Flat-faced dog breeds come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Many dogs with flat faces (known as being “brachycephalic”) fall into the “bulldog” family. These are stocky dogs bred for bullbaiting, a now-outlawed spectacle where a dog would fight a bull. Today, however, these dogs aren’t fighters; they’re loving family companions!
In this helpful post, we meet some of these flat-faced canines, examining their traits, important health considerations, and the environments in which they thrive.
1. French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are loved around the world for their compact size, bat-like ears, and sweet attitude. Males usually weigh between 16 to 28 pounds and stand about 11 to 12 inches tall. Females, however, are slightly smaller.
Despite their size, Frenchies are very robust little dogs and quite muscular. Still, despite their tight muscles, these are not dog athletes. Actually, these dogs don’t need much exercise and in fact, thrive in low-activity households. That’s because their flat snouts make them especially vulnerable to heatstroke.
French Bulldogs can also experience respiratory issues because of their facial features. This includes snoring and breathing difficulty. If you plan on getting one of these popular dogs, regular vet visits are important! You may also purchase pet insurance to offset the cost of any surprise vet visits.
2. American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs are much larger and way more muscular than the little French Bulldogs. In fact, they weigh a massive 60 to 120 pounds and stand roughly 20 to 28 inches tall! Pretty huge, right?
These American dogs have a very powerful appearance with a square, broad head, and short muzzle. Owners must be prepared for how strong and athletic these high-energy dogs are. It is fair to say that they’re not the easiest, lowest-hassle dogs to keep. They require a fair amount of regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
American Bulldogs are generally pretty healthy canines but can be prone to hip dysplasia and a few other genetic health conditions. This is why it is very important to have your dog checked over often by a vet. These larger dogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them great companions and guard dogs. Still, socializing and training these dogs early is important to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as aggression or reactivity.
3. Australian Bulldogs
Australian Bulldogs, also known as Aussie Bulldogs, are a relatively new breed. They are known for their sweet and outgoing personalities. Usually, males weigh anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. However, females will be a little on the smaller side of these numbers.
These dogs have a very sturdy build, with wide, bright, and expressive faces, along with short, wrinkled muzzles. If you’re talking about the cuteness factor, it doesn’t get much cuter than these guys. Owners should note that these dogs have higher exercise needs than other bulldogs. Otherwise, these dogs can become obese.
They need a balanced diet and regular activity to keep them in good health. Australian Bulldogs can be prone to joint issues and allergies, so keeping up with regular vet appointments is super important. Other than that, they are known for being very sociable dogs and enjoy being in a family environment.
They are great dogs with children and other pets when socialized well from a young age. Training should be all about positive reinforcement to harness these dogs’ intelligence and biddability.
4. English Bulldogs
English Bulldogs are renowned for their distinctive wrinkled face, compact body, and very gentle nature. They usually weigh anywhere between 40 to 50 pounds and stand 14 to 15 inches tall. Owners should be aware that like most bulldogs, they can overheat because of their short muzzles, and they are very sensitive to hot weather.
They experience respiratory issues from time to time, as well as snoring, due to their brachycephalic features. It is important to keep up with regular cleaning of their facial dogs to prevent any infections. These dogs have very laid-back personalities and enjoy hanging out with their families. This is why they are great dogs for apartment living, despite being a little bigger than other bulldogs.
They require moderate exercise to keep their weight in check but are not overly active dogs. Proper diet and regular veterinary care are essential to keep them in good overall health. You will need to keep an eye on any joint issues or skin problems. These dogs tend to be stubborn, but they are affectionate and loyal to their loved ones.
5. Olde English Bulldogges
Olde English Bulldogges are very muscular and athletic compared to other dogs in this breed category. They greatly resemble the historical original bulldogs that we have come to know and love. Usually, males will weigh between 50 to 80 pounds and stand 16 to 20 inches tall, with the females being slightly smaller. They are a very strong type of dog with an energetic nature, so prospective owners must be prepared.
They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Most often, they are pretty healthy dogs, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other common health problems. Keeping in contact with your vet and scheduling regular appointments is recommended.
Old English Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them the perfect family pets. Just make sure you socialize them early on and provide them with plenty of positive reinforcement. This will help to channel their intelligence and strength in a positive way.
With their loving, affectionate, and playful temperament, they form very strong bonds with their families and like being included.
