While most people have heard of the Blue Merle French Bulldog or the English Bulldog, some may not know much about the American Bulldog or that Blue American Bulldogs even exists.
If you prefer an American Bulldog with a distinctive coat color that looks intimidating yet is actually playful, loyal, and an excellent guard dog, could the Blue American Bulldog be the perfect canine companion for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Blue American Bulldog, including their temperment, health issues, size, coat colors, grooming and exercise requirements, dietary needs, and ideal living conditions. If you’re still interested in this lapdog, we’ve included a few breeders and rescue centers you can get in touch with.
Table of Contents
Blue American Bulldog: Breed overview
Purity | Purebred |
Purpose | Companion dog |
AKC Recognition | No |
Size | Large |
Weight | 60 – 125 pounds |
Height | 20 – 27 inches |
Coat Colors | Blue, Bluish Gray |
Child Friendliness | High |
Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
Training Difficulty | Moderate |
Grooming Upkeep | Easy |
Exercise Needs | High |
Health | Moderate |
Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
Puppy Costs | $2,000 – $5,000 |
What is a Blue American Bulldog?
Blue American Bulldogs are American Bulldogs that have a bluish-gray coat color. The blue color is the result of a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment. Their color is not considered one of the standards of the breed, so most kennel clubs do not recognize them.
What breeds make up an American Bulldog?
American Bulldogs descended from the Old English Bulldog which was brought to America in the 17th century. When they almost became extinct after the Second World War, two breeders created the American Johnson Bulldog and the Scott Bulldog. They selectively bred these two dogs together which eventually borne the American Bulldog.
Are Blue American Bulldogs rare?
Yes, Blue American Bulldogs are rare. Since most breeders follow the kennel club standards, Blue American Bulldogs are not that easy to find.
White is the accepted color of the American Bulldog with some kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizing other color patterns, such as black and white, white and brown, white and tan, and white and brindle.
Blue, solid blacks, merle, lilac, chocolate, and tricolor are not accepted by these clubs.
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Blue American Bulldog physical appearance
American Bulldogs have a muscular build with a large head, powerful jaws, and are flat-faced. Their chest is deep and wide, and their shoulders are athletic. Ears droop forward and their tail is wide at the base that tapers at the tip.
Blue American Bulldog size, height, and weight
The Blue American Bulldog is a large-sized dog. A full grown American Bulldog Blue will reach his full height at around 18 months of age and will continue to fill his chest if it is exercised more.
Male Blue American Bulldogs are taller and heavier than a full grown Blue American Bulldog female.
Below is the growth chart of the male and female Blue American Bulldogs.
Full grown American Bulldog Blue
Age | Weight (Males) | Weight (Females) | Height (Males) | Height (Females) |
3 months | 25 – 43 pounds | 24 – 40 pounds | 12 – 16 inches | 12 – 16 inches |
6 months | 45 – 75 pounds | 40 – 55 pounds | 17 – 22 inches | 17 – 20 inches |
9 months | 75 – 110 pounds | 55 – 65 pounds | 22 – 25 inches | 20 – 23 inches |
12 months | 110 – 125 pounds | 65 – 90 pounds | 25 – 27 inches | 23 – 25 inches |
Blue American Bulldog XL
American Bulldog XL Blue is just a taller version of the standard American Bulldog having the same muscular build and body type. Their height could be 2 to 3 inches taller than the standard American Bulldog at shoulder height.
Blue American Bulldog coat colors and types
White is the only standard American Bulldog color that is accepted, but markings of brown, black, tan, or brindle on a white base coat can be considered.
American Bulldog coat colors that are not accepted as standard are lilac, chocolate, black, blue, and merle.
Blue merle American Bulldog
American Bulldog Blue merle has black and bluish-gray patches on its body making it appear as a merle pattern.
Blue fawn American Bulldog
American Bulldog with a blue or grayish base coat with some markings of light yellowish tan color on the chest and feet.
Blue brindle American Bulldog
American Bulldog Blue brindle has tiger-striped markings of blue and black. Blue brindle American Bulldog puppies may appear black at first but would later exhibit the brindle pattern as they mature.
Blue and white American Bulldog
American Bulldog with a white base coat and some markings of blue on the chest, body, and legs.
Blue tri American Bulldog
The Color pattern of this American Bulldog has a blue base color with markings of white and tan on the chest, face, and legs.
Blue grey American Bulldog puppies
Blue grey American Bulldog has a grey brindle coat with some white markings on the face and feet.
American Bulldog Blue eyes
American Bulldogs generally have brown eyes. But some may ask whether American Bulldogs have blue eyes since the Merle color pattern also occurs in American Bulldogs.
So, do American Bulldogs have Blue eyes?
When they first open their eyes a few weeks after birth, American Bulldog puppies with Blue eyes are common to see. But, this normally changes into brown when they reach 4 months old.
Mature American Bulldogs with Blue eyes usually have a Merle coat pattern. Merle coat color combinations among American Bulldog with Blue eyes typically have a white base color with random splotches of dark colors like black, brown, and blue.
Blue nose American Bulldog
American Blue nose Bulldog has a blue coat with a matching blue-colored nose. American Bulldog Blue nose usually have both parents that are also blue-nosed. Blue nose American Bulldog puppies would appear black when they are born and within 6 months would exhibit their blue color.
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American Blue Bulldog temperament
The American Bulldog, regardless of color, is a confident, loyal, and fierce protector of his family making them excellent guard dogs. They are energetic and playful, but would not hesitate to snuggle up with their owners for some cuddling.
Do Blue American Bulldog make great family pets?
Yes, Blue American Bulldogs do make great family pets. They are a great addition to any active family and can get along with children and other pets just as long as they are socialized and introduced early.
They may exhibit some aloofness to other animals they are not familiar with and could easily get agitated when in the presence of other rowdy pets. Adult supervision should be maintained when in the presence of young children to avoid any accidents during rough playing.
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Are Blue American Bulldogs good for first time dog owners?
When it comes to their temperament, Blue American Bulldogs are good for first-time dog owners. However, because of their powerful physique, some first-time dog owners may find them quite difficult to handle.
Blue American Bulldogs need to be constantly active and trained properly to become well-balanced dogs.
Are American Blue Bulldogs affectionate dogs?
Yes, American Blue Bulldogs are affectionate and like getting the attention of their owners. It is not uncommon for them to cuddle with you or stay by your side frequently.
Are Blue American Bulldogs aggressive dogs?
As long as the Blue American Bulldogs are socialized early and exposed to different environments, their aggression due to their territorial nature will be minimized.
American Blue Bulldog training
Blue American Bulldogs need to be trained early to quickly establish boundaries and routines. They tend to be stubborn, so firm commands with plenty of positive reinforcements are paramount. Overall, they are very receptive to training and easy to handle if you maintain your consistency and keep it fun.
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Blue American Bulldog exercise requirement
Blue American Bulldogs need at least an hour or two of vigorous physical activity daily to help them burn off energy. Exercise can be split into two sessions one in the morning and another in the late afternoon.
Can Blue American Bulldogs swim?
Blue American Bulldogs can be taught to swim, but because of their stocky bodies and short snouts, it may be difficult for them to stay afloat for long periods. Providing them with a life vest will solve this problem.
American Blue Bulldog living conditions
American Bulldogs can adapt to most dwellings provided they are given sufficient exercise. Lack of physical activity will lead to destructive behaviors around the house and could even make them bark excessively.
Leaving them alone for too long may lead to separation anxiety and will also result in these unwanted behaviors.
Because of their brachycephalic faces, they are also prone to breathing difficulties during extreme temperature changes.
Many American Bulldog owners allow their Blue American Bulldog to roam freely in their backyard. This will not only provide their canine companions with some fresh air and sun but also allows their Blue American Bulldog to walk around and exercise.
If you also allow your furry friends in your backyard, make sure that it is fully fenced. Some towns or counties may have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If you live in one of these towns, a good alternative is to get a wireless dog fence which will also keep your pups safe.
What’s great about the invisible doggy fence is that it doesn’t obstruct your beautiful and scenic mountain views and it can adapt to all types of terrains, whether you live on mountainous terrain or flat grassy terrain.
Many dog owners will also install an electronic dog door, especially when their fur babies love to head out to the backyard on their own. An automatic doggy door allows your pups to head out and come back in without having the owners open and close the door behind them.
So whether you work from home or at the office, your four-legged friends can still enjoy the outdoors during the day. What’s great about the electronic doggy door is that you can program it and set curfew hours. This way, your K9 friends can stay safe indoors at night.
American Bulldog Blue grooming and cleaning
Only minimal grooming and maintenance are required for this breed because of their short coats. Keeping the folds in their skins free from moisture is necessary to prevent bacterial infections due to excess moisture. They are also known to drool, so wiping their mouths with a towel now and then would be a good idea.
If you do need to bathe your Blue American Bulldog, be sure to only use shampoos that are specially designed for dogs. Avoid using human shampoo and only stick to a dog shampoo that will not only cleanse your furry friend’s skin and coat, but also keep their skin and coat moisturized, healthy, and smelling fresh.
When it comes to brushing your Blue American Bulldog’s teeth, daily brushing is ideal. However, we know that it can be a difficult task since many dog owners are busy. Thus, three to four times a week should be fine. Be sure to use a dog toothpaste that contains both an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent.
The enzymatic formula in the doggy toothpaste helps to get rid of plaque, control tartar formation, and keep your pup’s teeth and gums healthy. The non-foaming agent means that it is safe for dogs to swallow the toothpaste and there’s no need to rinse.
Finally, maintaining short nails is essential. When the nails grow too long, they can affect your Blue American Bulldog’s walking gait. If you and your fur babies have had a previous bad experience with a dog clipper, try using a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor and a precise diamond bit grinder.
Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
Bathing | Twice a month. |
Brushing | Once a week. |
Teeth Brushing | 3 to 4x per week. |
Nail Trimming | As needed. |
Is Blue American Bulldog hypoallergenic?
No, Blue American Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. Although they are light shedders, they can still spread some dander. Additionally, Blue American Bulldogs tend to drool a lot, which can be a source of allergens also because of the saliva.
American Blue Bulldog food and diet
For an adult American Blue Bulldog, 3 to 4 cups of daily food intake is enough that is split into two meals. Feeding them only once a day with this portion can lead to bloating. Make sure that their diet has the right proportion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to keep up with their active lifestyle.
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Blue American Bulldog common health issues
The Blue American Bulldog is generally a healthy dog but, still, he is predisposed to various health problems. If you are interested to learn about the genetic health risks of your Blue American Bulldog, you can look for a reliable DNA testing home kit for dogs.
It may surprise you but these DNA testing kits can screen about 150 diseases that your dog may be at risk for. It can detect common health issues such as Von Willebrand Disease and glaucoma. If your American Blue Bulldog tests positive for inherited health issues, you can be proactive and be more aware of the symptoms to look out for.
Listed below are the five (5) common health issues that your dog can be at risk for and the early telltale signs of these diseases:
1. Hip Dysplasia
For a lot of Bull breeds like a Blue American Bulldog, their bones develop faster than the muscle tissues. This results in a condition called hip dysplasia which is the loosening of the hip joints that later on leads to the malformation of the socket and the ball joints in the hip area. The signs you need to be aware of are limping and a swaying gait.
2. Heart Disease
The Blue American Bulldog tends to suffer from congenital heart disease such as subaortic and pulmonic stenosis. The signs to look for are pot-bellied appearance and fainting.
3. Skin Problems
The skinfolds of the American Blue Bulldog make him susceptible to skin diseases that can be caused by bacterial or yeast infections. Fleas and seasonal allergies also lead to skin problems. Aside from skin redness and lesions, you should also watch out for hair loss and dandruff.
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4. Eye Problems
Did you know that Bull breeds are more susceptible to eye problems than other dog breeds? An American Bulldog is prone to cherry eye, entropion, and corneal ulcers. The signs are cloudy appearance and excessive itching.
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5. Von Willerbrand Disease
This is a hereditary bleeding disorder that results from the low amount of protein in the blood that is essential for clotting. The signs include prolonged bleeding and nose bleeding.
Blue American Bulldog lifespan
The average life expectancy of a Blue American Bulldog is 10 to 15 years.
Blue American Bulldog breeders
To get a healthy Blue American Bulldog, the first step is to look for breeders you can trust and are reputable. You can get referrals from a local vet clinic or you can search for responsible breeders online.
To know if the breeder practices good ethical standards in dog breeding, the first sign is to check whether they allow you to visit the kennel facility. Inspect the following:
- Is the facility is clean?
- Are the puppies free to roam around or are they caged and unable to move around well?
- Are the puppies allowed to interact with other animals like cats?
Another indication of a responsible breeder is knowledge. This means that the breeder should be able to provide you with a wealth of information about the Blue American Bulldog like temperament and grooming practices.
As a buyer, you have the right to see the health records of the parents and the puppies. Ethical breeders will not think twice about providing buyers with a puppy warranty because it is a clear sign that they are sure of the good health of the puppies before releasing them to the buyers.
Blue American Bulldog puppies
Once you have found a breeder whom you trust, now you have to know what to look for in an American Bulldog Blue puppy. The selection process may take a while and may require patience on your part.
The first thing to look for is the physical characteristics of the American Bulldog Blue puppies. A healthy puppy Blue American Bulldog shouldnât be limping, the eyes and the ears should be clean with no signs of discharge. Also, the American Bulldog Blue puppy should be breathing well, not rasping or wheezing.
After checking on the physical characteristics, the second test is the personality of the American Blue Bulldog puppies. Look for signs of aggression, fear, and docility. To find out, the American Bulldog Blue puppy should approach you with wagging tails.
You can also check the personality by holding and gently restraining the American Bulldog Blue puppies for 30 seconds. If the pup does not mind being restrained for 30 seconds, then youâve got a happy and confident fur baby.
If the pup whimpers, cries or even urinates, then those are signs of a fearful dog.
Blue American Bulldog price
If you get the Blue American Bulldog from a reputable breeder, you can expect the price ranges to be anywhere around $2,000 and up to $5,000.
If you choose to get the pup from a rescue or adoption center, you can buy the pup for an average of $300.
The cost of maintaining a Blue American Bulldog is not cheap either. Regardless of dog breed, fur parents like you need to take your fur baby to a vet clinic at least once a year for wellness examinations and for annual vaccinations.
Aside from that, you need to spend on some doggie essentials.
Veterinary Expenses
Depending on where you live, the average cost of a wellness exam is $40, and vaccinations like DHLPP and antirabies are about 20 to $40 per shot. If you will not breed your dog, spaying or neutering may be required, the cost of spaying is about $200 to $400 while neutering is about $75 to $250.
Dog Essentials
Here is an estimated cost of the things that your fur baby needs:
- Chew-proof doggie bed: $50
- Dog crate: $50 to $75
- Strong collar and rope dog leash: $20 to $35
- Food and water bowls: $10 to $25
- Toys: $50 to $75
- Grooming tools: $75
- Potty pads: $20
- Food: average of $50/month
Places to find Blue American Bulldog puppies for sale near me
To help you locate Blue American Bulldog puppies for sale, we found two (2) responsible breeders who are committed to producing high-quality pups and the pups are raised in a loving environment.
If you live in Sacramento, California, you can contact We Love American Bulldogs(weloveamericanbulldogs.com) and find out if they have available Blue Merle American Bulldog puppies for sale. The good news is the pup of your choice can be sent to you under the care of a flight nanny.
If you live in Australia and are still searching for a Blue American Bulldog near you, check out Theora American Bulldogs (theoraamericanbulldogs.com). In case they donât have the coat color you are eyeing, you can join the waitlist by filling up the online application form.
Finding a healthy Blue American Bulldog for sale
An adult Blue American Bulldog usually has a calmer personality than a puppy. This is one of the reasons why some dog lovers are drawn to taking care of adult dogs. Weâve listed below two (2) places where you can find Blue American Bulldogs for sale.
The Long Island Bulldog Rescue (longislandbulldogrescue.org) has American Bulldogs that you can adopt for $100 to $800. Fill out the application form and be patient in waiting for an American Bulldog Blue for sale.
You may also go to the webpage of Candyâs American Bulldog Kennel, LLC (candysamericanbulldogs.com) which is located in Pennsylvania. They have retired-from-breeding American Bulldogs for sale.
Blue American Bulldog: Pros and Cons
Before committing yourself to get a Blue American Bulldog, itâs worth knowing the good and the not-so-great sides of the breed. This way, you know what to expect so that the dog will not end up in a rescue center.
Pros | Cons |
Loves being cuddled. | Needs to be exercised daily. |
Great watchdog. | Drools a lot. |
Fairly easy to train. | Flatulence. |
Good with kids. | May not get along well with other pets. |
Easy to groom. | Without proper training, this dog may show a domineering trait. |
Clownish. | It is illegal to own in some cities in the USA and some countries. |
Is the Blue American Bulldog right for me?
Yes, the Blue American Bulldog is right for you if you will commit yourself to train this dog every day. If not, a Blue American Bulldog can act as the alpha or the pack leader and may dominate you or act aggressively.
Also, if you can commit to giving the Blue American Bulldog the daily physical stimulation he needs, then yes, the Blue American Bulldog will be the perfect canine companion for you.
Related Questions
Yes, there are Blue American Bulldogs. Although Blue American Bulldogs are rare, they do exist. The reason why Blue American Bulldogs are rare is that their blue coat is not a standard color, thus most breeders will not breed this purebred. If youâve never seen one before, Blue American Bulldogs have a grayish-blue coat color with a muscular build, large head, flat-faced, and powerful jaws.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://bulldogclubofamerica.org/bulldog-health/health-research/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bulldog
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.