Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably on the lookout for a lovable little
These quirky, fun, and vibrant pups always stand out in a crowd, and if you’re ever at a Frenchie ‘meet-up,’ you may also notice no two Frenchies look the same.
That’s why choosing the color of your pup is often one of the main considerations for new owners when looking for their next little family member.
It took me two years to find my Frenchie Steven because I was so set on buying a dark red Fawn
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What Exactly is ‘Fawn’ and What Does it Look Like?
The ‘Toast Gang’! As these adorable little Frenchies are appropriately named, or maybe you see them as little stubby potatoes, either or, a Fawn Frenchie ranges from light tan to dark red – a.k.a barely done toast to burnt toast!
Unlike popular lilac or blue Frenchies, considered ‘fad’ colors, the Fawn color is ‘traditional’ and officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
I’ll touch on the difference between ‘fad’ and traditional colors in a moment, but first, let’s take a look at the variations of a Fawn
The Variations of a Fawn French Bulldog Recognized by AKC
Masked Fawn – Any shade of Fawn with a black mask covering their mouth and snout
‘No Mask’ Fawn – Any shade of Fawn with a no black mask, or a diluted mask, around their mouth and snout.
Fawn and white – Mostly Fawn with a white patch down their chest. Many of the Fawn variations have this detail.
Red Fawn – A red-tinged Fawn, ranging from light red to dark, often have a black mask and a white patch on their chest in their genetics.
Fawn Pied – Fawn pied Frenchies predominantly have a white coat with Fawn patches.
Brindle Fawn – Brindle Fawn Frenchies have a dark coat with Fawn streaks.
Some Fad Variations of a Fawn French Bulldog
Blue Fawn – Blue Fawn Frenchies are a diluted version of the Fawn Frenchie, carrying two copies of the dilution gene, making their color lighter.
Lilac Fawn – French Bulldogs with a lilac Fawn coat color exhibit a light Fawn hue with a silver or ashy sheen that differs from blue, and their mask displays a softer, ashier grey shade.
Fawn Merle – A Fawn Merle French Bulldog has a light Fawn coat with Merle patches. The merle patches can be any color, but they often create a marbled effect with the Fawn base coat. They may also have a black mask and a white patch on their chest in their genetics.
How much is a Fawn French Bulldog ?
How much do you need to spend to join the ‘toast gang?’
Typically, a Fawn Frenchie from a quality, reputable breeder will cost around $5,000.
Traditional vs. Rare Colours explained
These lovable lap dogs are popular and for a good reason! But their surge in demand can come at a cost, with some breeders ignoring the breed standard, in a bid to meet demand and capitalize on the profits.
The original French Bulldog Club (FBDC) breed standard was introduced in 1897 and now defines ‘accepted’ colors as “all brindle, Fawn, white, brindle and white, and any color except those which constitute disqualification.”
Disqualified colors include the famous blue, lilac, chocolate, and merle Frenchies. They can be registered but can’t be ‘shown’ or presented on stage.
So, why are these rare colors discouraged? According to kennel clubs, fad Frenchies can’t be bred in line with the breeding standard, and to achieve their desired color, they’re not selecting healthy, high-quality bloodlines.
This can potentially lead to health complications for our already sensitive Frenchies, like hereditary skin diseases, such as color-dilution alopecia (CDA), and increase the chances of developing the following health conditions.
Breed Health Concerns
While Fawn French Bulldogs don’t have any known health concerns that relate directly to their color, it’s worth noting they can be susceptible to health concerns that affect the breed.
These can be both environmental and hereditary and include:
- Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome – due to their short snouts and squashed bodies, making breathing a challenge
- Allergies
- Skin infections
- Corkscrew tails – this is when their tail screws inwards and can leave them prone to infection and affect their ability to go toilet
- Mobility issues, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and potential paralysis.
So with this in mind, it’s essential to ask the right questions and buy from a reputable breeder when considering a Frenchie to avoid complications for your little pup.
A Recommended Pre-buy/Breeder Checklist:
- Have their dogs been health tested and DNA tested?
- Try to meet Mum and Dad. Check their nose; are their nostrils open and wide?
- Does their tail lift above their bottom? Or does it corkscrew inwards?
- It’s fantastic if you can find a puppy from the previous litter. Are they healthy? Do they have allergies?
Again, it is worth mentioning that even when you try to select a trusted breeder with puppies and parents who don’t have these genetic conditions, they can still arise!
My little boy Steven has had complete Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) surgery to widen his nostrils, thin and shorten his soft palate and remove his tonsils and saccules, even though I personally know four of his siblings, and they don’t need it.
Finding a Fawn French Bulldog
It’s pretty easy to find a Fawn Frenchie, as the Fawn color is a dominant ‘AY’ gene in the genetics of French Bulldogs. A Frenchie with two standard AY bloodlines will produce a Fawn Frenchie, but other DNA bloodlines, which influence markings, will create the variation of the Fawn Frenchie puppy.
For example, a dark red Fawn Frenchie uses the same DNA makeup as a light shade of Fawn. However, they are much rarer, as they also require the recessive AT black and tan gene to achieve that dark red effect.
Check out the DNA diagram below for the different recessive and dominant color genes in French Bulldogs.
As I mentioned before, there was only one reputable breeder I could find in New Zealand who had dogs producing dark red Fawn puppies. Steven’s mum Ruby was a dark red Fawn, and his dad was a light Fawn. Now, whenever we’re out and about and see a dark red Frenchie, we always get talking and realize they’re from the same family!
I Want One! Where Do I Buy?!
Are you thinking of joining the ‘Toast Gang’?!
Head to your country’s kennel club website for a list of approved breeders in your area, and if you’re fussy about a particular color, just ask the breeder; they have a great idea of what color their pups will turn out to be.
Still unsure? Check our Frenchie color guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the variations of a Fawn French Bulldog recognized by AKC?
Masked Fawn, No Mask Fawn, Fawn and White, Red Fawn, Fawn Pied, and Brindle Fawn.
How much does a Fawn French Bulldog cost?
A Fawn French Bulldog from a quality, reputable breeder typically costs around $5,000.
Are fawn French Bulldogs rare?
Fawn French Bulldogs are not considered rare as the Fawn color is a dominant gene in the genetics of French Bulldogs, but the shade of Fawn can vary from light to dark red.
What makes a Fawn Frenchie?
A Fawn Frenchie is created by a dominant “AY” gene in the genetics of French Bulldogs. A Frenchie with two standard AY bloodlines will produce a Fawn Frenchie, but other DNA bloodlines, which influence markings, will create the variation of the Fawn Frenchie puppy.
What color is Fawn French Bulldog?
The Fawn French Bulldog ranges from light tan to dark red, often described as the color of barely done toast to burnt toast.
