Are you looking for a new four-legged addition to your family? The blue English Bulldog is an adorable and unique breed of canine companion that will appeal to pet lovers everywhere.
The blue English Bulldog stands out from many other breeds. They have distinct traits that make them unique and endearing to so many. In this blog post, we'll explore why owning a blue English Bulldog breed can be such an incredible experience, from their chill personality and cheerful disposition to their loving nature and ability to stick by your side through thick or thin. Read on if you're interested in discovering more about this eye-catching pup.
What Is A Blue English Bulldog?
A blue English Bulldog is one of the unique and striking hues among the breed. They have a shimmery, silvery-gray coat that stands out from other colors in the Bulldog family. It can appear almost black at first glance but has a subtle icy sheen that's unmistakable.
Blue English Bulldogs tend to have light eyes and blue noses, adding to their eye-catching appearance. Though the coat color is rare, this makes the blue English Bulldog even more desirable to pet owners. They are often referred to as "blue fawns" due to their distinct coloring.
Why Do English Bulldogs Have A Blue Coat?
English Bulldogs are known for their unique coat colors, especially when it comes to the 'blue' variety. This unusual hue is due to a recessive gene called the “d-d” genotype, which causes random pigmentation and dilution of the nose, eyes and fur. This results in a lightening of the coat, which in turn gives it a distinct bluish-gray tint.
The coloring is also not just limited to blue, as it can range from a pale steel gray right through to a deeper grayish-black color depending on the intensity of the mutation.
Blue English Bulldog Appearance
Blue English Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with a sturdy, muscular build. They typically have short, smooth coats with a white or fawn undercoat. Their faces are round and flat, with long wrinkles on the forehead, and a short, wide muzzle. The ears are small and folded over their heads.
Bulldogs' tails are also short and thickly coated. They have strong legs that end in feet that are slightly turned outwards, giving them a distinctive look. When walking or running, their strong bodies move in a smooth, rolling way that is unmistakably "Bulldog" in nature.
Size & Weight
Blue English Bulldogs typically weigh about 50 pounds for males and 40 pounds for females when fully grown. These Bulldogs typically stand 12 to 16 inches tall.
An athletic build, a broad chest, and short legs give them a solid appearance.
While compact, blue English Bulldogs are surprisingly strong and powerful in terms of strength and agility. They also have very determined personalities, which can sometimes come off as stubbornness if not properly trained or given enough attention.
English Bulldog History & Origin
The blue English Bulldog is descended from a breed of Bulldogs that originated in England in the early 13th century. The breed is said to have descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, which was selectively bred for use in the cruel sport of “bull-baiting”. This blood sport involved tying a bull to a stake, while several Bulldogs would fight against it in an attempt to subdue it, all while spectators bet on who would win.
After the blood sport was outlawed in 1835, these Bulldogs were bred primarily as companion animals and show dogs. Some historians believe that bulldogs were also used to hunt boar and guard livestock at one point.
A fascinating feature about blue English Bulldogs is that they are actually black dogs whose coat color has been diluted through generations of breeding. The blue English Bulldog also comes in an array of breed variations with the most common including, blue Merle English Bulldog, blue Tri English Bulldog, blue Fawn English Bulldog, blue Brindle English Bulldog, blue Olde English Bulldog and blue-gray English Bulldog.
What Is The Size of A Blue English Bulldog?
A blue English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed of dog. However, don’t be fooled by their small stature. They have a solid, weighty build. Their broad chest, muscular body and short legs give them a powerful, stocky appearance.
Although they are not fluffy fur dogs, their short coats often appear thick and heavy due to their dense muscle mass. While they may not be the biggest breed of dog out there, they are certainly larger than toy breeds and possess impressive strength for their size.
How Much Does A Blue English Bulldog Weigh?
When fully grown, they can reach heights of up to 16 inches at the shoulder. Their weight depends on their size, but on average a male blue English Bulldog will weigh around 35-50 pounds while females will weigh slightly less at 30-40 pounds.
Blue English Bulldog Temperament And Personality
The blue English Bulldog's temperament and personality are generally quite calm, gentle, and loyal. They are eager to please their owners and families, and tend to form strong bonds with them quickly.
Their sweet, docile nature makes them great companions for those who want a laid-back pet that is content to snuggle up on the couch. Despite their appearance of having low energy levels, they enjoy being active and will love going out for regular walks and playing in the yard with their family members.
This breed is intelligent and alert, making them an excellent watchdog too. They can be stubborn at times but respond readily when given consistent training. As with all breeds, socialization from a young age is key to ensuring the blue English Bulldog grows up to be a well-rounded adult dog.
Is The Blue English Bulldog A Good Family Dog?
Yes, the blue English Bulldog is a great family dog. They are loyal, friendly, and affectionate companions that make excellent playmates for children and other pets. Because of their mellow nature, they don't require as much exercise as other dog breeds, making them an ideal pet for busy families or those living in urban areas.
The blue English Bulldog's intelligence and gentle nature make them easy to train and can even be taught simple tricks. Their loving personality makes them great guardians as well. All in all, the blue English Bulldog is an ideal pet for families looking for a faithful companion who will give plenty of love and devotion in return.
Blue English Bulldog Health Risks
With any breed of dog, there are certain health risks that owners should be aware of before bringing one into their home. Here we will discuss the various blue English Bulldog health issues associated with these Bulldogs specifically.
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome is one of the most common blue English bulldog health risks. This is a condition caused by the shortened skull typically found in brachycephalic breeds, like the Bulldog and Pug. Dogs can experience difficulty breathing due to an obstruction in their nasal passages or throat, and this can lead to major respiratory problems such as snoring, gagging, coughing, and even difficulty eating or drinking water.
- Another big risk for blue English Bulldogs is overheating. This breed has a thick coat that can make it difficult for them to cool down during hot summer months, leading to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke if left outside for too long without access to shade or water. It's important to keep your dog indoors during extremely hot days and provide them with plenty of water at all times in order to prevent overheating.
- Blue English bulldogs also have a predisposition towards skin problems such as allergies, hot spots, eczema, dry skin, etc. It's important to monitor your dog’s skin regularly for any signs of irritation so that you can take steps to address it quickly if needed.
- Additionally, this breed is prone to Degenerative myelopathy (DM), commonly described as degenerative spine disease, which can cause pain and immobility over time if not addressed properly through diet and exercise modification from a young age.
- Other potential health risks include eye problems (cherry eye, dry eye), hip dysplasia, head shakes, thyroid and heart disease (which can both be screened for prior to adoption), cancer, and joint and ligament injuries.
While some of these conditions may sound scary at first glance, many of them are preventable or manageable when caught early on with proper care and monitoring from an experienced veterinarian.
Being aware of the various health risks associated with blue English Bulldogs is essential in order for owners to provide their pets with the best possible blue English Bulldog care throughout their lifetime.
Blue English Bulldog Exercise Requirements
Blue English Bulldogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, but they should avoid strenuous exercises. Brisk walking, light jogging, and playing fetch are great ways to give them the exercise they need while keeping them calm.
Bulldog owners must also be aware of the breed's limited endurance; Bulldogs become quickly agitated and can overheat easily. For this reason, it is important to keep their exercise sessions short and controlled. Feeding your Bulldog quality food in small amounts throughout the day will help keep energy levels regulated for a more enjoyable exercise routine.
Blue English Bulldog Grooming & Care
A blue English Bulldog requires regular upkeep and attention due to their thick double coat. A slicker brush and comb should be used to brush the coat at least once or twice a week, with added brushing during seasonal shedding periods.
Bathing
Once a month to every six to eight weeks is sufficient for bathing a blue English Bulldog. This should include washing the skin folds on its body and face to keep them clean and dry, as food, dirt, or moisture can get trapped in these areas and lead to irritation or infection. Regular checks of these areas are essential.
It's also important not to over-bathe your Bulldog, as this may result in skin irritation or damage the coat and increase the chance of skin allergies appearing. When choosing a shampoo for your dog, look for one that is specifically designed for sensitive dog skin. This will help ensure that your Bulldog’s coat remains healthy and looking its best.
If you prefer, you can take your Bulldog to the groomer for a haircut, nail clipping, or ear cleaning, three to four times a year (every three months).
Ear Care
To ensure a blue English Bulldog's ears remain clean and healthy, they should be cleaned weekly with a cotton ball soaked in a cleansing agent designed specifically for dog ears. It is important to only use a cleanser that has been recommended by a veterinarian, as some products may irritate the skin or cause further infection.
When cleaning, it is important to be gentle; it is best to never insert anything deeper than the first knuckle on your finger into the ear canal. After cleaning, owners should dry their Bulldog’s ears with a soft cloth, paying special attention to clearing any remaining moisture from the inner part of their ears.
Additionally, owners should check their Bulldog’s ears regularly for dirt build-up and signs of irritation or infection, such as redness, swelling, odor, or discharge. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical advice right away.
Oral Hygiene
To maintain oral hygiene, brushing your dog's teeth at least three to four times a week is a must. Using an enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs, as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush and finger brush, will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth.
Also, adding dental treats such as chew bones can help massage the gums and remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas in between teeth.
Proper dental care can prevent pain, discomfort, infections and other health issues, so it’s important for all blue English Bulldog owners to stay committed to their pet's oral health.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize the Blue English Bulldog?
It is clear that not all kennel clubs recognize the blue English Bulldog. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) is the only major kennel club that allows rare colors in English Bulldogs, including the blue coloration. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC), International Canine Federation (FCI), The Kennel Club, and United Kennel Club (UKC) do not accept the color as a breed standard.
This means that if an individual wishes to register their blue English Bulldog with a kennel club, they must find one that will acknowledge it as a legitimate breed. There is a possibility that they can be registered with the American Kennel Club and other kennel clubs as a Bulldog. But, unfortunately, this lack of recognition from some of the world's most prominent kennel clubs means that blue English Bulldogs cannot compete in major dog shows or other competitions.
Are Blue English Bulldogs Rare?
Yes, blue English Bulldogs are indeed very rare. Although there are other rare Bulldog colors in the breed, such as black, chocolate, and lilac, blue is considered to be the most unique and sought-after color of Bulldog.
This rarity makes blue English Bulldog puppies more expensive than their counterparts with more common coat colors. In fact, they are so rare that some breeders may not even have access to this type of bulldog at all.
Furthermore, due to the rarity of these Bulldogs, they can sometimes take longer to find in breeders’ kennels. Despite this, it does not stop many people from trying to get their hands on a blue English Bulldog pup.
What Is the Rarest English Bulldog Color?
The rarest English Bulldog color is known as the merle coat. This unique and distinctive coat color features a pattern of dark brown or black mottled markings on the fur. The merle gene is recessive, meaning that both parents need to possess the gene for puppies to be born with this coloration. As such, breeding for a merle-colored bulldog can be quite difficult and takes time, which explains why it is so rare.
Merles are also more prone to health issues because of the associated recessive genetic traits, making them even more scarce in the bulldog world. However, those who do own a merle-colored English Bulldog often consider them highly prized possessions due to their uniqueness.
Final Thoughts
The blue English bulldog is an amazing pet for families, singles and seniors alike. Their blue English Bulldog characteristics, combined with their adorable looks, make them one of the cutest and most popular companion pets out there.
And if you’re considering getting a blue English bulldog of your own, you won’t regret it; just make sure you are prepared for all their needs. With a decent exercise regime, good nutrition and regular vet visits, these dogs can easily become lifelong members of any family.
So, if you’re looking for an overall great pet, with a unique appearance, the blue English bulldog should be your first choice.
Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today!
