Merle French Bulldog Cost: Hidden Expenses Every Owner Should Anticipate
Owning a French Bulldog, especially a Merle Frenchie, is a unique and priceless experience. But if you’re wondering how much it costs to bring one of these beautiful dogs into your home, you’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the average French Bulldog price, explain why French Bulldogs (especially the Merle variety) tend to be more expensive than other breeds and share all the details about our puppies’ prices and what services are included when you purchase from us.
If you’re considering adding a Frenchie to your family, read on to understand the full picture of owning one of these charming pups!
Understanding the Average Price Tag of French Bulldogs
If you’re curious about the cost of acquiring a Merle French Bulldog, it’s essential to know that the price of a French Bulldog can vary based on several factors—such as colour, gender, location and age. Typically, you’ll find prices ranging anywhere from $3,500 to USD 12,000.
Unique-coloured Frenchies, like the Merle variety, generally sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. In addition, younger and female Frenchie puppies are often more expensive. On the other hand, standard-colored, male, or older French Bulldogs tend to come with a lower price tag. If you want to purchase from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their puppies, the average cost for a high-quality Frenchie is around USD 5,300.
What Makes French Bulldogs So Expensive?
If you’ve ever wondered what makes French Bulldogs so expensive, the answer lies in breeding challenges and the overwhelming demand for these adorable dogs. Let’s explain why these little pups have such a hefty price tag.
Breeding Difficulties and Costs
Breeding French Bulldogs is more complex. Because of their unique physical structure—short legs and narrow hips—natural mating is difficult for Frenchies. In most cases, females need to be artificially inseminated, a process that requires time, expertise, and added cost.
Breeders must also find parent dogs with the ideal health and structure to ensure healthy and high-quality puppies. This can be a real challenge for those outside the small circle of reputable breeders.
One of the primary reasons for the high cost is that French Bulldog mothers often need to deliver their puppies via C-section. Their narrow hips and the puppies’ large heads make natural birth risky. C-sections are the safest option for both mom and her pups, but it’s also an expensive procedure.
After the surgery, the mother requires time to recover, and the breeder must take full responsibility for caring for the newborns. This means feeding them every three hours, closely monitoring their health, and making sure they are safe, as the mother could accidentally roll over and harm them. This constant care is time-consuming and comes with significant costs.
Veterinary Care and Health Screenings
As the puppies grow, they require regular vet visits to ensure proper development. They also need vaccinations, dewormers, anti-parasite treatments, and microchipping. Beyond the basics, responsible breeders also perform health screenings like echocardiograms to ensure the puppies have the best possible health before leaving their new homes.
All of these medical check-ups and preventive measures add up, contributing to the overall cost of a French Bulldog.
Popularity and High Demand
In recent years, French Bulldogs have become one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the world. According to the AKC, They are now ranked #1 in the U.S. for popularity, driving up prices significantly.
Unfortunately, the surge in popularity has also attracted irresponsible breeders looking to make a quick profit. These breeders often cut corners, neglecting the health and well-being of the dogs. Puppies from these operations might come at a lower price, but they may suffer long-term health issues due to poor breeding practices.
In conclusion, the high price of French Bulldogs is justified by the complexities of breeding, including the need for artificial insemination and C-sections and the intensive care they require in their early weeks. In addition to their skyrocketing popularity, it’s easy to see why these little dogs come at a premium price. However, investing in a Frenchie from a responsible breeder ensures you’ll be bringing home a happy, healthy companion for life.
Factors Influencing French Bulldog Costs
If you’re wondering why French Bulldogs can be so expensive, several factors play a role in determining their price. From the breeder’s reputation to coat colour, each element adds to the final cost of your future Frenchie. Let’s break down the key factors influencing how much you’ll pay for one of these lovable dogs.
The Breeder
One of the most prevalent factors affecting the price of French Bulldogs is the breeder you choose. As we’ve discussed earlier, breeding Frenchies is no simple task-it requires careful attention, time, and significant financial investment. Breeders dedicated to producing high-quality, healthy puppies typically charge higher prices, starting at around USD 4,000. These puppies come from excellent bloodlines, often have a genetic health guarantee, and can be registered with official Kennel Clubs.
On the other hand, backyard breeders or less experienced breeders tend to charge significantly less, anywhere from a few hundred dollars to around USD 3,000. However, purchasing from a reputable breeder is always a wiser choice, as they ensure the health and well-being of the puppy. For more guidance, check out our ultimate checklist for choosing the right French Bulldog breeder.
Coat Color
Coat colour is another significant factor in the price of a Frenchie. Frenchies come in a variety of colours and patterns. Some of these colours are more common, while others are rare and more challenging to produce, which drives the price.
- Standard Colors: Common French Bulldog colours like black, fawn, and cream generally cost between $4,000 and USD 5,000.
- Rare Colors: Unique colours like blue, lilac, and chocolate command higher prices. For instance, a solid lilac Frenchie can be priced at around $7,000, while a lilac merle could reach USD 8,000.
- Most Expensive Colors: Scarce colours, such as platinum or fluffy, can range from $6,000 to USD 12,000, making them the most valuable for breeders.
Check out our complete guide to learn more about the various French Bulldog colours and patterns.
Eye Color
Another factor that can impact the cost of a French Bulldog is its eye colour. All puppies are born with blue eyes, but in most cases, they darken and turn brown as they age. Specific coat colours, like cream, lilac, and merle, are more likely to retain those rare forever-blue eyes.
If your Frenchie has heterochromia—where only one eye stays blue—it’s considered a rare and desirable trait. Blue eyes can increase the puppy’s price by USD 500 per eye.
Gender
Gender also determines the cost of a French Bulldog. Typically, female Frenchies are priced a few hundred dollars higher than males. This is because females can reproduce, making them more valuable for breeders.
If you’re unsure whether a male or female Frenchie is right for you, look at our detailed article on choosing the perfect French Bulldog based on gender.
Price Chart Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of French Bulldog prices based on color and other factors:
| Price | Color |
|---|---|
| $3,990 – $5,490 USD | Black (Brindle, Pied, Tan), Red (Pied, Fawn), Blue (Fawn, Lilac) |
| $4,690 – $6,290 USD | Cream, Blue (Brindle, Tan, Pied), Lilac |
| $5,790 – $7,490 USD | Black, Blue Merle, Choco, Lilac Tan (Add $1,000 for blue eyes) |
| $6,490 – $7,990 USD | Merle Tan, Lilac Merle (Add $1,000 for blue eyes) |
| $6,990 – $12,000 USD | Isabella, Platinum, Fluffy |
Decoding the Merle French Bulldog
Merle French Bulldogs are renowned for their distinctive markings, manifesting the Merle gene, which induces random skin pigmentation and lightens eye colour. They exhibit diverse colours, ranging from white and grey to black and beige, with varying combinations and patterns.
Unravelling Merle French Bulldog Varieties
Explore the enchanting world of Merle French Bulldogs:
Lilac Merles
Distinguished by their rarity, Lilac Merles flaunt captivating light blue eyes and a unique blend of chocolate and blue hues in their coats, often accompanied by light-coloured fur.
Black Merles
Among the most prevalent Merles, Black Merles showcase dominant black, tan, and fawn hues, occasionally accentuated by brown or blue eyes.
Blue Merles
Blue Merles, characterized by their blue and white colouring, exude a mesmerizing charm. Their light blue eyes resemble those of their black Merle lineage.
Health Considerations for Merle Bulldogs
While French Bulldogs, including Merles, face certain health risks, responsible breeding practices mitigate potential issues. It’s imperative to avoid breeding Merle dogs together to prevent genetic complications such as blindness, deafness, allergies, immune disorders, and hip dysplasia. Optimal health can be promoted through a raw diet, NuVet supplements, and hormone preservation.
Genetic Insights into Merle French Bulldogs
A DNA test enables breeders to ascertain the presence of the Merle gene, which is crucial for responsible breeding practices. Understanding gene variations, including MM (double Merle), Mm (carries one Merle gene), and mm (Merle gene-negative), facilitates informed breeding decisions and promotes canine welfare.
Breeding Merle French Bulldogs
Breeders leverage up to twenty different French Bulldog colours to create unique Merle patterns, ensuring the production of rare, low-maintenance companions. While Merle French Bulldogs aren’t purebreds, meticulous selection and breeding yield stunning colour combinations and robust health.
Exploring Merle French Bulldog Coats
The Merle pattern imbues pups with dark mottled patches, diluting base coat colours and resulting in a visually striking aesthetic. Variations in pattern and colour, including blue, black, and lavender, contribute to the allure of these rare and sought-after companions.
Inquire About Our Merle Frenchie Puppies!
Embark on a journey of puppy love with our charming Merle French Bulldog puppies, each boasting vibrant colours and irresistible personalities. Don’t miss the chance to welcome your perfect companion into your life—reach out to us today and discover the enchantment of Merle French Bulldogs!
