Different Types Of Bulldogs: Find Out Which One Is Best For You

Bulldogs, though known for their fierce reputation, are actually quite affectionate and adorable.

These medium-sized dogs have been bred as fighting dogs for centuries, but are becoming more and more popular as family dogs because of their playful and fun-loving nature. Better yet, there are a number of different types of Bulldogs to choose from!

Some popular Bulldog breeds which are great with families and children are the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, and Victorian Bulldog. Years of breeding have made these dogs very adaptable and great family pets.

They are energetic and affectionate as well as naturally having great instincts towards danger, which make them a perfect addition to any household. To know about more great types of Bulldogs, read on!

If you enjoyed this article, do check out our other pages on different types of tigers and different types of parrots.

History Of The Bulldog

Bulldogs can be traced back to the fifth century in England with a breed called the Alaunt.

By the 15th century, they were known for their aggression and used for catching runaway horses, cattle, and boars on farms, as well as being used in a number of violent sports such as bull-baiting. This was when dogs latched onto tethered bulls and either pulled them onto the ground with sheer strength or resisted until they were killed.

They continued to be bred for their aggression until 1835 when bull-baiting was banned.

It seemed that this dog breed would face extinction due to not being bred for sport or bull-baiting anymore until they started being exported to Germany and the United States, where they were an instant hit with farmers.

These dogs started being used for other activities such as being a working dog or guard dog.

In the US they were popular in the South for herding cattle where the terrain was rough, and in Germany, they were crossbred to create the boxer. The experimental selective breeding of Bulldogs over the years has led to smaller, more manageable, and less aggressive types being developed, which were then made popular as family pets.

From initially being feared for their aggression and fierceness to becoming a best friend in many loving families around the world, the Bulldog has come a long way.

Nowadays they can be found in many pet shops, and there are lotsof different types of Bulldogs' colors from tan, white, brown, to fawn.

Types Of Bulldog

There are many different types of Bulldogs that you can choose from.

English Bulldog: This is the most recognizable breed of a Bulldog, with their famous wrinkly faces and stout bodies, most likely coming to mind when anyone says Bulldog. English Bulldogs are very short and weigh around 50-54 lb (22.7-24.5 kg) on average.

Though their beefy build and wrinkly faces might make them look intimidating, they are actually quite affectionate in nature and very eager to please their owners. They make good companions for families with children, as they are very patient and laid back about life.

They are also great with other dogs if introduced to them from a young age.

However, they can be territorial towards unknown dogs at times, due to their inbuilt nature as watchdogs. They were initially bred for a violent sport known as bull-baiting, from which they retain their fierce guard dog nature.

Unfortunately, years of improper breeding have left these dogs prone to health problems such as breathing difficulties, allergies, skin infections, heart failure, and cancer. A healthy English Bulldog can live for about 8-10 years. It is also important to keep a check on their diets, as they can become obese.

French Bulldog: One of the smallest Bulldog breeds, French Bulldogs, are instantly recognizable by their oversized triangular pointed ears and thick, petite bodies. They have squished in, wrinkly faces like other Bulldogs, and remain quite small even as adults.

Their maximum weight being 20-28 lb (9.1-12.7 kg). French Bulldogs have friendly, exuberant personalities, and can warm up to even strangers, their curious nature making them bad watchdogs!

Though they are sweet, they may have jealousy issues, and do not like sharing attention. They come in a variety of colors ranging from fawn, white, brindle, cream, and brindle and white.

Some health issues to keep a watch out for are breathing problems, ear infections, and allergies. They can live for between 10-14 years.

Victorian Bulldog: These Bulldogs have been developed especially in order to weed out the health issues which plague English Bulldogs. They have been brought into existence by breeding English Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, and Staffordshire Terriers together.

They look very similar to their English relatives and are much healthier due to selective breeding. The only serious issues to look out for being skin infections and allergies. They are very docile and excited about life and are caring and emotional.

They usually get along well with known humans and pets, however can be a bit wary of other dogs. Fully grown Victorian Bulldogs can weigh between 50-75 lb (22.7-34 kg), and their average lifespan is between 10-14 years.

American Bulldog: American Bulldogs look similar to other breeds, however, they are taller, lankier, and more muscular unlike the short and stubby English and French varieties, and have cropped ears. They are very friendly, and though cautious towards strangers, they warm up to them quite fast.

They are goofy and love taking part in silly antics and playing with their owners. They are also very affectionate towards and gentle with children.

Regular exercise is important to help this athletic American Bulldog to channel its pent-up energy well, or this dog may go haywire. They can suffer from health conditions like cherry eye, hip dysplasia, ACL tears, and thyroid issues.

Healthy American Bulldogs can live for 10-14 years at most. They were recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999.

Olde English Bulldogge: These Bulldogs are a combination of English Mastiffs, American Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pit Bull Terriers. Unlike English Bulldogs, they grow to be much larger at 60-130 lb (27.2-59 kg) and have much more speed, strength, and stamina than them.

Though they are friendly, they are very defensive and always on guard. They also have very strong personalities and can be domineering at times. It is important to show them who is the boss at an early age.

They are not prone to as many health risks as other Bulldogs, with the most common problem being hip dysplasia. They can live for up to 9-14 years.

Catahoula Bulldog: The Catahoula Bulldog is a hybrid of the Catahoula Leopard dog and American Bulldog. They are easily identified among small Bulldog breeds by their vivid blue eyes, multicolored patched bodies, and friendly, pleasant demeanors.

They make an excellent family dog as they are affectionate and playful as well as ever-ready to guard and protect their owners.

These loyal, laid-back dogs can live up to 13-15 years, which is quite a long lifespan for a canine. However, they are prone to conditions such as blindness, deafness, and hip dysplasia, which is why it is important to keep a close eye on them and consult a vet if you notice any symptoms.

Alano Espanol: Alano Espanol dog is similar to American Bulldog. They are on the taller and more muscular side.

They are outdoor pets and thrive on physical activity, as they were initially bred as worker dogs. They are also highly intelligent and can be trained to do a number of tasks.

They are very loving and loyal dogs, however, they can have dominant personalities which is why it is important to train this Bulldog puppy well and with care. They can weigh anywhere from between 55-88 lb (24.9-39.9 kg).

They are quite long-lived at 11-14 years of age and are surprisingly very resistant to most canine illnesses. It is still important to keep a watch on their health and consult a vet if you notice any symptoms of general canine health problems.

Ca de Bou: Ca de Bou is the Spanish name for Bulldogs, and this medium size, muscular dog is known for its blocky head. Originally bred as fighting dogs, this dog needs proper training and patience in order to develop healthy social habits.

They have good instincts towards danger and can be trained to make good watchdogs. They are quite muscular due to their athletic origins and can weigh up to 84 lb (38.1 kg).

Though generally in good health, they may suffer from conditions such as hip dysplasia and bloat. They can live for about 10-12 years.

Red- Tiger Bulldog: The Red Tiger Bulldog is a relatively new Bulldog breed that has only come into existence within the past 20 years. This dog is stocky and muscular, with its triangular ears pointing inwards, which can make it look permanently fierce.

Despite their intimidating appearance, they are very gentle and get along well with children. On the other hand, they have a very high prey drive so it's best to keep them away from smaller pets such as birds and rabbits.

They are also quite suspicious towards strangers as they are protective, and must be acquainted with new people properly before they get comfortable.

Important nutrition during their puppy years is important to promote healthy growth. They can live for 12-16 years and are generally healthy, however, can develop down pasterns which can cause weakness in the lower limbs.

Mammut Bulldog: Mammut Bulldogs are purebred and descended from only Bulldog species. They are lean and agile, and their long snouts ensure that they face less trouble breathing than other Bulldogs do.

They are medium in size and can weigh up to 60 lb (27.2 kg). They are very comfortable around family, however, they are shy and reserved around strangers.

They are very athletic and love to run around, and are adaptable to any type of climate. They require proper training and handling in their formative years as they can be very stubborn and unyielding.

Though they have longer snouts, they may still develop breathing problems and are susceptible to skin infections as well. They can live for between 9-11 years.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog: This hardy dog is a good family pet due to its gentle, good-natured temperament, and adaptability. However, proper training and socialization are required in their puppy years to make sure that they grow up obedient, as they can be difficult to handle at times, making them best suited for experienced owners.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog pets make great guard dogs due to their wariness of strangers and muscular, intimidating looks.

They may suffer from hip dysplasia, skin infections, breathing problems, and deafness, and can live for around 12-13 years. They are very athletic and make good a show dog as well, weighing between 55-99 lb (24.9-44.9 kg).

Australian Bulldog: Similar to the English and Victorian Bulldog varieties, Australian Bulldog individuals are one of few rare Bulldog breeds. They weigh between 50-78 lb (22.7-35.4 kg). They are very adaptable, and their small size makes them great for families with living size restraints as well.

They are highly intelligent, protective, and loyal, not to forget very affectionate! They do require good training to keep them grounded, as their dominant personality may come through at times.

Due to good breeding, they are generally in good health. However, they can suffer from overheating and skin ailments. The average Australian Bulldog lifespan is between 10-12 years.

Bullmastiff: A product of crossbreeding the now-extinct Old English Bulldog and mastiffs, this large, hefty dog is a very popular choice of pet dog and is known for its protective, fun-loving temperament. They can get quite large, weighing in at around 130 lb (59 kg).

One of the few large Bulldog breeds, these dogs seem to be unaware of how large they are, and their puppy-like behavior can cause them to turn into mini bulldozers, mowing down everything in their paths when they are excited! Proper training helps with making them more manageable.

They also make good watchdogs, as they do have aggressive tendencies, however, these do not show unless they are provoked.

They have short lifespans, only living for seven to nine years. They may suffer from health problems such as hip dysplasia, thyroid complications, skin ailments, and bloat.

Buldogue Campeiro: This lesser-known Bulldog breed from Brazil is not a loving family pet, but rather a hardworking farm dog. It is a descendent of the now-extinct Old English Bulldogs, which are quite distinct from the Olde English Bulldogge.

They are very athletic, full of stamina, and loyal to their owners. They can weigh between 77-99 lb (34.9-44.9 kg), and live for between 10-12 years.

Continental Bulldog: Though not recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official Bulldog breed, this breed is very popular in Switzerland. The continental Bulldog or 'conti' is a healthier, more athletic version of the English Bulldog, which was developed by cross-breeding them with the Olde English Bulldogge.

They have a lifespan of between 12-14 years and weigh between 48-66 lb (21.8-29.9 kg). They are gentle and affectionate and make good family pets.

Difference Between Types Of Bulldogs

Different types of Bulldogs have different physical characteristics.

For example, the American Bulldog is tall and lanky, whereas the English kind is short and stout. Some breeds are better bred such as the Victorian Bulldog, which enables them to breathe better because of having longer snouts.

Which Bulldog species is best for you?

The best Bulldog breeds for potential dog owners to consider if looking for a family pet are Olde English Bulldogges, American Bulldogs, Victorian Bulldogs, French bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, and Australian Bulldogs. These are the healthiest species of Bulldog out there and are also very loving and affectionate.

This medium-sized dog is a good fit for families living in both apartment complexes as well as in the suburbs as they are highly adaptable.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for different types of Bulldogs then why not take a look at sifferent types of crabs, or French Bulldog facts.