9 Types of Bulldogs [All You Need to Know]

Bulldogs, whatever the kind, are dogs that’ll make you fall in love with them. With their grumpy faces, you can never mistake these for the other breed. Setting that aside, they still manage to make all of us love them and take them home.

Back then, these dogs were working dogs, driving cattle to the market, and compete in bullbaiting, which is a bloody sport.

However, when you look at them now, they are the playmates of kids. Moreover, they are the loyal friends and protectors of many families.

Anyone can tell what a bulldog is like when it comes to appearance. In fact, you may have an idea what a bulldog is without even knowing many things about dogs. 

Still, you may find it surprising to know that bulldogs come in many kinds.

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Types and varieties of Bulldogs

Bulldogs come in many kinds, and knowing each is essential, especially if you plan on getting one.

Of course, each kind has its pros and cons. Thus, telling the difference will help you decide which one is best for you.

Read also about types of other breeds:

• Types of Mastiffs
• Types of Shih Tzu

Below is a rundown of nine different kinds of bulldogs. Let’s take a look at each one and see what you prefer most.

American Bulldog

American bulldogs have big bodies and a sturdy build. Despite their size, they think they’re one of those lapdogs, and they are quite loyal family pets.

The American bulldog came from the English bulldog. Many believe that these dogs were in America in the early 17th century.

These dogs have initially been working dogs. In the past, many small farmers and ranchers used this all-around. Thus, many do farming duties such as guardians, stock dogs, and even catch dogs.

What we currently call the American Bulldog once had many names. Many areas in the south call these dogs the White English Southern Bulldog. 

They didn’t gain their name due to looks. Instead, they earned it because they did some bulldog work.

In general, what makes the American Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Large bodies and compact build
• Friendly and lapdog personality
• Very alert, making good watchdogs

French Bulldog

Unlike the American, the french bulldog is on the small side. As many people say, they have the attitude of a bulldog in a little body. 

French bulldogs are famous for their bat ears and their warm and entertaining personalities.

This dog’s head is large and square, accompanied by plump wrinkles above the extremely short nose.

It’s all compact and muscular underneath the smooth and brilliant coat when it comes to the body.

French bulldogs aren’t barker dogs. However, they are quite alert, making them ideal watchdogs.

These dogs also do well with families of all kinds. Moreover, they don’t require a lot of outdoor exercise than the rest.

In general, what makes the French Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Small bodies
• Bat ears
• Heavy wrinkles

English Bulldog

Many people know English Bulldogs for being entirely predictable and dependable. Despite that, what they do offer best is their love and loyalty to the family where they belong. 

English bulldogs are affectionate dogs who want to be around their human family. Moreover, they can play with kids all the time, and they won’t mind.

The only downside for this type of bulldog is their health complications. Due to how they’ve bred, they are prone to suffering from a variety of health issues.

For this reason, they may require more effort and diligence from their owners.

In general, what makes the English Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Predictable and dependable dogs
• Playful and loves kids
• Prone to Health Complications

Australian Bulldog

An Australian Bulldog has that happy and joyful attitude you would see in any of this breed. Thus, these dogs can be happy wherever you place them, be it in an apartment or even in a house with a yard.

They share some similarities with the English Bulldogs, being cousins to their breed. Although they resemble bulldogs, they show some apparent differences due to other species like Bullmastiff and the Boxer.

These dogs have a big build and strength designed for work. Breeders made these dogs for the function of working. Thus, they are more active than typical bulldogs. However, they aren’t that athletic.

In general, what makes the Australian Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Happy dogs
• Appearance varies on the parents.
• Can do many works

Olde English Bulldogge

The Olde English Bulldogge comes from a crossbreeding of these breeds:

• Bulldog
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Bullmastiff
• American Bulldog

Unlike the Australian, these dogs are more athletic. Thus, they would need more exercise since they are more active.

When it comes to their build, they share the same body with other bulldogs. However, they have more stamina, making them able to endure long hours of activities. 

This type of bulldog has many attributes. Unlike other bulldogs, they aren’t prone to health issues from the standard brachycephalic breeds. In simple terms, they aren’t having problems with having a shortened muzzle. 

Old English Bulldogges boast of their excellent temperament. They are trustworthy, protective, loving, and loyal.

Another thing to note is that they are hypoallergenic, which means you won’t have a problem if you have allergies.

In general, what makes the Olde English Bulldogge standout from the rest are the following:

• An athletic dog that needs more exercise than the rest
• Healthy and less prone to issues brought by short muzzles
• Have excellent temperament

Victorian Bulldog

Like the Olde English Bulldogge, this dog came from a crossbreeding of many kinds. Below are the original breeds of the Victorian Bulldog:

• English Bulldogs
• Bull Terriers
• Bull Mastiffs
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers

One thing that sets them apart from the others is their unsquashed face. Due to this trait, they rarely have problems when it comes to breathing.

When it comes to personalities, these dogs have a similar attitude to typical bulldogs. They are loyal and protective, as well. Still, they remain to be very gentle and affectionate.

For this reason, the Victorian Bulldog remains to be one of the unique pets you can consider an option.

In general, what makes the Victorian Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Has an unsquashed face
• Loyal and protective dogs
• Comes from four different breeds

Catahoula Bulldog

This bulldog comes from a Catahoula Leopard Dog matched with an American Bulldog from the name itself. Unlike some other bulldogs, they have quite an energy since they are athletic. 

For this reason, this type of dog needs more exercise than the rest. The energetic aspect of this dog comes from both parents. More than that, it also got the agility and loyalty from both.

If you’re seeking such breeds, you can usually find them in dog shelters and breed-specific rescues. It’ll be way better to adopt than to shop for this breed.

As owners of this dog, you should expect more playtime than usual. Thus, prepare yourself to be patient with this dog.

Aside from that, you’ll get a dog that is very alert, ready to protect you in case your place has some unfamiliar visits.

In general, what makes the Catalouha Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Athletic dog
• Usually found in dog shelters.
• Alert and very protective

Ca de Bou

The Ca de Bou first earned its appearance in the Balearic Islands off Spain’s coast in the 12th century. Before the 17th, the English then brought their mastiffs and bulldogs on the shores.

This dog type is a Spanish bulldog with a large head, a lean and compact, and muscular body wrapped ina short coat. 

Like all other bulldogs, Ca de Bous are playful, and they do well as family pets. Aside from the friendly personality, they can be quite alert as a watchdog either.

Since they are initially fighting dogs, they can be quite dominant if not trained early. Thus, if you own one, you need to teach the dog to socialize to avoid that fighter attitude bringing about all the time.

Back in time, these dogs used to be in fights and used as bullbaiting dogs. Now, they have the respect as a good guard dog and a loyal and friendly family pet.

In general, what makes the Ca de Bou stand from the rest are the following:

• Can be quite dominant
• Does well with family
• Needs long-term training starting at an early age

Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog

The Alapaha Bluee-blood Bulldog is a catch-dog by origin, and it started in the southern part of the United States. Thus, in its early times, its work is catching cattle, hogs, or other animals.

This dog is a protective and possessive one. Nevertheless, these bulldogs are also playful and devoted at the same time. While they are catch dogs back then, they are now a companion and protector for the family.

This bulldog has a large body, and it’s usually weighing between 60-95 pounds. It also has a big square head and a compact and muscular body.

The short coat around its body can come in many colors such as white, brindle, or trimmed with white.

As long as you give it proper training and socialization starting at an early age, you can have a great companion. Moreover, they are good with kids, and they’d love playing with them.

If you’re someone used to training dogs, this breed is ideal for you. It’s because these dogs need training starting at an early age. Moreover, it needs someone who can stand as its leader who can lead him with a firm and consistent attitude. 

In general, what makes the Alapaha Blue-blood Bulldog standout from the rest are the following:

• Protective and possessive
• Playful and devoted
• Needs someone who has experience training dogs

How do I identify my bulldog?

Identifying a bulldog is relatively easy, but only if you compare it with other breeds. Knowing which type of bulldog can be a bit challenging. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible, and it’s all through the details.

Each type of bulldog holds a unique appearance that sets it apart from the others. For instance, the french bulldog has a small size compared to the rest of the group.

Other types like the Victorian and Old English Bulldogge are crossbreeds. Thus, they share other traits from other breeds.

Identifying your bulldog is possible by taking in all the details you can get in its appearance. Through a thorough observation, you can locate which bulldog type your pet is. 

Is a bulldog a purebred?

The short answer is yes. Bulldogs are purebred dogs. Their breed receives recognition from the kennel clubs, and they still come as such until today.

Bulldogs are once famous for being diligent and working dogs. They are the ones helping farmers, and they even compete in bloody sports like bullbaiting. 

Today, we can see them as great and gentle companions to many families. They still have that working attitude in them. Moreover, they serve the families by protecting them as a watchdog with incomparable alertness.

Indeed, they are purebred dogs. However, you can still find them in shelters and even rescue groups. For this reason, it would be best to adopt one from shelters instead of buying.

What is the best color for bulldogs?

The best color for bulldogs lies in your personal preference. Bulldogs come in a variety of colors. Thus, choosing which is the best depends on which color you prefer the most.

To help you decide, we compiled a list of colors to help you choose. This way, you won’t have to research each color on your own.

Bulldogs come in both standard and non-standard colors. Moreover, they may have some markings that make them look even more attractive.

Standard Colors

• Fawn/Fallow
• Red
• White

Non-standard Colors

• Black
• Blue
• Lilac

Markings

• Black Mask
• Brindle
• Merle
• Piebald
• Ticked
• White Markings

What is the rarest color for bulldogs?

The rarest colors for bulldogs are black, blue, chocolate, and lilac. Thus, if you would get puppies with such colors, you should expect them to be a bit more pricey than the typical ones.

The standard colors for bulldogs are fawn, red, and white. Thus, such colors are what you’ll see from an average bulldog. Moreover, they would be less pricey than rare-colored ones.

Of course, the choice of color depends on your preference. If you’re willing to pay more for the rare ones, it’s your choice.

However, the typical colors don’t seem so bad as well. In fact, they usually are the ones people prefer.

What is the best type of bulldog?

The best type of bulldog lies in the owner that will take the pup home. For instance, some bulldogs need more care and attention, so it’s for those willing to give more care and attention. 

Other types are more on personal preference. All kinds of bulldog share the same attitude you’ll always love about them. They are friendly, loyal, playful, and protective. 

For this reason, you can never go wrong with bulldogs, whatever type you choose.

Bulldogs may vary when it comes to their health requirements. Thus, it would be best to check first and ask your breeder for recommendations.

All bulldogs are great companions, no matter what the type. For this reason, choosing any of these cute pups won’t be that much when it comes to personality.

In the end, it all depends on a matter of your taste. As you can see, all types of bulldogs overload with the cute and adorable appearance and personality that makes them excellent pets.

Summary

Bulldogs are famous everywhere. Thus, even beginners in the dog world know what that breed is. Still, many people don’t understand that this breed comes in many types.

Each of the nine types of bulldogs holds its unique trait or trademark that sets it apart from the rest. Still, they are all the same when it comes to attitude. 

We all know that bulldogs are famous for being joyful, protective, loyal, and friendly. Thus, choosing which type isn’t something so hard. It’s because whatever you choose, you’ll get a great companion you can take anywhere you want.