Bulldog Breeds: 10 Stunning Varieties You Must Know

Bulldogs are consistently among the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States, with more than 63,000 new registrations each year. The English Bulldog is the most recognized, known for its wrinkled face and sturdy build, but there are several other bulldog breeds. These include the French Bulldog, which is well-suited to city living, and the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, which is often found on family farms. Each breed varies in size, temperament, and purpose.

Bulldogs are not limited to being low-energy pets. Some breeds are active and suit families with busy lifestyles, while others are calm and adapt well to apartments. Certain bulldogs work as service or therapy animals, and others are valued as working dogs. This guide covers ten bulldog breeds, outlining their main traits and care needs to help you choose the right one for your home and routine.

​Key Takeaways

“Bulldogs make wonderful family companions thanks to their gentle, loyal nature and exceptional patience with children of all ages”.

“Most bulldog breeds possess brachycephalic features – their signature flat faces – which can create breathing challenges and make them prone to overheating in warm weather”.

“While bulldog breeds differ in size and temperament, they typically share stubborn tendencies and prefer a relaxed lifestyle with moderate exercise needs”

Discover 10  Stunning Varieties You Must Know

1 English Bulldog (The Classic)

The English Bulldog is a beloved companion breed. They stand about 14 to 15 inches tall and usually weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. Their compact, muscular build is easy to recognize. English Bulldogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, but they are also brave when they need to be. They are patient with children and make dependable family pets who love being around people. Caring for an English Bulldog means paying attention to their special needs. Their facial wrinkles need daily cleaning, and they do best with moderate exercise to avoid overheating.

Keeping their weight in check helps them breathe more easily. These dogs need extra care in hot weather and benefit from regular routines, like cleaning their ears and teeth. With the right care, English Bulldogs can bring many years of happiness to families who understand what they need.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting (AKC), Companion Dog (UKC)
• Height: 14 to 15 inches
• Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Docile, courageous, affectionate, gentle, dignified
• Energy Level: Low to Medium
• Coat and Color: Short, smooth; brindle, white, red, fawn, and piebald combinations
• Life Span: 8 to 10 years

2 French Bulldog (The City Companion)

The French Bulldog is a popular choice for city living. With their upright bat ears and small size, usually 11 to 13 inches tall and 20 to 28 pounds, they fit well in apartments. French Bulldogs have become the most popular breed in America for the past three years and were also once the top breed in the UK. They do well in urban settings because they adapt easily, need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day, and can handle a busy routine.

Caring for a Frenchie means watching their temperature because of their flat faces, cleaning their facial wrinkles, and keeping them mentally active with indoor games. They are friendly with people and other dogs, which makes them a good match for crowded city life.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
• Height: 11-13 inches
• Weight: 16-28 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Playful, alert, adaptable, affectionate
• Energy Level: Low to Medium
• Coat and Color: Smooth, short; brindle, fawn, cream, white
• Life Span: 10-12 years

3 American Bulldog (The Athletic Worker)

The American Bulldog is a strong and athletic member of the bulldog family, usually standing 20 to 25 inches tall and weighing between 60 and 100 pounds. Originally bred for farm work in the American South, they were used to catch cattle, guard property, and manage feral hogs. They are protective and tend to be cautious around strangers, but are very loyal to their families. American Bulldogs need a lot of daily exercise, usually about one to two hours, to stay healthy. They are intelligent and willing to learn, but can be stubborn, so they do best with consistent training and positive reinforcement. They are happiest when they have a job and plenty of space to move around.

Breed Overview

• Group: Guardian (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC)
• Height: 20 to 25 inches
• Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Fearless, protective, gentle, loving
• Energy Level: Medium to High
• Coat and Color: Smooth, short; white with patches of brindle, red, black, brown, or gray
• Life Span: 10 to 15 years

4 Olde English Bulldogge (The Athletic Revival)

The Olde English Bulldogge is a more athletic version of the classic bulldog. Breeders started working on this dog in the 1970s to fix the health problems seen in modern English Bulldogs and bring back the strength and energy of the old bulldogs from the 1800s. These dogs are medium-sized and muscular, with longer noses and less squished faces, so they breathe much better than regular bulldogs. They have fewer wrinkles and stronger bodies, which means they can play outside and exercise without getting tired as quickly. Olde English Bulldogges are active and need regular exercise and things to do, so they fit well with families who like to be outdoors.

They usually live longer too, about 11 to 14 years, while English Bulldogs often live 8 to 10 years. Even with all this energy, they are still loyal and gentle, and they can keep up with activities like hiking, swimming, and long play sessions.

Breed Overview

• Group: Guardian (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC)
• Height: 16-20 inches
• Weight: 50-80 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Athletic, loyal, confident, friendly, alert
• Energy Level: Medium to High
• Coat and Color: Short, smooth; brindle, white, red, fawn combinations
• Life Span: 11-14 years

5 Australian Bulldog (The Climate Adapter)

The Australian Bulldog was developed to handle Australia’s tough climate. Unlike the English Bulldog, this breed has a longer muzzle and better breathing, so it copes well with heat and stays active. Australian Bulldogs are friendly and patient with kids, and they are loyal to their families. They want to be around people and make good family watchdogs without being aggressive. The breed is not recognized by major kennel clubs, but the Australian Bulldog Club of Australia has set strict breeding rules since 2007 to keep the dogs healthy. They do well in cities because they do not need too much exercise and can adapt to different homes.

Breed Overview

• Group: Working/Companion (ABCA)
• Height: 17-20 inches (43-50 cm)
• Weight: 50-78 pounds (24-38 kg)
• Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, gentle, friendly, adaptable
• Energy Level: Low to Medium
• Coat and Color: Short, smooth; red and white, fawn and white, brindle and white
• Life Span: 10-12 years

6 Victorian Bulldog (The 1980s Recreation)

The Victorian Bulldog was developed in the 1980s by Ken Mollet, a breeder from London. He wanted to recreate the healthier and more athletic bulldogs from the Victorian era. Mollet used Bullmastiffs, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, and healthy English Bulldogs in his breeding program. He relied on old photographs and descriptions from the Victorian period to guide his work. The result is a larger, more athletic bulldog that keeps the typical temperament of the breed but with improved physical health. Victorian Bulldogs are 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. They are a sturdier and healthier option compared to modern English Bulldogs.

Breed Overview

• Group: Not recognized by major kennel clubs
• Height: 17-19 inches (males), 16-18 inches (females)
• Weight: 65-75 pounds (males), 55-65 pounds (females)
• Personality/Temperament: Gentle, loyal, courageous, affectionate
• Energy Level: Medium
• Coat and Color: Short, smooth; various colors including brindle, white, fawn
• Life Span: 10-12 years

7 Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog (The Rare Guardian)

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is one of the rarest guardian breeds in America. It started in Georgia’s Alapaha River area in the 1970s. The breed almost disappeared, but breeders like Lana Lou Lane helped save it in 1979 by forming the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association. The Lane family originally bred these dogs to work on Georgia plantations, where they herded cattle and guarded property. Alapahas are known for being protective and loyal. There are only about 120 to 150 of these dogs left in the world. Because they are so rare, it can be hard to find a good breeder. Anyone interested in the breed should look for breeders who focus on health and socialization.

Breed Overview

• Group: Guardian (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC)
• Height: 20 to 25 inches
• Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Fearless, protective, gentle, loving
• Energy Level: Medium
• Coat and Color: Smooth, short; white with patches of brindle, red, black, brown, or gray
• Life Span: 10 to 15 years

8 Catahoula Bulldog (The Hybrid Hunter)

The Catahoula Bulldog is a mix of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog. This breed was made for tough jobs like hunting wild hogs and working with livestock. They are strong, smart, and great at tracking, herding, and guarding your property. These dogs have a lot of energy, so they need at least one to two hours of exercise every day. Activities like hiking, running, or agility work are good ways to keep them happy. Training goes best when you start early, use positive reinforcement, and give them tasks that keep their minds busy. They do well with a confident owner who can give clear direction.

Breed Overview

• Group: Hybrid/Working
• Height: 20-26 inches
• Weight: 50-100 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Loyal, protective, intelligent, confident
• Energy Level: High
• Coat and Color: Short to medium; merle patterns, brindle, solid colors
• Life Span: 10-15 years

9 Dogue de Bordeaux (The French Mastiff)

The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, is one of the oldest breeds from France. They have a strong, bulldog-like look and are known for their large size and calm nature. Even though they can weigh up to 145 pounds, they are gentle and make great family dogs. Their wrinkled faces and sturdy bodies show their mastiff heritage. These dogs are loyal and protective, but also patient with children and very attached to their families. They do not need a lot of exercise and are usually relaxed at home, but their size alone is enough to keep strangers away. If you are thinking about this breed, be ready to give them enough space, regular health checks, and daily walks.

Breed Overview

• Group: Working (AKC), Guardian (UKC)
• Height: 23 to 27 inches
• Weight: 110 to 145 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Gentle, loyal, protective, calm, affectionate
• Energy Level: Low to Medium
• Coat and Color: Short, dense; fawn shades from light to dark with black mask
• Life Span: 5 to 8 years

10 Bullmastiff (The Gentle Giant)

The Bullmastiff is known as “The Gentle Giant” for good reason. Developed in England in the 1800s from English Bulldogs and Mastiffs, these dogs were bred to guard estates and catch poachers. Even though they can weigh between 100 and 130 pounds, Bullmastiffs are gentle and friendly, making them great family dogs. They are protective and brave when needed, but also patient with children. Many people call them “giant lap dogs” because they would rather relax with their families than look for trouble. Their calm nature and moderate exercise needs make them a good choice for families who want a loyal companion and a dependable protector.

Breed Overview

• Group: Working (AKC)
• Height: 24 to 27 inches
• Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Loyal, gentle, protective, calm, courageous
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Coat and Color: Short, dense; fawn, red, brindle with possible black mask
• Life Span: 8 to 10 years

Breed Characteristics

Bulldogs come in a variety of sizes and personalities. French Bulldogs are small, typically weighing between 20 and 28 pounds, and are known for being affectionate and suitable for apartment living. English Bulldogs have a classic, wrinkled face and a gentle temperament, making them great companions for children. American Bulldogs are significantly larger, weighing up to 100 pounds, and possess an athletic, energetic nature, requiring ample exercise and socialization. All bulldogs can be a bit stubborn, so patience with training is important, but each offers something special depending on your family’s needs.

Each bulldog breed fits different families. English Bulldogs are gentle and affectionate, often loving children. French Bulldogs offer similar affection but are more suitable for small spaces. American Bulldogs are athletic and do best with active owners.

Common Health Issues

Breathing Problems

Bulldogs often have trouble breathing because of their flat faces. They can get tired quickly and may overheat. Regular checkups with the vet help keep an eye on their breathing.

Skin Conditions

Bulldogs can get skin problems and allergies in their wrinkles. Wiping their face every day helps stop these issues.

Joint and Eye Problems

Bulldogs can have joint and eye problems, like hip dysplasia and cherry eye. Keeping their weight healthy helps protect their joints.

Breeds to Avoid for Families

American Bulldog Concerns

American Bulldogs are loyal, but they can be too much for families who have not previously owned dogs. They are big, strong, and protective. They require extensive socialization and consistent training from the outset.

Poorly Bred Bulldogs

Avoid buying from puppy mills or breeders who put appearance above health. Instead, find a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs and prioritizes the well-being of their puppies. A careful choice ensures you bring home a healthy dog with the best qualities for your family. Each bulldog breed offers something special: French Bulldogs are playful and compact, English Bulldogs are gentle, and American Bulldogs are athletic.

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