The coat color usually associated with the French Bulldog is brindle, which consists of random stripes of medium to dark fur. White French Bulldogs can be found but are a rarer color in this much-loved breed.
A white French Bulldog results when a specific mix of genetics cause the suppression of the color nature intended it to be. There are four different types of white Frenchie coat:
- Solid white
- White brindle
- White pied
- White merle
Not all white Frenchies are albino, though this can be the case.
White French Bulldogs should be bought from an experienced breeder who understands exactly how to breed healthy white French Bulldogs.
White French Bulldog health problems
White dogs are often thought to have inherent problems but, contrary to popular belief, not all white French Bulldogs are plagued with health issues.
All Frenchies are susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome because of their short nasal passages and there are a number of other known health conditions that can afflict any purebred French Bulldog of any color.
If a French Bulldog is white because of albinism – a genetic disorder characterized by a complete or partial lack of the pigment melanin in the eyes, skin, and hair – it will have a pinkish tinge to its skin and eyes.
Deafness in White French Bulldogs
It is often thought that albino white French Bulldogs are deaf, but there is no evidence specifically linking albinism and deafness.
Hearing problems can occur in the trademark bat ears any color of French Bulldog and have various causes.
A study of congenital deafness (deafness at birth) concluded that deafness at birth can occur in French Bulldogs but the presence of white fur seems to increase the likelihood of it occurring.
There is one exception and that’s the White Merle French Bulldog with two dominant Merle genes, known as a double Merle French Bulldog.
There are high chances of health implications for such a Frenchie including deafness, blindness, or both. This is the main reason why two Merle Frenchies should not be bred and a responsible breeder will avoid this.
White French Bulldogs Skin problems
Just as fair skin people can burn more easily in the sun, so can white French Bulldogs. This means it is imperative to limit the amount of time they spend in direct sunlight to prevent sunburn and the possibility of skin cancer developing.
Eye conditions in White French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs, those with white coats included, can develop a number of eye conditions. These include cataracts, cherry eye, dry eye, and corneal ulcers.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary condition that causes blindness in French Bulldogs. It is thought that white French Bulldogs are more prone to this condition.
The range of white French Bulldog coat patterns and markings
French Bulldogs can have white fur in their coats for three reasons:
- When only their skin cells do not produce any pigment.
- When they have albinism which causes a lack of pigmentation in all cells including fur and eyes.
- When they have a genetic disorder known as Leucism which causes a lack of pigmentation everywhere except the eyes.
Some Frenchies are totally white and some have patterns that include white. There are also several Frenchie colors that have a white chest blaze.
Solid White French Bulldog
This French Bulldog has a completely white coat and may or may not have a black mask.
If it’s an albino, you’ll notice a lack of color in its eyes as well as a pink tinge on its skin.
If a Frenchie is white because it has Leucism, it will look like an albino but will have colored eyes.
A non-albino white French Bulldog usually has brown eyes. If it has no other colors, patterns, or markings, it is classed as solid white.
It is very rare to see such a white Frenchie without a black mask but occasionally this may be a lot paler.
White Pied French Bulldog
Pied, also known as piebald is a term that simply means having two or more colors. A white pied French Bulldog is at least 50% white and has patches of another color over its face neck and body.
Possible white and piebald color combinations are:
- White and black
- White and brown (with the brown varying from milk to dark chocolate)
- White and fawn (Fawn Frenchies vary from light tan to reddish tan)
- White and cream
- White and blue (Grey Frenchies vary from silvery to slate grey)
White Brindle French Bulldog
The Brindle pattern is sometimes described as tiger-striped, though it is a more subtle stripe than that seen on a tiger’s coat. With a Frenchie, Brindle typically appears as black stripes on a fawn background.
A White Brindle French Bulldog is predominantly white with patches of brindled fur across its face, neck, and body.
White Merle French Bulldog
The merle gene is responsible for causing lighter patches in a dog’s coat. It effectively dilutes the intended color.
Occasionally white Merle French bulldogs develop this color because they have inherited two dominant Merle genes, one from each parent.
White French Bulldogs with the double merle genes are often deaf, blind, or both. There is also a chance of them having far worse physical conditions at birth.
How much is a white French Bulldog?
Fortunately for fans of this color, white French Bulldogs tend to fall in the lower price range of $1,800 to $3,000 with an average price of $2,400. In the UK, expect to pay £2,500 for a white French Bulldog puppy.
It is always difficult to state an exact price for a French Bulldog because they fluctuate all the time and depend upon many variables including fashion, availability, color, bloodlines, and demand.
The French Bulldog is a popular dog and demand keeps rising. On average, United States breeders charge $2,800. But prices can vary from $1,700 to $5,000. In the UK, a French Bulldog puppy costs, on average, £3,000.
White French Bulldogs are expensive compared to other purebred dogs because they are not easy to breed.
Also if someone specifically wants a white Frenchie, and a breeder notices a rise in demand for this color, this will lead to an artificially high price.
If you spot a white French Bulldog for sale, ensure you are given proof of its health before you buy in light of the inherent health problems that can occur with certain types of white coats.
Responsible white French Bulldog breeders will be able to provide the outcome of health scans and genetic screening of a white puppy’s parents and all-white puppies should have had a full exam by a vet and a clean bill of health.
White French Bulldog eye color
The breed standard eye color for white French Bulldogs is dark brown. Occasionally their eyes are light brown and sometimes they almost look black.
Non-standard eye colors are blue or green.
As white French Bulldog blue eyes are often linked to albinism or double merle, it is wise to have a sight test carried out on such a dog to ensure it has good vision.
Are White French Bulldogs rare?
White is one of the most common French Bulldog Colors. A French Bulldog often has white in its coat with other patterns and markings but it is quite rare to see a solid white Frenchie.
A breeder can’t guarantee a litter will have any pure white French Bulldog puppies so it’s simply down to a rare chance if any are born.
Some breeders might attempt to breed a white litter but should never do this by mating two Merle dogs because of the health implications.
Reputable breeders concentrate on producing healthy Frenchies as opposed to specific colors, so healthy white Frenchies should occur by chance only.
Other useful White French Bulldog facts
Lifespan
The life expectancy of a healthy white French bulldog is 10 to 12 years, the same as any other color. However, Frenchie owners need to keep a close watch for problems, especially with hearing and sight.
Annual vaccinations and health checks are essential as are a healthy diet and the right level of exercise.
Air travel is not recommended for dogs with short nasal passages because of associated breathing difficulties.
Also, white Frenchies (and any other color) cannot swim for very long because of their weight distribution, large head, and short muzzles so should be kept away from water or always wear a doggie life jacket.
Size
Like other colors, white French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 lbs and reach a height of 11 to 13 inches.
Frenchies are prone to excessive weight gain so ensure you feed yours the right amount to prevent it from developing weight-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
Characteristics
A white French Bulldog has a square head, a short muzzle, a wrinkly face, and bat ears. Its body is compact and muscular.
In general, Frenchies have smooth, short coats that are easy to care for and require minimum grooming.
Because of its short nasal passages, this breed tends to be a mouth breather and consequently drools more than the average dog!
Frenchies can also be a bit smelly but there are ways to manage this.
Temperament
A white French bulldog has the same gentle, friendly temperament as those with other coat colors. They are great dogs to have around children because of their playful, outgoing natures.
Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie prefers someone to be around most of the time and does not like to be left alone.
Some find Frenchies can be quite stubborn and wilful but don’t worry, if one chooses not to go where you want, you can simply pick it up and move it!
Ideal for
A white Frenchie can fit into many lifestyles. It’s robust enough to share its life with boisterous children and gentle enough to be the companion of a senior owner.
Being a small dog, a Frenchie doesn’t require a lot of exercise which makes it ideal for someone with low fitness levels or mobility problems.
It’s fine to have a French bulldog if you live in an apartment as long as you have access to secure outside space or can take it for short walks daily.
White French Bulldog names
When you own a white French Bulldog, it just has to have a befitting name. Here are a few perfect names:
Pure White
- Polar Bear
- Marshmallow
- Blondie
- Ivory
- Frosty
White Pied
- Panda
- Patch
- Domino
- Marble
White Brindle
- Tiger
- Sprinkles
- Stripey
- Pepper
White French Bulldog: in summary
White French Bulldogs, do exist and are recognized by official bodies such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), but this breed comes in many different colors.
There are several white French Bulldog patterns of which Double Merle is the rarest – thankfully, as this particular version is often unhealthy.
Contrary to popular belief, not all white coats are prone to deafness and blindness: just the double Merle and sometimes albino versions may develop these defects.
You may find white French Bulldogs are more expensive at times when there are not so many available. This does happen when demand is high and supply is low.
The white French Bulldog is a stunning dog but when you are buying one, its overall health should be your top priority so ensure you check this out.
Reputable breeders will always put breeding healthy dogs above producing specific colors.
Bear this in mind when searching for a white Frenchie. After all, there’s no point in falling in love with the French Bulldog of your dreams only for it to suffer an unhappy, short life blighted by health issues.
My advice is to always choose a reputable breeder, and choose good health over color.