If you're looking for a dog similar to the lovable English Bulldog, you're in the right place. The Pug is a great alternative, weighing in at around 14-17 pounds and standing about 10-13 inches tall.
One of the Pug's most notable characteristics is its flat face, similar to the English Bulldog. This unique feature requires some special care to prevent breathing difficulties.
The Boston Terrier is another breed worth considering, with its short, easy-to-maintain coat and friendly demeanor. Weighing in at 10-25 pounds, this small dog is perfect for city living.
The Boston Terrier's gentle nature makes it a great choice for families with children.
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Dogs Similar to English Bulldog
If you're looking for dogs similar to the English Bulldog, you might want to consider the Olde English Bulldogge, which is a relatively new breed developed in America in the 1970s. It's intermediate in structure and size between the true bulldog and the American bulldog.
The Olde English Bulldogge is a big dog, weighing between 60 to 80 pounds, and it has a lifespan of 9 to 14 years. They're also known to be sweet and gentle, making them a great companion for families.
Here are some other breeds you might want to consider:
These breeds all share some similarities with the English Bulldog, such as their brachycephalic (flat-faced) features and muscular build. However, each breed has its own unique characteristics and needs, so be sure to do your research and find the right fit for you and your family.
Alapaha Blue-Blood
The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog is a unique breed that's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a dog similar to the English Bulldog.
They were originally bred in the southern United States to be "catch dogs", which means they're naturally skilled at chasing and catching animals.
These dogs are protective and possessive, but also playful and devoted to their owners.
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With proper training and socialization, they can enjoy playing with children and loving attention from their family.
However, they can be a bit indifferent towards strangers and may not get along great with other dogs, so they're best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary care and training.
Here are some key stats about the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog:
They can live up to 12-13 years with proper care, but their larger size makes them more susceptible to bloat, which requires emergency surgery.
Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is a great breed to consider if you're looking for a dog similar to the English bulldog. Originating in Massachusetts in the 1860s, this breed was created by crossing an English bulldog with the now-extinct white English terrier.
One of the distinctive features of the Boston terrier is its compact size, typically weighing between 12 and 25 pounds.
The Boston terrier's height ranges from 10 to 12 inches, making it a relatively small dog.
Here are some key statistics about the Boston terrier:
American
The American Bulldog is a quintessential all-American dog, larger in size and stronger than its English counterpart. They were essential on farms and ranches in 19th century America, guarding livestock and catching feral pigs with ease.
Their gentle temperaments and loyal natures made them perfect companions, a role they transitioned to as farm work requirements decreased. They're known to be stubborn and dominant, making them less suited for new owners.
Again, their history as working dogs has led to varying degrees of brachycephalic syndrome in this breed.
13 Dog Breeds
If you're looking for dogs similar to the lovable English Bulldog, here are 13 breeds you might consider.
The French Bulldog is one of the closest matches, with its flat face and sturdy build. They weigh between 16 and 28 pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches tall.
The Pug is another breed that shares the English Bulldog's playful and affectionate nature. They're relatively small, weighing between 14 and 17 pounds and standing 10 to 13 inches tall.
The Boston Terrier is known for its gentle and even-tempered nature, making it a great match for families. They typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall.
The American Bulldog is a strong and confident breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in build and temperament. They weigh between 70 and 120 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall.
The Bull Terrier is a lively and energetic breed that's perfect for active families. They weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and stand 21 to 22 inches tall.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a friendly and outgoing breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in many ways. They weigh between 40 and 70 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall.
The Boxer is a playful and adventurous breed that's great for families with kids. They weigh between 25 and 70 pounds and stand 20 to 25 inches tall.
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in build. They weigh between 110 and 130 pounds and stand 24 to 27 inches tall.
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The Cane Corso is an Italian breed that's known for its intelligence and athleticism. They weigh between 90 and 120 pounds and stand 23 to 27 inches tall.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a French breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in build and temperament. They weigh between 99 and 110 pounds and stand 23 to 27 inches tall.
The Kuvasz is a Hungarian breed that's known for its loyalty and protective nature. They weigh between 70 and 115 pounds and stand 26 to 30 inches tall.
The Perro de Presa Canario is a large and powerful breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in many ways. They weigh between 80 and 120 pounds and stand 22 to 24 inches tall.
The Shar-Pei is a Chinese breed that's known for its distinctive wrinkled skin and loyal nature. They weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and stand 18 to 22 inches tall.
Other Breeds
The English Bulldog has some amazing friends in the dog world, and I'm excited to share some of them with you. One of the breeds that comes to mind is the Pug, which shares a similar flat face and short snout with the English Bulldog.
The Pug is a relatively small breed, weighing between 10-17 pounds, and can live up to 14 years with proper care.
The Boston Terrier is another breed that's often compared to the English Bulldog due to its short, easy-to-maintain coat and friendly, outgoing personality.
Boston Terriers typically weigh between 10-25 pounds and are known for being relatively low-maintenance pets.
The French Bulldog, with its distinctive "bat ears" and affectionate nature, is another breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in many ways.
French Bulldogs are generally small in size, weighing between 16-28 pounds, and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
The Bull Terrier, with its muscular build and friendly demeanor, is a breed that's often overlooked but definitely worth considering if you're looking for a dog similar to the English Bulldog.
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Bull Terriers typically weigh between 50-80 pounds and require regular exercise to stay in shape.
The American Bulldog, with its sturdy build and confident personality, is another breed that's similar to the English Bulldog in many ways.
American Bulldogs typically weigh between 70-120 pounds and require regular exercise and training to stay happy and healthy.
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Popular Pet Breeds
English bulldogs have long been an American favorite, serving as the mascot for the United States Marine Corps since 1922.
The classic breed has been a popular choice for many, but it's not the only bulldog breed that's gaining popularity. The French bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, has become a favorite among Americans, even surpassing the Labrador retriever as the most registered dog of 2022.
Bulldogs are known for their adorable flat faces and sweet, devoted nature. They're easygoing and want to please their owner, making them a great companion.
Even though bulldogs have a reputation as couch potatoes, well-bred bulldogs can be active and athletic. In fact, one bulldog named Mindy was a finalist in the 2023 AKC Trick Dog National Competition, performing numerous advanced tricks, including walking on a tightrope.
Health and Maintenance
Health concerns with bulldog breeds are a major issue due to their flat faces and snub noses, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other problems.
Proper breeding can help avoid these issues, and conscientious breeders can have their dogs evaluated for health risks like BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome).
Dogs with BOAS spend their lives chronically deprived of oxygen, leading to a shorter lifespan, with bulldogs being considered old at 8 years.
To keep your bulldog healthy, it's essential to keep them at a healthy weight, as obesity is the number one preventable health issue in American dogs today.
Working with a well-respected breeder and choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle can help ensure you get a good match for your family.
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Health Concerns by Breed
Bulldogs are prone to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can cause difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal issues, and other problems.
The flat faces of bulldogs can make it hard for them to breathe, especially in warm weather. They can easily become overheated and need to be kept cool.
Dogs with BOAS spend their lives chronically deprived of oxygen, leading to a shorter lifespan. A bulldog is considered old at 8 years of age.
Bulldogs often have droopy jowls and underbites, which can lead to excessive drooling.
Proper breeding and health testing can help reduce the prevalence of BOAS in bulldogs. The AKC's Bulldog Club of America recommends asking breeders about their health testing.
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Maintaining Health
A reputable breeder will ask you more questions than you'll ask them, so be prepared to share about your living situation, yard, and time availability.
To keep your bulldog healthy, consider whether you're ready to offer quality time, positive training, and exercise.
Obesity is the number one preventable health issue in American dogs today, so it's essential to keep your bulldog at a healthy weight.
Working with a well-respected breeder and choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle can make all the difference in your bulldog's health and happiness.
Some novelty traits, like hairless or long-haired bulldogs, can lead to health issues, such as tooth or nail problems, or skin issues like crusty bumps and ingrown hairs.
A good match between you and your bulldog is crucial, and getting one will bring joy and companionship to your life.
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Breed Characteristics and Types
Bulldog-type breeds vary in size, from the smallest (the French bulldog) to the largest (the Dogue de Bordeaux) with several bulldog breeds falling somewhere in between.
Most bulldog breeds tend to be a little bullheaded, meaning they can be stubborn and difficult to train.
Some bulldog breeds are moderately energetic, while others are couch potatoes, making them suitable for different lifestyles.
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Breed Characteristics and Types
Bulldog-type breeds vary in size, from the smallest (the French bulldog) to the largest (the Dogue de Bordeaux) with several bulldog breeds falling somewhere in between.
Some bulldog breeds are moderately energetic, while others are couch potatoes. The English bulldog, for example, has a reputation as a couch potato, but well-bred bulldogs can be active and athletic.
The Olde English Bulldogge is a cross between the Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and the American Bulldog. They have a similar build to other bulldogs but are athletic and have a bit more stamina.
Most bulldog breeds tend to be a little bullheaded, meaning they can be stubborn and difficult to train. However, with patience and consistency, they can make great pets for families.
Here are some key characteristics of different bulldog breeds:
The Continental bulldog was created by crossing the English bulldog with the Olde English Bulldogge to create a healthier breed.
Mammut
The Mammut Bulldog is a unique breed that stands out from other bulldogs due to its longer snout, which makes breathing easier. They are also leaner and more agile than some bull breeds.
These dogs are medium-sized, weighing up to 60 pounds as adults, and are known for their kind and loving nature towards their family members. They can be reserved, shy, or even aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
One of the key characteristics of the Mammut Bulldog is their athleticism, which makes them suitable for various activities in different temperatures. However, they can be stubborn and hard to handle if not raised with discipline.
The lifespan of the Mammut Bulldog is relatively short, ranging from 9 to 11 years. They can struggle with breathing and skin issues, but overall, they are not notably unhealthy.
Here are some key facts about the Mammut Bulldog:
Official and Unofficial Types
The world of bulldogs can be a bit confusing, with so many different types to consider. The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes only two official breeds: bulldogs and French bulldogs.
The AKC may soon recognize a third breed, the American bulldog, after it was accepted into the Foundation Stock Service in 2019.
There are also other bulldog offshoots and hybrids, often referred to as bully breeds, that you might consider welcoming into your home.
These bully breeds are not officially recognized by the AKC, but they can still make wonderful pets with the right care and attention.
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Shelter
If you're looking for a bulldog-type dog, consider adopting from a shelter. There are over a million extra animals in shelters across America, according to Stephanie Filer, executive director of Shelter Animals Count.
Adopting a shelter bulldog can be a great alternative to buying from a backyard breeder or pet store. Non-live outcomes for shelter dogs rose 24% from 2022, with 360,000 dogs euthanized in 2023.
You can find a shelter bulldog that fits your lifestyle with the help of websites like AdoptAPet.com, which allows you to search for available breeds in your local area and set up breed alerts.
Sources
- https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/g30111879/types-of-bulldogs/
- https://www.rd.com/list/bulldog-breeds/
- https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/dog-types/breed-guides/bulldog-breeds
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/different-types-of-bulldogs-4694506
- https://www.hepper.com/types-of-bulldog-breeds/
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