Full Insight on The Blue English Bulldog – Puppies, Care, Guide

The Blue English Bulldog is one of the most popular versions of the English Bulldog breed, and it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful but rare to get bulldogs on the market.

Few dogs look more regal than the English Bulldog, and while they have their quirks, they’re loyal, playful, and lovable dogs, which is why they are one of the most looked after but rare dog breeds in the United States.

It has earned its place in dog breeding and shows, but there’s still so much to learn about them. This article aims to help you gain expert knowledge about blue English bulldogs, how they are bred, and how they are cared for so that you can be ready to buy your own one day. Let’s get started!

Origin

The most widely accepted theory places its beginnings in King John’s England in the 13th century when cruel animal “bloodsports” were a favorite pastime.

The Bulldog was regarded for its strong jaws, muscular body, and unrelenting persistence among the special breeds of dogs chosen.

Bulls (and occasionally other large animals) were pitted against packs of bulldogs in an arena while bets were placed on the outcome. You can only think of the horrifying outcomes.

Thankfully, opinions toward this horrifying spectacle improved, and in the late 1800s, bloodsports such as these started to become outlawed.

Unfortunately, the practice was abandoned in favor of using other breeds, like Pitbulls and mastiffs.

It would have meant the demise of the English Bulldog, but a few fans of the breed stood their own.

And when hostility was no longer necessary, a kinder nature developed through selective breeding, giving us the huge softies we are familiar with today. These dogs are still strong physically, but they also have a ton of personality, charm, and affection.

They are renowned for their persistence, which is why, particularly during World War II, they came to represent British grit and spirit.

Breed standards are upheld, and breeding records are kept by the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Kennel Club (in the UK), and the United Kennel Club.

This contains every new variety derived from the original “Olde English Bulldogge,” which served as the breed standard for all subsequent bulldogs.

Type of Blue English Bulldog

The blue English Bulldog is one of the more exciting dog breeds because of its non-traditional color. Besides the fact that it is less common than other dog breeds, there are a number of types of this breed as listed below:

1. Blue Olde English Bulldog
2. Blue-Grey English Bulldog
3. Blue Brindle English Bulldog
4. Blue Fawn English Bulldog
5. Blue Merle English Bulldog
6. Blue Tri English Bulldog

Facts about the breed

The Blue English Bulldogs are a curious and outgoing breed that loves being around people. They like to be included in everything you’re doing, and they like to play as well. That said, they can be stubborn, so they require an owner who will provide them with firm leadership and consistency when it comes to training. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a yard for your dog, this is not the right breed.

Are They Really Blue-Colored?

This blue-colored variety is the result of a mutation in the gene for coat color. Though this coloration can also occur in other breeds, it’s very unusual and most commonly seen in the blue-colored English bulldogs. They are sometimes also called blue roans because they have black and white hairs mixed with their blue fur.

Blue roans don’t appear to be blue when they’re born; instead, they take about two weeks to develop their unique coloring.

To be clear, the color “blue” does not refer to tones of navy blue or sky blue. Instead, it is a broad description of a coat color that is silvery-grey with a noticeable ice sheen.

Said, this distinctive shade pops out in contrast to the classic coat colors of gray and black. Rub their fur to make it easier to see. However, some blue English Bulldogs have a fawn or white undercoat. Their nose, footpads, and eyeliner will all be blue in accordance.

The standard eye colors for blue English Bulldogs are black, brown, or blue. On the other hand, some dogs are bred to have blue eyes to go with their blue-gray coat.

Size and Weight

How Big Do Full Grown Blue Bulldogs Get? Walking the Line 

The average weight of a full-grown blue bulldog is 40-50 pounds. 

Blue bulldogs are typically 25-30 inches tall at the shoulder and usually 10-12 inches tall when sitting. 

Shedding

Do Blue English Bulldogs Shed? Yes. Though not as much as some other breeds, they still do shed. While you may be able to find a few dogs that have minimal shedding, this is the exception and not the rule. Depending on your preference and lifestyle, this could be an issue for you, or it may not matter. Either way, it’s something you should consider before deciding to purchase a dog from this breed.

Temperament

Blue English Bulldog Temperament: Are Blue English Bulldogs Good Family Companions? Blue English Bulldogs are excellent family companions and can get along well with children. Their even temperaments make them a good choice for the whole family. When properly socialized and trained, they are obedient and friendly to everyone they meet.

Not many other breeds of dogs will allow their owners to hug them while sleeping. They also enjoy plenty of attention and love from their owners, which means they will want to spend time with you as much as possible.

Grooming and Caring

The blue English bulldog puppy has a few different grooming needs that differ from the traditional one. The most important is brushing. When you’re trying to maintain their healthy coat of fur, you need to be able to brush them properly with a quality brush. It’s crucial to maintain not only their fur but also their nice undercoat, which will help keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.

It’s also important to note that dogs get dirty faster than humans, so they should be bathed more often. Bathing is essential to caring for any dog as it helps remove dirt and grime. The blue English Bulldog is even more critical because if there is any wax or other product on your dog’s coat, it can cause the color to fade over time.

Exercise

This breed generally doesn’t require as much exercise as other breeds; however, younger puppies will obviously have more energy. There are many forms of exercise that you can do with your blue English Bulldog to keep them happy and healthy. Some examples include a brisk walk around the block once or twice a day, playing fetch with a ball or stick outside (which they love), going for car rides, and teaching them to shake paws when you say Paw.

An excellent way to tell if your dog is getting enough exercise is by looking at their ribs: if they’re visible, it means that they need more exercise.

Lifespan

Blue bulldogs typically live between 10-14 years. They also have a medium activity level.

What is the result of a blue English Bulldog?

However, the Bulldog acquired a recessive genetic trait that led to Blue Eyes, and not even the world’s best breeder could stop it. It is incredibly challenging, if not impossible, to determine which recessive genes each male and female carry. Therefore, if Blue eyes are acquired somehow, it is not the breeder’s fault (in most cases).

However, other breeders attempt to breed blue-eyed bulldogs and charge a premium for them.

How much does it cost?

A Blue English Bulldog puppy will cost around $9,000-$14,000. Before you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you should make sure that they have the dog’s parents on site. This way, you can ensure that both parents are healthy and that the puppy won’t inherit any health problems from its parents.

Bulldogs exist, but they are incredibly uncommon so you will pay a premium for one. If you discover one, make sure it is a purebred English or French Bulldog, get AKC documentation before buying it, and confirm the breeder is trustworthy and educated.

Does the Color of Blue English Bulldog Puppies Change as They Age?

Most blue English Bulldog puppies don’t completely change color as they age. Bulldogs’ colors often remain the same as they age, while the shade of their coats may shift, making them appear darker or lighter.

For instance, newborn blue Bulldog puppies may initially appear black. The coat color may progressively drop as they age until it eventually turns blue or grey.

Your Bulldogs’ appearance to the naked eyes may vary depending on the type of illumination. As a result, their color may seem different depending on the lighting.

However, your dog’s skin and hair could occasionally change over time and get lighter or darker. Numerous factors may be to blame, including their diet, infectious infections, cancer, genetic medical disorders, bruising, or ear or saliva staining.

Your blue English Bulldog pup’s pigment shift could have a variety of causes. It is best to speak with your veterinarian for a diagnostic evaluation.

Do Kennel Clubs recognize blue English Bulldogs?

The American Bully Kennel Club is the only organization that accepts distinctive colors in English Bulldogs (ABKC). “All coat and nose colors of the English Bulldog are permitted, including standard and uncommon hues,” according to their official statement on their website.

The blue English Bulldog and its close relatives, the blue tri, blue merle, blue olde, blue fawn, blue brindle, and blue-grey, are included in this category.

However, many kennel groups do not accept uncommonly colored Bullies, such as the blue English Bulldog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has yet to recognize this hue and other uncommon breeds like merle, lilac, or chocolate.

The Bulldog Club of America (BCA), in addition to the American Kennel Club (AKC), does not acknowledge the blue or blue tri for the Bulldog breed standard.

The International Canine Federation (FCI), The Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club are other kennel clubs that do not recognize the blue Bully (UKC).

What food should I feed?

Blue English Bulldogs are prone to bloat, so it is important to provide them with food that will not cause this stomach disease. A high-protein diet can increase their risk of developing this illness. You should feed your puppy a lower protein diet. Avoid foods high in wheat or corn; instead, choose one with rice or oats as the main ingredient. There are also certain ingredients to avoid, such as beef or dairy products, that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Are Blue English Bulldogs Rare?

Blue English Bulldogs are relatively rare. As of this writing, there were only 26 puppies with blue markings registered with the American Kennel Club since 2011. That’s out of 3181 registrations for all colors in that time. It should be noted that it’s unclear how many total Blue English Bulldogs exist in the world because not all countries are members of the AKC, and some may use different registries to track their dogs.

If you discover one, make sure it is a purebred English or French Bulldog, get AKC documentation before buying it, and confirm the breeder is trustworthy and educated.

What are some common health problems?

English Bulldogs are one breed most likely to suffer from the following health problems.

• Bloat: (also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and bloats. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is a rapidly progressive life-threatening condition of dogs that requires immediate medical attention. The condition is multifactorial but is commonly associated with rapid ingestion of large meals. The presence of food and gas causes the stomach to significantly dilate and expand, which may have several severe consequences, including:
• Degenerative myelopathy (DM): also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is a disease affecting the spinal cord, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. The symptoms result from degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord.
• Color dilution alopecia (CDA): is a genetic recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss and may also include flaky or itchy skin. The condition is associated with individuals with a “dilute” color and is most commonly seen in dogs with a blue or fawn coat.
• Brachycephalic airway syndrome refers to a particular set of upper airway abnormalities affecting blue English bulldog dogs. This syndrome is also called a brachycephalic respiratory syndrome, brachycephalic syndrome, or congenital obstructive upper airway disease.
• Eye Problems: This condition includes cherry eyes, dry eyes, and more. Eye and eyelid problems are common in Bulldogs, with redness, discharge, and frequent rubbing due to pain.

We recommend looking into these conditions before choosing an English Bulldog breed.

Conclusion

We hope you have a lot of fun with your new puppy. Remember that this is a life-long commitment, so be ready to provide for them in every way imaginable. You should also know that your blue Bulldog must be groomed and exercised daily. If you have any questions or concerns about the upkeep of your pup, don’t hesitate to contact us.

References

• 13 Best Dog Breeders in Delaware! (2022) – We Love Doodles.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
• Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital.
• Back pain: Exploring alternative treatments – Health – Life & Style.