Types of Bulldogs: 15 Different Types of Bulldog Dogs

Last Updated on April 21, 2023

While the Bulldog may have a history steeped in dogfighting and baiting, they make some fantastic family pets today.

Good guard dogs with powerful, stocky bodies, Bulldogs are large, strong, super determined, and not for the faint of heart. However, they can also be loving, affectionate, loyal companions. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the different types of Bulldogs to determine which one is right for your home:

How many types of Bulldogs are there?

With an ancestry that dates back thousands of years, different Bulldogs have been created to serve specific tasks in various countries.

Some of these breeds have even gone extinct over the years, while others have thrived. Keep reading to discover some of the most popular Bulldog breeds around today:

1. English Bulldog

Loving and loyal, the English Bulldog is known as a very dependable breed. These affectionate dogs need to be around their people at all times and will get along well with just about anybody, including kids.

They are known for their amiable and relatively docile natures. 

This is the iconic, recognizable breed that people think of when Bulldog is mentioned, with many a British Bulldog starring in commercials and films.

Their frowning, grumpy expression, square wrinkled faces, short-muzzles, and squat bodies make them loved the world over. 

These medium-sized dogs weigh between 40 and 50 pounds (18 and 23 kg), stand around 14 to 15 inches (36 to 38 cm) tall, have broad shoulders and a thick chest, and a straight, short, smooth coat that is typically white, brown, red or fawn.

You might have also heard of the Miniature English Bulldog. While these small dogs originally descended from English Bulldogs with dwarfism, they went extinct in the mid-19th century.

Today this doggy is created as a cross between an English Bulldog and a Pug.

2. French Bulldog

The super cute French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is one of the most popular little dogs globally.

They are one of the tiniest Bulldog breeds, and while they may have a small body, they are known for their larger-than-life, entertaining personalities. 

These dogs weigh between 19 and 28 pounds (9 and 13 kg), stand 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm) tall, and are characterized by their sturdy, compact frames, large heads, short snouts, and oversized bat ears. 

An enthusiastic breed, French Bulldogs, make beautiful companions thanks to their playful, friendly, and eager-to-please natures.

They are a very excitable breed and are known to be a bit mouthy and selfish as far as attention is concerned. Thus, they can get jealous as far as kids and other pets are concerned.

3. American Bulldog

The English Bulldog was imported to the United States many years ago, where the breed evolved into the American Bulldog.

These dogs are usually bigger and stronger than their English counterparts, with a healthier, more agile physique, box shaped-head, and powerful jaws. 

They stand between 20 and 28 inches (51 and 71 cm) tall and weigh between 60 and 120 pounds (27 and 54 kg).

Great family dogs, the American Bulldog is a big, sturdy breed. These loyal dogs can act like oversized lapdogs, loving children and needing to be around their owners.

They are also fearless, often stepping up to save their families from house fires and other dangerous situations. They also have high energy levels and require an active home.

4. Olde English Bulldogge

Not to be confused with the typical English Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldogge was created by crossing the American Bulldog with the American Pit Bull Terrier and Bullmastiff.

Athletic, with good stamina, they are a large breed with not quite as flat a face as the English Bulldog. They also make formidable watchdogs but do have a gentle, affectionate side as well.

With a muscular body, these medium-sized dogs typically grow to a height of between 16 and 19 inches (41 and 48 cm) tall and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds (23 and 36 kg).

They are characterized by a large head on a thick, wide neck and a square muzzle with large nostrils and an undershot bite.

5. Australian Bulldog

Australian Bulldogs are one breed that can live in a variety of environments, including apartment-style living.

Similar in appearance to the English Bulldog, the Australian Bulldog reaches between 17 and 20 inches (43 and 51 cm) tall and weighs between 50 and 78 pounds (23 and 35 kg).

These muscular, thick-boned dogs have a broad chest, short coat, square head, and wrinkly folds on their face. That said, they are more heat-tolerant than their English cousins.

Intelligent and loyal, Australian Bulldogs make great companions for children and love playtime.

6. Buldogue Campeiro

Known as the Brazilian Bulldog, this breed has a history of working on rural farms. Tenacious and protective, these loyal working dogs have oodles of stamina.

Unlike other Bulldogs, the Buldogue Campeiro has been bred to work and doesn’t have the affectionate, loving side of other Bulldog breeds.

These dogs weigh between 77 and 99 pounds (35 and 45 kg) and grow up to 19 to 23 inches (48 and 58 cm) tall.

Their square bodies are covered in a short, smooth coat, usually brown, fawn, or brindle with white markings. They have a broad head with small pendant-shaped ears set far apart and a short tail.

7. Continental Bulldog

The Continental Bulldog or Conti originated in Switzerland, where it was developed as a healthier, more athletic version of the English Bulldog.

These dogs weigh between 48 and 66 pounds (22 and 30 kg) and grow up to 15 to 21 inches (38 and 53 cm) tall. 

They have a square build, a straight, smooth coat, and a slightly domed head with a black nose.

They can also have some wrinkling on the face and a slight underbite, but their arched neckline is much more pronounced than the English Bulldog.

8. Valley Bulldog

Valley Bulldogs were developed in the Annapolis Valley of Novia Scotia, Canada. This rare breed is a cross between a Boxer and an English Bulldog.

Historically they were used to catch livestock and protect farms. They grow to a height of between 14 and 18 inches (35 and 46 cm) tall and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds (18 and 36 kg). 

They have a round head and short nose, and an underbite that sits on a thick neck.

Their body, however, is more like the boxer, just slightly shorter, with a broad chest, muscular shoulders, wide feet, and a short coat that is usually tan, fawn, red, black, or brindle.

These dogs are friendly, athletic, and a bit goofy but remain cautious and suspicious of strangers.

9. Alano Español (Spanish Bulldog)

The Alano Español is a highly trainable, athletic breed that means business. These dogs weigh between 55 and 88 pounds (25 and 40 kg) and have a lifespan between 11 and 14 years.

Extremely loyal to their masters, the Spanish Bulldog is wary of strangers and can be quite dominant in this respect.

As working dogs, they need plenty of physical activity and are pretty resistant to different weather conditions, so they can adapt well to a life outdoors. 

10. Victorian Bulldog

The Victorian Bulldog was created in an attempt to breed a Bulldog with fewer health issues.

They are a cross between an English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier and don’t have quite as squashed a face as other Bulldog breeds. As a result, they don’t suffer from so many breathing issues. 

However, like other Bulldog breeds, they are known for their loving, affectionate, and protective personalities. 

11. Catahoula Bulldog

This athletic breed was created by mixing the American Bulldog with the Catahoula Leopard Dog. They have very high energy levels and so need quite a bit of exercise.

Loyal and protective, the Catahoula Bulldog makes a great companion dog as well as an efficient working or guard dog.

Their beautiful coat comes in various colors, while their eyes are incredibly vivid, often blue. Unfortunately, this does make this breed prone to blindness and deafness.

12. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

A beautiful breed, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, was bred in the southern part of the United States as a catch dog to chase and catch cattle.

As a result, they are hardy and adaptable dogs, weighing between 55 and 99 pounds (25 and 45 kg).

They are a protective and possessive breed, but you can bring out their loving, playful side with proper training. This breed is thus best suited to experienced dog owners who can manage these incredibly muscular dogs.

However, don’t expect this excellent watchdog ever to be particularly friendly where new people and other pets are concerned.

13. Ca de Bou

This breed was initially introduced to Spain’s Balearic Islands in the 1200s, from where they found their way to the English mainland with sailors.

They are also known as the Mallorquin bulldog or Majorca mastiff, while their Ca de Bou name translates to Bulldog.

These dogs stand between 20 and 23 inches (51 and 78 cm) tall and weigh between 66 and 84 pounds (30 and 38 kg).

These dogs make excellent family dogs due to their playful natures. That said, they do need plenty of training and socialization as this breed does have a history of being used in the fighting ring and as a working breed.

With the right training, this territorial instinct does, however, make them wonderful watchdogs.

14. Red-Tiger Bulldog

A relatively new Bulldog breed, the Red-Tiger Bulldog features a stocky build with a square head, cropped ears, and an intimidating stance.

These dogs grow to between 70 and 110 pounds (32 and 54 kg), with a lifespan of between 12 and 16 years. 

Suspicious of strangers, this Bulldog breed makes a good guard dog, but he also has a strong prey drive, so he tends to chase down small animals. With the right training, they can be loving and loyal companions.

15. Mammut Bulldog

 

A gorgeous breed, the Mammut Bulldog, has a longer snout than other Bulldog breeds, so it doesn’t suffer from the same breathing issues.

These medium-size dogs also have a longer and leaner body, with a weight of around 60 pounds (27 kg). 

Although loyal to their family members, the Mammut Bulldog does not like other animals and strangers. When it comes to outsiders, they can be shy and reserved, and even aggressive.

They also have stubborn tendencies, so they need plenty of discipline, while exercise is a must with this activity-intensive breed.

Other Types of Bulldogs also includes the following:

A variety of different working Bulldogs have been created to suit different climates and conditions.

While some of these breeds no longer exist, others aren’t recognized by registry organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club. Here are some of those Bulldogs:

• Campeiro Bulldog / Buldogue Campeiro (Extant)
• Continental Bulldog (Extant) 
• Perro de Presa Mallorquin
• Serrano Bulldog (Extant)
• Old English Bulldog (Extinct)
• Toy Bulldog (Extinct)
• Bullenbeisser (German Bulldog) (Extinct)
• Colorado Bulldog
• Otto Bulldog 
• Titan Bull-Dogge
• Amitola Bulldog 

The Different Types of Bulldog in Terms of Coat Color

Most Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat with a harsh, rough texture. The coat can be one solid color or a combination of colors, being usually white with one other color. Some of the standard Bulldog colors include:

• Brindle 
• White
• Red
• Fawn or fallow
• Tan or brown
• Piebald

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Do different types of Bulldogs have different temperaments?

All bulldog breeds were once used for bull-baiting; this is how these dogs got their names.

Dogs selected for this abhorred blood sports were known for their muscular physique but also their determined temperament.

As a result, these dogs typically have strong, independent personalities that make them wonderful watchdogs. 

However, most bulldogs also have a very loyal and loving side, with an eager-to-please nature as far as their master is concerned.

Check out these adorable videos of Bulldogs and babies:

Which type of Bulldog sheds the least?

French Bulldogs tend to shed the least out of all the types of Bulldog breeds. This is not because their coat is incredibly different from the other Bulldog breeds but that they are smaller and thus lose less hair. 

Which Bulldog is known for having a short life span and having lots of health problems?

Most of the different bulldog breeds are brachycephalic, which means they have a squashed, flat-face.

These dogs can suffer from several health concerns, including breathing problems, eye disease, and heat control issues. 

Due to these problems, their weight needs to be well monitored as they can suffer from obesity, while they also don’t fare well in scorching climates.

Also, most Bulldog breeds do not do well with excessive exercise and stress. Runners should not get these dogs.

English Bulldogs are one breed that is very popular and so often overbred. As a result, they can be incredibly unhealthy, often suffering from breathing difficulties and heart issues.

They can also be prone to developing infections and cancers.

Some rarer and less intensely bred types of Bulldogs are often healthier due to their more athletic physiques and less-squished faces. 

What Bulldog breeds to avoid if you’re a first-time dog owner?

First-time dog owners should stay away from Bulldog breeds that have Pitbulls or Mastiffs in their lineage.

These dogs generally require more intense socialization and training levels and tend to be more aggressive and difficult to control. 

Conclusion: Which type of Bulldog is best?

There is a Bulldog breed for everyone from big to small, energetic to affectionate, and silly to intimidating. Each Bulldog type has a different history, look, and temperament.

While the various kinds of Bulldogs all share similar qualities, they also have their own personality features and physical characteristics that make each one unique.

Do you have a favorite Bulldog breed? Let us know in the comments below!

Further reading: Different types of your favorite breeds:

• Types of Pitbulls
• Types of Golden Retrievers
• Types of German Shepherds
• Types of Huskies
• Types of Shepherd Dogs
• Types of Dachshunds
• Types of Yorkies
• Types of Poodles

Reference

• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Riley_and_Roie_bulldogs_2006.jpg