Is the Blue French Bulldog Unhealthy? Let’s Bust the Myth!

It is often claimed—by misinformed or sometimes ill-intentioned sources—that blue French Bulldogs (or those with diluted coats) are sick or carriers of disease.

First of all, this blanket statement has no scientific basis. Let’s examine the issue seriously, considering historical context and scientific evidence.

Many years ago, the governing bodies of the French Bulldog breed excluded blue and diluted coat colors from the official standard. This decision was influenced by observations in other dog breeds—such as Beagles, Chouchous, and especially Dobermans—where blue coat colors were sometimes associated with a serious condition called Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). CDA is a genetic disorder that causes hair loss, leaving the dog not only bald but also vulnerable to skin infections.

It is important to note that there are no documented cases of CDA in French Bulldogs, despite millions of individuals with diluted coats living today. At the time, the cause and origin of the disorder were unknown, so breeders excluded blue dogs from breeding programs as a precaution until the genetic cause could be determined.

Thanks to advances in genetics, we now know the underlying cause. CDA is linked to a recessive gene called acda. If a dog inherits this gene from both parents (acda-acda) and also carries the coat dilution gene (dd), the condition can manifest. Therefore, by testing breeding dogs for the acda gene, responsible breeders can ensure that even a blue Doberman—or any other breed—will not develop CDA.

For a more technical explanation, we recommend reading the article by renowned geneticist Denis Ferretti, widely recognized as an authority on canine genetics. Although the article dates back to 2011 and some conclusions regarding Dobermans are now outdated, the genetic discussion remains relevant and accurate.

Importantly, CDA is not a concern in French Bulldogs, as no documented cases exist in the breed. Occasionally, ill-intentioned individuals circulate images of a blue caille French Bulldog suffering from severe demodectic mange caused by malnutrition or mistreatment, falsely claiming it represents CDA.

It is time to stop spreading these misleading campaigns and recognize that science has advanced. It is both necessary and appropriate to update breed standards and breeding regulations, moving away from outdated practices and aligning with more pragmatic, evidence-based approaches seen in other countries—where facts, not myths, guide responsible breeding.

https://urly.it/35fqf

By Paolo Claudio Rossini fondatore AA Allevatori Arcobaleno