French Bulldog Blog

Lilac Merle French Bulldog: Rare, Stunning, and Lovable Dog

frenchie space lilac merle french bulldog

French Bulldogs are a breed that never goes out of style, and among them, the lilac merle French bulldog is an absolute showstopper. With their striking coat patterns, unique coloring, and often eye-catching features like heterochromia (two different-colored eyes), these pups are taking the dog world by storm. But what exactly makes a lilac merle Frenchie so special, and why are they the talk of the town? 

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What is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog?

A lilac merle French bulldog is a unique variation of the French Bulldog breed, combining the beautiful lilac coat color with the mesmerizing merle pattern.

  • Lilac Color: The lilac hue is a diluted version of the chocolate and blue coat genes, resulting in a soft, silvery-purple tone.
  • Merle Pattern: Merle refers to a marbled or dappled effect on the coat, creating unique patches of color. This pattern is also responsible for some heterochromia, meaning the dog could have two different-colored eyes, adding to their charm.

Put it all together, and you’ve got a stunning French Bulldog with a one-of-a-kind look that turns heads everywhere they go.

Lilac merle Frenchies are known not just for their striking appearance but also for their lovable personalities. Like other French Bulldogs, they’re affectionate, playful, and thrive on human companionship. Since Frenchies belong to Molossus dog breeds, they make unbreakable ties with their owners. They are bred to work for their owner, so leaving these pooches alone can make them prone to separation anxiety. It’s a condition where a dog goes through real stress during loneliness. It starts to whine, bark, howl, run from room to room, and even tries to hurt itself.

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How is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog Made?

Making a lilac merle Frenchie is a process of careful and selective breeding. To achieve this combination, breeders need to work with dogs that carry specific genetic traits. Here’s a simplified explanation:

  1. Lilac Coat Genetics: Lilac is two sets of recessive genes—chocolate (bb) and blue (dd). Both parents must carry these genes to produce lilac puppies.
  2. Merle Pattern Genetics: Merle is a dominant gene. One parent must carry the merle gene to express it in the puppies.

When a French Bulldog with lilac genes is bred with one that carries the merle gene you get a lilac merle Frenchie. But responsible breeding is key to avoiding health issues. Overbreeding the merle gene can cause hearing and vision problems.

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How Much is a Lilac Merle French Bulldog?

It’s no secret that lilac merle French Bulldogs are among the most expensive pups out there. Their rarity and the demand for their unique appearance drive up their price significantly. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 or more for a lilac Merle Frenchie.

Here’s what influences their price:

  • Coat and Eye Color: Dogs with vibrant lilac coloring and striking features like heterochromia (different-colored eyes) are often priced higher.
  • Breeder Reputation: Reputable breeders who prioritize health and ethical practices typically charge more.
  • Bloodline and Pedigree: Puppies with champion bloodlines or exceptional genetics fetch premium prices.

While the price may seem steep, investing in a responsible breeder is crucial to ensure your puppy is healthy and well-cared for. Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true,” as they may involve unethical practices.

READ ALSO: Chocolate Merle French Bulldog: Appearance, Cost, and Care Tips

What is the Average Lifespan of a Lilac Merle French Bulldog?

On average, a lilac merle French bulldog has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, similar to other French Bulldogs. However, their lifespan can vary depending on several factors:

  • Genetics: Dogs with a healthy lineage tend to live longer.
  • Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain your dog’s overall health.
  • Health Care: Routine vet checkups and preventive care play a crucial role in extending your dog’s life. Make sure your dog gets all the vaccine shots that are mandatory in your country.

While they’re not the longest-lived breed, a well-cared-for lilac merle Frenchie can provide years of love and companionship.

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Possible Health Issues in a Lilac Merle French Bulldog

Like all French Bulldogs, lilac merle Frenchies are prone to certain health problems. However, the addition of the merle gene can introduce additional risks. Here’s what to watch for:

  1. Breathing Issues: French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their flat faces can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather. Therefore, make sure you protect your dog with a dog cooling vest, cooling collar and let him/her sleep on a cooling bed. Those three items are must-have for any Frenchie owner.
  2. Hearing and Vision Problems: The merle gene is linked to an increased risk of deafness and vision impairments, especially in dogs with two copies of the merle gene. To make sure your lilac merle French bulldog won’t suffer from this health problems, ask the breeder to meet the puppy’s parents. If both parents are merle, then think twice before buying it.
  3. Skin Sensitivity: Their delicate coat and skin can be prone to allergies or irritation.
  4. Hip Dysplasia: A common issue in many dogs, this condition affects their mobility and comfort. Unfortunately, Frenchies are one of the breeds that are especially prone to this issue. 
  5. Spinal Problems: French Bulldogs are also at risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause pain or paralysis.

To minimize these risks, ensure your dog receives regular vet care and comes from a reputable breeder who tests for genetic health issues.

Are Lilac Merle French Bulldogs Recognized by the AKC?

The short answer is no—lilac merle French Bulldogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Here’s why:

  • The AKC only recognizes standard French Bulldog colors, such as fawn, brindle, cream, and pied. Non-standard colors like lilac or merle are considered faults and disqualify the dog from AKC events or breeding programs.
  • The merle pattern itself is controversial among breed purists, as it’s not considered part of the original French Bulldog lineage.

That said, this doesn’t stop lilac merle Frenchies from being beloved pets and social media stars. They might not win any AKC ribbons, but they’re sure to win hearts wherever they go.

Are Lilac Merle French Bulldogs Rare?

Yes, lilac merle French Bulldogs are incredibly rare. Their unique combination of genetics makes them one of the most sought-after variations of the breed.

Here’s what contributes to their rarity:

  1. Genetic Complexity: Producing a lilac merle Frenchie requires careful pairing of specific recessive and dominant genes, which can be challenging to achieve.
  2. Limited Supply: Ethical breeders prioritize the health of their dogs over mass production, keeping the supply of lilac merles limited.
  3. High Demand: Their eye-catching appearance and lovable personality make them highly desirable among dog enthusiasts.

Because of their rarity, lilac merle Frenchies are often seen as a luxury pet. Owning one is a statement, and these pups tend to stand out in any crowd.

lilac merle french bulldog frenchie space

How To Take Care of A Lilac Merle Frenchie?

1- First of all, we should not forget to choose a quality cosmetics for these pooches. French bulldogs have sensitive skin, so we need to bathe them with hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Our recommendation is to check the Hypoallergenic French Bulldog Shampoo. It will soothe itchiness and make your dog’s coat smell great. 

frenchie space shop hypoallergenic french bulldog shampoo

2- Choose a good grooming brush for your Frenchie. During baths, you can use our  Bath Massage Frenchie Brush, while the  Bristle French Bulldog Brush can be used twice a week.

frenchie space shop bristle french bulldog brush

3- Do not forget to dress your little gremlin in warm clothes for French bulldogs in cold weather. These pooches are prone to hypothermia and require wearing an additional coat in cold weather. 

On the other hand, taking them outside in the summer can also make them prone to heatstroke. During summer months, we recommend you to pay attention to their hydration, let them sleep on a cooling bed, and dress them in a summer cooling vest. 

frenchie space shop cooling french bulldog vest4- Regularly clean your lilac merle French bulldog’s ears because they’re wide open. They can easily get dirty and collect pollen, dust, and plant pieces from the environment. To keep them healthy, we recommend you to check our French Bulldog Ear Cleansing Oil.

frenchie space shop french bulldog ear cleansing oil

The rest of the products to take care for your Frenchie, you can find in our HEALTH & CARE collection.

 

 Final Thoughts

The lilac merle French bulldog is undoubtedly a fascinating and unique addition to the world of French Bulldogs. From their stunning coats and heterochromia to their playful and affectionate nature, these dogs are truly one of a kind. However, owning one comes with responsibilities, from choosing a reputable breeder to staying on top of their health care needs.

While they might not be recognized by the AKC or win any formal awards, lilac merle Frenchies are champions in the hearts of their owners. If you’re considering bringing one into your life, be prepared for endless love, laughs, and lots of attention—because with a lilac merle by your side, life is anything but ordinary!

READ ALSO:

What is an Isabella French Bulldog? 6 Types of Rare Frenchies

9 Types of Platinum French Bulldogs: The Ultimate Guide

 

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