Key Takeaways
- Bulldogs are loyal and affectionate, and they often make great family pets, especially for families with kids.
- A lot of bulldogs have those flat faces, which can make it tough for them to stay cool when it’s hot outside.
- Bulldogs come in different sizes and personalities, but most are a bit stubborn and usually have low to medium energy.
When most people think of bulldogs, they picture the English bulldog: short, sturdy, and flat-faced. But there are actually many types of bulldogs. The English bulldog is the best known, but the bulldog family has several different breeds.
There are over 50 kinds of bulldogs, each with its own traits and history. Bulldogs are known for being loyal, playful, and loving. They make great pets for families, including those with children.
Here are 13 popular bulldog breeds that are great for families.
1. American Bulldog
American BulldogIn the 1800s, British immigrants brought bulldogs to America. Back then, these dogs were larger and taller than the bulldogs we know now. Farmers and ranchers relied on them for a range of jobs, from guarding and herding to catching livestock and even hunting wild pigs.
Over time, the breed evolved. It was originally known as the White English Southern Bulldog before eventually becoming the American Bulldog. These dogs are known for being loyal and affectionate, and they tend to do well with children.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Guardian (UKC), Foundation Stock Service (AKC) |
| Height | 20 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 100 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Fearless, protective, gentle, loving |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Smooth, short; white with patches of brindle, red, black, brown, or gray |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years |
2. French Bulldog
French BulldogThe French bulldog traces its roots back to the English bulldog. In the mid-1800s, people in England started breeding smaller, toy-sized bulldogs, and some owners brought these dogs to France. Once there, breeders likely crossed them with other small breeds, such as pugs and terriers, gradually shaping the French bulldog we recognize today: a compact dog with big bat-like ears and a lively personality.
The Bouledogue Français became popular in Paris, and their appeal soon spread to other parts of Europe and the United States. Today, French bulldogs—often called Frenchies—are popular companion animals, particularly among families with children. They are recognized for being adaptable, playful, and steady, which contributes to their reputation as friendly pets.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Non-Sporting (AKC) |
| Height | 11-13 inches |
| Weight | Under 28 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Adaptable, affectionate, alert, playful |
| Energy Level | Low |
| Coat and Color | Short, smooth; white, cream, or fawn, with or without brindle, piebald, black masks, black shadings and white markings |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
3. Bulldog (English Bulldog)
English BulldogThe bulldog, also called the English bulldog, is known for its sturdy build and large head. In England, bulldogs were once used for bullbaiting, a sport that was banned in the early 1800s. Those dogs were larger and more aggressive than the calm bulldogs we see today.
Breeders developed the bulldog into a gentle family pet. Today, bulldogs are calm and make good companions. They are often chosen as school mascots and are popular with families because they usually get along well with children.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Non-Sporting (AKC) |
| Height | 14 to 15 inches |
| Weight | 40 to 50 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Kind, courageous, peaceful, dignified |
| Energy Level | Low |
| Coat and Color | Short, fine-textured, smooth, glossy; red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown) with or without patterns and markings, such as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tipping |
| Life Span | 8 to 10 years |
4. Olde English Bulldogge
Olde English BulldoggeThe olde English bulldogge was bred to bring back the athletic English bulldog from the days of bull baiting, before the breed became smaller and stockier. This dog is meant to look like the bull baiting bulldogs from the early 1800s.
This breed has the drive, temperament, and agility for sports or work. They are confident, friendly, and alert, but never aggressive. Olde English bulldogges make great companions for adults and kids alike.
Breed Overview
| Group | Guardian (UKC), not recognized by the AKC |
| Height | 16 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 80 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Confident, friendly, alert |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short, close, shiny; brindle pattern or solid white, fawn, red or black with or without white markings |
| Life Span | 9 to 14 years |
5. Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de BordeauxThe Dogue de Bordeaux is an old French breed, once known as the Bordeaux mastiff or Bordeaux bulldog. It was first used for fighting and as a war dog, then became a guard dog for large estates in France. After the French Revolution, it was also used to drive livestock.
Today, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a loyal and protective companion. It can be reserved with strangers but is affectionate with its family. The breed is good with children, but because of its size and strength, children should not walk the dog by themselves.
Breed Overview
| Group | Working (AKC) |
| Height | 23 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 99 pounds and up (females); 110 pounds and up (males) |
| Personality/Temperament | Calm, balanced, self-assured, affectionate |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Fine, short, soft; all shades of fawn, from a dark red fawn to a light fawn |
| Life Span | 5 to 8 years |
6. Australian Bulldog
Australian BulldogThe Australian bulldog, or Aussie bulldog, is not officially recognized by the big kennel clubs. These dogs started out as English bulldogs, but breeders in Australia wanted a version that could handle the local climate and lifestyle, so they developed their own. The Aussie Bulldog Club of Australia (ABCA) keeps track of breeders and dogs, and they are working with other groups to help the breed gain recognition in the future.
Australian bulldogs are friendly and love being with people. They get along with just about everyone, including other dogs and pets. Even though they are outgoing, they are also calm and easy to have around. This makes them great companions for many different households.
Breed Overview
| Group | Not recognized |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 78 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, friendly, calm |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short; black, brown, white |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
7. Victorian Bulldog
Victorian BulldogThe Victorian bulldog, sometimes called the olde Victorian bulldog, was created in the 1980s by English breeder Kenn Mollet. He crossed English bulldogs with bullmastiffs, Staffordshire bull terriers, and bull terriers to bring back the look of bulldogs from the 1800s. Victorian bulldogs are bigger, more muscular, and more athletic than today’s English bulldogs.
Victorian bulldogs are active and fit in well with all kinds of families. They love joining in on different activities and are always up for some fun, but they are just as happy to relax and snuggle at home. They need plenty of attention and are friendly with everyone, including children.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Group 4 Bull Breeds – Continental Kennel Club (CKC) |
| Height | 16 to 19 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Playful, affectionate, loyal |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short, smooth, fine; fawn, red, white, brindle, pied |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years |
8. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
Alapaha Blue Blood BulldogThe Alapaha blue blood bulldog, sometimes called the Otto bulldog, is a rare American breed. “Papa” Buck Lane began the breed with his dog Otto and local bulldogs. These dogs worked on farms, guarding property, hunting, and moving cattle.
These dogs are loyal and eager to please, making them strong working partners. They are smart, affectionate, and protective, so they are good watchdogs. Their size means they are best for experienced owners and families with older children.
Breed Overview
| Group | Group 3 Molossoids and Mastiffs Breeds – CKC |
| Height | 20 to 25 inches |
| Weight | 65 to 110 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, intelligent, eager to please |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short; white with patches of brown, blue, black, or buff |
| Life Span | 11 to 13 years |
9. Serrano
SerranoThe Serrano bulldog is a Brazilian breed developed from European bulldogs. It is also known as the Brazilian mountain bulldog or mountaineer bulldog. This breed is strong and muscular but leaner than most bulldogs.
These dogs are gentle with family and make good watchdogs because they are alert and brave.
Breed Overview
| Group | Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia (CBKC) |
| Height | 19 to 22 inches |
| Weight | 55 to 88 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Intelligent, alert, sweet |
| Energy Level | High |
| Coat and Color | Short; all colors |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
10. Catahoula Bulldog
Catahoula BulldogThe Catahoula bulldog is a cross between the American bulldog and the Catahoula leopard dog. This hybrid has existed for over 100 years. These dogs are large, strong, and athletic. They need plenty of exercise and are best for active families.
These dogs are loyal and relaxed, and they get along well with children. They are smart, eager to please, and easy to train. Their protective nature also makes them good guard dogs.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Not recognized |
| Height | 18 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 100 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Intelligent, playful, protective |
| Energy Level | High |
| Coat and Color | Short, dense; solid or mix of colors including white, brown, gray; merle pattern |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years |
11. Boston Terrier
Boston TerrierThe Boston terrier descends from dogs once used for pit fighting in 19th-century England. It is called the “American gentleman” because it was bred as a companion, not a fighter. Boston terriers are affectionate, well-mannered, and enjoy being with their families. They are smaller than their ancestors and do well in apartments.
Boston terriers are good family dogs. They get along with children, other dogs, cats, and other pets. With proper training and socialization, they are friendly and playful.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Non-Sporting (AKC) |
| Height | 15 to 17 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 25 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Friendly, affectionate, playful |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short, smooth; black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white |
| Life Span | 11 to 13 years |
12. Ca de Bou
Ca de BouThe Ca de Bou, also known as the Majorca mastiff or Majorcan bulldog, comes from the island of Majorca and has a history going back hundreds of years. It was once used in dog fights and bull baiting. After those sports were banned in the 20th century, the breed nearly disappeared, but Spanish breeders preserved it.
Today, these dogs are affectionate and loyal pets who can get along with children. They may be wary of strangers. They do best with active families and are good watchdogs because they are alert and territorial.
Breed Overview:
| Group | Guardian (UKC) |
| Height | 20 to 23 inches |
| Weight | 66 to 84 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, playful, protective |
| Energy Level | High |
| Coat and Color | Short, rough; black, fawn, brindle |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
13. Red-Tiger Bulldog
Red-Tiger BulldogThe red-tiger bulldog, also called the red-nosed bulldog or red brindle bulldog, was developed in the United States in 1991 by Rev. Scott L. Amos, Sr. and Scott Amos II. They used American bulldogs with red noses, which is unusual since most bulldogs have darker noses.
These dogs are confident, bold, and loyal. They are protective and make good watchdogs. Red-tiger bulldogs usually get along with other dogs, pets, and children, so they fit into many families. They are eager to please, smart, gentle, and outgoing.
Breed Overview
| Group | Not recognized |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 110 pounds |
| Personality/Temperament | Loyal, intelligent, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Coat and Color | Short; red, reddish brown, brindle |
| Life Span | 12 to 16 years |
Breed Characteristics
Bulldog breeds range in size from the small French bulldog to the large Dogue de Bordeaux. Their personalities vary, but most bulldogs are somewhat stubborn and can be hard to train. Some have moderate energy, while others are more laid-back.
Common Health Issues
Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces and short muzzles. They can overheat easily, especially in warm weather, so it is important to keep them cool and avoid exercise when it is hot.
Many bulldog breeds have droopy jowls and underbites, so they often drool.
Breeds to Avoid
Families with children should choose breeds that are good with kids. Most bulldog breeds do well with children if they are well-bred, socialized, and trained early.
Some large, assertive breeds that look like bulldogs, such as the cane Corso and dogo Argentino, are not good choices for families with children.
The bullmastiff was created by crossing mastiffs with bulldogs. They can be good with kids if well socialized, but their large size may be intimidating for small children.
English (US) · 