Learn More About the Types of Bulldogs
In 1886, the American Kennel Club registered the bulldog. The bulldog is a good-natured dog who loves everyone. He is a great family dog with a laid-back attitude.
The word “bulldog” may mean many different things to different people. That’s because there are many different types of bulldogs to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and appearance. In general, these dogs are medium sized, but a lot heavier than you might think.
Here are the different types of bulldogs.
- English bulldog
- French bulldog
- American bulldog
- Olde English bulldog
All bulldogs share a common background. Their ancestors were used for bull baiting. That’s when a bull is tethered while the bulldog grabs the bull by the nose and pins it to the ground. So it makes sense that these dogs had a determined nature. They also had stocky bodies, large heads and strong jaws.
While these different types of bulldogs share a common background, they have different histories, different appearances and different temperaments.
Types of English Bulldogs
People often wonder about the types of English bulldogs. In actuality, there are no different types of English bulldogs. While other types of bulldogs, like the American bulldog, have different types, there is only one type of English bulldog.
But when it comes to personality and temperament, there are many types of English bulldogs. Some types of English bulldogs are social and people oriented. Others are dependable and predictable. And some types of English bulldogs are more of a watchdog.
The English bulldog, also known as the British bulldog, originated in the British Isles. It descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff. It is a medium size dog with a compact body. Typically, an English bulldog will stand about 16 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 50 to 55 pounds.
This type of bulldog is brawny. This little powerhouse has a large head and body. The forehead of the English bulldog is full of wrinkles. (You should clean these wrinkles on a regular basis to avoid skin infections.) These dogs have a wide, short muzzle. The face of an English bulldog is very short with a flattened appearance. Another trademark characteristic of the English bulldog is that the lower jaw protrudes in front of the upper jaw, giving it an underbite and a comical grin.
English bulldogs have a winning personality. They love their people and they get along with children splendidly. They are very kind and devoted to their family members, but they may act aggressively towards strangers. English bulldogs are eager to please with a gentle, sweet nature, which makes it a wonderful family pet. They love being with their humans.
Originally bred for bull baiting, this breed is courageous with excellent guarding skills. They can be aggressive to unknown dogs.
To learn more, go to Types of English Bulldogs.
You can also read English Bulldogs – Choosing an English Bulldog.
Johnson American Bulldogs and Scott American Bulldogs: What’s the Difference?
While most people have heard of the English bulldog and the French bulldog, many may not know about the American bulldog. The American version of the bulldog has longer legs, and it is faster and agiler than the English bulldog. Muscular, sturdy and powerful, they were used as working dogs for many tasks including guarding and hunting.
The American bulldog is known for its loyalty and bravery. This breed loves children and has strong protective instincts. When they are raised with cats and other dogs they will generally get along well, but they can be aggressive toward unknown cats and dogs. The American bulldog has a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years.
Over time, the American bulldog came very close to extinction. But in the mid-20th century two men decided to restore the American bulldog – John D. Johnson with his stud dog “Dick the Bruiser” and Allen Scott with his stud dog “Mac the Masher”.
Johnson American bulldogs are also known as classic American bulldogs. This type of American bulldog is the larger of the two types. Typically the Johnson American bulldog will stand about 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 90 and 120 pounds.
The Johnson American bulldog has heavier bones, wider chests and boxier heads. It more closely resembles the English bulldog. It has an undershot bite.
The Scott American bulldog is often called the standard American bulldog. It stands about 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder. The Scott American bulldog looks like an oversized white pit bull. The Scott American bulldog has longer legs that are positioned under the body, not out to the side like the Johnson American bulldog. This dog has a longer muzzle. The bite is either level or a slight underbite.
To learn more, go to Johnson American Bulldogs and Scott American Bulldogs.
To learn more about the American Bulldog you can also read American Bulldog: Choosing an American Bulldog.
What Is the French Bulldog Temperament Like?
Here is everything you want to know about French bulldog temperament. The French bulldog will make you laugh. Unlike other types of bulldogs, the French bulldog has a comical personality that humans find very endearing. This pleasant, free-spirited dog is known for its stubbornness and its laid-back personality.
French bulldogs have a very sweet nature and are protective of their loved ones. Frenchies demand attention – they don’t want to be ignored. If a French bulldog is living with a family, he will compete with other family members for attention. They are very affectionate and loving dogs. They are also very sociable dogs, so they get along well with strangers and other pets.
French bulldogs are generally quiet – unlike many small dogs, they do not frequently bark. They can be very active and playful indoors but they do not need a yard to play in, making them the perfect pet for apartment or condo living. A daily walk is good exercise for a French bulldog.
The French bulldog is not a breed to be owned and ignored. This breed needs leadership. If a French bulldog senses that its owner is meek or passive toward it, it will become very stubborn and even snappish. Don’t wait – start training your French bulldog the day you bring him home. If you wait until he is six months old to train him you will find that you are dealing with a headstrong dog.
To learn more, go to What Is the French Bulldog Temperament Like?
You can also read Choosing a French Bulldog.
What Is the Bulldog Temperament Like?
The bulldog is a gentle family companion and a good-natured dog who loves everyone – even children and other family pets. However, the bulldog may behave aggressively toward unknown dogs.
This breed is very human-oriented. The bulldog will actively seek out human attention.
This dog is a snuggler. The bulldog loves spending time with its humans and will gladly take all of the affection he can get. He has a laid-back attitude and is a great fit for families or seniors who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
The bulldog is predictable and dependable. He is very sociable and has a sweet disposition. He loves to get attention. This clever and affectionate dog is also an endless source of entertainment. He is playful, lovable and loyal. Bulldogs are one of the most amiable dog breeds.
You don’t want to leave a bulldog alone for long periods of time as they will get bored or lonely, and that can lead to destructive behavior. So if you work a job with long hours, the bulldog may not be the right dog for you.
While the bulldog is very laid back, he can have a very headstrong nature. He may be a little stubborn and difficult to train. The bulldog can be a slow learner, but once he knows something he’s got it for good. The best way to train a bulldog is with food and positive reinforcement.
To learn more, go to What Is the Bulldog Temperament Like?
You can also read English Bulldogs – Choosing an English Bulldog.