Bulldogs sure are a really distinctive breed of mutt with their wrinkled and flat face, soulful eyes and a bulky, stout body. Extremely comical while also being mature and calm creatures, it’s no surprise that they hardly show aggression. Once socialized, you will see them get along well with both children and strangers. Bulldogs are also kind and affectionate, which is an added bonus when you need extra cuddles. However, they are not athletic and can become couch potatoes if you don’t take them out for short walks often.
There are numerous types of bulldogs, each with its own set of characteristics. Here is a list of the types for you to read.
1. American Bulldog
Unlike their English counterparts, American bulldogs are known for their strong and agile bodies. They are larger in size with an average height of 61 to 71 cm. Females weigh a maximum of 41 kilograms, whereas males reach a maximum weight of 58 kilograms. They sure are low maintenance and fortunately for you, they do not require frequent grooming.
American Bulldogs are athletic in nature and have high exercise requirements that have to be fulfilled to prevent destructive behaviors. What’s admirable about American Bulldogs is how they’re not only fearless but also protective of their owners in times of perceived threat. Being watchful and exhibiting a powerful, confident and dominant temperament comes naturally to them. All while also being sweet and affectionate. Then again, training them can be a tad bit difficult because of their dominant and stubborn personality. You would need to be persistent, firm and patient. American bulldogs get along with children and strangers if socialized in the early years.
2. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are small, docile and friendly. They are short, standing at a height of 40 to 44 cm. They are stout and weigh around 21 to 25 kilograms. They are available in four standard coat colors, namely brindle, fawn or white, red and piebald. They have heavy wrinkles on their face and have a short and smooth coat which requires moderately frequent grooming. However, their faces have to be cleaned from time to time to avoid infections.
English Bulldogs show a gentle and outgoing disposition. They are dependable and affectionate but can be aggressive towards other dogs. They are low-endurance dogs that do not require large amounts of physical activity. This makes them great apartment dogs. However, English Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems on hot and humid days because they easily overheat. They also have a reputation for breathing loudly or snoring which you might want to keep in mind.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, also known as “frenchies” are the most popular of all other bulldog breeds. It is said that Frenchies are essentially Bulldogs in a miniature body. They are known for their large batlike ears and small frame. Standing at an average of 28 to 33 cm, they usually weigh under 13 kilograms. Just like English Bulldogs, their facial wrinkles have to be cleaned regularly.
Frenchies are extremely adaptable in terms of living spaces, and can live anywhere from small apartments to houses with large backyards. They are also satisfied with short walks daily and low-endurance canine sports. Frenchies are people pleasers which makes training them easy and quite exciting at times. However, they are also stubborn and have dominant personalities. Fortunately, that can be mellowed down with early socialization.
4. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Contrary to what the name might suggest, Alapahas do not have blue blood, but are called so because of their supposed noble ancestry. They have powerful and muscular bodies with their heights falling in the range of 48 to 66 cm. On an average, they weigh around 25 to 40 kilograms with female Alapahas on the lower end of the weight scale. Brindle, grey, white, fawn, black and red are the variety of colours in which you can find this breed of canine.
Alapahas are known for their protective and fiercely possessive nature. This makes them highly suspicious of strangers and unfamiliar dogs. Not only are they highly intelligent, but they are also known to be hardworking, responsible and attentive. These qualities make them great watchdogs. Because of their possessive nature, they are devoted and loyal to their owners. If socialized and trained well, they grow to love and play with children, no matter the age.
5. Catahoula Bulldog
Catahoulas are crossbreeds between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog. They are highly agile and athletic bulldogs that require daily exercise. At an approximate height between 61 to 66 cm, adult Catahoulas weigh anywhere between 34 to 45 kilograms. They are low maintenance with a short coat that hardly sheds. However, stress can lead to excessive shedding, so you would need to brush regularly at such times.
Catahoulas are affectionate and loyal, and like other bulldogs, they may display over possessiveness towards their owners. At such times, strangers and other unfamiliar pets must be brought around carefully. However, they are tolerant of children and make great watch dogs as well. Due to their energetic nature, Catahoulas need to be taken for regular exercising so that they do not engage in destructive behaviors.
6. Ca de Bou
Ca de Bous are powerful and strongly built dogs that have a lean, elongated and muscular body. Females weigh around 30 to 35 kilograms, whereas males weigh around 35 to 38 kilograms. The heights of both sexes fall in the range of 52 to 58 cm. However, females usually have a smaller head with regards to circumference as compared to the males. They have thick and short fur that you would need to brush once a week. They come in three standard colors, namely brindle, fawn and black, and a variety of shades.
Ca de Bous are suspicious of strangers and act with caution around them. They are fearless, alert and highly intelligent which makes them great guard dogs. These exhibit a strong and dominant personality, which means that early socialization and obedience training is mandatory. At the same time, you have to be firm and consistent to be able to take care of them, the lack of which can lead to destructive behavior. Once trained, these dogs are surprisingly calm, quiet and relaxed.
See also: Different Types of Terriers
Also Check: Dog Breed Selector
