6 Common Types of Bulldog Breeds

When people hear “bulldog breeds,” many immediately picture that wrinkled face and the endearingly clumsy way they walk with heavy breathing. But “Bulldog” is actually just a broad category, with so many sub-breeds it can make your head spin. Each bulldog breed differs vastly in temperament, physical structure, and health issues.

Bulldog Breeds 1. English Bulldog

This is the classic English Bulldog we commonly refer to.
Physical traits: Shoulder height 38-43cm, weight males 23-25kg, females 18-23kg. Features an exaggeratedly large head, wrinkled face like a washcloth, protruding lower jaw, rose ears, and either a rope tail or screw tail. Coat colors include fawn and white, brindle, pure white, and reindeer fawn.
Personality: Gentle, stubborn, and intensely affectionate. Bold yet rarely barks, exceptionally patient with children—the quintessential “good-natured soul.”
Health Hazards: Narrow airways, skin fold infections, hip/elbow dysplasia, allergies, hemivertebrae, elongated soft palate… essentially a “walking hospital VIP.”
Lifespan: 6-8 years; 10-12 years for high-quality bloodlines is considered long-lived.
Adorably cute, owning one means signing a long-term medical contract.

Bulldog Breeds 2. French Bulldog

Despite sharing the “Bulldog” name, it’s distantly related to English Bulldogs, being primarily a cross between Boston Terriers and local rat-catching dogs.
Physical traits: Shoulder height 28-33cm, weight 8-14kg. Signature bat ears, flatter face than English Bulldogs, fewer wrinkles, naturally short tail. Most common coat colors: cream, brindle, black and white.
Personality: Lively, clingy, affectionate, and can “smile.” Highly intelligent, expressive, and exceptionally perceptive.
Health Concerns: Prone to respiratory issues, spinal problems, allergies, and cherry eye.
Lifespan: 10-14 years
The perfect companion for urban apartments—small stature, big energy, and stunning looks.

Bulldog Breeds 3. American Bulldog Breeds

Developed by Americans who found English Bulldogs too delicate, these working-type Bulldogs were “re-bred” to retain the athletic capabilities of early 19th-century Bulldogs.
Physical traits: Shoulder height 51-71cm (20-28 inches), weight males 36-68kg (82-150 lbs), females 32-55kg (70-121 lbs). Divided into two types:
Johnson type: Large head, short muzzle, more robust build, resembling an enlarged English Bulldog.
Scott Lineage (Standard Type): Long muzzle, long legs, high athleticism, resembling a white Boxer.
Temperament: Loyal, protective of home, high energy, strong territorial instincts. Requires a firm owner; otherwise prone to dominance.
Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, neurological disorders, allergies. Respiratory problems are far less common than in English Bulldogs.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Truly “tough and stylish,” but definitely not for beginners.

Bulldog Breeds 4. Olde English Bulldogge

Revived by American David Leavitt in the 1970s with the goal of “returning to the healthy, athletic bulldogs of the 19th century,” this breed incorporates bloodlines from English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, American Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers.
Physical traits: Shoulder height 43-51cm (17-20in), weight 27-36kg (60-82lbs). Less exaggerated head than English Bulldogs, less pronounced muzzle, nose allows normal breathing, long legs and tail, capable of running and jumping.
Personality: Enthusiastic, brave, confident, athletic. Friendly toward people but possesses protective instincts.
Health issues: Significantly improved respiratory and skeletal problems, considered the “health champion” among Bulldog breeds.
Lifespan: 11-14 years
It has the face of an English Bulldog but can run 10 kilometers with you without panting.

Bulldog Breeds 5. Victorian Bulldog

The British felt Americans had taken the breed’s revival too far, so they decided to create their own version, closer to the appearance of mid-19th century Bulldogs.
Physical Traits: Standing 48-56cm tall (taller than English Bulldogs), with longer legs and a longer nose enabling normal breathing, while retaining the classic wrinkled face and prominent jaw.
Temperament: More lively than English Bulldogs yet gentler than American Bulldogs, essentially the “most temperamentally balanced medium-sized bulldog.”
Health & Lifespan: Significantly reduced respiratory issues, lifespan 10-14 years.
One-line summary: Britain’s “English Bulldog 2.0” solution, combining aesthetics and health.

Bulldog Breeds 6. Aussie Bulldog Breeds

Australians crossbred English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and English Staffordshire Terriers to create a bulldog suited for Australia’s climate.
Physical Traits: Longer legs, longer muzzle, shorter coat, superior heat tolerance.
Temperament: Exceptionally good-natured, extremely friendly toward children and other dogs.
Current Status: Still developing, with unstable bloodlines.

7. Other Niche Bulldog Breeds

Continental Bulldog: Created in Switzerland by blending Olde English Bulldogge breeds, resulting in longer legs and improved health.
Catahoula Bulldog: Crossbred from American Pig Hounds and American Bulldogs, exhibiting strong hunting traits.
Campeiro Bulldog: Preserves the appearance of early immigrant bulldogs, extremely rare.
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog: An old Southern farm dog from the U.S., known as the “Plantation Dog,” with a high probability of blue eyes.