that is worthy of respect and appreciation. However, if you’re looking to get a white French Bulldog, ensure you find a reputable breeder. It is imperative that you do your research before purchasing a white French Bulldog, as not all of them have been bred in a safe, responsible manner. The last thing you want is to bring home a pup that will face a life of ill health.

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Featured Image Credit: Firn, Shutterstock

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