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. It has wide, muscular shoulders and short, sturdy limbs with great muscle definition. The stubby tail can be either straight or screwed.

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.

The English bulldog has a smooth coat that sheds moderately and needs little care. The coat color of an English bulldog can vary in colors ranging from brindle, piebald, white, red, fawn or fallow.

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.

English bulldogs are energetic when they are young but they slow down as they get older. The physical traits that we so love in the English bulldog (overshot mouth, short nose and wrinkles) are the main reason this breed can have many health problems and a short lifespan of about eight to ten years. The English bulldog is a loud breather prone to breathing problems. He will snore loudly and he will probably have drooling tendencies.

The English bulldog is a good dog for apartment living since it is not a barker and he is not an active outdoor dog. Still, the English bulldog needs to be taken on a daily walk.

English bulldogs are best suited to temperate climates. They can easily catch a chill in cold weather, and they may have trouble cooling off or they may have breathing problems in very hot weather.

The AKC recognizes the English bulldog simply as the “bulldog”.

To learn more about the English bulldog, go to English Bulldogs – Choosing an English Bulldog.

To learn more about Bulldogs, go to Types of Bulldogs.