Chocolate French Bulldog: All You Need To Know
The Chocolate French Bulldog, also known as the Choco Frenchie is a rare variation of the regular French Bulldog. These unique dogs are known for their dark, chocolate-colored coats that can be light brown or almost black.
While not an officially recognized color by the American Kennel Club, the Chocolate French Bulldog is gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts and collectors. Although, despite their unique coat color, they still share so many characteristics as their standard-colored counterparts like their lovable personalities and distinctive bat-like ears.
Chocolate French Bulldog: Overview
Here’s a quick rundown on the Chocolate French Bulldog:
The Chocolate French Bulldog is a rare color variation of the standard French Bulldog breed.
Height:
Standing between 11-13 inches tall, they’re a compact breed with a sturdy build.
Weight:
They typically weigh between 20-30 pounds, with some variation depending on the individual dog.
Lifespan:
Like most French Bulldogs, they have a lifespan of 10-12 years on average.
Coat color:
As the name suggests, their coats come in different shades of brown, from light tan to dark chocolate. However, the coat can also be a mix of brown and white, which is called “brindle.”
Grooming:
Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, but their folds and wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.
Exercise:
They have low energy levels and don’t require much exercise, but daily walks are recommended to maintain good health.
Training:
The Chocolate French Bulldog is an intelligent breed that’s eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. But, they can be stubborn at times and so require consistency and patience during training sessions.
Temperament:
They are affectionate, and playful, and adapt well to apartment living which makes them great family pets and are good with children but can be wary of strangers.
In all, the Chocolate French Bulldog is a charming and lovable companion that’s sure to bring joy to any home.
SEE ALSO: Blue Merle French Bulldog: All You Need To Know
How to Get a Chocolate Frenchie?
Getting a Chocolate French Bulldog can be a bit challenging, as they are not as common as the standard French Bulldog. Here are some ways you can get your paws on one:
- Reputable breeders: Find a reputable breeder who specializes in Chocolate French Bulldogs. This is the most reliable way to get a healthy puppy, but it can also be expensive.
- Dog shows: Attend French Bulldog dog shows or events, where you can meet breeders and talk to other owners about finding a Chocolate Frenchie.
- Rescues and shelters: Check your local shelters and rescues for Chocolate French Bulldogs in need of a good home. These dogs are often overlooked by people searching for specific colors, but they can make wonderful pets.
- Online ads: Be careful of scams, but you can also check online classifieds and websites like Craigslist for people selling or rehoming Chocolate French Bulldogs.
Do Chocolate French Bulldogs Shed?
Yes, Chocolate French Bulldogs do shed, but it’s not as noticeable as some other dog breeds. They have short, smooth coats that are easy to maintain, but they do shed regularly. The good news is that their shedding is generally light and doesn’t require too much cleanup.
History of Chocolate French Bulldog
The exact origin of the Chocolate French Bulldog is unknown, but we can trace its history back to the traditional French Bulldog breed. Here’s a quick rundown:
The French Bulldog was originally bred in the 19th century by English lace workers in Nottingham, England.
These workers brought their small bulldog-type dogs with them when they relocated to France, where they quickly became popular.
It’s believed that the French Bulldog was then cross-bred with other breeds to create the Chocolate French Bulldog.
Characteristics of Chocolate French Bulldog
Here are some of the key characteristics of the Chocolate French Bulldog:
- Appearance: They have short, smooth coats that come in shades of brown, from light tan to dark chocolate, or a brindle pattern. They also have a compact, muscular body, a broad head, and bat-like ears.
- Temperament: They are friendly, affectionate, and adapt well to apartment living. They are good with children and other pets but can be wary of strangers.
- Health: Like other French Bulldogs, they can be prone to breathing issues, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. Regular vet check-ups are important.
- Exercise: Chocolate French Bulldogs are not high-energy dogs and don’t require much exercise. A daily walk or short play session is usually enough to keep them healthy and happy.
- Training: They are intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn at times. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training a Chocolate French Bulldog.
Physical Appearance of Chocolate French Bulldog
Here’s a more in-depth look at the physical appearance of the Chocolate French Bulldog:
- Coat: The coat of the Chocolate French Bulldog is short, smooth, and shiny. The colors can range from light tan to dark chocolate or even brindle, which is a mix of brown and white.
- Head: The head of a Chocolate French Bulldog is large and broad, with a flat forehead and wide-set eyes. The ears are usually bat-like and erect.
- Body: The body is compact and muscular, with a deep chest and strong, muscular legs. The tail is short and may be straight or screw-shaped.
- Size: Chocolate French Bulldogs are small dogs, typically standing 11-13 inches tall and weighing 20-30 pounds.
- Other features: They have a squished-looking face, wrinkled skin around the forehead, and a large, flat nose that can make breathing difficult in some dogs.
What is the Difference Between Chocolate and Cocoa Frenchies?
Chocolate and Cocoa Frenchies might sound like the same thing, but they are two distinct color variations within the French Bulldog breed. Here’s what sets them apart:
Chocolate Frenchies have a solid coat color ranging from light tan to dark chocolate. Their coat can also be a brindle pattern of brown and white.
Cocoa Frenchies, on the other hand, have a solid color similar to milk chocolate, with more red and gold tones than a Chocolate Frenchie.
Health Problems of Chocolate French Bulldog
Like other French Bulldogs, the Chocolate French Bulldog can be susceptible to certain health problems. Here are some health issues that you should be aware of:
- Respiratory issues: The short nose and flat face of the French Bulldog can make breathing difficult. They are prone to conditions like brachycephalic syndrome and laryngeal collapse.
- Eye problems: The large, round eyes of the French Bulldog can make them prone to conditions like cherry eye, dry eye, and corneal ulcers.
- Spinal problems: Due to their short legs and long backs, French Bulldogs can be prone to conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and spinal stenosis.
- Skin problems: Due to their wrinkled skin, French Bulldogs can be prone to skin fold dermatitis, a condition where the skin folds become infected and inflamed.
- Hip dysplasia: French Bulldogs can be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form properly.
Cost of Chocolate French Bulldog
The cost of a Chocolate French Bulldog can vary widely depending on factors like location, breeder reputation, and the dog’s lineage. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:
Puppies from reputable breeders: $2,500 to $10,000 or more. Some top-quality, champion-bred puppies can even cost upwards of $10,000.
Older dogs or rescues: $1000 to $4,500. Adopting a Chocolate French Bulldog from a rescue organization can be a more budget-friendly option.
How to Care for a Chocolate French Bulldog
Here are some tips to keep your Chocolate French Bulldog healthy and happy:
- Regular vet check-ups: Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your vet to stay on top of any potential health issues.
- Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet to maintain their health and weight. Ask your vet for recommendations.
- Exercise: Regular walks and playtime are important for maintaining your dog’s health and weight.
- Attention: French Bulldogs crave attention and love. Give your dog plenty of love, attention, and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
- Training: Train your Chocolate French Bulldog using positive reinforcement techniques. They can be stubborn, but with patience and consistency, they can learn tricks and commands.
- Safety: Keep your dog safe by using a harness instead of a collar for walks, and avoid letting them overheat in hot weather.
Feeding Requirements for a Chocolate French Bulldog
Like all dogs, your Chocolate French Bulldog needs a healthy and balanced diet to stay in tip-top shape. Here are some feeding requirements to keep in mind:
- Protein: Look for high-quality, lean proteins like chicken or fish to support muscle health and growth.
- Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbs like sweet potatoes and brown rice for sustained energy.
- Fruits and veggies: Add fresh or lightly cooked fruits and veggies like broccoli, carrots, and blueberries to their diet for added nutrients and fiber.
- Portion size: French Bulldogs can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to feed them in measured amounts. Consult with your vet to determine the right portion size for your dog.
- Feeding frequency: Feed your Chocolate French Bulldog two small meals per day to avoid overeating.
- Dietary supplements: Consult with your vet to see if your dog might benefit from additional supplements like glucosamine for joint health or omega-3 fatty acids for coat and skin health.
SEE ALSO: Reasons for Dog Peeing Near Cat Litter Box?
FAQs
Q. How rare is chocolate French Bulldog?
Chocolate French Bulldogs are pretty rare, especially when compared to more common French Bulldog colors like fawn and brindle.
Q. How much is a chocolate French Bulldog worth?
The value of a Chocolate French Bulldog can vary widely based on several factors like pedigree, coat color, breeder reputation, and location.
Generally, the price for a Chocolate French Bulldog ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, with some top-quality, champion-bred puppies going for even more.
Q. What makes a chocolate French Bulldog?
A Chocolate French Bulldog is made by breeding two dogs carrying the recessive gene for the chocolate coat color.
Q. How do I know if my French Bulldog carries chocolate?
To know if your French Bulldog carries chocolate. genetic testing of the HPS3 gene will reliably determine whether a dog is a genetic Carrier of cocoa coat color.