Bulldog vs French Bulldog
Everything we know about the Bulldog and the French Bulldog, in the same order for both. Every figure comes from our own breed guides — follow the links under each column to read the detail.
| Trait | Bulldog | French Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 30–38 cm (12–15 in) | 28–33 cm (11–13 in) |
| Weight | 18–25 kg (40–55 lb) | 7–13 kg (16–28 lb) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Short, smooth coat with deep facial wrinkles | Short, smooth single coat |
| Shedding | Moderate — short hairs, year-round | Light but constant, year-round |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; clean and dry the face folds daily | Weekly brushing; wipe the face folds and ears often |
| Exercise | 20–30 min/day, gentle and never in the heat | 20–30 min/day, in short walks |
| Good with | Children — calm and patient; other pets with introduction | Children, other dogs; a people-focused companion breed |
Which one suits you
Bulldog
Right for you if…
- You want a calm, affectionate dog that is happiest on the sofa beside you
- There are children at home — Bulldogs are famously patient with them
- Short, gentle walks suit your life better than long ones
- You will clean and dry the face folds every day, and mean it
Wrong for you if…
- You live somewhere hot — heat sensitivity in this breed is serious, not fussiness
- You want a swimming, running or hiking companion; Bulldogs cannot safely do any of the three
- A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, skin and joint problems are common
- You want a biddable dog; Bulldogs are affectionate and genuinely stubborn
French Bulldog
Right for you if…
- You want a small, affectionate companion that suits a flat
- Someone is usually home — Frenchies are people-focused and prone to separation anxiety
- Short, easy walks suit you better than long hikes
- You have budgeted for the vet bills this breed can bring
Wrong for you if…
- You live somewhere hot or humid — short airways make heat genuinely dangerous
- You want a running or hiking companion; moderate exercise already strains their breathing
- A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, spine and skin problems are common in the breed
- Nobody is home most of the day