Tricolor French Bulldog
Three colors in one stunning package: body color + tan points + white patches. Learn the at/* + Sp genotype.
What Makes a Tricolor Frenchie Special
The Tricolor French Bulldog is the ultimate pattern combination — three distinct colors working together. The base body color is determined by the D, B, and Co loci (black, blue, lilac, chocolate, etc.). The at/* genotype at the A-locus adds warm tan points on the eyebrows, muzzle, cheeks, chest, and legs.
Then the Sp allele at the S-locus adds white patches, breaking up both the body color and the tan markings. The result is a dog with a striking three-tone appearance that's visually more complex and interesting than a simple two-color pattern.
Tricolor is popular in many breeds (Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, etc.) and has gained significant traction in the Frenchie world. A Blue Tricolor or Lilac Tricolor commands premium prices because it combines exotic color with the classic three-tone pattern.
The Tricolor Genotype
A-Locus: Tan Points
Required: at/at or at/a
The tan point allele produces warm markings on eyebrows, muzzle, cheeks, chest, and legs. This is the second color in the tricolor pattern.
S-Locus: Piebald
Required: Sp/Sp or Sp/s
The piebald allele creates white patches, adding the third color. Sp/Sp produces more white than Sp/s.
Base Color Loci
D, B, Co, E
The body color is determined by other loci: D for blue, B/Co for chocolate, E for cream. These create the first color of the tricolor pattern.
Tricolor Frenchie Pricing Guide
Pet Quality
$6,000 – $9,000
Standard tricolor with balanced three-color distribution and good conformation.
Breed Quality
$9,000 – $15,000
Clean structure, vivid three-color pattern, full health clearances, AKC parents.
Ultra / Exotic Base
$15,000 – $25,000+
Blue, Lilac, or Isabella base with tricolor pattern. Proven pedigree, championship lines.
Calculate Tricolor Probabilities
Enter parent genotypes into our Frenchie DNA Calculator to predict exactly what colors and patterns each litter will produce — including Tricolor outcomes.
Tricolor Frenchie FAQ
What is a Tricolor French Bulldog?
A Tricolor French Bulldog has three colors: a solid body color (typically black, blue, chocolate, or lilac), tan point markings on the eyebrows/muzzle/chest/legs, and white patches from the piebald gene. The combination creates a striking three-tone appearance.
What is the genotype of a Tricolor Frenchie?
The genotype is at/at (or at/a) + Sp/Sp (or Sp/s) + a base color gene. The dog must carry the tan point allele (at) at the A-locus AND the piebald allele (Sp) at the S-locus. The body color is determined by other loci (D, B, Co, E, etc.).
How is Tricolor different from Tan Point?
Tan Point has two colors: a solid body with tan markings. Tricolor adds white patches from the piebald gene (Sp), creating a three-color dog. The white patches break up both the body color and the tan markings.
How is Tricolor different from Trindle?
Tricolor has three colors: body + tan points + white patches. Trindle has two colors: body + brindle-striped tan points (no white). Trindle is about brindle within the points; Tricolor is about adding white to the pattern.
How much does a Tricolor Frenchie cost?
Tricolor French Bulldogs typically range from $6,000 to $12,000 for pet quality. Premium specimens with balanced three-color distribution, clean structure, and full health clearances can reach $12,000–$20,000. The multi-locus requirement and visual appeal drive pricing.
What base colors can Tricolor come in?
Tricolor can appear on any base color. Black Tricolor is most common. Blue Tricolor adds d/d (dilute). Lilac Tricolor adds d/d + co/co. Chocolate Tricolor adds b/b or co/co. Isabella Tricolor is d/d + b/b + co/co. Platinum Tricolor adds e/e on top of any exotic base.