show your support

Comparing and Contrasting the Different Types of Bulldogs

When talking about the Bulldog breed, many people would assume you mean the English Bulldog – a short, stocky dog with a compressed face and wrinkled skin. What many people don’t realize, however, is that there are over a dozen different Bulldog breeds. Some of these breeds are more common than others, and not all of them are recognized by the American Kennel Club or other breed clubs. Here is a quick overview of some of the different Bulldog breeds:

English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed that weighs 40 to 50 pounds at maturity. These dogs have short legs, a heavy-set body, an undershot jaw, and an overbite. They are also known for their wrinkled skin. English Bulldogs are a non-sporting breed and they do tend to be pretty lazy, though they need daily exercise to remain healthy and fit. This breed is very friendly and sociable, plus they get along great with kids. English Bulldogs are also friendly around cats and other dogs.

American Bulldog

This breed of bulldog is larger and taller than the English Bulldog, standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing up to 130 pounds. This breed has a muscular, athletic build with a massive head and a short, smooth coat. Both American and English Bulldogs come in a range of colors including black, brown, red, and fawn – a brindle pattern is also common. American Bulldogs have more energy than English Bulldogs and they were developed as a utility breed. They still bond closely with family, however, and generally get along well with people.

French Bulldog

Also known as the Frenchie, the French Bulldog is a small breed that usually weighs no more than 28 pounds and stands up to 12 inches tall. These dogs are another non-sporting breed and they are kept primarily as companion pets. French Bulldogs are very affectionate with their owners, though they generally aren’t the best choice for families with children or households with cats or other dogs. This breed has low exercise requirements and is very adaptable – this makes them a great choice for urban dwellers. They are also very clever and charming by nature, so you’ll never be bored.

Similar Breeds

The English, American, and French Bulldogs are the three most common Bulldog breeds. There are some other breeds that look very similar, though they aren’t actually Bulldogs. For example, the Dogue de Bordeaux has a massive build, a large head, and wrinkled skin but it is more closely related to the Mastiff than the Bulldog bloodline. Speaking of which, the Bullmastiff is another breed that shares some physical similarities with the Bulldog. It has a large body and head with a massive build and a short muzzle. These dogs come from the Molosser line of dog breeds.

If you’re thinking about getting a Bulldog, take the time to learn about the different breeds to see which might be the best option for you and your family. Each Bulldog breed has his own unique list of pros and cons, so think about what you’re looking for in a dog before you start your search.

Photo credit: Runa Kazakova/Shutterstock

More articles we recommend: