If you’re looking to welcome a French bulldog into your home, you already know that they make the perfect pet—but there are many different colors and patterns to pick from! One of the most popular variations of Frenchies is the lilac and blue varieties. While they look similar at first blush, each has unique traits.
If you’re trying to decide whether a lilac or blue French bulldog is the right pup for your lifestyle, it’s important to understand their subtle differences. Here, we’ll provide an in-depth exploration of both breeds so you can decide which one will be joining your family.
Lilac vs Blue French Bulldog
Are you looking for a loyal, small-sized companion that will bring joy to your home? Then consider getting a French Bulldog! This breed of dog comes in many colors, including Lilac and Blue. There are some important differences between these two colors that you should learn before deciding which one is best for you.
First, the most notable difference between Lilac and Blue French Bulldogs is their coat color. While both colors may look similar at first sight, a Blue Frenchie typically has an entirely grayish-blue coat. In contrast, a Lilac Frenchie usually has dark gray patches under its eyes and on its back, creating a patchy color pattern throughout the body.
The second difference between these two breeds of French Bulldogs is their price. Generally speaking, a Lilac French Bulldog will be much more expensive than its blue counterpart due to its scarcity and desirability. Finally, lilac and blue French Bulldogs tend to be very loving and affectionate companions—so if you’re looking for a loyal furry friend, either breed could be right for you!
Key Differences Between Lilac and Blue French Bulldogs
Sure, Lilac and Blue French Bulldogs look super similar, but there are actually quite a few differences between them that you should know about. Let’s take a closer look at these key differences:
- Appearance: Blue French Bulldogs are solid blue all over, while Lilac French Bulldogs have lighter cream-colored patches on their face and body.
- Coat Color DNA: Blue French Bulldogs need two copies of the ‘dd’ gene to get their iconic blue coat color, while Lilac French Bulldogs need one ‘d’ gene and one ‘dilute’ gene (known as the ‘blue factor’).
- Cost: Lilac Frenchies are much rarer than their blue counterparts, so they generally cost more. A Blue French Bulldog might be the way to go if you want a more affordable option.
When deciding between a Lilac or Blue Frenchie, you definitely have some factors to consider—but either way, you can’t go wrong with this adorable pup!
What Is a French Bulldog?
Before we discuss the key differences between lilac and blue French Bulldogs, let’s start with a background on the breed first. French Bulldogs, affectionately known as “Frenchie,” are a breed of dog that originated from English Bulldogs in the 1800s in France.
They are pint-sized pooches with bat-like ears, expressive eyes, and a wide array of coat colors that can be solid or brindle. The average French Bulldog weighs between 16 and 28 pounds and stands up to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Frenchies love spending time with their owners and happily follow them wherever they go. They have a great sense of humor, need minimal exercise, and usually get along well with other pets in the house.
Overview of the Lilac French Bulldog
Whether you’re considering bringing a Lilac French Bulldog into your home or just curious about the breed, you should know the key differences between a Lilac French Bulldog and Blue French Bulldog.
Appearance
The first thing to note is the difference in the color of these two breeds. The Lilac French Bulldog is grayish-purple, with bluish-silver highlights, while the Blue French Bulldog is a cool grayish-blue with silver highlights. Lilacs also have light-colored eyes, whereas Blue French Bulldogs have dark eyes.
Temperament
The next difference to note is in their temperaments. Lilacs are generally more outgoing and social than Blues due to their higher energy level. Blues tend to be more relaxed and easygoing than their cousins. They also tend to be quieter than other breeds, which may make them better for those living in an apartment or looking for a low-maintenance pet.
The bottom line is that both breeds make great companions if given lots of love and care, but they each have different personalities that may be better suited to certain households or lifestyles. Before deciding which is right for you, research to make the best decision for your family.
Overview of the Blue French Bulldog
So what is a blue French bulldog? It’s a French bulldog that sports a unique slate blue coat. It’s an example of a dilution gene that has caused the coloration to be diluted from black to gray to blue. Not only are they striking to look at, but their temperament, size, and health issues are very similar to the lilac French bulldog.
Coats
Blue French Bulldog coats come in two shades—a slate blue and a very light, almost lavender-gray hue. Both shades boast white markings underneath their chins, tummies, and paws. These two colors are like the traditional brindle pattern, with black, gray, and white all mixed together in different patterns.
Colors
The dilute gene at work causes the unique color of the Blue French Bulldog; in essence, it dilutes the black coat pigment of this breed by creating lighter shades of gray, silver, and even lavender! This makes it relatively easy to spot a Blue French Bulldog from afar instead of other Frenchie colors because its coat stands out from other colors like fawn or brindle.
Other Attributes
That being said, one thing you should know about Blue French Bulldogs is that they don’t have any special attributes other than those shared by other color variants of this breed. They have temperaments and health issues similar to Lilac French Bulldogs – with beautiful blue coloring instead!
Popularity of the Lilac French Bulldog
The Lilac French Bulldog has been gaining popularity recently, and it’s no wonder why! These stunning pups are often lighter and fluffier than the Blue French Bulldog, making them extra eye-catching. While the Blue Frenchie is gorgeous, too, many prefer the unique look of the Lilac.
Another reason why people are drawn to the Lilac French Bulldog is that they possess an impressive intelligence level. This breed can learn various tasks and tricks with proper training and socialization. They also have an innate ability to form strong connections with their owners, making them an excellent companion you can truly bond with.
If you’re looking for a pup that looks spectacular and incredibly clever, then a Lilac French Bulldog would be a great pet choice!
Temperament Differences Between the Two
You might not know that there are differences in temperaments between lilac and blue French Bulldog. While both of these pups make great companion animals, the two breeds have distinct personalities you should consider when choosing.
Blue French Bulldogs are more laid back in their personalities and tend to be less vocal than their lilac counterparts. They can be quite reserved around strangers and new environments, but if allowed to warm up, they can become very social dogs. On the other hand, Lilac French Bulldogs tend to be louder and more alert than the blues. They love exploring with their families and tend to have a bolder attitude.
It’s important to remember that all dogs vary in personality regardless of breed, so don’t decide only based on temperament alone. The best way to determine if a certain Frenchie is right for you is by meeting it and getting to know its unique personality.
Lilac vs Blue French Bulldog Coat Coloring
The main difference between lilac and blue French Bulldogs is their coat coloring. While both are technically blue, the lilac has a distinct grayish-purple hue. This happens because lilacs have dilute genes, producing pigments that are a lighter version of their original color.
To compare, blue French Bulldogs have coats that are more charcoal or silverish-blue in color. The shades of these two colors vary quite a bit, making it tricky to tell them apart sometimes. So if you’re ever trying to distinguish between lilac and blue Frenchie, it’s all about the shade of their coat!
Below are some tips that can help you differentiate between the two:
- Lilac coats typically have more of a muted hue than blues
- The lightness or darkness can vary within a single litter—sometimes even being different across the same dog’s body
- Lilacs tend to have bluish undertones, whereas blues can be darker and more slate-like
- Lilacs often appear slightly “dusty” in certain light
- Blues sometimes appear “grayish” depending on how much sunlight they’re exposed to
Health Considerations for French Bulldogs
Whether you’re considering getting a blue French bulldog or a lilac French bulldog, there are important health considerations to remember. Both types of French Bulldogs can suffer from several different conditions, some of which they are specifically prone to.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
One health issue that can affect both types of French Bulldogs is brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS), which is common in all brachycephalic breeds due to their shorter muzzles and foreshortened faces. This can lead to breathing difficulties, snoring, and difficulty exercising.
Hip Dysplasia
Another potential health issue in the blue and lilac French Bulldog is hip dysplasia, which impacts the hip joint and causes pain and lameness. It’s caused by either an incorrect formation or malformation of the hip joint, leading to it not functioning as it should. Regular checkups with your vet are important to ensure signs of dysplasia are caught early for effective treatment.
Allergies & Skin Conditions
Both lilac and blue French Bulldogs can suffer from allergies and skin conditions such as seborrhea oleosa, or dermatitis. If you think your pup might have either issue, take them to the vet, who can diagnose them properly and provide treatment options if necessary.
Whether you choose a blue or lilac French Bulldog, proper care should be taken when looking after their health—after all, they need extra attention due to their brachycephalic facial structure!
Cost of Lilac vs Blue French Bulldog
If you’re considering a lilac or blue French Bulldog, it’s important to know that the price tag could be significantly more than buying a more traditional French Bulldog. That’s because these pups are less common and, thus, harder to find.
Lilac French Bulldogs
Lilac French Bulldogs typically run between $2,000 and $5,000. The cost of such a pup largely depends on its pedigree, lineage, and bloodline. Plus, since lilac French Bulldogs are hard to come by, they can become quite expensive in puppy mills or pet shops.
Blue French Bulldogs
The price range for Blue French Bulldogs is quite similar to lilacs. The cost range is between $2,000 and $5,000 but could easily be higher depending on its rarity or if you purchase one from a breeder.
It’s important to note here that pedigreed Sire/Dam pairings for either lilac or blue French Bulldogs can cost significantly more than the average costs listed above — upwards of six figures. It isn’t something to pass up if you find such an opportunity for these rare dogs!
Which is Right for You?
So, you’re considering bringing a new French Bulldog into your home, but you’re unsure which type to choose: lilac or blue?
The factors to consider in deciding whether a lilac or blue French Bulldog is right for you depend on your lifestyle. Here are some points to consider when making your decision.
Coat Color
The two primary differences between Lilacs and Blues are their coat colors and the cost associated with each. Lilacs have a unique purple-gray coat, while Blue French Bulldogs have a stunning gray-blue hue. The cost of each color varies according to breeder and region.
Shedding
Lilacs and Blue French Bulldogs share similar shedding patterns due to their short coats – low levels of shedding throughout the year with intensive periods during the summer months. While neither breed should be considered hypoallergenic, particularly sensitive people may benefit from a Blue’s shorter coat rather than a Lilac’s longer one.
Temperament
Lilac and Blue French Bulldogs have similar personalities – loyal, affectionate, and eager to please. However, due to their smaller size and lively nature, they can be mischievous at times! Both require plenty of attention from their families to stay happy and healthy.
Ultimately, choosing between a Lilac or Blue French Bulldog comes down to what you want from your pet and considering cost and personal preference regarding colors. With some research into these factors, you should be able to make an informed decision best suited for you!
FAQ
Since the debate of lilac vs blue French Bulldogs is such an ongoing topic, here are some commonly asked questions that will help you decide and educate you on why these differences exist.
Is there actually a difference between Lilac and Blue French Bulldogs?
Yes! While both colors are blue, the difference is due to the genetic makeup. Blue French Bulldogs carry two copies of the same color gene; this makes their fur a darker, richer blue, usually described as slate blue. Lilac French Bulldogs carry two genes, giving them a softer, silvery-blue color.
What makes the Lilac French Bulldog more expensive?
Lilac isn’t as common as blue, making them rarer and more expensive. On top of that, it’s harder to find French Bulldog puppies with guaranteed good health and stable temperaments if you don’t get them from a reputable breeder. Since these pups are rarer, you might not always be able to find one from a reputable source. So when looking for Lilacs, it pays off to do extra research!
Are there any other considerations when choosing between Lilac vs Blue French Bulldog?
Yes! It would help if you also considered whether or not showing pedigree would be important to you down the line. When showing breeds at a show or competition, dogs are typically judged by their conformation to the breed standard—which can include coloring too! The American Kennel Club does not recognize lilacs in their standards yet—so if showing is something you’re interested in doing down the line, this should be considered.
Conclusion
Both the blue and lilac French Bulldog are beautiful and loyal companions. From a purely aesthetic perspective, it’s hard to say which is “better” than the two – due to the color variations; you may prefer one. However, it’s important to remember that the blue and lilac French Bulldogs make excellent pets.
When it comes to the differences between the two, there is more than just their color. The blue French Bulldog tends to be slightly smaller than their lilac counterpart, and their coats are typically shorter, too. Furthermore, the blue French Bulldog has a more typical coloring than other Bulldogs, whereas the lilac French Bulldog is an eye-catching and increasingly popular breed. Ultimately, deciding which French Bulldog to get depends on your taste and preference.
