Have you met the lilac French Bulldog yet?
This exquisite French Bulldog variant has been turning heads for a good reason.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Lilac Frenchies to help you decide if it’s the right dog for you.
Come with us.
What Is a Lilac French Bulldog?
A lilac Frenchie is a unique and rare variety of the French Bulldog breed. This dog is marked by a diluted shade of chocolate brown, giving the coat a light, almost bluish-grey, ashy, or silver hue called lilac. For a Frenchie puppy to have the lilac coat color, both parents must be blue and chocolate or, at the very least, a chocolate carrier.
While the fur of a Lilac Frenchie may appear blue when it’s born, the coat becomes lighter and lighter as the dog ages giving it a distinct Lilac hue. Lilac Frenchies have light-colored eyes, usually green, blue, or amber, and a pinkish nose.
How Do I Know if a French Bulldog Is a Lilac?
You will know if your Frenchie is a Lilac by its appearance. These Frenchies become easier to identify as they age. Their coats become lighter, acquiring a distinct lilac tint. Lilac Frenchies also have light gray, amber, blue, or green eyes and grayish-brown or light pink noses.
They also have noticeable light pink markings around their eyes and lips. Lilac Frenchies may be born with a coat resembling a blue Frenchie. However, its coat becomes lighter and develops a unique lilac color.
You can also conduct genetic testing to know whether your Frenchie is Lilac. A lilac French Bulldog has the homozygous genotype bbdd for chocolate and dilution.
What DNA Makes a Lilac Bulldog?
A lilac French Bulldog results from a mutation in the melanophilin gene. Mutations in this gene cause dilution in the color coat.
A lilac Frenchie is produced by breeding a liver or chocolate-colored French Bulldog with another French Bulldog with the blue DNA. Specifically, a Lilac Frenchie is a result of a diluted chocolate Frenchie. The offspring has two copies of the d allele, which turns the chocolate coat color into a distinctive lilac hue.
Since the dilution gene is recessive, it requires two copies of the mutation, either the D allele or D locus, to produce a lilac Frenchie. Thus this Frenchie has the genotype bbdd, meaning it has two copies of the chocolate gene and two copies of the dilution gene.
Color Dilution Alopecia
Lilac Frenchies are prone to color dilution alopecia, or CDA, like all other dogs with dilute coat colors. This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in melanin, the pigment that gives a dog’s coat, eyes, and skin color. Color dilution alopecia results in hair thinning, loss, and dry, flaky skin in dogs.
Although CDA is not curable, you can manage the condition and reduce its impact through regular grooming and bathing to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Does the AKC recognize Lilac French Bulldogs?
No, Lilac Frenchies are not among the 9 official colors recognized by the AKC for the French Bulldog breed. However, Lilac French Bulldogs can still participate in confirmation and AKC events like agility, obedience, and rally trials.
What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
Lilac Frenchies, just like other French Bulldogs, are small dogs with muscular bodies. Although they are small, Lilac Frenchies are also compact and heavy-boned. These dogs have wrinkled faces with tall, erect, bat-like ears.
They also have large square heads, broad shoulders, and short tails. Lilac Frenchies have short snouts like all other Frenchies, which makes them prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather.
Fully grown Lilac Frenchies stand between 11-13 inches tall and weigh between 16-28 pounds. The most outstanding feature of Lilac Frenchies is their coat color. These dogs have soft, smooth, and shiny coats with a distinctive lilac hue that becomes more pronounced as the dog ages.
They also have light-colored eyes, which may be light grey, green, amber, or blue, and greyish-brown or light pink noses. Lilac Frenchies have visibly noticeable pale pink markings around the eyes and lips.
The Temperament of a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
Lilac Frenchies are known to be highly affectionate and friendly. They have a calm and agreeable demeanor which makes them excellent family companions. They are playful, observant, and gentle, making great playmates for children.
Lilac Frenchies have charming and laid-back personalities. They are highly sociable and get along well with everyone, including strangers. These Frenchies are quiet dogs and will not bark without a good reason. This, besides their small size plus low energy and exercise needs, makes them an ideal breed for apartment living.
While they often have a stubborn streak, Lilac Frenchies are easy to train with persistence and positive reinforcement techniques. You must use treats to reward your dog when they respond well to your commands.
Like other French Bulldogs, Lilac Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs that adjust to suit their owners’ lifestyles. They easily adapt to any situation. They are also friendly to other dogs and animals, making them great for households with multiple pets. Due to their short snouts and narrow nostrils, these Frenchies have low energy and exercise needs.
Are Lilac French Bulldogs good with other pets?
Yes, Lilac Frenchies are good with other dogs. These dogs are highly friendly and unaggressive and thus relate well with other animals. However, proper socialization training is necessary for a better relationship. Introduce your Frenchie to other pets and animals early, as they are more likely to get along well when introduced early.
A suitable home for a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
Lilac Frenchies are playful dogs and thus require sufficient space to run and play around. These pups also need walks and outdoor activities as part of their exercise. A home with a fenced yard is ideal for these Frenchies.
Additionally, Lilac Frenchies, like all other brachycephalic dogs, are prone to overheating due to their inability to regulate their body temperatures. A home with a temperature-controlled environment is best for these dogs.
You’ll also need to ensure you have all the necessary supplies, such as grooming kits, toys, feeding and water bowls, and a dog bed. Lilac Frenchies have a cheerful nature making them suitable for families with children.
Lilac French Bulldog Price – How Much Is a Lilac Bulldog?
Due to their popularity and growing demand, Lilac Frenchies are expensive. Their stunning coat color makes them desirable, pushing their prices high. Generally, Lilac Frenchies cost between $5,000-$10,000. However, the price varies depending on location, breeder, and pedigree.
Be prepared to pay more for pedigreed Lilac French puppies, especially those from a family with a background in showing dogs.
Why is Lilac French Bulldog expensive?
Besides their popularity and high demand, other factors contribute to the prices of Lilac Frenchies. First, breeding Frenchies requires extensive effort and investment. The structure of the female Frenchies makes it difficult for males to mount them.
These dogs cannot give birth naturally due to their small hips. They thus need artificial insemination and a cesarean section to deliver. Both procedures are expensive, which pushes the prices for Lilac Frenchies higher.
What’s more, Lilac Frenchies have a rare gene that gives them a lilac color making them exclusive. This also contributes to their high prices.
Do Lilac French Bulldogs Have Health Issues?
Yes, just like other French Bulldogs, Lilac Frenchies are prone to some genetic health issues. Although this does not mean your Frenchie will have these issues, it’s important to be aware of being well prepared just in case it happens.
Purchasing your Frenchie from reputable breeders is also crucial, as they have a health guarantee. Getting pet insurance for your dog is also advisable, as vet fees can quickly mount up and become unbearable.
Common Health Problems Faced by Lilac Bulldog
The following are some of the common health problems faced by Lilac Frenchies:
- Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the white part of your dog’s eyeball and lining the eyelids. Symptoms of this condition include squinting or excessive blinking, redness or swelling around the eyes, dilated eyelids, and eye secretion.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a skeletal condition in which the ball-and-socket joint of the hips is not properly developed. This results in pain and discomfort, decreased exercise, and hip arthritis if not properly treated.
- Respiratory issues: Lilac Frenchies are prone to breathing problems due to their short muzzles and constrained nostrils. The typical respiratory issues in Lilac Frenchies include elongated soft palate, tracheal collapse, and stenotic nares.
- Skin problems: Frenchies are generally prone to skin allergies and sensitivities from food and environmental factors. The symptoms of skin allergies include itching, redness, skin irritation, and digestive issues.
Training & Exercise Needs of a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
Lilac Frenchies need sufficient exercise and training like other dogs to keep them mentally and physically healthy. While they are not overly energetic and active dogs, Lilac Frenchies must still be physically and mentally occupied.
Failure to keep your dog active may result in undesirable behavior, obesity, and aggression. Exercising your Frenchie will keep it from being bored and engaging in bad behavior.
Lilac Frenchies require only moderate exercise since they are prone to breathing problems. Daily short walks, indoor playtime, and mild outdoor exercises are enough to keep these dogs physically fit. Generally, 30-45 minutes of exercise is enough for these dogs.
Lilac Frenchies also need different training, including obedience, potty, and socialization skills. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best for these dogs. You’ll also need to be consistent and persistent while training Lilac Frenchies.
Care for a Lilac French Bulldog
Since Lilac Frenchies have pretty delicate skin, it’s essential to ensure you always take good care of their skin. You should carefully examine the area around your dog’s eyes and between its toes.
Ensure that your lilac Frenchie is well covered when walking during winter. Get winter dog boots for your dog to help keep it warm and secure while walking on ice.
It’s important to keep your dog’s skin well moisturized, clean, and moisturized, especially around its nose and paw pads. Coconut or olive oil is great for keeping your Frenchie moisturized.
Grooming advice for Lilac French Bulldogs
Lilac Frenchies are easy to groom due to their short, smooth coat. They only need weekly brushing and occasional baths to keep them in top condition. Regular brushing will help distribute oils throughout your dog’s coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
Since Lilacs have thin coats and delicate skins, it’s best to use soft-bristled or silicon brush gloves, as solid brushes will hurt them. Ensure that your Frenchie’s face wrinkles remain clean and dry. Using a soft towel, you can use baby wipes to clean and dry the skin folds.
Only bathe your Lilac Frenchie when necessary, like when it rolls in mud or gets dirty. Frequent bathing of your dog will rid its skin of essential oils resulting in flaky, dry skin.
Diet for Lilac French Bulldogs
The right diet is essential for the health of a lilac Frenchie. A proper diet will enhance your dog’s health and increase its lifespan. You should feed your dog the appropriate food for its age and size.
Feeding and Nutrition Requirements for a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
Lilac Frenchies need a high-quality and completely balanced diet to thrive. The ideal food should be nutrient-dense and made using natural ingredients. It should be high in protein and fiber but low in carbs, fats, and salt.
Like other Frenchies, Lilac Frenchies are prone to unhealthy weight gain and obesity which can result in serious health problems. It’s, therefore, important to monitor your dog’s food intake by giving the right proportions. Lilac French puppies need 1-1 ½ cups of food split into 3 meals per day, while adults can have up to cups of food portioned into two meals daily.
Avoid feeding your French Lilac on table scraps as this may contain ingredients that can harm it.
Read our articles on what Frenchie can eat and not eat.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Lilac Frenchies:
Pros
- They don’t require too much space hence ideal for apartment living.
- Lilac Frenchies have low exercise needs making them a great choice if you don’t have much time for exercise.
- They have distinct lilac coats that make them extremely beautiful.
- They are easy to clean and groom
- They are extremely loving and loyal, making them great companions.
- They are smart and easy to train using positive reinforcement methods.
Cons
- They are prone to various health issues
- They can be quite clingy and likely susceptible to separation anxiety.
- They are more costly than other breeds.
- Lilac Frenchies can be stubborn, which can make training a bit challenging.
What Is the Cost of a Lilac French Bulldog Dog
Due to the popularity and growing demand, along with the rarity of the coat color, Lilac Frenchies are more expensive than other Frenchies and breeds. Depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location, you can expect to pay between $5,000-$10,000 to get one. Pedigreed puppies cost more.
What is the lifespan of a Lilac French Bulldog?
Like other Frenchies, Lilac Frenchies have an expected lifespan of 10-12 years. However, a lilac Frenchie can live beyond this age with the right nutrition, care, and exercise.
Are Lilac French Bulldogs prone to health issues?
Lilac Frenchies can be prone to hereditary health conditions like breathing issues, allergies, and eye and joint problems like other breeds. Ensure you get your Frenchie from a reputable breeder and regularly take it for vet check-ups.
Do Lilac French Bulldogs require a lot of exercises?
No, Lilac Frenchies have moderate energy levels and thus need moderate exercise. They only need about 30 minutes to 1 hour of low-intensity exercise. Usually, short walks plus indoor and outdoor playtime are sufficient to keep these dogs fit and trim.
Are Lilac French Bulldogs easy to train?
While Lilac Frenchies have a stubborn streak, they are easy to train if positive reinforcement techniques are used. They respond well to basic commands and training.
How do I know if my Frenchie is lilac?
Lilac Frenchies have distinctive lilac-colored coats and light-colored eyes that can be light grey, amber, green, or blue. They also have greyish-brown or pale pink noses and noticeable light pink markings around their eyes and lips.
How rare is a lilac French Bulldog?
Lilac Frenchies are among the rarest French Bulldog varieties, and the blue, platinum, merle, and blue fawn French Bulldogs. The gene that causes dilution is rare, which makes these dogs rare.
How much is a lilac French Bulldog worth?
Lilac Frenchies are among the most expensive dogs available. Their price ranges between $5,000-$10,000 depending on location, breeder, and pedigree.
What is the most expensive lilac French Bulldog?
A lilac and tan Frenchie is rare than a plain Lilac dog hence the most expensive, costing around $8,000-$12,000 depending on the breeder and location.
What color Frenchie is the most expensive
Isabella Frenchies are the most expensive color for French Bulldogs. This is due to the rare nature of this color and the complex breeding process.
What is a platinum lilac French Bulldog?
A platinum lilac French Bulldog has a light off-white coat with a slightly bluish-gray tint. It also has light-colored eyes, a pale pink nose, and paw pads.
How big do lilac French bulldogs get?
Lilac Frenchies are small dogs. A fully grown Lilac Frenchie stands between 11-13 inches in height and weighs 16-28 pounds on average.
How long do lilac French bulldogs live?
How long a dog lives depends on health, diet, and exercise. Generally, a lilac Frenchie is expected to live for 10-12 years. However, your dog can live beyond this age with proper care and nutrition.
Can you breed 2 lilac bulldogs?
No, it’s not advisable to breed two lilac Frenchies, as this could result in puppies with a higher risk of health issues.
What colors make a lilac Frenchie?
A lilac Frenchie is produced by breeding a Frenchie with a dominant blue gene and another Frenchie with a dominant brown gene.
What DNA makes lilac?
A lilac Frenchie has blue and chocolate DNA. This Frenchie has the genotype bbdd, meaning it has two copies of the chocolate gene and two copies of the dilution gene.
Final Thoughts
With their stunning coat color and bright eyes, lilac Frenchies are a sight. These Frenchies have charming personalities, which makes them an excellent choice for individuals looking for companions. What’s more, these lovely pups don’t need too much space and can fit perfectly well in an apartment.
However, Lilac Frenchies are expensive and prone to several genetic health conditions. It’s thus crucial to get one from a reputable breeder.
Well, there’s all you need to know about this lovely Frenchie.
