When you hear the word “Bulldog”, it probably pops up in your head their stocky body, stumpy legs, large heads, undershot jaw, and their famous wrinkly face.
In the past, Bulldogs were bred to be determined and aggressive. Although, nowadays Bulldogs are well known for their strong devotion to their families.
Most of the types of bulldogs are very affectionate, docile, and patient with children. If they get the proper socialization from a young age, they could make your home a better place. You could also suppress their stubbornness with treats and positive reinforcement.
With the proper training, they also get along great with other dogs. However, they tend to show territorial aggression toward unfamiliar dogs.
Over the years, people have bred different types of Bulldogs. Their common characteristic is their brachycephalic, flat face, which is associated with breathing problems and many health issues. Some of them have big and stocky build bodies, while others are completely fine living in tiny apartments.
Bulldogs are the 5th most popular breed in America.
We have compiled a list of the 9 most famous types of Bulldogs.
Let’s take a look.
#1. American Bulldog
This “big lap dog” is sturdy and loyal to the family. Across the internet, you can find countless stories of American Bulldogs that are saving the owners from serious disasters, such as fires or earthquakes.
American Bulldog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999 and classified as a guardian dog.
In the 19th Century, the American Bulldog was essential to farms as tough and courageous worker. They guarded the pigs and livestock and did some herding, but the old Bulldogs evolved into companion pets as soon as farming became less popular.
American Bulldogs are lankier and taller than other Bull breeds. Despite the many facial similarities like face wrinkles and short noses, these puppies have longer and thinner frames.
Known for their incredible braveness and defensive character, they get along perfectly with children. Although they can get cautious of newcomers, they are generally stranger-friendly.
Their height is from 20 to 28 inches, and their weight is from 60 to 120 pounds. According to their life expectancy, the American Bulldog will make your home a better place for about 10 to 15 years.
This Bulldog has a square-shaped body with a muscular body and bulky constitution. Their powerful jaws, cropped ears, wide shoulders, and broad chest are one of the many characteristics.
Unlike the English Bulldog, they do not have an underbite because of their long snout, and their appearance is more upright regarding their slightly longer front legs and large feet.
Early and ongoing training and socialization are a must for American Bulldogs. Although they are extremely protective and loyal to the family, they do not like strangers. You will notice their stubborn personality from time to time, but do not get worried. This dog breed is actually very intelligent.
#2. English Bulldog
According to the dog trainer Cesar Milan, this beloved popular Bulldog breed originates from England, back in the 5th Century, when it was originally bred to help butchers control their livestock.
The English Bulldog is one of the oldest and most recognizable of all the types of Bulldogs. According to the American Kennel Club, they are classified as non-sporting dogs.
The English Bulldog leaves a remarkable impression on dog lovers, mainly because of its affectionate, adorable, and calm character. They are known for their famous wrinkly face and stocky bodies.
Oh, and they love food. So, be careful because the English Bulldog is prone to obesity. The English Bulldog is not doing very well in a hotter climate since they tend to overheat as a flat face breed.
Their height is from 14 to 15 inches, and they weigh from 40 to 50 pounds(although this weight can vary regarding their love of food).
They have English Mastiff and Pit Bull origins that were initially bred for moving cattle, bull-baiting, guarding, and fighting. However, the modern English Bulldog is proof that it can be friendly, people-oriented, and sweet-tempered with a gentle disposition.
The English Bulldog has a beautiful smooth coat that comes in different colors, and it is very easy for grooming. It could be with or without patterns and markings.
English Bulldogs are a very popular choice as a companion pet, but find a responsible breeder that is willing to take rigorous health tests since they can suffer from multiple health issues than other types of Bulldogs. Cancer, allergies, heart failure, breathing obstruction, and skinfold infections are among the many health problems they can experience.
The English Bulldog is predictable, dependable and loyal, people-oriented, and especially a big fan of kids. With the proper socialization, English Bulldogs get along with other pets, but because of their watchdog nature, they will alert you if there is a potential threat.
#3. French Bulldog
Like the American and English Bulldog, the French Bulldog, also known as Frenchie, has been one of the most popular bulldog breeds. The French Bulldog is one of the tiniest bull breeds.
Frenchies started popping up during the Industrial Revolution in England. This popular toy-sized companion could very easily live both in small apartments or big yards.
They are instantly recognizable for their tiny bodies, bat ears, and entertaining personalities.
Typically the French Bulldog weighs from 19 to 28 pounds, and their life expectancy is up to 12 years. They have a smooth and short coat in a variety of colors.
If you were looking for great guard dogs, maybe French Bulldogs are not the right puppies for you. However, they have the eagerness to please, playfulness, curiosity, and enthusiastic personality.
French Bulldogs are very excitable, humorous, entertaining, and mouthy. Their positive attitude makes them easy to train, although they do not require extensive physical activity.
They might show jealous inclinations toward other animals; therefore, they tend to get spoiled with attention.
Be careful to select a good breeder because, like the English Bulldog, the French Bulldog also tends to suffer from breathing difficulties and quick overheating.
While they may not require extensive exercise, they do love to romp. They are very excitable, mouthy, and humorous. While sweet, the French Bulldog may be a little selfish with attention, which can cause jealous inclinations toward other dogs.
#4. Australian Bulldog
The Australian Bulldog has many similarities in temperament and appearance with the traditional English Bulldog. It is a relatively new breed, developed during the 1990s in order to get more heat-tolerant and healthier companion dogs. However, they are still prone to heat-related issues and skin infections.
This puppy is not recognized by any international registries.
Weighing from 50 to 78 pounds, the Australian Bulldog won’t mind living in a city apartment or a house with a large backyard. Like all the other Bulldogs, they won’t leave your side and will love to be a part of your family.
The Australian Bulldog is exceedingly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and charmingly spirited. They enjoy playing in the backyard with a ball or romping in the water. Maybe they are not great guard dogs, but they are extremely good watchdogs.
Like many Bulldog breeds, their life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years.
#5. Olde English Bulldogge
Have you ever thought that the English Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge are the same?
Well, you are mistaken. The Olde English Bulldogge is a cross between the Bulldog, Bullmastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog.
The Olde English Bulldogges are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they officially got recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2014.
This is an extremely athletic Bulldog with a bit more stamina, but still similarly built to other Bulldog breeds. Fully grown, the Olde English Bulldogge weighs from 60 to 130 pounds, and its lifespan ranges from 9 to 14 years.
Contrary to other Bulldogs, the Olde English Bulldogge is at low risk of many health problems, although the most common problem they have is hip dysplasia.
They are alpha-minded, defensive, and protective of their families, yet very friendly. It is essential to set the household hierarchy from an early age and show them that you are the boss.
The Olde English Bulldogge requires moderate exercise but easily gets bored and deflects destructiveness.
#6. Victorian Bulldog
In order to create a healthier Bulldog, breeders crossed the English Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The result was a Victorian Bulldog with not so squished face that improves breathing.
The Victorian Bulldog got a very similar look to their English Bulldog cousin. This puppy has a calm disposition, a happy-go-lucky personality, emotionally intuitive and affectionate character.
This Bulldog breed has a very compact, strong chest, with a large head, broad shoulders, wide hips, and short stout.
Victorian Bulldogs are extremely loyal to the family, and they do not have problems with kids. Besides that, they are protective and excellent guard dogs. Do not get to conclusions so fast…They are very friendly with strangers and other pets as well.
Fully grown, they weigh between 50 to 75 pounds. The lifespan of the Victorian Bulldog is 12 to 14 years.
The only concern you should have before getting one is their skin-related issues, such as infections and allergies.
#7. Catahoula Bulldog
The Catahoula Bulldog is a hybrid between the American Bulldog and the Catahoula Leopard Dog. This dog definitely got the best of both worlds.
They are incredibly athletic and energetic, unlike the other Bulldog types from the Bulldog breed, which means that you will have to put a little bit more effort into the training. These dogs are very often found in shelters or breed-specific rescues, and maybe it is better to adopt them before throwing tons of money into buying.
Their power comes from their muscular constitution with broad shoulders, large chest, and very strong legs. Exercising them can last for hours since they are full of energy.
The Catahoula Bulldog is known for its smooth coat that comes in many colors, pleasant attitude, and intensively vivid eyes. Besides serving as a guard dog, this dog is a fantastic family pet. They are loyal and situationally protective but can get anxious if they are left alone.
Note that they are prone to deafness, blindness, and hip dysplasia before getting one.
#8. Ca de Bou
According to the Old Red English Bulldogs Kennel, the Ca de Bou originates from the Balearic Islands. Ca de Bou is actually a Spanish name, and its translation means “Bulldog”. It is also known as Mallorquin Bulldog or Majorca Mastiff.
They are known for their massive and blocky head. Fully grown Ca de Bou weighs up to 84 pounds. So, because of their enormous size, you should aim to establish a hierarchy.
Ca de Bou has a rough and short coat, usually with fawn, brindle, or black coloring.
Ca de Bou will not let you down as a defensive watchdog, and additionally, you will get a playful and friendly family dog. They require proper training and socialization from an early age because they were bred as fighting dogs in the past.
To avoid further problems, make sure that you show them that you are the alpha.
The lifespan of these dogs is from 10 to 12 years.
This dog’s general health is in good standing, but they might suffer from bloat or hyp dysplasia.
#9. Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog
No, this Bulldog breed does not have blue blood, although that would be very attractive to hear. The name Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog becomes since they represent a noble breed, according to the original breeder. The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog is much stronger and bigger than the other Bulldog breeds, so they have been used as hunters, guards, and herding dogs in the past.
The responsible breeder for this dog breed is named Papa Buck Lane. It began from breeding his dog Otto through several generations. Even after Buck Lane passed, his granddaughter continued to gain the family tradition.
Like most Bulldogs, this dog has a playful nature, protective, and devoted personality.
This burly, beautiful breed is adaptable and hardy. However, they can be hard to manage for inexperienced dog owners.
Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldogs are highly affectionate dogs and enjoy playing with children. If you socialize them from a young age, they will become great family pets.
The lifespan of this Bulldog is up to 13 years, but note that they are prone to the classic ailments of many Bull breeds, such as eye issues, deafness, dysplasia, and skin problems.
Bulldogs Breed Info & Characteristics
Health
These brachycephalic, flat-faced dogs have a big health risk associated with the respiratory system. Their extremely narrow windpipe and small nostrils make the breathing very difficult. Therefore, their lifespan is between 8 to 10 years, and throughout life, they might experience breathing obstructions, allergies, heart failure, cancer, and skinfold infections.
Grooming
Besides cleaning their ear canals and little nose folds, grooming is extremely easy for this breed. For their wrinkle cleaning, you should use a vent brush. But, in general, their grooming is effortless.
If by any chance you notice any red skin folds or irritations, you should consult with your vet.
Training
Bulldogs are slightly difficult to train. Make sure you have enough time and patience to set the rules and boundaries in order to raise a gentle and good companion watchdog. Oh, and it will be tough and time-consuming to convince them that you are the alpha. But, don’t be discouraged; they will become the perfect family dog with enough patience and time.
Nutrition
It is crucial to carefully feed these puppies because of their sensitive stomach. Bulldogs will eat anything because they adore eating. So, be careful; they tend to become obese very quickly.
They won’t mind the “bland” taste, so you should avoid anything too fatty and deep-fried. Feed them with quality meat like fish, beef, or chicken.
Few More Words About Bulldogs
The two most popular Bulldog-types are the American and English Bulldogs. Although they look different, their temperaments are almost the same. As such, very often, they are confused with one another.
Bulldogs have similar physical characteristics in the frame and build.
Their grumpy expression comes from their hanging jowls and their tendency to drool.
Besides the mentioned types of Bulldogs, there are many other Bulldogs such as Staffordshire Terrier, Campiero Bulldog, Mammut Bulldog, Valley Bulldog, Continental Bulldog, Serrano Bulldog, etc.
The Campiero Bulldog is now an extinct breed, and it is often confused with the American breed (Olde English Bulldogge). Another theory is that Campiero Bulldogs are an evolution of a landrace dog, the Terceira Mastiff.
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Summary
Each Bulldog is unique in its own right, despite the many parallel qualities of each other. If you are new to owning a dog, maybe Bulldogs are not the best choice for you; because they will require a lot of patience in training and socialization. So, before adopting one, make sure that you have the time and patience for this beautiful dog breed. And before adopting, remember that not all homes should have a dog, but all dogs should have a home.
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*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos