If you have a passion for dogs, you probably already know a thing or two about the Blue English Bulldog.
It’s a unique version of bulldogs and one of the rarest. Only a couple of these pets are in existence today (as of 2021).
The dog has a signature blue-grey coat, and it has a lot to offer as a pet.
For example, the dog’s bruiser appearance and small size give it an appealing appearance.
Occasionally, you will find Blue English Bulldogs with blue eyes.
In this post, we’re going to take a deeper dive into what exactly a Blue English Bulldog is, its appearance, and how to take care of one.
Plus, the article will delve into the details about the dog’s intelligence and temperament, as well as how much it costs.
Health concerns? Yes, we will be looking at that to know what to expect before you decide to keep this pet in your home.
So, keep reading to learn all about this breed.
Are Blue English Bulldogs Really Blue?
Now, one thing that you may be wondering about is whether the Blue English Bulldogs are blue.
Of course, you could be forgiven for believing that these dogs are solid blue-colored; if their name is anything to go by, that is.
To put things in perspective, the Blue English Bulldogs are not sky or navy blue-colored.
Rather, they have a silver-grey coat with a unique ice sheen.
There are also Blue English Bulldogs with a white or fawn undercoat.
You can tell this characteristic by simply rubbing the dog’s fur.
Talking of the footpads, eyeliner, and nose, these parts of the dog are blue-colored.
Blue English Bulldog Types
Blue English Bulldogs exist in various types, depending on the color variation.
These include the following:
- Blue Olde English Bulldog
- Blue-Grey English Bulldog
- Blue Brindle English Bulldog
- Blue Fawn English Bulldog
- Blue Merle English Bulldog
- Blue Tri English Bulldog
Appearance, Size, and Weight
The Blue English Bulldogs have a lot in common with their standard brothers, save for a few distinctive features.
As a result, some people may not be able to strike the difference between the two.
However, the most defining feature of Blue English Bulldogs is their silver-grey coat.
In addition, as explained earlier in this post, some Blue English Bulldogs have a white or fawn undercoat, which can be discovered by rubbing their fur.
Additionally, dogs have huge heads with round eyes.
Their protruding lower jaw means that they have exposed lower incisors while their ears are short and folded.
The dogs have a flat face, thanks to their short muzzles.
Their chest and shoulders tend to be broad and muscular, while the legs are short yet strong.
This nature of legs enables these dogs to have a broad stance and a unique walking style.
When it comes to size, a Blue English Bulldog is medium sized, no matter the type.
Typically, a full-grown male Blue English Bulldog’s size ranges between 12 to 16 inches, while a full-grown female Blue English Bulldog lies between 12 to 16 inches.
Blue English Bulldog Temperament
Can the Blue English Bulldog be a good pet? Can it make for a good family companion?
Well, that depends on its temperament.
Of course, no pet keeper wants a companion that will threaten his family, especially children.
First, however, you must know that the Blue English Bulldog’s rare coloration does not in any way determine the dog’s temperament.
To begin with, this breed of dog has a gentle disposition, which makes it great as a pet.
Have children in your home?
They are not at risk because the pet is generally loving and patient with little ones.
But you may need to be careful sometimes, especially when handling a female Blue English Bulldog with his offspring.
Like any other mother, the dog would want to be protective, so any advances towards its kids are likely to be met with retaliation.
When it comes to strangers, your dog will tend to be timid.
But you can mitigate this behavior well in advance by training your pet to socialize with strangers while still young.
But how does the dog behave around other pets and dogs?
There is some really good news about this dog.
Typically, the dog has civil behavior towards others, and it tends to get along with just about any pet in your home.
But you must be careful since there have been instances where Blue English Bulldogs have acted aggressively towards other pets, especially cats.
So, you will want to prevent a possible fight beforehand.
Exercise Requirements
Like any other pet, the Blue English Bulldogs need exercise.
This will keep their bodies in shape and healthy.
But, of course, your pet can also be overweight, and that could result in some health problems.
However, while engaging your dog in exercise, it should never be lost on you that these dogs don’t have the knack of doing high-endurance exercises.
As such, you will need to carefully select exercise for your dog, with moderate exercises being the most appropriate.
Additionally, these dogs experience a high rate of overheating; hence, it is best to exercise them in places with low temperatures.
This will help slow down overheating. But how much exercise would be enough for your dog?
A 30-minute or so moderate exercise per day seems to work great for this type of dog from history.
This may include exercises such as walking and playing.
Remember that these dogs are vulnerable to agitation, and this may result in difficulty breathing.
Thus, you will want to exercise caution as not to subject your pet to too much exercise.
Mental stimulation is also important for your dog.
You can achieve this by simply treating your dog to toys.
Care and Grooming
Your Blue English Bulldog must look appealing at all times.
This boils down to care and grooming.
Some tips to help keep your dog in good shape include the following:
Oral Care
Blue English Bulldogs are vulnerable to what is known as malocclusion/underbite.
If your dog develops this condition, there are high chances that tartar will form on its teeth, resulting in difficulty chewing and dental issues.
So, you must maintain high oral hygiene standards if you want your dog to steer clear of these problems.
Ear and Nail Cleaning
Hiring a professional to groom your pet four times a year would work wonders.
However, this should be done at an interval of three months.
Giving your dog a haircut every two to three weeks is also advisable.
And, there is ear cleaning and nail clipping, which should be done every two weeks to prevent possible infections.
Alternatively, grooming your dog could be a do-it-yourself task if you have the right skill, that is.
Brushing
While they have short, fine coats, Blue English Bulldogs don’t shed more often.
So keep your dog’s coat tidy through regular brushing.
Use a soft-bristled brush to do this.
Doing so at least once a week would yield fantastic results.
Bathing
Your dog’s coat does not have to be a breeding ground for parasites and should smell great at all times.
And while the dog has fine, short hair, picking up dirt is not impossible.
So, give your pet a good bath once a month, and you will be good to go.
You could even bathe it twice a month, depending on its hygienic condition.
Intelligence
How smart are the Blue English Bulldogs?
Sure, these dogs are not the most intelligent in the pet world as they deliver only about a 25% success rate when obeying commands.
They are also said to internalize new commands after so many repetitions (about 80).
This is a low intelligence level for a pet dog.
If you compare it with the German Shepherd, for instance, it lies far behind.
Health Problems
The Blue English Bulldogs are not immune to health problems.
Some of the most common problems that are likely to befall your pet include the following:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Degenerative spine disease
- Skin infections (usually in skin folds)
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Color dilution alopecia
- Hip dysplasia
It should be noted that some of these health issues may result from such things as improper grooming, poor breeding practices, and poor feeding.
And while it is normal for your pet to get sick, frequent health problems may result in life-threatening complications, leading to a shorter lifespan.
The Cost of the Blue English Bulldog
The blue English Bulldogs don’t come on the cheap.
This is all thanks to the fact that these dogs are rare to find.
That said, the dog would cost anywhere between $5,000 and $14,000.
Note that this is the average cost, and the price of the dog varies based on various factors, including age, health condition, and the person selling the dog.
Remember, you may not come across a dog of this type in a rescue center.
That leaves you with a breeder as the only source if you want to purchase one.
Bottom Line
If you have been thinking of owning a Blue English Bulldog but have been reluctant due to a lack of some vital information about this breed of dog, then this post must have addressed all your concerns, and nothing should stand in your way.
With their appealing appearance, these dogs can turn their heads everywhere they step foot.
However, you should be prepared to pay the top dollar for your pet.
Yes, that’s right!