Dogs are a diverse group, and currently, in the U.S. there are at least 200 officially registered breeds. These dogs come in different shapes and sizes, and all you have to do is choose the one that suits your style and needs.
If you’re like me then you have a strong preference when it comes to dog looks, a stocky and muscular build, lots of wrinkles, and a large grin on a broad and short muzzle. Basically, you love the look of the Bulldog!
Despite their ferocious looks, Bulldogs are sweet and gentle, but maybe they’re not exactly what you’re looking for. Perhaps you want a larger breed that resembles the mighty Bulldog but is more energetic, or a Bulldog lookalike dog that is more compact and easy to manage.
So, what are some dog breeds that look like Bulldogs?
Larger dog breeds like the Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, and Dogue De Bordeaux look a lot like Bulldogs. Medium-sized dogs like the Olde English Bulldogge, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, Boxer, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully are also similar to Bulldogs, as well as smaller dogs like the Frenchy, Boston Terrier, Pug, Brussels Griffon, and more!
If you’re looking for a canine friend and you want them to have a similar appearance and physical characteristics to a Bulldog or you love their personality then it’s time to explore each breed that resembles the Bulldog.
First, we will take a closer look at the Bulldog breed itself, then we will explore our list of 18 Bulldog lookalike breeds, their similarities and differences, and whether choosing a dog breed that looks like the Bulldog is a good idea!
What Are Bulldogs Like?
Before we look at each dog breed that’s similar to the adorable Bulldog, it’s important to become a bit more familiar with the breed itself.
So, what are Bulldogs like?
- Origin: British Isles
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 14 to 15 in (35.5 to 38 cm)
- Weight: 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 22.5 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Admittedly, Bulldogs are not a large breed, but one look at their muscular body, posture, and wrinkly face is enough to see that this is a mastiff-type dog.
This iconic breed was created in 13th-century England, for the “sport” of bullbaiting, followed by underground pit-dog fighting. Thankfully those sports were banned and the Bulldog breed began its transformation from a ferocious fighter into a sweet and mellow pet.
Nowadays their brutish looks do not represent the gentle disposition of these dogs. In fact, Bulldogs are considered excellent dogs for families with children, and for those who want a pet that loves to sleep and requires moderate exercise.
As you can see the Bulldog in this video, these dogs will spend most of their day snoring!
That being said the English Bulldog might not work for everyone, especially if you’ve never trained a dog before. While gentle and loyal, Bulldogs can showcase a stubborn attitude which can be challenging to novice owners.
Bulldogs are loved for their looks, but that has caused severe problems for the breed because of selective breeding which means that they’re prone to more health problems compared to most breeds and that’s because of their short muzzle and flattened facial structure.
Being a brachycephalic type breed means that you will have to be very responsible with regulating their temperatures during hot and humid weather and it’s advised that you seek out a responsible breeder when looking for a flat-faced puppy.
Types Of Bulldogs
You may have heard of a few Bulldog breeds that look a lot alike but are considered to be different, like the American Bulldog, the Victorian, and Australian Bulldog.
While our list covers the American Bulldog breed, which is recognized by the United Kennel Club, we also want to talk briefly about the Victorian and Australian Bulldogs.
Victorian Bulldog
As mentioned above, the traditional English Bulldogs are unfortunately one of the most unhealthy breeds, that’s why certain breeders decided to create the Victorian Bulldog.
They used English Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to create a healthier Bulldog.
The Victorian Bulldog has fewer wrinkles, it’s a somewhat taller dog and it’s not as wide and stocky, with longer legs as well.
Of course, you can expect the Victorian Bulldog to be just as affectionate and kid-friendly as well as a couch potato!
Australian Bulldog
The Australian Bulldog is the offspring of the English Bulldog and the Australian Shepherd, that’s why the Aussie Bulldog is somewhat healthier than the English Bulldog.
The Aussie Bulldog has a smaller head and longer nose, a smaller chest, and broader hips.
This Bulldog type wasn’t just bred to improve some of the health issues that the English Bulldogs display, but also to suit the Australian climate.
When it comes to their personalities they are just as friendly and loving, as well as somewhat lazy.
That being said, this breed is not as healthy as the Victorian Bulldog.
18 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bulldogs
We will first start with large-sized dog breeds that look like Bulldogs and we will slowly move to medium-sized breeds all the way down to the smallest type of dogs that are part of the toy group. Despite the difference in size, all these dog breeds have one thing in common, they look a lot like Bulldogs.
So, let’s get started!
1. Bullmastiff
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Large
- Height: 25 to 27 in (63.5 to 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds (45 to 59 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
If you love the way Bulldogs look but you want a larger version then the Bullmastiff is our top option.
This is also an English breed and a mastiff-type dog, but the Bullmastiff is much larger and more powerful compared to the English Bulldog.
These dogs are very protective and intelligent so they require an experienced dog owner that will be able to handle their strong will.
Of course, just like the English Bulldog, Bullmastiff dogs love expressing their love and enthusiasm.
Similarly, Bullmastiffs are not suitable for active families, instead, they are great walking partners.
While this breed is typically healthy you need to make sure you go to a reputable breeder to avoid certain conditions, but regardless, Bullmastiffs can still be prone to certain conditions like bloat.
2. Cane Corso
- Origin: Italy
- Type: Large
- Height: 23.5 to 27.5 in (60 to 70 cm)
- Weight: 88 to 110 pounds (40 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years
Similarly to the Bullmastiff, the Cane Corso is a powerful dog that has become quite popular in the last few years. This impressive dog looks very similar to the Bulldog and while they’re not as laid back Cane Corsos are family dogs, perhaps even more loyal and protective.
When it comes to the Cane Corso, training is crucial and these dogs require someone who is really experienced and know how to handle a dog of such size.
The main difference between the Bulldog and the Cane Corso in this regard is that the Bulldog is a smaller breed that is easier to deal with, but they can still be quite stubborn.
Size will also play a major role when it comes to your living situation, while English Bulldogs are lazy and can live happily in an apartment, the Cane Corso would be happier living in a house, preferably with a large fenced yard.
Unlike the Bulldog, the Cane Corso is more suitable for active owners and families that can dedicate at least two hours a day to exercise, including time for training and games!
3. Dogue De Bordeaux
- Origin: France
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 23 to 27 inches (58 to 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 99 to 110 pounds (45 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 5 to 8 years
If you want a large dog with a large head that looks almost identical to the English Bullod then you should consider the Dogue de Bordeaux!
Unlike the Cane Corso which can be more feisty and stubborn when it comes to temperament the Dogue de Bordeaux has a gentle and non-aggressive personality, very similar to the Bulldog.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they can’t be strong-willed in their own way, and they also need an experienced and responsible owner to socialize the Dogue de Bordeaux properly and early on.
Just like the English Bulldog, this breed requires moderate exercise and lots of love and attention.
Both breeds also need proper grooming, especially since they have so many wrinkles and folds that can retain moisture and dirt which can lead to skin infections.
4. Olde English Bulldogge
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium Sized
- Height: 16 to 20 in (41 to 51 cm)
- Weight: 50 to 80 pounds (22.5 to 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years
If you’re not sure whether a large dog is the right choice for you and you would rather get a dog that looks even more like the English Bulldog then you might find that the Olde English Bulldogge is the perfect choice!
As you already know Bulldogs come with a number of health issues, and the Olde English Bulldogge was an attempt to recreate the way Bulldogs looked before selective inbreeding changed the Bulldog’s appearance.
While still muscular and stocky, the Olde English Bulldogge is more proportionate. More importantly, they don’t seem to display any breathing restrictions in either heat or cold. They are overall much healthier, but they can still suffer from the same disorders in some cases.
When it comes to their personality, the Olde English Bulldogge is just as affectionate, sensitive, and good-natured as the traditional Bulldog, though they might need some time to warm up to children.
You can expect the Bulldogge to have similar bursts of energy, but overall they require moderate levels of exercise and they do enjoy a good nap or two.
5. American Bulldog
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium Sized
- Height: 20 to 25 in (51 to 63 cm)
- Weight: 60 to 100 pounds (27 to 45 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Another medium-sized dog breed that looks incredibly similar to the English Bulldog is the American Bulldog, but they have enough differences that make the American breed its own distinct breed.
The first thing you may notice about the American Bulldog is that they are bulkier and because they were used for working the farm they are more athletic, strong with a friendly disposition.
Unlike the English Bulldog, the American dog is an active breed that requires plenty of exercise, they also don’t like being left alone, so if you’re planning on keeping them in the yard for prolonged hours then they will act out.
The American Bulldog is a fast learner, but they still need an experienced owner that can socialize the breed early on and create positive associations with other dogs and strangers.
While the longer snout of the American Bulldog means that they are less likely to have breathing problems compared to the English breed, they’re still prone to conditions like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, itchy skin, and allergies.
6. Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 20 to 25 in (51 to 64 cm)
- Weight: 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, also nicknamed “Otto”, is a rare breed that comes from the old types of bulldogs that were bred for bull baiting, but this breed was used as a herd or a guard dog.
As you can imagine this breed is hardworking and they love being active and spending time with their family. They are however more aloof around strangers and you will need prior experience with training dogs to manage their antisocial tendencies through early socialization.
The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog might be difficult to find because of its rarity, but if you want a dog that looks like an English Bulldog but is somewhat larger and hardworking then perhaps it’s worth searching for a reputable Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breeder.
7. Boxer
- Origin: Germany
- Type: Medium to large
- Height: 21.5 to 25 in (54.6 to 63.5 cm)
- Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
While the Boxer might not be the exact copy of the English Bulldog they still share a few similarities that make this breed a worthy addition to our list.
First of all both breeds are very affectionate towards their owners and they tend to do really well with children. Of course, you should always supervise the interactions between your dog and kids regardless of how calm and loving a dog is.
Similarly, Boxers require an experienced owner, but they also need someone who will make sure not to leave this breed alone for too long, otherwise, they can get destructive.
When it comes to exercising the Boxer is a high-energy breed that loves running, so make sure you’re up to the task!
Both Boxers and Bulldogs have minimal grooming needs thanks to their short coats, but they still need to be kept clean and any folds and wrinkles need to be kept dry and clean to avoid possible skin irritations.
Boxers can also face breathing issues and that’s why they don’t deal well with warm weather!
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 14 to 16 inches (35.5 to 40.5 cm)
- Weight: 24 to 38 pounds (11 to 17 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
If you’re looking for a dog that has similar traits to the English Bulldog, especially when it comes to their personality then you will be happy to learn that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a playful companion that loves kids!
You may love the look of the English Bulldog, but if their lazy and laid-back routine does not suit your active lifestyle then you’ll be happy to hear that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is perfect for outside activities like biking, jogging, or simply a game of ball chasing.
When it comes to their training, just like the Bulldog this breed needs an experienced owner that has trained dogs before and someone that is willing to keep training consistent.
As you know English Bulldogs can develop a number of health issues throughout their life, and while the Stafford is typically healthy they are prone to issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and juvenile cataracts. So, make sure you go to a reputable dog breeder!
9. American Bully
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 13 to 20 in (33 to 50 cm)
- Weight: 44 to 132 pounds (20 to 60 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 13 years
Perhaps you want a dog breed that is about the same size as the English Bulldog, and you want them to have the same stocky muscular wide frame. Then the American Bully is worthy of your attention!
This is a modern breed and its bloodline was influenced by breeds like the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and the Olde English Bulldogge.
Despite their very confident personality and powerful stance, this is a gentle and friendly dog that is perfect for those of you who have a family.
That being said, this dog is more athletic compared to the English Bulldog, and you will need to make sure they get plenty of exercise. Of course, they also love snoozing so make sure they get plenty of rest and cuddles as well!
Unlike the English Bulldog, you may find the American Bully an easier dog to train, but you will still need to have some prior experience.
10. French Bulldog
- Origin: France
- Type: Medium to small-sized
- Height: 11 to 13 in (28 to 33 cm)
- Weight: under 28 pounds ( under 13 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
As you can imagine this list is going to be full of short-snouted breeds, after all, they all must look similar to the English Bulldogs, but that comes with some possible drawbacks.
As you can see the French Bulldog and English Bulldogs are very alike, even if the former is smaller and with large pointy ears. They also share the fact that both can get easily tired even after a regular walk.
That doesn’t mean that Frenchies don’t need exercise, this breed loves playing, but you need to make sure they get lots of rest and are kept cool when the weather is hot and humid.
French Bulldogs are great apartment dogs, and they are the ideal choice for first-time dog owners. According to the AKC, “the Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible.”
If you think Frenchies are adorable then you must know that you’re not the only one, their popularity also reflects their price since they are one of the most expensive breeds of dogs!
11. Boston Terrier
- Origin: United States
- Type: Small-sized
- Height: 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm)
- Weight: 12 to 25 pounds (5 to 11 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
The Boston Terrier looks a lot like the Frenchy we just talked about, which means that they also look like the English Bulldog, and they can be just as tall as the Bulldog, the major difference is the lack of bulk.
This is a great pet for apartment living, but that doesn’t mean they like to stay in all day. While they won’t be running a marathon, they still enjoy a brisk walk. They also enjoy playing with their owner and the last thing they want is to be left alone for long periods of time!
Just like the English Bulldog, the Boston Terrier loves children. When it comes to training both breeds are similarly stubborn and while they can work for first-time owners prepare to be challenged.
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic and just like the English Bulldog, they can struggle with breathing, especially during hot and humid weather.
12. Pug
- Origin: Chinese
- Type: Small-sized
- Height: 11 to 13 in (28 to 33 cm)
- Weight: 14 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
While Pugs and English Bulldogs look very similar when it comes to their stocky shape, flat face, and wrinkles, they aren’t related!
Pugs enjoy spending their time sleeping, just like the English Bulldog, as long as they have their favorite human nearby.
This breed loves physical activities but in moderation, their short snout and small size means that they tire easily.
Pugs also love food so make sure you keep an eye on their weight, otherwise they can become obese.
Unlike the English Bulldog, Pugs don’t need an owner with prior experience but be prepared because they can be stubborn, so make sure you are a patient individual.
13. Brussels Griffon
- Origin: Belgium
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 7 to 10 in (18 to 25 cm)
- Weight: 8 to 10 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
If you want a dog that looks like the Bulldog, but one that’s hairier, and much smaller, then you need to check out the Brussels Griffon!
While I love how dedicated and loving this breed is, their clingy nature is not for everyone. But if you have the time to give your dog all of your attention you should definitely consider this unique pup.
That being said, this is not a docile lapdog, and while you don’t necessarily need to have prior experience being a dog owner, you will need to make sure you can keep up with their training.
You also need to keep their sensitive nature in mind during training and avoid harsh corrections!
14. Affenpinscher
- Origin: Germany
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 9 to 11.5 in (23 to 29 cm)
- Weight: 7 to 10 pounds (3 to 4.5 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
The Affenpinscher is another dog that looks like an English Bulldog but they’re much hairier and smaller. They are also very intelligent and they are not easy to train, especially for someone who has never owned a dog before.
Just like the Bulldog, the Affenpinscher is a loyal and loving dog that doesn’t mind being silly around the people they love. In fact, the Affenpinscher is often described as “almost-human, and a fearless comedian.”
While English Bulldogs have a relatively easygoing grooming routine, the Affenpinscher does shed, but at least this breed is considered to be hypoallergenic and it doesn’t drool!
15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Origin: Great Britain
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 12 to 13 in (30.5 to 33 cm)
- Weight: 13 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Most breeds on our list are short-coated, muscular, and brutish with the iconic short muzzles, but perhaps you may want to consider a more elegant, long-haired dog with a face that still resembles the English Bulldog to some extent, like the adorable Cavalier!
This is also a British breed and while they are lapdogs you should not be fooled because Cavaliers are much more athletic than the English Bulldog, so much so that they excel at sports like agility, rally, and obedience.
Unlike the English Bulldog, the Cavalier is more suitable for first-time owners, but you need to remember that Cavalier dogs are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often.
If you love the fact that the English Bulldog is great with kids then you will be happy to learn that the Cavalier is also extremely friendly with other people, strangers, and animals, as well as children.
Plus they don’t drool!
16. Japanese Chin
- Origin: China
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 8 to 11 in (20 to 28 cm)
- Weight: 7 to 11 pounds (3 to 5 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
If you’re looking for an even smaller companion and you love the look of a short snout then the Japanese Chin might be the right breed for you and your needs.
You may know small dogs for being loud, but the Japanese Chin is actually more cat-like, they are quiet and they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, and they only react well to positive training methods.
While the Japanese Chin is an independent dog, they enjoy spending their time with the people they love, but they might appear somewhat reserved around strangers.
Just because the Japanese Chin is a small breed doesn’t mean they don’t like being active, perhaps even more active than the English Bulldog, however, their size means that they do tire more quickly.
17. Pekingese
- Origin: China
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 6 to 9 in (15 to 23 cm)
- Weight: up to 14 pounds (up to 6 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
For those of you who want to enjoy the company of a much smaller dog, that has a gorgeous long coat, but still has a stocky and sturdy build along with a short snout then consider the Pekingese.
Unsurprisingly the Pekingese actually share bloodlines with the Pug, another Chinese breed on our list that looks like the English Bulldog.
While this is a common breed for senior people, the Pekingese is actually great for most adults that enjoy a chill way of living, with leisure walks and lots of cuddles.
Unlike Bulldogs, however, Pekingese dogs don’t do well with kids since they aren’t high-energy dogs. Unless of course, children learn to respect your dog’s boundaries, the Pekingese can be a great companion for the little ones as well!
Despite their small size and laid-back attitude the Pekingese are as protective as the English Bulldog and they make good guard dogs.
Being an intelligent breed also means that novice owners may struggle a bit, but with enough patience, positive reinforcement, and early socialization, you will get the best results!
18. Shih Tzu
- Origin: China
- Type: Toy group
- Height: 9 to 10.5 in (23 to 26.5 cm)
- Weight: 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
The last breed on our list also comes from China and unlike the brutish and hard exterior of the English Bulldog, the Shih Tzu is a very elegant-looking dog.
Both breeds do have one major thing in common, apart from their short snouts, and that’s their love for sleeping and lounging!
Since this is a small and chill dog they do well in an apartment setting, but like the English Bulldog they also enjoy daily walks and you can always go for interactive indoor games on a rainy day!
Unlike the Pekingese, the Shih Tzu shares another trait with the English Bulldog and that’s their love for people of basically all ages, including children.
Despite their regal looks, these dogs can misbehave and act out if not properly trained, so don’t let their looks fool you and let things go their way!
Should You Get A Dog Breed Similar To A Bulldog?
There’s nothing wrong with choosing a dog because they look like a Bulldog, but before you settle on one of the 18 breeds on our list, or any breed, you need to make sure that you’ve got what it takes as an owner.
Some of the Bulldog lookalikes on our list may be too large if you live in an apartment, while others might be too energetic to fit your busy schedule.
A big number of dogs on our list crave attention and love, they drool and snore and may have certain conditions that have to do with their short muzzles.
Before you make a final call, make sure that the breed that looks like the Bulldog is the right dog for you and that you are the right owner for the dog you choose!
Closing Thoughts
Bulldogs are great homebodies and perfect for laid-back owners, but they also tend to be unhealthy and prone to difficult conditions that in some cases end up being fatal.
So, while you may love this breed for exactly those characteristics you might be looking for something a little bit different, perhaps something a little more energetic, larger, or much smaller and hairier.
Hopefully, this list helped you become more familiar with Bulldogs and with the 18 breeds that look a lot like them, and perhaps you’ve found the one that speaks to your heart the most.
But as always, before you decide on one of those breeds make sure they suit your lifestyle and that you’re experienced enough to take on their training!
