Pet Wiki

Campeiro Bulldog

Also called Buldogue Campeiro

Loyal, adaptable and calm, known for barking only when there is a reason.

SizeMedium
Weight30 to 42 kg (66 to 93 lb)males 35 to 42 kg, females 30 to 37 kg12
Height48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 56 cm, females 48 to 54 cm12
CoatShort, smooth coat
OriginBrazil, in the ranching regions of the south and centre-west.12
Recognised breedShort profile
devoted to its family
calm and quiet
courageous guardian
2

Personality what they are like

Loyal, adaptable and calm, known for barking only when there is a reason. It bonds closely with its family and is gentle with children, while staying watchful with strangers, which makes it a natural guardian.2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A stocky, powerful, almost square bulldog with heavy bone, a broad head, short muzzle, small drop ears and a smooth, short coat.12

Coloursany colour except merlesolid white accepted with good pigment12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Campeiro Bulldog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A strong working dog that enjoys regular walks and a job to do; early socialisation with other dogs is advisable.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat needs little more than occasional brushing.12

Company who they like around

Happiest close to its people; its strong attachment can make it a little possessive of family members.2

The story where it all began

Brazilian ranch hands shaped this bulldog by working it with cattle and pigs, catching and holding stock, often at slaughterhouses. When that work ended in the 1970s the breed nearly disappeared, until breeder Ralf Schein Bender started gathering the last dogs in Rio Grande do Sul from 1977 onward, leading to CBKC recognition in 2001.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A single Campeiro could reportedly hold a stubborn bull weighing around 400 kg on its own.2

  2. 2

    While drovers rested, these dogs also stood guard over their carts and horses.2

  3. 3

    One theory traces it to Old English Bulldogs brought by 19th-century immigrants; another links it to the bull type of the Portuguese Cão de Fila da Terceira.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The word “Campeiro” refers to the countryside, relating the breed to its environment of origin in southern Brazil.3

Name ideas for your new friend

GauchoBossaSambaChurrascoTangoCacauPampaLuaSolCaféBrasaJaguar

A day in the life told by a Campeiro Bulldog

I wake up and wag my tail, then nuzzle my human's hand. We go for a walk in the pasture, and I check on the cows, they're my friends. I sit quietly and watch the horizon. At home, the kids play with me, and I let them tug my ears gently. I give a low bark only if something's strange. Then I lie on the porch, sun on my back, and nap. When my human calls, I trot over, ready for a cuddle. Life is peaceful and good.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CBKC (Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia)
Recognised in 2001.1
FCI
Accepted by the FCI in 2025, per Wikipedia.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Campeiro Bulldog, and at what times?

Feed adult Campeiro Bulldogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Free feeding is not recommended for puppies. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Campeiro Bulldog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Campeiro Bulldog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is fine.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Campeiro Bulldog need brushing?

Brush your Campeiro Bulldog weekly to keep its short, smooth coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.126 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Campeiro Bulldog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Campeiro Bulldog need?

This strong working dog enjoys daily walks and a job to do. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. Early socialisation with other dogs is also advisable.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Campeiro Bulldog's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears every 14 days and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Campeiro Bulldog live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care. Ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's health and lineage. Senior years usually start around age 8. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Campeiro Bulldog good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is gentle with children and bonds closely with its family. Early socialisation with other dogs is advisable, as it can be a little possessive of family members.21

Can a Campeiro Bulldog be left alone?

This breed is happiest close to its people and can become possessive, so it may not do well alone for long periods. Provide company or a routine to prevent anxiety. Ask your vet or a good breeder for specific advice.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Campeiro Bulldog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, size, colours, history
  2. Buldogue campeiro - Wikipedia (pt) pt.wikipedia.orgused for temperament, build, history, facts
  3. fci.be fci.be
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.