Chocolate French Bulldog: All You Need To Know

Want a distinctive and charming companion sure to melt your heart with sweetness?

The chocolate Frenchie may be the dog you’ve been looking for.

Besides their stunning brown coat, these pups have a charming and calm demeanor that you’ll find irresistible.

Come with us as we tell all there is to know about the chocolate French Bulldog.

What Is a Chocolate French Bulldog

A chocolate French Bulldog is a Frenchie with a brown chocolate coat similar to a Labrador. These Frenchies come in different variations of brown, color combinations like white or merle, and patterns. However, not all Frenchies with brown coats are Chocolate. A DNA test is the only way to determine whether a French Bulldog is chocolate.

How a Chocolate Frenchie Looks Like

Chocolate Frenchies come in a unique and stunning chocolatey-brown coat color. The chocolate shade varies from one Frenchie to another, with some having a dark chocolate coat while others appear more like milk chocolate. These dogs come with bright eyes that can either be green, golden, brown, or yellow.

Besides their unique coats and bright-colored eyes, Chocolate Frenchies are similar to regular Frenchies in appearance. Chocolate Frenchies are small, short, and stocky dogs marked by a smushed-in, heavily wrinkled face and distinctive bat-like ears that are pointed and attentive to the surrounding.

Like any other Frenchie, Chocolate Frenchies stand between 11-12 inches tall and weigh between 16-28 pounds. These Frenchies have a short gait, scrunchy noses, and short stumpy tail that is either straight or screwed but not curly.

Chocolate French Bulldog History

Chocolate Frenchies share the same history as the other French Bulldogs. These dogs’ origin dates back to the 1800s when the lace makers from Nottingham, England, migrated to Normandy, France, following the industrial revolution.

These lacemakers tagged their dogs along with them. Later in the 1900s, these dogs were bred with local Rat Terriers to create today’s French Bulldog. The French Bulldogs became popular in France as high-end ladies used them as a fashion symbol.

The French Bulldog was later brought to America from France, where their popularity quickly rose due to their small size, pleasant temperament, and cuddly personality.

Is Chocolate a Standard French Bulldog Color?

No, the AKC does not recognize chocolate as a standard coat color for the French Bulldog breed. The standard colors include brindle, cream, fawn, black, and any combination of these colors.

All about the Chocolate coat color

The chocolate coat comes in different variations, including shades of brown, color combinations, and patterns.

Chocolate Frenchies at a Glance

The AKC does not recognize the chocolate color as part of the official breed standard.
Chocolate-colored Frenchies are among the rarer French Bulldog colors.
Chocolate Frenchies are expensive, with an average cost of $6,500
There are many types of chocolate Frenchies.
They are hard to breed as they possess recessive genes.

Does the AKC recognize chocolate French Bulldogs?

Unfortunately, the AKC does not recognize chocolate Frenchies and can’t participate in shows. This is because chocolate is not considered among the standard coat colors for the French Bulldog breed.

How much is a Chocolate Frenchie?

Chocolate Frenchies are among the most expensive French Bulldog varieties available. This is due to the difficulty in breeding them, which makes them rare. You can expect to pay an average of $6,500 for these Frenchies.

Why are Chocolate French Bulldogs so expensive?

The high costs associated with Chocolate French Bulldogs are mainly due to the significant price of breeding them. These dogs require artificial insemination and a cesarean section to give birth. Additionally, they possess a rare recessive gene that must be present in both parents for a puppy to turn out with a chocolate coat. Their popularity and high demand also push the cost of these dogs high.

Where can I get a Chocolate Frenchie?

There are two ways you can use to get a chocolate French Bulldog. These include:

From a breeder: Buying a chocolate Frenchie from a breeder is expensive. You should thus ensure that you get one from a reputable breeder. Any responsible breeder will have a health guarantee on their puppies. They will also be willing to share important information about the dogs’ breeding process and health status.

From a rescue center: You can also get a chocolate Frenchie from a rescue center. While you will save a good amount of money by buying from a rescue center, it will be very hard for you to get your desired shade.

Types of Chocolate Frenchies

Chocolate Frenchies come in different shades and patterns. These include:

Pure Chocolate: These Frenchies have a uniformly brown coat. This is the standard Chocolate French Bulldog color and comes in different variations ranging from a light milk chocolate appearance to a dark-chocolate color.
Chocolate & White: Chocolate and white Frenchies have a coat marked by brown and white giving them a distinct and striking appearance. These Frenchies can have a single brown color or a brown-and-white pattern with white marks.
Merle Chocolate: This particular chocolate variety has a merle pattern of brown and white patches or marbling. Since this pattern results from a genetic anomaly, its uniqueness makes the demand for Merle chocolate Frenchies very high.

Other types of Chocolate

Other types of Chocolate Frenchies include:

Chocolate brindle: This chocolate variety has a brindle coat of brown and black striped fur. The size of the brown and black stripes differs from one Frenchie to another.

Chocolate fawn: Dogs with this color have a coat containing brown and cream, giving them a distinct look.

Black masked chocolate: These Frenchies have solid brown coats with their face masked in black. The black mask can appear as patches in some parts of the face or cover the entire face.

Chocolate Frenchie Genetics

The chocolate fur in chocolate Frenchies results from a recessive gene in the B-locus (a specific location in their DNA) of the genome.

Recessive Genes

The chocolate genes in Chocolate Frenchies are recessive. This means both parents must possess the gene for the offspring to have a brown coat. However, not all Frenchies with brown coats are chocolate. Genetic testing may be necessary to determine if a Frenchie is truly chocolate. The testing may, however, not reveal as there is testable and non-testable chocolate.

Testable vs. Non-testable chocolate Frenchies

A simple test can check B-locus on a Frenchies DNA to determine whether it has the chocolate color gene. Testable Frenchies will show the B-locus carrying ‘’bb’’; however, if the DNA results show ‘’BB’’, the dog non-testable. A red eye test can quickly reveal whether your Frenchie is chocolate.

Cocoa vs. Chocolate French Bulldog

Besides the B-locus gene, chocolate Frenchies can also be produced through a recessive cocoa gene. This is represented as two sets of co in the genetic code. If this is capitalized as in CoCo, the cocoa gene is dominant, resulting in a cocoa Frenchie.

However, if the two sets are denoted in small letters, as in coco, two recessive genes are present, and the Frenchie will have the chocolate color.

Chocolate Frenchie puppy

Chocolate Frenchies are expensive. It’s essential to thoroughly research available breeders before getting one. Ensure the breeder you go for is reputable, as this will give you a health guarantee. Ensure you enquire about the parents’ health status and request proof of good health.

Chocolate French Bulldog size, height, and weight

Chocolate Frenchies are small-breed dogs, just like the regular Frenchie. A fully grown Chocolate Frenchie is 11-12 inches tall for both males and females. However, female Frenchies have a lighter frame weighing between 16-28 pounds compared to males at 20-28 pounds in weight.

Chocolate French Bulldog Personality and Temperament

Chocolate Frenchies have friendly, warm, and charming personalities like all Frenchies. These dogs are loving and affectionate towards their owners and families, which makes them excellent companions for families, couples, and single individuals. These pups have a gentle, calm, and playful demeanor, making them great companions for children.

Chocolate Frenchies love spending a lot of time with their families. These dogs will follow you everywhere you go. While this makes them excellent companions, chocolate Frenchies don’t handle loneliness well and are prone to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long durations.

Additionally, Chocolate Frenchies have exceptional adaptability and can adjust to any situation. They are also quiet dogs with low barking tendencies making them good apartment dogs. Frenchies also get along well with other dogs and pets if socialized early. Chocolate Frenchies are also easy to train using positive reinforcement techniques.

Chocolate French Bulldog Exercise Needs

French Bulldogs are moderate-energy dogs and, thus, do not need a lot of exercise to keep them fit. These dogs require about one hour of low-intensity exercises to avoid causing them breathing issues. Being a brachycephalic dog, over-exertion can easily lead to breathing difficulties in Blue French Bulldogs.

Short, low-intensity daily walks and other non-strenuous exercises usually do the trick for Chocolate. You can break the one hour of exercise into two daily walks to give them time to rest.

You’ll also need to keep your Chocolate Frenchie mentally stimulated to keep them from being bored and engaging in destructive behavior. Interactive toys and puzzle toys are excellent ways of keeping Frenchies mentally occupied.

Chocolate French Bulldog Grooming Needs

Chocolate Frenchies have low grooming needs. Frenchies have short coats that are very easy to maintain. They only need weekly coat brushing and occasional bathing to keep their coats in top condition. Brushing your Frenchie’s coat once a week will help keep their stunning coats clean and shiny. Brushing helps distribute the natural oils evenly on the fur keeping the skin healthy. Regular brushing will also keep loose hairs at bay and off your furniture.

Chocolate Frenchies need to be bathed only when necessary, like when muddy. Busting your French Bulldog dog every once or twice a month is recommended. Frequently bathing your dog can eliminate all the essential body oils resulting in a dry coat and flaky skin. You should also ensure you use dog shampoo for bathing your dog.

Although these Frenchies don’t need frequent bathing, you must clean and dry their wrinkles and skin folds daily to prevent bacterial infections.

Training a Chocolate French Bulldog

Chocolate Frenchies are smart dogs and, thus, easy to train. These dogs can easily pick up commands and directives because they are eager to please. However, like all Frenchies, chocolate Frenchies have a stubborn streak, making training challenging. Positive reinforcement methods, words of encouragement, and occasional treats work best for these pups.

Remember to keep the training sessions brief and uncomplicated, as Frenchies get easily bored and frustrated. Keep the training sessions to not more than 15 minutes for better results. Training provides a great opportunity for you to spend time and bond with your dog. Training for Frenchies includes potty, obedience, crate, and socialization training.

Do Chocolate French Bulldogs get along with other pets?

Yes, Chocolate Frenchies get along well with other pets. These pups are extremely friendly and enjoy playing and interacting with other animals and pets. However, it’s essential to train your Frenchie on appropriate socializing.

Since they are naturally friendly, teaching them proper boundaries while interacting with other dogs and animals will be easy. Watching your cream Frenchie’s interaction with other animals is always best to prevent accidents.

Chocolate French Bulldog Food and Diet

Frenchies are prone to weight gain. It’s thus crucial to be careful about their diet, specifically the quality and amount of food they take. Given their small size, Frenchies have a fast metabolism and need more calories per pound of weight than large dogs.

Additionally, Frenchies are lazy dogs with moderate energy levels and low exercise needs. This further increases the risk of unhealthy weight gain and obesity.

Like all dogs, Chocolate Frenchies require a fully balanced diet appropriate for their size and age. The ideal diet for these dogs should be high in protein and fiber but low in carbohydrates, salts, and fats.

Avoid free feeding and giving your dog table scraps as they may contain ingredients that may harm your dog. Up to 2 cups of food portioned into two meals daily is sufficient for chocolate Frenchies.

Chocolate French Bulldog Common Health Problems

Chocolate Frenchies are prone to various health issues, just like regular Frenchies. The following are some of the health problems for chocolate Frenchies:

Brachycephalic issues: Like the regular Frenchie, Chocolate Frenchies have flat faces and short snouts. This unique facial structure creates a congested and constrained respiratory airway leading to breathing issues.
Allergies: Frenchies are generally more prone to allergies and sensitivities from food and environmental factors. The symptoms of skin allergies include itching, redness, skin irritation, and digestive issues.

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint is malformed and does not function as it should. The condition results in pain, arthritis, and partial immobility.
Eye infections: Chocolate Frenchies are prone to problems like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, entropion, and pinkeye. Due to their enlarged exposed eyes, these dogs are prone to injuries, infections, and allergies.
Skin fold dermatitis: A French Bulldog’s face is covered by skin folds and wrinkles. If not properly cleaned, these areas can be a breeding place for bacteria exposing the dogs to skin infections. You should always keep your dog’s skin folds clean and dry.
Spinal issues: Due to their structure, chocolate Frenchies are prone to spinal problems like intervertebral Disc Back Disease (IVDD), ingrown tail, and spinal cord compression.

Chocolate French Bulldog Pros and Cons

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of chocolate Frenchies:

Pros

Chocolate Frenchies come in compact bodies and small sizes, making them ideal for apartments and small spaces.
They are easy to groom due to their short coat with minimal shedding.
They are loving and affectionate, making them excellent companions.
They have low exercise needs
They are smart and easy to train
They have stunning and unique coat colors, which makes them very beautiful.

Cons

Chocolate Frenchies are expensive, with an average price of $ 6,500
The AKC does not recognize chocolate-colored Frenchies
They are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long durations
They are prone to several health issues

Chocolate French Bulldog lifespan

The lifespan of a chocolate French Bulldog depends on the diet, genes, health, and environment. Although prone to various health issues, they can live happy and long life with proper care. Generally, chocolate Frenchies have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years.

Can You Show Chocolate French Bulldogs?

No, you can’t show chocolate French Bulldogs. The AKC does not consider chocolate a standard coat color for the French Bulldog breed. They are thus not allowed to participate in any shows or other AKC events.

Are Chocolate Frenchies Rare?

Yes, chocolate Frenchies are rare. This is because they possess a rare recessive gene, making breeding difficult. As such, chocolate Frenchies are among the rarest Frenchie colors.

Do Chocolate Frenchies have health problems?

Yes, chocolate Frenchies are prone to various health issues. However, they don’t have any specific health problems associated with their color. The problems they have are common for regular Frenchies.

How much is a Chocolate color French Bulldog?

Chocolate Frenchies are among the expensive French Bulldog varieties, with an average price of $6,500. The high price is mainly due to the difficult breeding process for these dogs.

Is Chocolate French Bulldog hypoallergenic?

No, chocolate Frenchies are not hypoallergenic. Although not known for heavy shedding, these Frenchies shed moderately throughout the year and produce a lot of dander. As such, these Frenchies may not be the right choice for people with allergies.

Does the American Kennel Club recognize chocolate French Bulldogs?

The AKC does not recognize chocolate French Bulldogs as a standard breed color. However, these dogs are still purebred.

Is the Chocolate French Bulldog right for me?

Chocolate Frenchies are sweet and loving dogs that make perfect companions for all kinds of families. They are also great with children and other pets as they are non-aggressive and tolerant of them. However, these pups are also extremely dependent on humans, making them prone to separation anxiety as they cannot handle loneliness.

Like regular Frenchies, chocolate Frenchies are prone to several health problems. They are also a bit expensive and can quickly rake up vet bills. It’s thus important to be completely aware of your dog’s health status by purchasing from a reputable breeder.