White French Bulldog — All you need to know
The French Bulldog is probably one of the cutest dog breeds on the planet. Their short, stocky build, bat-like ears, and perpetually pouty, yet somehow cheerful expression definitely add to their allure! However, pet owners who are involved in this breed should be mindful that owning a French Bulldog comes with an ethical dilemma.
Origin
Contrary to popular belief, the French Bulldog originally emerged in Nottingham, England, in the mid-1800s. Lacemakers were attached to a number of toy-size Bulldogs and promoted selective breeding. As a result, they became mascots for the profession. When the lacemaking industry started to decline, many workers fled to the French countryside, where they continued to breed out unique characteristics in these smaller pooches. The French Bulldog, as we know it today, originated from England but was finalized in France.
The bat-like ears of Frenchies are thought to have evolved as a result of crossbreeding with either terriers or pugs. Their cute presence made them famous among the Parisian upper crust, and they spread throughout Europe from there.
The White French Bulldog
The vast world of French Bulldog’s colors and patterns can be difficult to grasp. They come in many colors and many markings. Some are allowed according to breed standards while others are not. Then again some colors are connected to genetic defects, which should make any serious buyer hesitate. The white color is one of those, and that should be taken into consideration. Mor about that later.
The French Bulldog permitted colors permitted by AKC are:
- Cream
- Fawn
- White
- Any combination of white, cream, and fawn
These colors are not permitted by AKC:
- Solid black
- Black and tan
- Black and white
- Blue
- Blue and fawn
- Liver
Permitted French Bulldog markings:
- Ticked
- Brindle markings
- Piebald
- Black mask
- White markings
But if you really want to dig into colors and markings for the French Bulldog, you’re in for a long ride. It’s extremely complicated, and the standards vary in different countries, on different continents.
Is the White French Bulldog an Albino?
There is not one single type of white French Bulldogs. And they are the same breed as the patterned or decorated French Bulldog.
A white French Bulldog inherits one of two genetic combinations that all result in white hair.
Both these genes develop white fur, but not in the same way. The two types are off-whites and piebald whites. We call them off-white because piebald white is lighter. And we need a definition to distinguish them.
Off-white French Bulldogs will have black noses, cheeks, and rims around their eyes. Extreme piebald Frenchies, on the other hand, often have pink in their eye rims, noses, and cheeks. These regions may not be fully pink due to splotches of black added in. Off-whites Frenchies, have no pink in these regions.
Albino French Bulldogs have congenital absence of any pigmentation or coloration resulting in white fur, and fully pink noses and eye rims. Albino also includes pink eyes due to a lack of pigment in the iris.
Character
French Bulldogs are well-known cuddle buddies with the attitude of a young kid. They’re fun, caring, and friendly, but they may be a little needy. Though they do not need as much exercise as larger dogs. In fact, due to their particular form of the head and muzzle, they shouldn’t be exercised too much. This is not a breed that tolerates neglect, but being a brachycephalic breed, you have to be vigilant of the dog’s breathing and signs of overheating especially in warm climates.
Because of their small size, they do well in apartments and get along well with children.
White French Bulldogs are people-oriented and are not particularly aggressive. They bond well with their family, and unlike other small dogs, they aren’t notorious for barking excessively. One thing to keep in mind is that French Bulldogs can be very stubborn. Training should take this into consideration.
Grooming your White French Bulldog
Despite their fine fur, French bulldogs profit from grooming on a regular basis. To strip hair kindly, experts consider using a rubber grooming mitt or hound glove. Brushing promotes new hair development, which can sound counterintuitive. Brushing the Frenchie on a weekly basis sheds dead fur and circulates skin oil, keeping the coat healthy and shiny.
They do not need weekly baths, but when it happens it should be more than just a quick shower. Since Frenchies have folds in their cheeks, you should avoid showering the face. Infections may occur when moisture becomes stuck between the folds. Raise the folds of your Frenchie after you’ve finished drying it to look for any signs of discomfort. To disinfect the folds, use dog-friendly baby wipes.
French Bulldogs are sensitive to skin problems. You should choose a good anti-allergic shampoo and keep an eye out for redness or hotspots that might indicate a response to something. If you find any changes in the skin, see your veterinarian — there are several treatment choices for pet allergies.
Health issues
Unfortunately, the white fur comes with a few health problems.
- First of all Deafness. The Albino gene is connected with deafness and the whiter the dog, the higher chance that it will become deaf on one ear or on both. The probability is higher for piebald whites than for off-whites.
- Sensitivity to Light. Just as light-skinned humans are more likely to get sunburned, so are very light-skinned dogs. Sunburn is associated with a greater risk of developing skin cancer. Skin defects and cancers are examples of those conditions.
- Allergies and other skin-related problems.
- White French Bulldogs may have eye defects and abnormalities.
- Aside from the specific problem with the White Dog, the breed as a whole is susceptible to chondrodystrophy, a form of dwarfism that may lead to intervertebral disc disease.
Brachycephalic, or flat-faced, muzzle.
This is something the Whites share with all Bulldogs, as well as other canines of the same type.
The color of the coat has no bearing on the form of the muzzle. It is related to the breed standard, which specifies how the French Bulldog should appear. It is important to understand that brachycephalic dog breeds can have life-long, life-limiting health problems.
Overheating, respiratory failure, sleep apnea, stomach distress, and eye infections are all examples of problems that can occur. The easiest way to avoid subscribing to a dog with problems is to carefully pick the breeder.
Dogs with this condition usually have a history of loud snoring and breathing noises. They may also have a sensitive gag reflex, as well as a proclivity for reverse sneezing or tracheal collapse. Over-excitement can cause the gums or tongue to turn blue due to a lack of oxygen. Because of their respiratory problems, these dogs have a poor tolerance for physical exercise and are prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
To ensure genetic health, reputable, conscientious French Bulldog breeders pre-screen parent dogs.
Final considerations
Many experts work actively to abandon brachycephalic breeds altogether. As these dogs suffer from defects that are closely connected to the form of the skull, they shouldn’t be encouraged to reproduce. Breeding more dogs that are problematic already from the start, just from being a special type of dog, could be looked upon as unethical.
However you feel about this, the White French Bulldog is a wonderful, friendly, social, and bonding companion. He is a very good family pet and does well in a loving but not too active context.
To resolve the conflict about ethicality mentioned here, you should consider rescuing one from a shelter rather than buying one from a breeder.
