What Are Lilac English Bulldogs? Top 7 Facts To Know About Them

We all know that english bulldogs come in different sizes and colors. However, let’s be honest. The Lilac English bulldog is one of the most popular among rare bulldogs and they’re often high in price. So, in case you want to buy one of these dogs, there are still many things you need to know about them.

The Appearance of a Lilac English Bulldog

How Do Breeders Produce Lilac English Bulldogs?

Breeding a lilac English bulldog isn’t easy. To get a litter of these lilac beauties, breeders need to understand the dogs’ genetics, have a lot of patience and invest a lot of money.

The Basics of Canine Color Genetics

Before diving into the lilac color specifically, it’s crucial to understand the basics of canine color genetics. Dog coat colors are primarily determined by two pigments: eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red). The variation in these pigments, influenced by various genes, produces the wide range of colors seen in dogs today.

The Role of the Dilution Gene (D Locus)

At the heart of producing a Lilac English Bulldog is the dilution gene, located at the D locus. This gene dilutes the basic eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red) pigments to lighter shades. The dilution gene has two alleles (variations): D (non-dilute) and d (dilute). For a dog to exhibit dilute colors, such as lilac, it must inherit the d allele from both parents (dd).

Chocolate and Blue: The Recipe for Lilac

To achieve the lilac color, a bulldog must carry two specific color traits: chocolate (brown) and blue (a diluted black). The chocolate color is controlled by the B locus, with the b allele responsible for chocolate coloring. Similarly, the blue color results from the dilution of black pigment, requiring the dog to have the dd genotype at the D locus.

Therefore, a Lilac English Bulldog must inherit both the bb alleles (for chocolate) from the B locus and the dd alleles (for dilution) from the D locus. This combination of bbdd results in the unique lilac color, a diluted form of chocolate where both the black and red pigments have been lightened to create that distinctive lavender hue.

Breeding Strategies for Lilac English Bulldogs

Breeding Lilac English Bulldogs requires careful planning and genetic testing. Breeders typically start with dogs that already carry the chocolate and dilute genes, even if these traits are not expressed in their coat color. For example, a dog might be a carrier of the chocolate gene (Bb) and the dilute gene (Dd) without showing these colors. When two such carriers are bred together, there’s a chance their offspring will inherit the desired bbdd combination.

It’s a game of genetic roulette, but with strategic pairings, breeders can increase the odds of producing lilac puppies. Genetic testing is an invaluable tool in this process, allowing breeders to identify dogs carrying the necessary alleles for the lilac coloration. By understanding and tracking these genetic markers, breeders can make decisions about which dogs to pair to achieve the sought-after lilac coat.

The Ethical Consideration

While the pursuit of specific coat colors like lilac can be exciting, it’s essential for breeders to prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs above all. Breeding for color should never compromise the genetic diversity, health, or temperament of the breed. Responsible breeders conduct comprehensive health screenings and only breed dogs that are healthy, well-tempered, and meet the breed’s standard characteristics beyond just coat color.

Types of Lilac English Bulldogs

Lilac bulldogs come in different color combinations that depend on the carried genes. These exotic beauties require additional testings before mating. That’s why lilac bulldogs are expensive. The breeders not only perform certain tests but also need to pay a C-section for a future bulldog mother. 

Thanks to their big heads and narrow hips, bulldog bitches can deliver their puppies naturally. Natural birth is full of risks and can end up fatal. That’s why every responsible breeder would always choose a C-section for bulldogs. Besides in standard sizes, you can also find a miniature english bulldog in a lilac coat color whose price goes up to $15.000.

1. Solid Lilac

Imagine a bulldog enveloped in a soft, lavender mist. That’s your solid lilac English Bulldog. This variety boasts a coat of uniform, muted purple that seems to glow in the sunlight. The solid lilac doesn’t sport any other colors or markings. Owners of solid lilac bulldogs often rave about the breed’s serene beauty and how their unique color draws attention and admiration wherever they go.

2. Lilac and White

Imagine a bulldog that looks like it’s been frolicking through a whimsical field, coming out with splashes of white over a lilac base coat. The lilac and white English Bulldog is a stunning contrast of colors, with white patches that look as though they’ve been perfectly placed by an artist’s brush. These patches can appear on the face, chest, legs, or back, creating a unique pattern for every dog. This variant embodies a playful spirit, with its colorful coat adding to its charming personality.

3. Lilac Brindle

For those who love a bit more complexity in their canine companions, the lilac brindle English Bulldog is a perfect choice. This type features the enchanting lilac color with streaks of darker shades running through the coat, giving it a marbled or striped effect. It’s as if the dog is clad in its own natural camouflage, ready for an adventure in the woods (or more realistically, a stroll in the park). The lilac brindle’s coat of english bulldogs is a testament to the breed’s diverse genetic palette, offering a stunning visual texture that’s both unique and captivating.

4. Lilac Tri-colored

The lilac tri-colored English Bulldog is the showstopper of the bunch, combining three distinct colors in one coat. Alongside the base of soft lilac, these Bulldogs feature patches of white and a third color, often a darker shade like chocolate or black, distributed in a harmonious pattern. This variety is for those who can’t choose just one color and want a bulldog that stands out in a crowd. The lilac tri-colored English Bulldog is a testament to the breed’s genetic diversity, showcasing a stunning array of colors that make each dog a unique work of art.

5. Lilac Fawn

Lilac Fawn English Bulldogs have a warm and striking coat that combines two soft and delicate colors into one beautiful color. The base color of their coat is lilac, a pale greyish purple with a silver sheen. The lilac is subtly mixed with a creamy fawn and this gives them a warm and inviting coat with the lilac undertone still showing.

The fawn adds a soft golden or beige warmth to their overall look and gives them a sunny glow. The lilac undertone comes out in natural light and adds depth and dimension to the coat. This creates a gentle gradient effect and makes their fur look smooth and velvety.

Their noses, paw pads and eye colors often match their coat with colors like light lavender, pinkish brown or even amber eyes. The Lilac Fawn is elegant and warm and that’s why they are a favorite of those who love soft and rare color patterns. Their coat balances the cool tones of lilac with the warm tones of fawn and they are just impossible to resist.

6. Lilac and Tan

Lilac and Tan English Bulldogs are a two-tone beauty that turns heads everywhere they go. The base color of their coat is a soft lilac, a pale purple-gray tone that is already rare and gorgeous. Over this lilac base rich tan highlights appear in specific areas of their body, face, legs, chest and sometimes around the tail.

The tan highlights are usually a warm caramel or golden color and provide a beautiful contrast to the cool lilac base. On their face, the tan markings often appear as small patches above the eyes, like little “eyebrow” spots that add to their adorable expressions. The tan patches on the cheeks and around the muzzle frame their face beautifully and give them a regal look.

The lilac and tan is enhanced by their light noses which are often lavender or pink and their bright eyes which can be soft blue to green. The short smooth coat of Lilac and Tan Bulldogs makes the colors stand out and look sleek. This combination is not only rare but beautiful, so if you are a dog lover you will treasure these Bulldogs.

Are Lilac English Bulldogs Healthy?

Like any other dog breed, lilac bulldogs come with certain health considerations. Therefore, in case you’re planning to become an owner of these dogs, you have to carefully choose a breeder. 

Here is a list of potential health issues that not only lilac bulldogs but also all other types of bulldogs are prone to.

Breathing Difficulties

First on the list is the infamous breathing issue, or as the vets like to call it, Brachycephalic Syndrome. Picture this: a Lilac Bulldog trying to beat you in a snoring contest. These dogs have a short snout, which, while undeniably cute, can lead to less-than-ideal airflow, making them sound like a freight train in their sleep. Regular check-ups with the vet can help manage this, along with keeping your pup at a healthy weight to reduce pressure on their airways.

Skin Infections

Those adorable wrinkles and folds that give Lilac Bulldogs their distinctive look are also prime real estate for bacteria and yeast to throw a party. Regular cleaning of these folds with a damp cloth is crucial to prevent infections. Think of it as your dog’s personal spa treatment – they get to keep their skin healthy, and you get to enjoy their company without any stinky surprises.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition, where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the socket quite right, can lead to arthritis and discomfort. It sounds technical, but imagine walking around with a pebble in your shoe all day.  Keeping your Lilac Bulldog at a healthy weight and providing them with a comfy place to rest can help manage this condition. And yes, doggy massages are a thing.

Allergies

Lilac Bulldogs can be prone to allergies. Aside from bulldogs, other brachycephalic-skulled breeds, such as French bulldogs, can also be prone to allegies. These can range from food allergies to environmental triggers like pollen or dust. In case your bulldog suffers from food allergies, vets often recommends elimination diet to discover the trigger.

In most cases, bulldogs are allergic to foods rich in additives, artificial colors and flavors.

When we talk about environmental allergies, it’s like having a friend who sneezes uncontrollably every time they’re near a cat. However, in this case your dog might get itchy skin instead. Identifying and avoiding these triggers, with help from your vet, can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and happiness.

Eye Issues In Lilac English Bulldogs

Those big, beautiful eyes in bulldogs can be prone to problems like cherry eye, dry eye, or entropion. It’s as if their eyes are so full of love that they sometimes get a bit overwhelmed. Regular check-ups can catch these issues early, and treatment can keep your pup’s peepers in tip-top shape.

What is The Average Price of a Lilac English Bulldog?

This exotic type of an English bulldog comes with a price tag that reflects its rarity and the complexities involved in breeding such a distinct color. On average, the cost of a Lilac English Bulldog can range widely, typically from $4,000 to $9,000, and sometimes even higher. 

The price variation is due to factors like breeder reputation, lineage, health screenings, and breeding rights. Higher costs are justified by extensive genetic testing and selective breeding practices for lilac coloration and dog health. The Lilac English Bulldog isn’t recognized by the AKC, so it’s not suitable for show registration.

A lilac bulldog will certainly become a loyal and affectionate family member regardless of the fact it’s recognized or not. The only thing you should keep in mind when buying a lilac puppy is to be healthy. Ask the breeder to show you the puppy’s vaccination health record, meet the puppy’s parents, and check the living conditions in the kennel. Does the pup you want to buy behave normally? Is it the smallest or the biggest in the litter? The smallest pups are called runts and they’ll be more prone to health problems in the future. These are all important facts you have to consider before making a final decision.

Are Lilac English Bulldogs Good With Children?

Definitely yes! These dogs are very gentle toward children even though they have ‘’a dangerous’’ appearance. The best way to induce a friendly behavior in these dogs is to socialize them from the puppyhood. 

When a dog gets the right dose of socialization lessons, he will behave friendly both toward kids and other pets.

Are Lilac English Bulldogs Rare?

Yes, lilac english bulldogs belong to rare or exotic bulldogs. They are not recognized by the AKC which means that they can not compete in shows. We can describe a lilac coat color in English bulldogs as the one seen in the Weimaraner Grey. It’s one of the rarest coat colors in this breed.

Choosing a Lilac English bulldog: Wrapping up

Researching breeders, asking for recommendations, and visiting their facilities are essential steps in finding a reputable breeder for Lilac English Bulldogs. From understanding their health needs to providing proper training and socialization, ensuring the well-being of your Lilac English Bulldog requires dedication and commitment. Make informed decisions, and you can live peacefully with your beloved four-legged friend.