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American Bulldog Colours

Dr Shamsul Alam Roky
Reviewed by:
Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky
Veterinarian

The American Bulldog makes a great family pet. They also come in various coat colours and patterns, and the different colour variations give each Bulldog a distinct appearance.

If you’re unsure about your options and need help deciding which colour dog to get, you came to the right place. This guide will give you all the information on American Bulldog colours.

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Common American Bulldog Colours

The most common coat colour of the American Bulldog is pure white. White Bulldogs with coloured markings are also highly popular. This creates the most common colour combinations: white & black, white & tan and white & brown.

The popularity of certain coat colours is also influenced by breeders. Breeders stick to the Kennel Club breed standards of white American Bulldogs. Consequently, a non-white American bulldog is the rarest variety.

 

What Colours Do American Bulldogs Come In?

Your American Bulldog’s coat colour is determined by its gene pool. Genes control the pigments that produce certain colours and where on the body the pigments will be. This is what creates solid-coloured, two-toned, brindled, and merle coats.

Solid White coat colour

The solid white American Bulldog has a pure white coat over its whole body. There are no other colours or markings on its body.

White & Black coat colour

This American Bulldog has a white base colour on its coat and black markings all around the body. There isn’t any specific placement or size of the markings on the body.

White & Brindle coat colour

Brindle coat patterns give animals a colour mix that mimics stripes.

This dog’s coat will have a white base with brindle markings around the body. The colour of the brindled patches can vary between brown, red, black, brown, and fawn.

White & Brown coat colour

This coat combination has brown markings on a white background. The brown here differs from the dark brown shade of the ‘chocolate’ coat.

White & Tan coat colour

An American Bulldog in this colour has a mostly white coat with tan markings over the body. Tan is a light brown colour that is similar to beige.

There isn’t as much of a contrast with the tan markings as there is with the darker-coloured markings. Nonetheless, it’s still a beautiful colour.

Solid Brown coat colour

Like the white American Bulldogs, the coat on this Bulldog is brown throughout the body.

There might be small white markings on the chest and around the nose, but this is minimal.

Blue coat colour

Yes, you read that right. This American Bulldog has a blue coat, which is a faded shade of black with a grey tint.

Solid black coat colour

These sleek-looking American Bulldogs have a pure black coat. Their paw pads, nose and eyes are typically black as well.

You may find white tufts of fur on small areas of the body, but this will be minimal.

Tri-colour coats

Tri-colour dogs have coats that are made up of three different colours.

Typically, the tri-colour American Bulldog is white with patches of either black, brown, or tan markings.

Merle coat colour

The pattern of this dog’s coat has irregular markings around the body. Merle bulldogs have a variety of colour combinations with the colours blue, black, white, and brown.

Lilac coat colour

Lilac is an uncommon colour in American Bulldogs. This dog has a twice-diluted black coat that creates a grey-purple shade.

 

What Colours Does the Australian National Kennel Council Recognise in American Bulldogs?

The Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC) does not recognise the American Bulldog breed.

However, other kennel clubs do recognise the American Bulldog. The American Kennel Club standard colour for this breed is white, and they also accept the white patri-colour variations, with tan, brown, brindle, or black markings.

The United Kennel Club accepts most coat colours and combinations, except solid black, solid blue, merle, tri-colour, and a full black mask.

 

What Colour American Bulldog Should I Choose?

All American Bulldogs are beautiful in their own way, and whichever you choose should be based on your colour preference.

Some believe that the M-Locus (Merle) gene that causes irregular patches in the Merle American Bulldogs can lead to a higher risk of certain health problems. However, no evidence suggests that the colour of the coat affects their health.

 

American Bulldog Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat

American Bulldog puppies have the same coat from birth into adulthood, like many other breeds.

The coat colour may be slightly darker or lighter as they grow. However, the extent of this change is different for each dog.

 

Final Thoughts on American Bulldog colours

The American Bulldog is one of the most affectionate bulldog breeds and comes in many different colour combinations. It can be difficult to choose, but let your preferences guide you, and you will find the right dog for you and your household.

Learn more about: American Bulldog Dog Information

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