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Types of Bulldogs – Updated for 2023!

The famed wrinkled face and stocky build make bulldogs increasingly popular and easy to spot in a doggy park! While traditionally used for bull-baiting and as guard dogs, bulldogs have gentle and loving temperaments and make great family pets.

If you are thinking of bringing a bulldog home, you should know that there are many different types of bulldogs you can choose from!

So, what are the different types of bulldogs? The following list includes the 10 most popular types of bulldogs:

  • English bulldog
  • French bulldog
  • Australian bulldog
  • American bulldog
  • Olde English bulldog
  • Miniature English bulldog
  • Alapaha Blue Blood bulldog
  • Valley bulldog
  • Catahoula bulldog
  • Victorian bulldog

While all bulldogs are developed from mastiffs, each bulldog breed is different and comes with a unique set of physical and temperament traits.

Continue reading if you want to find out which bulldog type is the best for you!

History of Bulldogs

History of Bulldogs

The early days of bulldogs are a bit of a mystery, but some cytologists believe that they are descendants of the now-extinct Alaunt (source). Originally bred to control livestock, bulldogs can be traced back to the 5th century in England.

Over time, in addition to their livestock duties, bulldogs were also used in a vicious “sport” called bull-baiting (source). Essentially, a trained bulldog had to latch on a tethered bull’s nose and pull it down or die trying.

When the bull-baiting was finally banned in England in 1835, bulldogs were no longer used and the breed started to die off. Luckily, people exported bulldogs to Germany and the United States and managed to revitalize the whole breed.

Over time, these original bulldogs were selectively bred and crossbred and created many of the modern-day bulldogs we now know.

Related Article: American Bulldog vs Pit Bull: which of the two would you prefer?

Popular Types of Bulldogs

Popular Types of Bulldogs
english bulldog portrait on white background

Although originally used for their fighting abilities, modern-day bulldogs shouldn’t be aggressive and are popular family pets. It’s worth noting that most bulldogs are brachycephalic which makes them prone to breathing problems.

Most reputable breeders are working on correcting this problem by choosing to breed only healthy dogs. However, you should keep this in mind if you decide to bring a bulldog home.

Take a look at different types of bulldogs to find the best one for you:

English Bulldog

The English bulldog, also known just as a bulldog is a medium-sized dog and probably the most easily recognizable of all bulldogs. The short noses, wrinkled face, and stocky build have made English bulldogs iconic and highly popular.

Best described as being easy going, gentle, friendly, and courageous, the British bulldog is a popular choice for families and gets along with children.

However, as a brachycephalic breed, they can easily overheat and are prone to breathing problems (source). Hence, the English bulldog won’t be a great running buddy and will prefer to lie next to you on the couch.

French Bulldog

The French bulldog, also known as Frenchie, is a small but substantially built dog, with a short nose, heavily wrinkled face, and unique bat-shaped ears. They can sport a variety of different coat colors including fawn, white, brindle, cream, and brindle and white.

In terms of temperament, the Frenchie is an affectionate, friendly, active, and playful dog that likes to entertain its owners. However, French bulldogs are also brachycephalic and prone to overheating and respiratory problems.

Australian Bulldog       

The Australian bulldog looks a lot like an English bulldog, but it’s bred to be larger, healthier, and more athletic than its cousin. Being more athletic Aussie bulldogs love to run and swim which makes them ideal for more active families.

Best described as being alert, loyal, loving, and easygoing Australian bulldogs like to play and will enjoy running after and catching balls. Due to its alert nature, the Aussie bulldog is an excellent watchdog, but don’t expect it to be a guard dog.

American Bulldog

Bred to be a working dog and to resemble the ancient bull baiter dogs, the American bulldog is athletically built and seems intimidating at first look. However, American bulldogs are friendly, loyal, and very protective of their families, especially children.

This breed is very dominant and likes to be in charge, thus it’s best suited for experienced owners who know how to assert themselves as pack leaders (source). Daily exercise and walks are a must if you want to keep this pooch under control and prevent boredom.

Olde English Bulldog

Although a direct descendant of the bulldog, the English Bulldogge was developed in America as a healthier and more athletic dog. This is a muscular and powerful medium size dog that excels at agility courses.

The Olde English bulldog is a friendly, confident, loving, and eager to please dog that is gentle and kind to children. Due to their alert nature, they make excellent watchdogs and should never be aggressive unless provoked.

Miniature English Bulldog

The miniature English bulldog was developed by crossing an English bulldog with a Pug. This compact little hybrid has a low body, broad shoulders, wide head, wrinkled face, and short nose.

The Mini Bulldog is an affectionate, friendly, and loyal dog who loves receiving attention and is the happiest when he is with his owners. While they love meeting new people and are friendly towards children, they can be feisty towards other dogs.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Alapaha Blue Blood bulldog is a fairly rare, large, muscularly built and agile dog. Unlike other bulldog breeds, the Alapaha is an excellent guard and watchdog and will fight to the death to protect its owners.

Highly trainable and responsive, this bulldog has a loving nature and can keep its cool and find reasons not to fight until the situation becomes critical. These fierce protectors are incredibly gentle with kids and won’t hesitate to defend them at all costs.

Valley Bulldog

The Valley bulldog was developed by crossing a Boxer with an English bulldog. This rare bulldog hails from Nova Scotia, Canada, and is best known for its protective nature and watchdog qualities.

Valley bulldogs are friendly, intelligent, and loyal dogs with a playful and silly mindset and tendencies for clownish behavior. They adapt well to indoor and outdoor living, but can easily become bored if not mentally stimulated and exercised.

Catahoula Bulldog

Developed by crossing an American bulldog with a Catahoula Leopard Dog, this bulldog variety is a true working dog that can track, hunt, herd, and be a watchdog and a guard dog.

While calm and easy-going at first look, the Catahoula can become alert in a second, should the need arise. They are loyal, devoted, and protective of their owners and are easily trainable thanks to their eager to please nature.

Victorian Bulldog

The Victorian bulldog is a crossbreed developed to have fewer health problems than English bulldogs. Although similar in appearance to its English cousin, the Victorian bulldog is larger, more muscularly built, and more robust.

While at first glance they look ferocious, Victorian bulldogs are in fact kind, gentle, very affectionate, and protective of their owners. They get along with other people and pets if socialized from a young age, but have a tendency to be feisty towards other dogs.

Below is a short video of a short list of popular bulldogs today:

Related Questions:

Which type of Bulldog is best?

The best type of bulldog for you will depend on the physical and temperamental characteristics you are looking for in a dog. Bulldogs are loyal, affectionate, and devoted companions to people of all ages and families with children.

What breed of Bulldog is the biggest?

The biggest breed of the bulldog is the Arkansas Giant bulldog. This is a large-sized, solidly built, and muscular dog with wide shoulders and broad chest. They should weigh from 90 to 150lbs with males being larger than female dogs.

How do I know what kind of Bulldog I have?

Bulldogs are known for their stocky bodies, wrinkled faces, and flat noses. The best way to determine what type of bulldog you have is to look at his most prominent traits such as his head, ears, and mouth. Next, you should examine your dog’s body and check his coat, tail length, and overall body shape.

What dogs are in the Bulldog family?

Officially recognized types of bulldogs are, Alano Español, American bulldog, American bully, English bulldog, Campeiro bulldog, Continental bulldog, French bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Serrano bulldog.

Which Bulldog breed is the healthiest?

Bulldogs with less squished in faces don’t suffer from respiratory problems and are considered healthier than those with short noses. Some of the healthiest bulldog breeds are Continental bulldog, Alapaha Blue Blood bulldog, and Victorian bulldog.

Conclusion

Bulldogs are highly sought after and increasingly popular dogs thanks to their wrinkled and stocky appearance and courageous and loyal temperament. However, not many people know that there are many different varieties besides the famous English bulldog.

Unfortunately, their cute look comes with a price, and as brachycephalic dogs, all bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues and other health problems. Thus, it’s very important that you get your dog from a reputable breeder or make sure to check the dog’s health status if you’re adopting.

Keep in mind that bulldog varieties with a less squished face are less likely to experience breathing difficulties and generally have longer lifespans. In the end, whatever type of bulldog you choose, you can rest assured that you will end up with a fierce, loyal, and affectionate family companion.

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