Featured Image Credit: @otto_bigpommernbulldogs (IG)
If you’re looking for a unique pet, you might want to consider the blue English Bulldog. This unique alteration to the standard English Bulldog is different from the usual brown-eyed dogs most people know and love.
Aside from their blue-grey coat and the occasional blue eyes, these dogs have so much more to offer! For instance, their small size, bruiser appearance, and lax physical activity needs are just some of the ways that make them so appealing.
Before you look for a breeder or a rescue organization that may have this rare blue dog, I’ll help you ensure that this is indeed the right Bulldog variety for you.
Read on to know some of the most significant aspects of the blue English Bulldog (including its temperament, maintenance, health and FAQ) that every prospective owner needs to know. Let’s jump right in!
What Is a Blue English Bulldog? Are They Really Blue-Colored?
From its name itself, many would assume a blue English Bulldog has a solid blue color. Perhaps they can be associated with dogs that are often seen on animated children’s shows on television. Hence the question goes, are they truly blue-colored?
Blue English Bulldogs are one of the many color varieties of the Bully breed that we know and love. They take on a stunning blue or grey coat but most of them are not solid-colored.
To clarify, the “blue” coloration does not refer to navy or sky blue shades. Instead, it is a general coat description for a silvery-grey color with a distinct ice sheen.
This unique tone simply stands out from the traditional gray and black coat colors. You can see some blue English Bulldogs having a fawn or white undercoat, and rubbing their fur makes it easier to notice this. Accordingly, their eyeliner, footpads, and nose will also be blue-colored.
All Types of Blue English Bulldogs
Blue English Bulldogs are considered a rare color. What’s interesting to note is that they are actually black dogs whose coat color has been diluted by generational breeding.
If a dog carries the seal gene, which causes maroon or other color undertones, the blue/grey coat should be glossy and appear grey against black objects or in the light. Be careful not to confuse the color with black!
As previously mentioned, blue English Bulldogs may or may not show a fawn undercoat when their fur is rubbed. The nose, footpads, and eyeliner are all blue or grey colored, ranging from light to dark.
Here are some of the most common color variations of a blue English Bulldog:
Blue Tri English Bulldog
Photo from @ajl_bullys (IG)
A blue tri English Bulldog has a blue and white-colored coat with the occasional tan or trindle points.
Generally, they have silver coats with tan points on legs, chest, and eyes similar to a Doberman. If you prefer a dog with a strong aesthetic appeal, these dogs also have blue or green eyes.
Blue Merle English Bulldog
Photo from @murphy_the_bullyboy (IG)
A blue merle English Bulldog presents itself in a variety of colors. Usually, they have a white base with light and dark gray markings.
Often, there are also patches of tan and black on their coat. The patches can be in any size or shape, found in various parts of the dog’s body.
Blue Fawn English Bulldog
Photo from @thebulldognamedjasper (IG)
A blue fawn English Bulldog comes in solid blue or blue fawn and white in various patterns. The shades make them appear to have dusky-looking fur.
Note that fawn, a light tan or yellow color, may have many different shades, ranging from a pale tan to a deep deer-red. Although the dog’s hair is fawn, its nose, footpads, and eyeliner will typically be blue-colored.
Blue Brindle English Bulldog
Photo from @bubbabigsby_thebulldog (IG)
The blue brindle English Bulldogs boast a visible blue or grey coat with traces of brindle. Specifically, brindle stripings are visible on the top of the head and the chest or back area. Usually, these appear to be blue and fawn stripes with various white markings.
Blue-grey English Bulldog
The blue-grey English Bulldog has a dilute bluish-gray coat, from dark grey to light grey. Their coat usually goes with white or tan color around the face and the chest.
To help you visualize, take a look at the general appearance of this blue English Bulldog:
RARE RARE BLUE ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPIES VICTORIA'S OLDE BULLDOGS<a href="https://youtu.be/3YKUyIHroUY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F3YKUyIHroUY%2F0.jpg" alt="RARE RARE BLUE ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPIES VICTORIA&#039;S OLDE BULLDOGS" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Blue Olde English Bulldog
Photo from @otto_bigpommernbulldogs (IG)
Let me clarify that blue Olde Bulldogs were developed to inherit the traits of the extinct Old English Bulldog (athletic, agile, and bull-baiting). These dogs made their first appearance in the United States in the 1970s.
The coat of these dogs has a blue/grey tone that shines in the sun and looks grey against black objects. They may have patterns including brindle and solid colors (white, fawn, red, or black), with or without white markings.
Blue English Bulldog Size and Weight: How Big Do Full Grown Blue Bulldogs Get?
A full-grown blue English Bulldog ranges from 12 to 25 inches in height and can weigh around 40 to 50 pounds. They are generally short, compact which adds to their whole appeal.
Their size makes them suitable for small living spaces such as apartments, considering they do not need a lot of room to move around. If you’re frequently satisfying your wanderlust, they also make for convenient travel companions.
A blue English Bulldog’s medium size also makes them the perfect snuggle buddies. Unlike large dog breeds, their average size makes them less intimidating and easier to manage.
They may appear small at a distance, but don’t let that fool you! It doesn’t automatically mean they will be light, and you’ll often be surprised at how they weigh whenever you pick them up.
Like other breeds, a blue English Bulldog is expected to be fully grown at around one year. Most likely, you can expect your new furry friend to reach its final weight and height after one year and up to 18 months.
Blue English Bulldog Coat Color Genetics: What Makes an English Bulldog Blue?
In most dogs, a blue-colored coat is due to a recessive gene known as the dilution gene. The dilution gene affects eumelanin, a dog’s primary pigment with a default black color.
Different color variation in English Bulldogs occurs as genes modify eumelanin to create other colors, including blue (grey).
For blue English Bulldogs, the genetic locations or Loci is called D for dilution. It is responsible for diluted pigment that lightens coats from black or brown to gray, blue, or very pale brown.
Only bulldogs with the “d-d” genotype will have a blue or dilute coat color, as it usually takes two recessives (dd) to lighten black to gray pigment or blue and red to cream shade.
The d-d genotype makes up the blue English Bulldog variations: blue brindle, blue fawn, blue with tan points, blue sable fawn, etc.
Hence, d-d is a dilution that affects black pigment and black-colored hairs. Any pigment or coats that would otherwise be black are diluted from black to blue on a “d-d” dog.
Are Blue English Bulldogs Rare?
Yes, blue English Bulldogs are extremely rare. Typically, you will pay a premium for one because of its uniqueness. Blue Bulldogs are considered one of the rarest colors in the breed, alongside black, chocolate, and lilac.
Only a few blue English Bulldogs exist in the world. They are notably tricky to breed to a great degree, making them more costly than standard Bullies.
If you find a blue Bulldog pup, ensure that it is a purebred English Bulldog with proper AKC documentation before making a purchase. It would also be best if you affirm that the breeder is reliable and knowledgeable.
Do Blue English Bulldog Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Most blue English Bulldog puppies do not entirely change color as they grow. When Bulldogs grow, the shade of their coat may change, making them look darker or lighter, but their color usually stays the same.
For instance, when blue Bulldog puppies are born, they may look black at first. The coat color may fade over time until they take on a blue or grey coat in their adult years.
Different types of lighting may also play an important role in how your Bulldogs appear to the naked eye. Hence, their color can certainly look different in specific lightings.
However, the skin and coat of your dog may sometimes change later in life, becoming lighter or darker. It may be due to several reasons such as their nutrition, infectious diseases, cancer, inherited health conditions, bruises, or ear or saliva staining.
The different causes of a pigment change in your blue English Bulldog pup may vary. It is better to contact your vet for a diagnostic assessment.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize the Blue English Bulldog?
Photo from @murphy_the_bullyboy (IG)
Most notably, rare colors in English Bulldogs are only accepted by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC). The official statement on their website reads: “All coat and nose colors of the English Bulldog are acceptable, including standard and rare colors.”
It includes the blue English Bulldog and its related variations such as the blue tri, blue merle, blue olde, blue fawn, blue brindle, and blue-grey.
However, many kennel clubs do not recognize rare colored Bullies such as the blue English Bulldog. In particular, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is yet to acknowledge this color along with some other non-standard varieties like merle, lilac, or chocolate.
Aside from AKC, the Bulldog Club of America (BCA) also does not recognize the blue or blue tri for the Bulldog breed standard.
Other kennel clubs that do not acknowledge the blue Bully are the International Canine Federation (FCI), The Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Blue English Bulldog Temperament: Are Blue English Bulldogs Good Family Companions?
Thanks to their sweet and gentle disposition, the blue English Bulldog makes for a brilliant family pet.
Rest assured, their rare coloration does not affect their general temperament in any way. They also have the well-loved sweet disposition of the English Bulldog breed.
To give you an idea, here’s how they typically deal with others at home:
With Children: Blue English Bulldogs are generally very patient and loving towards children. Some female Bullies tend to display maternal instincts with kids and toddlers around. Hence, they will watch over them and become protective.
With Other Dogs and Pets: Most blue English Bulldogs are civil and get along with other pets in the household. However, some may act aggressively toward other dogs and cats. Prospective owners must prepare for possible animal aggression.
With Strangers: These dogs are typically shy and timid around strangers, especially if not trained to socialize at a young age. If you want your blue English Bulldog to act well around other people, expose them early towards new presences.
Before you adopt or buy a blue English Bulldog puppy, get to know the dog so you can assess its overall disposition. It will help you figure out whether the puppy fits your lifestyle or not.
Blue English Bulldog Lifespan and Health Issues: Do Blue English Bulldogs Have Health Problems?
The average lifespan of blue English Bulldogs ranges from about 6 to 8 years. They were once considered very healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 years, but their expected dog years changed over the years of breeding.
Due to inadequate and improper breeding practices, some blue Bullies may develop genetic health problems.
Here’s a list of health issues to watch out for if you are planning to get yourself a blue Bulldog:
Color Dilution Alopecia: It is a hereditary skin disease seen in blue English Bulldogs, as well as other color-diluted dogs. An initial sign to look out for is the gradual onset of a dry and dull hair coat. Extensive partial hair loss can also be observed on your dog’s skin.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: This pathological condition affects short-nosed dogs such as the blue English Bulldog, leading to severe respiratory distress. Some telling signs include Dyspnea or difficulty breathing, stress and heat intolerance during exercise, and collapse.
Severe Skin Problems: Your blue English Bulldog may be prone to several skin allergies, hot spots, eczema, and dry skin. The breed is known to be at risk of severe skin infections or recurrence of disease within skin folds.
Degenerative Spine Disease: This progressive disease of the spinal cord targets older blue English Bulldogs between 8 and 14 years old. It starts with a lack of balance (Ataxia) in the hind limbs, causing the affected dog to wobble, knuckle down, or drag his feet while walking.
Eye Problems: This condition includes cherry eyes, dry eyes, and more. Eye and eyelid problems are common in blue English Bulldogs, which presents with redness, discharge, and frequent rubbing due to pain.
Hip Dysplasia: This common orthopedic condition in blue English Bulldogs results from a malformed hip joint. It may affect one or both of your Bulldog’s hips, and it is the leading cause of hind-leg lameness in most dogs.
Thyroid and Heart Disease: Hypothyroidism occurs when your blue English Bulldog is not secreting enough thyroid hormones. Your dog’s metabolism will slow down as a result. This condition is also linked to seizures, heart and blood vessel problems, and infertility.
Ensuring your blue English Bulldog has a proper diet, adequate exercise, and treatment are essential in preventing these health problems.
Remember that Bulldogs quickly overheat and have breathing problems in hot weather. Hence, never leave your blue Bulldog out in the sun unattended or without access to shade and water.
How Much Are Blue Bulldog Puppies? Are They More Expensive Than Other Bulldog Colors?
Photo from @bigsbythebully (IG)
Blue Bulldog puppies are so rare and hard to produce, which makes them very expensive. Typically, they cost around $8,500 to $14,000, considering you find a reputable breeder in your area, that is. The price depends on their coat type, color, and generation.
For those wondering if blue puppies are more expensive than other Bulldog colors, the answer is yes. Take, for example, the standard English Bulldogs which costs around $1,500 – $4,000. It is quite cheaper than the price range of blue Bulldog puppies.
It is going to be very rare to see a blue English Bulldog in any rescue center. Your only chance of owning one of these expensive and rare breeds is by looking for a reputable breeder.
Moreover, the high and life-long expenses only start when you bring home these adorable blue English Bulldog puppies.
Here’s a breakdown of the maintenance costs (both yearly and monthly) in keeping a blue English Bulldog as a pet:
When it comes to food, you want to make sure you give them the best quality kibble and treats. Some owners will go the extra mile to give their blue Bulldogs unique diet plans which can cost them more.
Blue English Bulldogs may not have a thick and long coat just like other breeds, but they still need to visit professional groomers regularly. It will keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and clean.
Places to Find Blue English Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Once you’ve decided to add a blue English Bulldog puppy into your family, it’s time to find the nearest animal rescue facility or a reliable breeder in your local neighborhood.
To help you get started, here’s a list of reputable rare-colored Bulldog breeders in the United States if you’re planning to buy premium puppies:
Champ Bulldogs – This reputable rare-colored Bulldog breeder offers top-quality puppies bred from international champion English Bulldogs. To help find a loving family suited for every Bulldog puppy, this breeder requires at least one reference listed on your application who can vouch for your capabilities as a fur parent.
Rare Bulldogs – Since 1972, this breeder has been specializing in rare-colored Bulldogs such as those with lilac, blue, and chocolate coats. Prospective owners can rely on their expertise in canine color genetics and proper breeding practices. They have the best rare color AKC English Bulldogs fit for you and your family.
English Bulldog Riverside – This breeder offers high-quality, pure-blood Bulldogs. A licensed veterinarian screens every dog before they are placed for adoption. If you’re keen to buy a blue English Bulldog from this breeder, they have a paid waiting list that requires a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 or $2,000. It puts any prospective owner on top of everyone on the list.
Like many other premium and specialty dog breeds, blue English Bulldogs can be rather expensive. If you want to save money and allot your funds for your new dog’s maintenance fees, consider browsing local rescues instead.
You might stumble across a rare-colored English Bully at half the price you’d typically pay a breeder. Not to mention, you will also be giving a loving home to a Bulldog in need.
Check out these esteemed Bulldog rescues:
Bulldog Rescue Network – This rescue aims to make the best match, based on the Bulldog’s background and your particular preference and family needs. You can browse for available Bulldogs on their website.
Buckeye Bulldog Rescue – This shelter no longer accepts general applications, so if you’re interested in adopting a Bulldog, you need to select a specific dog. Your application will be considered along with other potential applicants, from which they will choose the best home for that particular dog.
No Borders Bulldog Rescue – This non-profit rescue organization is fully volunteer-driven, dedicated to saving and rehoming Bulldogs with loving families. They provide all the physical and emotional care necessary to prepare each dog to begin a new chapter in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo from @boomtownthebulldog (IG)
What Eye Colors Do Blue English Bulldogs Have?
Blue, black, or brown are the standard eye colors for blue English Bulldogs. However, some are bred to have blue eyes that complement their blue-grey coat.
Do Blue English Bulldogs Shed?
Yes. Blue English Bulldogs shed, but not nearly as much as other breeds. Bulldogs are considered average shedders in general. Shedding isn’t as evident since their hair isn’t as long or thick.
What Is the Rarest English Bulldog Color?
The merle is the most unique and rare coat color in English Bulldogs. Hundreds of markings are present on the fur, which are typically dark brown or black.
Cream, white, or fawn are the most common dominant colors, combined with darker hues. Black, chocolate, blue, and lilac are other rare colors in Bullies.
Final Thoughts
So, should you get a blue English Bulldog? If you prefer unique, one-of-a-kind pets, rare-colored Bullies are a great choice. They flaunt a grey and blue color, as opposed to a standard brown and white coat.
Undoubtedly, these dogs are instant head-turners wherever they go. Do keep in mind, though, that they cost a few thousand bucks more than the standard Bully. That is the price to pay to become an owner of a highly-coveted and sought-after premium dog.
Remember that bringing a blue Bulldog home is a lifetime commitment. As long as you give them the proper TLC they need, they will stay by your side through the good and the bad.
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