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Bulldog Colours

Dr Julia Brassel
Reviewed by:
Dr. Julia Brassel
Veterinarian

Whilst they might not come out on top for Instagram-worthy pups, the Bulldog is a much-loved breed and has been for many generations.

If you’ve been looking for a dog to welcome into your household, then this is a breed that’s worth considering. Whether you’re a family unit of four or you live alone and you’re looking for some company, a dog can be a great companion throughout life.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about the Bulldog, its history, and what makes this breed a great option for anyone willing to make room for a dog in their home!

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Common English Bulldog Colours

The most common coat colours include brindle, fawn, and white, with white being particularly iconic. Coloured Bulldogs can display a variety of shades, such as red, piebald, and combinations that often feature distinct markings.

While brindle and fawn Bulldogs are highly sought after, white varieties are also popular and can exhibit a range of patterns.
 

What Colours Do English Bulldogs Come In?

Depending on your preferences, there are lots of English Bulldog colours for you to choose from, including;

Fawn Coat

The light tannish yellow colour can be soft or offer a deeper colour and dates back as far as 1789.

Red

The deeper deer-like red of the Bulldog is a striking colour. This also makes the white-on-two-tone dogs stand out more prominently.

White Coat

Pure white bulldogs are a popular option and can occasionally be speckled with other colours.

Black Coat

Surprisingly, black Bulldogs are relatively rare. They can sometimes have a fawn undercoat, and a further variation is a black tri, where the Bulldog’s coat is black and white with tan markings.

Blue

Blue bulldogs are black Bulldogs with slightly diluted coat colour. The grey/blue colouring is a result of the dd genotype.

Lilac

Lilac Bulldogs have a coat that combines a dilution of black to brown and black to blue, resulting in soft lilac colouring. This is one of the rarer colours, and their blue eyes make them very popular.

Chocolate

Chocolate English Bulldogs are a rich, velvety dark brown. These rare colourations are diluted from black with a different gene that causes the colour difference.

Brindle

Red brindle English Bulldogs are probably the most commonly thought of the colour of Bulldogs, especially when teamed up with a white face. Brindle Bulldogs typically have a brown base with darker, Tiger-like markings. You can also find muddy brindle and blue brindle Bulldogs.

Merle

Blue merle Bulldogs are the rarest colour, and they create a mottled pattern over a solid colour. This colouration is striking, but it can lead to health issues down the line.
 

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

Breed standard English Bulldog colours recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council, American Kennel Club, and other clubs around the world include;

  • White
  • Red
  • Brindle
  • Fawn
  • Brindle and white
  • Fawn and white
  • Fawn brindle
  • Fawn brindle and white
  • Red and white
  • Red brindle
  • Red brindle and white
  • Red fawn
  • White and brindle
  • White and fawn
  • White and red

Non-breed standard English Bulldog colours include;

  • Black
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Sable
  • Cream
  • Black and white
  • Black and white with tan points
  • Black and tan
  • Black and tan with white points
  • Blue and tan
  • Blue with white markings
  • Blue with tan markings
  • Blue fawn
  • Blue fawn with white points
  • Brown with tan points
  • Sable with white markings
  • Sable with tan markings

Unrecognised colours tend to be dilutions or alterations of breed-standard colours.
 

What Colour English Bulldog Should I Choose?

With so many coat colours and patterns to choose from, making a choice in dog breeds can be challenging, but most dog owners will have their own preferences.

Whether you are looking for a traditional coat pattern or something rarer like Merle Dogsmerle dogs or a blue English Bulldog, you will have plenty of choices.

Patterns, including tiger-esque stripes, piebald patterns, tri patterns with golden brown markings, striped patterns, and merle English Bulldogs, are all options that are available in different colours.

One of the most significant factors that influence the English Bulldog coat colour that people might choose is cost. English bulldogs are pure-bred dogs that typically have a high value, and rare colours and patterns can command bigger fees.

Ultimately, the decision you make about the colour or pattern pattern you choose will be up to you.
 

English Bulldog Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat

Bulldog puppy’s coats can change in colour as they get older. This will typically happen between six months and eighteen months. The texture of the puppy coat will also change.
 

Final Thoughts on English Bulldog Colours

Bulldogs are available in various shades, from a deep deer red to pale tan or chocolate tri. Choose the colour that appeals the most to you. Keep in mind that the rarer the colour, the more likely you are to pay higher prices. You will be able to choose a colour that appeals to you or pay less for more common colours.

As well as the rich tapestry of colours to choose from, you will also be able to choose between block-coloured dogs, two-tone, or tri-pattern dogs. Many bulldogs will have a very specific pattern that will give them a distinctive look. We hope this guide aids you in your English Bulldog colour selection. Whatever colour you choose, you are purchasing a beautiful dog that will be a lifelong friend to you and your family.

Buying your dog from a reputable breeder will help you find the colour you want and minimise the risk of health issues.

Learn more about: Bulldog Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

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