13 Adorable Bulldog Breeds: Loyal Companions for Every Home
When you think of a bulldog, you probably envision the original type: the short, stocky, flat-faced breed known as the English bulldog. However, numerous other bulldog breeds exist. Although the English bulldog remains the most well-known, several diverse breeds are part of the bulldog family.
There are over 50 types of bulldogs, each with its unique characteristics and history. Generally, these dogs are loyal, fun, and affectionate, making them great pets. Most bulldog breeds are excellent for families, including those with children.
Discover 13 popular bulldog breeds that make great family dogs.
It’s important to teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with any dog. That means no pulling on ears or tails, no attempts to ride the dog, and giving the dog personal space when they need it. Additionally, an adult should always supervise all interactions between kids and dogs of any breed.
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American Bulldog
When British immigrants came to America in the 1800s, they brought their dogs, including bulldogs, with them. Back then bulldogs were much larger and taller than the short, stocky bulldogs we know today. In the New World, farmers and ranchers put these bulldogs to use as working dogs, where they were especially good at guarding the homestead, herding, catching livestock, and hunting feral pigs.
The breed evolved and was eventually renamed White English Southern Bulldog, and later, American Bulldog. American Bulldogs are loyal, affectionate, and known for being great with kids.
Breed Overview
Group: Guardian (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC)
Height: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Fearless, protective, gentle, loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth, short; white with patches of brindle, red, black, brown, or gray
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French Bulldog
The French bulldog descends from the English bulldog. In the mid-1800s, toy-sized bulldogs were bred in England and taken to France by their emigrating owners. There, they were crossed with other breeds, possibly pugs and small terriers, evolving into the French bulldog of today, known for its small stature, large bat ears, and big personality.
This new Bouledogue Français, was a huge hit in Paris, and eventually spread to Europe and the United States, where they remain immensely popular. French bulldogs, or Frenchies as they are affectionately known, are exceptional companions, particularly with children. They are adaptable, active, and playful, with very steady temperaments. They’re also considered one of the cutest and friendliest bulldogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Less than 28 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Adaptable, affectionate, alert, playful
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; white, cream, or fawn, with or without brindle, piebald, black masks, black shadings and white markings
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Bulldog (English Bulldog)
The bulldog, often called the English bulldog, is like no other dog. They’re beloved for their low-swung, heavy-set body, massive head, and trademark scowl. For hundreds of years the bulldog was used in England for bullbaiting, a gruesome sport that was outlawed in early 1800s. Back then the bulldog was larger and more ferocious than the mellow couch potato we know and love today.
The transformation came about when breeders sought to remake the bulldog into a sweet family pet rather than a fierce fighter. Today’s bulldog is dignified and peaceful. The breed is a popular school mascot and family dog. They are famous for their friendships with children, making the bulldog an excellent companion for families.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Kind, courageous, peaceful, dignified
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Short, fine-textured, smooth, glossy; red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown) with or without patterns and markings, such as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tipping
Life Span: 8 to 10 years
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Olde English Bulldogge
The olde English bulldogge is the result of an attempt to recreate the original athletic English bulldog that was used for bull baiting, before it evolved into the smaller, stocky, roach-backed breed we know today. The olde English bulldogge should mirror the looks of the bull baiting bulldogs of the early 1800s.
This dog possesses the drive, temperament, and agility to perform for sport or working purposes, but is confident, friendly, and alert—never vicious. They are excellent companions for both adults and children.
Breed Overview
Group: Guardian (UKC), not recognized by the AKC
Height: 16 to 20 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Confident, friendly, alert
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, close, shiny; brindle pattern or solid white, fawn, red or black with or without white markings
Life Span: 9 to 14 years
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Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient French breed that was once called the “Bordeaux mastiff” or the “Bordeaux bulldog.” Like the bulldog, the Dogue de Bordeaux was originally used as a fighting dog, as well as a war dog, but over time transitioned to guard dog duties, patrolling large estates in France. After the French Revolution, the Dogue de Bordeaux saw yet another career change—this time being used to drive livestock.
Today’s Dogue de Bordeaux is a protective and loyal companion. Though they may be standoffish with strangers, they’re very affectionate with their beloved family. The Dogue de Bordeaux can be wonderful with children, but due to their size and strength, kids shouldn’t walk the dog alone.
Breed Overview
Group: Working (AKC)
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 99 pounds and up (females); 110 pounds and up (males)
Personality/Temperament: Calm, balanced, self-assured, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Fine, short, soft; all shades of fawn, from a dark red fawn to a light fawn
Life Span: 5 to 8 years
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Australian Bulldog
The Australian bulldog, also known as the Aussie bulldog, is not recognized by major kennel clubs. These dogs are English bulldogs, but because they were bred in Australia to be better suited to the environment there, they got their unique name. However, the Aussie Bulldog Club of Australia (ABCA) keeps records of breeders and dogs and works with other clubs to improve the breed and get it recognized someday.
Australian bulldogs are affectionate and outgoing, and they love being around people. They will happily interact with everyone, including other dogs and other pets. At the same time, they’re quite calm and easygoing. Therefore, they can make wonderful companions.
Breed Overview
Group: Not recognized
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 50 to 78 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, friendly, calm
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short; black, brown, white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Victorian Bulldog
The Victorian bulldog, or olde Victorian bulldog, was developed by Kenn Mollet, an English breeder, in the 1980s. By crossing English bulldogs, bullmastiffs, Staffordshire bull terriers, and bull terriers, he created the Victorian bulldog. This breed looks more like the bulldogs from the 1800s. These dogs are more muscular, as well as larger and more athletic, compared to the modern English bulldog.
These are active dogs that are great for all types of families. You can have loads of fun with them by enjoying a variety of activities together, and they’ll gladly snuggle with you when you’re relaxing at home, too. They need lots of attention, and get along with everyone, including kids.
Breed Overview
Group: Group 4 Bull Breeds - Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
Height: 16 to 19 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth, fine; fawn, red, white, brindle, pied
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Catahoula Bulldog
The Catahoula bulldog is a cross between the American bulldog and Catahoula leopard dog. This hybrid, or designer, breed is more than 100 years old, and these dogs are large, strong, and athletic. They can perform a variety of tasks, from guarding to hunting, and have high exercise needs, so they are best for active families.
These dogs are loyal, like other bulldogs, and they are laid-back. They get along with children, so they make great family pets. And because they are smart and eager to please, they can be easy to train. Plus, because of their protective nature, they can make good guard dogs as well.
Breed Overview
Group: Not recognized
Height: 18 to 26 inches
Weight: 75 to 100 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, protective
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, dense; solid or mix of colors including white, brown, gray; merle pattern
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
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Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a descendent of dogs that were used for pit fighting in England in the 19th century. Also known as the “American gentleman,” this dog was bred to be a companion, not a fighter. They are affectionate, well-mannered, and love to be around their family, so they are very different from their ancestors. These dogs are also smaller and can make good apartment dogs.
Boston terriers make wonderful family dogs because they get along well with just about everyone, from kids and other dogs to cats and other pets. As always, the key is proper training and socialization, but you can expect these dogs to be friendly and playful.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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Ca de Bou
The Ca de Bou is also known by several other names, such as the Majorca mastiff, the Majorcan bulldog, or the Perro de Presa Mallorquin. The breed, which dates back hundreds of years, comes form the island of Majorca, and was used in dog fights and bull baiting. When those blood sports were outlawed in the 20th century, this breed’s numbers fell to the point that it nearly went extinct. However, breed enthusiasts from Spain saved it.
Today, these dogs make good pets, as they’re affectionate and loyal and can even get along with kids. However, they can be wary of strangers. They’re best for active families, and they also make good watchdogs because they are alert and territorial.
Breed Overview
Group: Guardian (UKC)
Height: 20 to 23 inches
Weight: 66 to 84 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, playful, protective
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, rough; black, fawn, brindle
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Red-Tiger Bulldog
The red-tiger bulldog is also known as the red-nosed bulldog, red bulldog, red brindle bulldog, and Amos’s red-tiger bulldog. Developed in 1991 by Rev. Scott L. Amos, Sr. and Scott Amos II, this breed is from the United States, and they used American bulldogs with red noses. Other types of bulldogs typically have darker noses as part of their breed standards.
These dogs are confident, bold, and loyal. They are also protective and can make good watchdogs. Red-tiger bulldogs can get along with other dogs and pets, as well as children, so they can make good family pets for a variety of households. Plus, they’re eager to please and smart, as well as gentle and outgoing.
Breed Overview
Group: Not recognized
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 75 to 110 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, outgoing
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short; red, reddish brown, brindle
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
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Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
The Alapaha blue blood bulldog is also known as the Otto or Otto bulldog. This rare breed was developed in the United States by “Papa” Buck Lane, who used his own bulldog, named Otto, along with other breeds from the area. These dogs worked on farms, and were used for protection, hunting, and moving cattle.
These are great working dogs that are devoted, eager to please, and loyal. They are also intelligent, loving, and make good watchdogs because of their protective nature. However, they’re best for pet parents who have experience in training dogs. Because of their size, they may be better suited to families with older children.
Breed Overview
Group: Group 3 Molossoids and Mastiffs Breeds – Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
Height: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 65 to 110 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, intelligent, eager to please
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short; white with patches of brown, blue, black, or buff
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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Serrano
The Serrano bulldog is from Brazil, and was developed using bulldogs brought there by Europeans. It is also referred to as the Brazilian mountain bulldog and the mountaineer bulldog. This breed is muscular and strong, and these dogs are leaner than other types of bulldogs.
These dogs are sweet and gentle with family. They also make good watchdogs and guard dogs because they are alert and courageous.
Breed Overview
Group: Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia (CBKC)
Height: 19 to 22 inches
Weight: 55 to 88 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, alert, sweet
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short; all colors
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Breed Characteristics
Bulldog-type breeds vary in size, from the smallest (the French bulldog) to the largest (the Dogue de Bordeaux) with several bulldog breeds falling somewhere in between. Bulldog breeds also differ somewhat in personality, though most bulldogs tend to be a little bullheaded (i.e., stubborn and difficult to train). Some bulldog breeds are moderately energetic and others are couch potatoes.
Common Health Issues
Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning they have flattened faces with short muzzles. These breeds can easily overheat, particularly in warm weather, so they should be kept cool and not exercised in hot temperatures.
Many bulldog breeds also have droopy jowls, and underbites, which can lead to drooling.
Breeds to Avoid
Families with children should focus on breeds known to do well with kids. Most bulldog breeds are considered good with children, but this is provided the dog is well-bred and well-socialized and trained as a puppy and beyond.
Some large, assertive breeds that resemble bulldogs are not the best choices for families with kids, including the cane Corso and dogo Argentino.
The bullmastiff, which was created by breeding mastiffs with bulldogs, can be good with kids if well socialized to them, but their massive size can be intimidating for small children.
More Breeds for Families
If you’re looking for a breed that could be a good fit for a family with children, check out these breeds known for being kid-friendly:
15 Best Dog Breeds for Kids and Families
10 Best Large Dog Breeds for Families
10 Best Small Dogs for Kids
