English Vs French Bulldog: 7 Key Differences To Consider

Discover the differences between English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs to choose the right breed for your lifestyle.

By Shinta

Sep 1, 2025

Discover the differences between English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs to choose the right breed for your lifestyle.

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

English Bulldog vs French Bulldog: What’s the Difference?

When choosing between an English Bulldog and a French Bulldog, understanding their distinct qualities can help you make an informed decision. Though these two breeds share some traits, they differ significantly in size, appearance, personality, and health considerations. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the key differences to help you decide which bulldog breed suits your lifestyle best.

Size and Physical Appearance

One of the most obvious differences between the English Bulldog and French Bulldog is their size and build.

English Bulldog

Weight: Males typically weigh 23â25 kg (50â55 lbs), females 18â23 kg (40â50 lbs).
Height: Around 14â15 inches at the shoulder.
Build: Stocky, muscular, and stout with a square stature.
Head: Large, wide head with loose skin and heavy wrinkles, particularly around the face and neck.
Ears: Folded, rose-shaped ears.
Tail: Curly or occasionally corkscrew-shaped.

French Bulldog

Weight: Typically 16â28 pounds regardless of gender.
Height: Around 11â13 inches at the shoulder.
Build: Smaller and more proportional body compared to the English Bulldog.
Head: Smaller, rounder head with tighter skin and fewer wrinkles, mainly above the muzzle.
Ears: Distinctive erect “bat ears” that stand tall and wide.
Tail: Short and curly, similar to the English Bulldog.

Comparison Table: Size & Appearance

Feature	English Bulldog	French Bulldog
Weight	40 – 55 lbs	16 – 28 lbs
Height	14 – 15 inches	11 – 13 inches
Head Shape	Large, square, heavily wrinkled	Smaller, rounder, fewer wrinkles
Ears	Folded rose-shaped ears	Large, erect bat ears
Build	Stocky and stout	Proportional and compact

Temperament and Personality

Both bulldog breeds make affectionate, loyal companions, but their temperaments show some differences shaped by size and energy.

English Bulldogs

Generally calm and relaxed, often described as “easygoing.”
Friendly and gentle with family members, including children.
May be a bit stubborn or independent at times.
Enjoy lounging around and moderate exercise suffices.
Can be protective but rarely aggressive.

French Bulldogs

Lively, playful, and more energetic than English Bulldogs.
Very sociable with both people and other dogs.
Adapt well to apartment living due to their smaller size.
Loyal and affectionate, they often crave attention and love being involved in family activities.
Require regular play and walks to expend energy.

Exercise and Activity Levels

While both breeds are considered low to moderate energy types, their exercise needs differ slightly.

English Bulldogs tend to be less active, enjoying short play sessions and leisurely walks.
French Bulldogs, despite their small size, generally need more frequent playtime and short bursts of exercise to prevent boredom.
Both breeds are prone to overheating due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure, so exercise should be moderate and in cooler conditions.

Health Considerations

Both the English and French Bulldogs are brachycephalic breeds, meaning they have short noses and flat faces. This conformation can lead to specific health challenges.

Common Health Issues in English Bulldogs

Breathing difficulties due to brachycephalic airway syndrome.
Hip and elbow dysplasia.
Skin infections from deep wrinkles if not cleaned regularly.
Heart problems and heat intolerance.
Higher risk of obesity from inactivity.

Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs

Also prone to breathing issues related to brachycephaly.
Spinal disorders such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
Eye problems like cherry eye.
Skin allergies and infections, though wrinkles are less pronounced than in English Bulldogs.
Frenchies tend to have fewer joint problems but are still vulnerable.

Health Management Tips

Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor breathing, joint health, and skin condition.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on joints and breathing.
Careful grooming, especially cleaning wrinkles and skin folds to prevent infections.
Avoid vigorous exercise in hot weather to prevent heatstroke.

Grooming and Maintenance

Both breeds have short, smooth coats requiring minimal grooming.

Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep coat healthy.
Regular cleaning of facial folds and ears to prevent dirt buildup and infections.
Routine dental care to avoid periodontal disease.
Bathing as needed depending on activity level and dirt accumulation.

Living Environment and Suitability

When choosing between these breeds, consider your living space and lifestyle.

French Bulldogs are ideal for apartments or smaller homes due to their compact size and moderate activity.
English Bulldogs, while still adaptable to apartment living, benefit from a bit more space and a calm household.
Both breeds prefer indoor living with air conditioning in warm climates to avoid overheating.

Training and Socialization

Both bulldog breeds respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.

Consistency and patience are key, as bulldogs can be a bit stubborn.
Early socialization is important to ensure friendly behavior toward other pets and strangers.
French Bulldogs may be slightly easier to train due to their alertness and eagerness to please.
English Bulldogs often benefit from shorter, consistent training sessions to maintain motivation.

Choosing the Right Bulldog for You

Which bulldog breed is right for you largely depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and preferences.

Choose an English Bulldog if:
- You prefer a larger, more robust dog with a calm demeanor.
- You have enough space and time for moderate exercise and grooming.
- You are prepared for potential health care commitments related to their size and
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Author

Shinta

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta