Blue English Bulldog: A Guide to Price, Health, Care & Puppies (+Pictures)

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This is the most comprehensive and detailed guide to learning all about the Blue English Bulldog.

But, why is this breed called “Blue” English Bulldog in the first place? How are they different from traditional English Bulldogs? Are they more prone to health issues? From their history to their diet, health, personality, price, and everything in between, this guide covers all you need to know if you’re thinking about buying a Blue English Bulldog. Let’s get started

Blue English Bulldog History & Origin

Bulldogs were first bred in early 13th-century England. They were named for the “sport” of bullbaiting, in which a bull was tied to a stake to fight a pack of Bulldogs who would fight the bull while spectators bet on who would win. The extinct Old English Bulldog was specially bred for this sport.

When blood sports were outlawed in 1835, bullbaiting began to die out. In response, Bulldog admirers and breeders started the long process of transforming the breed from brawler to companion, says the AKC. Today, the English Bulldog makes a good family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the Bulldog.

Now, you are probably asking yourself, “what is a Blue English Bulldog, and how did it originate?”

What Is A Blue English Bulldog?

Blue English Bulldogs aren’t a dog breed but a “kind” of English Bulldog. The “Blue” refers to their coat coloration.

Why Do English Bulldogs Have A Blue Coat?

A Blue English Bulldog has a blue coat due to a gene known as the merle gene (M-locus). This gene is responsible for random pigment dilution (lightening) of the nose, eyes, and fur. Because of pigmentation loss, the hair’s coat will turn slightly bluish-gray.

The term “blue” is not a “blue” pigment comparable to navy or sky blue. In dog breeds, the term “blue” is used as a general coat descriptor for a silvery-grey color, often having a distinctly icy sheen. It’s a color that makes this hue stand out from typical gray and black coats.

Typically, blue-coated dogs tend to have bluish noses and are sometimes accompanied by beautiful baby blue eyes. You can expect most Blue English Bulldogs to have these characteristics.

Blue English Bulldog Appearance, Size & Weight

The main physical attribute distinguishing Blue English Bulldogs from all the other English Bulldogs is their blue coats. Two other attributes also prominent in Blue English Bulldogs are blue noses and blue eyes. These dogs are not entirely blue but have fawn or white undercoats. The coat is short and fine-textured. The shade of blue may vary slightly from dog to dog.

Other than that, Blue English Bulldogs look like regular English Bulldogs.

The dog’s head is enormous, with a wedge-shaped body and short, folded ears. The muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The lower jaw protrudes out in front of the upper jaw, exposing the lower incisors, also known as an underbite dog. English Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with stocky builds, massive shoulders and muscular and broad chests. They have deep wrinkles and folds of excess skin on their heads and body. Their lips are fleshy, and their face has a sweet and loving disposition.

Their short, sturdy legs give them a unique way of walking and a sturdy, base-wide stance.

What Is The Size of A Blue English Bulldog?

Blue English Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs. You can expect a full-grown male Blue English Bulldog to size between 12 to 16 inches, while a full-grown female Blue English Bulldog is between 12 to 16 inches.

How Much Does A Blue English Bulldog Weigh?

Male Blue English Bulldogs weigh around 50 pounds. Females tend to be slightly lighter in weight at 40 pounds.

Blue English Bulldog Temperament And Personality

What can you expect from Blue English Bulldogs’ temperament and personality?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), this dog’s personality projects great stability, vigor, and strength. They are kind and courageous dogs. They are not at all aggressive dogs. On the contrary, they are peaceful, friendly, and calm dogs.

Blue English Bulldogs are docile creatures and loyal companions that adapt well to most situations. But don’t mistake their easygoing ways for laziness. They are somewhat active dogs. They are people-oriented and require attention. Their sweet, social, and gentle disposition makes them great family pets and loving to most children. They have a reputation for courage that makes them excellent watchdogs.

This dog is a lover, not a fighter. Over the decades, breeders and domestication have reduced and removed aggression from these dogs. Bulldogs don’t tend to be barkers. Their temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization, but most Blue English Bulldogs have a friendly, patient, and somewhat stubborn nature.

Blue English Bulldog Breed Characteristics (Chart)

This chart looks at the main physical traits (size, color, etc.) and attributes of the Blue English Bulldog.

Description
Weight30-40 lbs (male)
30-37 lbs (female)

Height 15-18 inches (male)
14-16 inches (female)
Size Small or medium-sized dog
Coat Type Short and straight
Coat Color White, fawn, cream, brindle, gray, tan, or a combination of these
Shedding High shedder, especially in spring and fall
Eyes Blue, black, or brown
Nose Black or brown
Ears Large bat ears, upright
Energy LevelHigh
Tendency to BackModerate-medium
Life Expectancy 12-14 years
Hypoallergenic No
Kid Friendly Yes, but needs to be properly trained and socialized
Family FriendlyYes
Stranger FriendlyYes
Breed Recognition American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Is The Blue English Bulldog A Good Family Dog?

Blue English Bulldogs are certainly a great option if you’re looking for a new addition to your family.

Generally, this breed is known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because they tend to adapt well to most situations, Bulldogs can make great companions for first-time dog parents. They are recognized as loyal pets and tend to form strong bonds with children. Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance pups and are happy to spend most of the day on the couch. However, they need proper exercise.

Usually, their appearance and courageous nature alone are enough to frighten intruders; they are fine watchdogs. English bulldogs can be wary of unfamiliar dogs of people. Early socialization is needed, as with any dog.

Blue English Bulldog Health Risks

In most cases, Blue English Bulldogs are generally healthy. However, some can develop genetic health problems due to poor breeding practices.

  • Brachycephalic airway syndrome
  • Major respiratory problems
  • Overheating
  • Severe skin problems (skin allergies, hot spots, eczema, dry skin, etc.)
  • Degenerative spine disease
  • Eye problems (cherry eye, dry eye, etc.)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Head shakes
  • Thyroid and heart disease
  • CancerJoint and ligament injuries

Offering proper nutrition, exercise, and care is vital to keeping these issues at bay. CBD oil for dogs has shown promising results in relieving many of these health issues if your Blue English Bulldog has developed one or more of these health problems (or you want to prevent them).

Know that this dog breed readily overheats and has breathing difficulties in hot weather, so never leave a Bulldog out in the hot sun unsupervised or without access to shade and water. If your Bulldog is breathing too hard or overexcited, his tongue will stick out and have a bluish color, not a normal pink. If this happens, soaking with cool water and giving ice can help cool the dog.

Blue English Bulldog Food & Nutrition

A Blue English Bulldog’s nutrition will depend on weight, health conditions (allergies), size, age, and activity level.

Blue English Bulldog Nutritional Guidelines

Your primary focus should be ensuring your Blue English Bulldog receives the six essential nutrients suggested by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These six essential nutrients are:

NutrientFoodDescription
Protein Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggsBuilds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
Carbohydrates Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
Fat From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others Responsible for providing quality energy, growth and development. Supports the function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues.
Minerals Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
WaterWaterHydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
VitaminsA, B, C, D, E, and K Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

Typically, Blue English Bulldogs thrive on a diet for medium size dogs.

When choosing the best dog food for Blue English Bulldogs, consider their potential health, lifestyle, and nutritional goals. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). The Bulldog should do well on high-quality dog food or a home-prepared diet made like Nom Nom made by veterinary nutritionists and customized to your dog’s unique nutritional needs. The best dog food for Blue English Bulldogs would be a formula that can support eye health, allergies, bone and joints, coat, and skin health.

Blue English Bulldog Calorie Requirement

Some Bulldogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. 

Generally, a Blue English Bulldog should consume ‘x’ amount of calories depending on their weight to maintain its weight.

For instance, if your Blue English Bulldog weighs 45 lbs, it will typically require 1075 calories daily. If you are feeding him treats, follow the 10% rule. So, food would equal 968 calories (90%) and treats 108 calories (10%). You will need to split the total daily calories into different meals throughout the day—usually, 2 or 3 cups per day of 537 (or 358) calories each.

For a more accurate daily calorie intake, estimate your dog’s weight and use this dog calorie calculator.

Other Nutrition Health-Related Tips

To help with allergies and coat problems in Blue English Bulldogs, adding a couple of fish oil squirts to their meals will provide relief and nourishment to keep their skin and coats in good condition. Eye health is essential in this breed. Daily eye care bites like Zesty Paws Eye Supplement and dog eye drops for long-lasting corneal protection and hydration can promote good eye health for your four-legged buddy.

Always consult your vet or pet nutritionist before adding anything to your dog’s diet.

Blue English Bulldog Exercise Requirements

Blue English Bulldogs are typically low-endurance dogs. They need only a moderate amount of exercise. The best environment for Bulldogs to exercise is in temperate climates as these dogs overheat fast.

Blue English Bulldogs need between 20 to 40 minutes of exercise, brisk walking, and playtime daily are ideal for this breed. Keep in mind that Bulldogs get agitated much faster than other dogs and can have breathing difficulties when excited. So, don’t over-exercise them. Regular-intensity exercises and a healthy diet will help your Bulldog stay happy and healthy.

Don’t forget the importance of mental stimulation. Give your Bulldogs toys and puzzles like the Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound and Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball. These are intelligent dog toys designed to keep your dog’s mind sharp.

Blue English Bulldog Training

Is the Blue English Bulldog easy to train?

While Bulldogs have an agreeable personalities that would indicate otherwise, easy to train, according to Stanley Coren’s dog intelligence tests, Bulldogs aren’t the most obedient dogs. They can obey a known command on the first try with a 25% or lower success rate and understand new commands after 80-100 tries, meaning this breed doesn’t catch onto things quickly. But, if you dedicate yourself to training your Bulldog, they will learn (it just might take some time).

Puppy training classes are highly recommended for English Bulldogs. There are two essential training aspects you should focus on from a young age with your Blue English Bulldog. (i) They love to chew, so you must teach them to release what’s in their mouth on command when he is young. (ii) Train your Bulldog to accept having people take food from his bowl while eating; otherwise, he could develop a bad habit of being protective towards his food.

Blue English Bulldog Grooming & Care

Do you have a Blue English Bulldog? Here are some grooming tips to properly groom and care for your Bulldog.

1. Brushing Frequency

While Blue English Bulldogs have short and fine coats, they are moderate shedders. You can help keep their coat looking clean (free of dead hair) and tidy by brushing it with a bristle brush at least once to thrice a week.

2. Deshedding Frequency

Blue English Bulldogs will shed more than average twice a year, in spring and fall. During these times, use a de-shedding brush to prevent excessive shedding while keeping your house hair-free.

3. Bathing Frequency

A Blue English Bulldogs’ short and fine hair means they won’t pick up as much dirt and bad smells as long-haired dogs.

Bathing your Blue English Bulldogs once a month (or every six to eight weeks) is probably plenty, but you can give them another bath if they start to smell or get super dirty. A crucial part of bathing your Bulldog is washing the wrinkles on its body and face. You need to keep these skin folds clean and check them regularly to ensure they are clean and dry, as food, dirt, or moisture can get trapped and cause irritation or infection.

You can use a cotton ball dipped in peroxide to clean the wrinkles, and cornstarch can be applied afterward to aid in drying. Never use it near the eyes. Clean the area under the tail as well. Don’t over-bathe your Blue English Bulldogs. This could cause skin irritation, and frequent baths could damage their coat and trigger skin allergies. Look for a shampoo that is suitable for sensitive dog skin. If it’s an anti-shedding shampoo, then even better.

If your dog is afraid of water or needs a quick bath, waterless dog shampoo is a great alternative to bathing.

4. Nail & Ear Cleaning Frequency

You should fully groom your pup three to four times yearly (or every three months). Take your Blue English Bulldog every two weeks to the groomer for a haircut, nail clip, and ear cleaning. If you rather do this yourself, invest in a decent pair of dog nail clippers to trim your Blue English Bulldog’s nails every 2 to 3 weeks. Clean their ears weekly to prevent infection, excess moisture, or wax build-up. We recommend two ear cleaners for dogs: Zymox Cleanser With Bio-Active Enzymes and Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution.

5. Oral Care

Blue English Bulldogs suffer from a condition known as underbite or canine malocclusion. Dogs with underbites often develop excessive tartar, trouble chewing, calculus build-up, and other oral health-related issues. So, keeping your Bulldog’s dental health on point is a must. You want to brush your Blue English Bulldog teeth at least 3 to 4 times a week. Adding a dog dental treat will also help keep their pearly whites in good health. Furthermore, a Dental Formula Water cam leaves your dog’s teeth and gums in tip-top condition.

Stick to these tips, and your pup should avoid any hygiene-related problems!

Blue English Bulldog In Action

Watch this cute Blue English Bulldog play around and be all cute!

Blue English Bulldog Intelligence

Are Blue English Bulldogs smart? 

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren’s dog intelligence trials, the Bulldog breed is not among the brightest dogs.

They are ranked the 136th smartest dog (out of 138) for obedience & working intelligence, meaning they can obey a known command on the first try with a 25% or lower success rate and understand new commands after 80 repetitions 100. This puts Bulldogs under the “low intelligence” dog category. If we want to put this into perspective, a German Shepherd or Labrador takes fewer than 5 repetitions to learn a new command. That’s 16 times faster than the Bulldogs.

But obedience isn’t everything, as Bulldogs show high adaptive and instinctive intelligence. We wouldn’t label Bulldogs as “dumb dogs.” but slow learners. We are sure they can learn just as much as your average dog with the proper training.

Blue English Bulldog Breeding

Due to the wide-ranging and severe medical conditions affecting Bulldogs and years of extreme inbreeding, breeding healthy Bulldogs may be an impossible mission, reported a study led by researchers from the University of California, Davis.

If you are a Blue English bulldog Breeder, you need to be aware of some of the most common health conditions affecting the English Bulldog breed and do your best to breed such issues out of your bloodline. Blue English Bulldogs are a rare Bulldog type and may bring more risks involved in breeding this particular dog.

To breed a Blue English Bulldog, both parents must pass down the merle gene, a recessive responsible for their blue coat color. Both parents don’t need to be blue, but they must pass on the blue gene to their puppies. Why is this risky?

Studies have shown when two merle (Mm) dogs carriers are bred together. Breeding such dogs will produce a double merle (MM) litter, which is extremely prone to genetic diseases such as deafness and blindness. Blue English Bulldogs can produce healthy offspring. Still, their puppies have a higher probability of being born with congenital health issues than puppies born from a single merle carrier (Mm) and a non-carrier (m/m).

When breeding Blue English Bulldogs, ensure the female and male come from healthy bloodlines. Breeding Blue English Bulldogs is no different than breeding Bulldogs.

Wait until the female is two years old and after her second heat cycle. Don’t breed female Blue English Bulldogs in 2 consecutive heat seasons. She needs the proper time to recover. You should expect a litter size of between 3 and 4 puppies.

Blue English Bulldog For Sale

Are you looking for Blue English Bulldog puppies for sale?

When getting a Blue English Bulldog puppy, you have two options: breeders or adopting. It’s hard to find a reliable Bulldog breeder. Here are some of the best places to find Blue English Bulldogs for sale and what to look for before you get one.

Blue English Bulldog Breeder

A reputable Bulldog breeder should be able to provide the following:

  • Record of health testing (i.e., deworming, vaccinations) of the parents and a Bulldog puppy
  • Veterinary check documentation
  • Some breeders even provide a health guarantee
  • Pedigree certificates and registration for both parents and puppies.

Avoid breeders who are unwilling to disclose any medical records, refuse to accept credit card payments, use stock photos, and seem uncooperative. Ask for pictures of the parents, the dog’s health history, and the puppy’s experience with family, children, and other animals. Try meeting the Blue English Bulldog in person before buying.

Where To Buy A Blue English Bulldog?

The first place you want to look is your local breeder in your city or state.

And the best place to find Blue English Bulldog puppies for sale is online or on social media. We advise not getting one from a random person unless they can provide official health documentation about its health and records.

Here are two breeders that can jumpstart your search:

Adoption

Adopting a Blue English Bulldog is another excellent option. Although it’s rare to find these dogs at a rescue or local shelter, check before getting one, you never know!

Rescue groups that specifically help Bulldogs, mixes of this breed may be able to guide you to Blue English Bulldog in need of a new home.

Sites like Bulldog Rescue Network,  PetFinder, and AdoptAPet are great resources!

Blue English Bulldog Coat & Colors Types (Pictures)

Here is a visual list of some of the different hues you can expect to see in Blue English Bulldogs.

Blue English Bulldog Price

Due to the rareness of this breed, these pups have a high price tag. Blue English Bulldogs can cost anywhere from $5,000 – $14,000 or more on average.

Several factors may increase their price, including low supply and high demand if you want specific characteristics like bright blue eyes or a clear blue-type coat.

If you see a Blue Bulldog that is suspiciously cheap, it wasn’t bred from purebred parents and probably has more than two breeds.

Blue English Bulldog Puppies

Once you’ve found your perfect Blue Bulldog puppy, it’s time to start preparing.

Here’s a video of a cute Blue Bulldog puppy and a step-by-step guide to getting started with your new furry baby.

The first few months of a puppy’s life are the most important. Blue Bulldogs will grow up to be healthy, friendly, and highly obedient if you follow these tips.

Here is everything you’ll need to know to get your puppy on the right track to adulthood.

  • Getting your home ready. Blue Bulldog puppies are curious and excitable. Block access to anything dangerous in your homes, such as electrical cords, potential toxins, and breakable items. Consider dog gates to keep your puppy away from certain rooms.
  • Name your Blue Bulldog. Naming them early is vital so they can associate their name whenever you call them and start training them.
  • Get your supplies. Buy things like bowls, toys, leashes, dog beds, etc. It’ll be a big first trip to the pet shop.
  • Pick the right puppy food. Choose commercial breed-specific dog foods, homemade dog food, or holistic diets.
  • Health examination. Register your puppy with the local vet and ensure they’ve been examined and had all the necessary vaccinations.
  • HousebreakPuppy train your Blue Bulldog puppy.
  • Training and socialization. Begin with socialization training, so your puppy is comfortable around people, dogs, and other pets. Get started with the basic commands of sit, stay, and come.
  • Bonding. Your family should begin forming strong bonds with your Blue Bulldog puppy. Play, go to the park, buy him toys, and groom your pup so they know who their family is.

Should You Get A Blue English Bulldog?

Blue English Bulldogs can make incredible companions, but you need to understand this breed may require more health care needs than most dogs.

For instance, if you live in a hot, weathered city, remember Bulldogs are highly vulnerable to heat. They also need extra cleaning care for the skin folds and tail pockets. They may also have trouble breathing, among other conditions. Bulldogs are incredibly loving and rewarding dogs in every aspect, but do your research first and make sure you can care for these precious furry wrinkly dudes through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Bringing a Blue English bulldog home is a commitment for life. And if you think you can, give them the best life possible.


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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

[1] Wikiwand [2] Bulldog Club of America [3] The Smart Canine [4] University of California, Davis

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

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