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It’s no wonder that French bulldogs have gained popularity in recent years. The pups are low maintenance and highly affectionate. French bulldogs come in several colors: one of the rarest being lilac.
Breed Overview
Height:
Small to medium (11 – 12 inches)
Weight:
20 – 28 pounds for males, 16-24 pounds for females
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Colors:
Fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, brindle, brindle and white, cream, white and brindle, white and fawn
Suitable for:
Families looking for a playful, easy-to-groom lapdogs that does not require a lot of space.
Temperament:
Easygoing, sociable, gentle, friendly, playful, affectionate
These light purple-hued dogs are called Isabella Frenchies. Learn more about the adorable pups, including their history and unique facts.
French Bulldog Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Lilac French Bulldogs in History
Throughout the breed’s history, French bulldogs have always been companion animals. Toy-sized bulldogs are the direct ancestors of today’s Frenchies. In the mid-1800s, miniature bulldogs were bred with other small dogs like terriers and pugs, creating the breed as we know it today.
While today’s breeders will intentionally match parents for coloring, the first lilac French bulldogs were likely a happy accident. Isabella Frenchies have a dilute coat, meaning they have unevenly distributed pigmentation in their fur. The dogs aren’t bright purple but rather a softer hue of grey or brown with some lilac tones.
How Lilac French Bulldogs Gained Popularity
The first French bulldogs were popular pets amongst lacemakers who lived in northern France. Their friendly nature, small size, and adorable looks soon caught on throughout the rest of the country. French bulldogs didn’t take long to become popular throughout Europe, and then the U.S.
Formal Recognition of Lilac French Bulldogs
The AKC recognized French Bulldogs in 1898. Lilac is a rare color that does not meet the AKC’s breed standard. Accepted colors include brindle, white, cream, fawn, and variations of the four hues.
The Kennel Club in the UK recognized the breed in 1906. Lilac does not meet this organization’s standards, either. The Kennel Club views brindle, fawn, and pied as the “correct colours” for French bulldogs.
Top 6 Unique Facts About Lilac French Bulldogs
1. You should always supervise French bulldogs around water. Their short necks and stout bodies make it difficult, if not impossible, to swim. A Frenchie can still enjoy the water, but they should wear a doggy lifejacket.
2. A French bulldog named Bixby won the non-sporting group in the 2022 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
3. Don’t assume you can take your French bulldog on a plane. Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed: the official term for their smushed-in noses and flat faces. In the past, brachycephalic dogs died while flying in the cargo section of airplanes. Today, some airlines allow French bulldogs to fly in the cabin with their owners. Other airlines ban the breed altogether.
4. Based on AKC registrations, French bulldogs have been in the top five most popular dog breeds in the U.S. since 2017. The breed ranks number one in several cities, including Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio.
6. At least one French bulldog was on board the Titanic, named Gamin de Pycombe. His owner, Robert Williams Daniel, had just purchased the dog before boarding the ship. While Daniel survived the sinking, Gamin and most of the other dogs on board, unfortunately, did not.
Does a Lilac French Bulldog Make a Good Pet?
French bulldogs are adaptable and eager to please. They do well with children and other dogs. While a French bulldog won’t make a good hiking companion, they’re always up for a cuddle or a leisurely stroll around the block.
Due to their flat faces, French bulldogs don’t do well in hot or humid weather. The breed can be prone to eye and skin conditions, and their facial folds need daily attention and must be kept clean and dry. However, their short coats often only require once-a-week grooming. Overall, French bulldogs are healthy and have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Conclusion
French bulldogs date back to the mid-1800s when breeders paired tiny bulldogs with other small breeds. If you have your heart set on a lilac French bulldog, you’ll need to be patient and save up. The coloring is rare, and breeders charge accordingly.
Featured Image Credit: Firn, Shutterstock
