A confident, attentive and friendly dog that is neither timid nor pushy. It is a cheerful family companion with a steady nature.12
how to spot oneContinental bulldog coat and colours
short, smooth
A compact, muscular, medium-sized bulldog with a short, flat, glossy coat and a more athletic, longer-legged build than the English Bulldog.12
Comes infawn from sand to redbrindleblackany of these with or without white markingswhite with coloured markingswith or without dark mask1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Continental 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
how busy a day looksContinental bulldog exercise needs
Moderately active: daily walks and play keep it fit, and it has more stamina than many bulldog types.12
where they are happiestContinental bulldog at home
Adapts well to house or flat life with daily outings; like other short-coated dogs it appreciates shade in hot weather.1
who they like aroundContinental bulldog with people and other pets
Made as a family and companion dog, it thrives on close contact with its people.1
the hands-on bitsContinental bulldog grooming and care
Minimal: weekly brushing, wiping any facial folds, regular nail trims and ear checks.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Continental bulldog, and at what times?
Feed your adult Continental bulldog at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. This routine supports their digestion and energy levels.4
What should a Continental bulldog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size, following the label and your vet's advice. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.5
How often should I bathe a Continental bulldog?
Bathe your Continental bulldog about every eight weeks, or at least once every three months. Their short coat stays clean easily, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty or have skin issues.6
How often does a Continental bulldog need brushing?
Brush your Continental bulldog weekly with a soft brush to keep their short, glossy coat shiny and remove loose hair. This is a quick, pleasant routine that also strengthens your bond.16
How do I trim a Continental bulldog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6
How much exercise does a Continental bulldog need?
Your Continental bulldog needs daily walks and playtime to stay fit and happy. They are moderately active with more stamina than many bulldog types, so a good walk each day is ideal.12
How do I look after a Continental bulldog's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week using dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Clean ears gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal.6
How long does a Continental bulldog live?
The lifespan of a Continental bulldog varies, but with good care they often live into their senior years, typically around age 8 and beyond. Regular vet checkups help ensure a long, healthy life.
Is a Continental bulldog good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Continental bulldog is a confident, friendly, and steady family companion that is neither timid nor pushy. They thrive on close contact and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized.12
Can a Continental bulldog be left alone?
This breed thrives on close contact with its people and may not enjoy long periods alone. They adapt well to house or flat life, but daily outings and companionship are important for their happiness.1
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Continental bulldog costs
Running costs for a Continental bulldog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Continental bulldog legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Continental bulldog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
The breed needed eight independent bloodlines before it could be put forward for FCI recognition, a goal reached by 2017.2
3
It is one of the newest breeds on the FCI list, accepted provisionally in 2022.3
4
The breed was designed to look closer to the original, older bulldog type.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed was originally called 'Pickwick Bulldog Old Type' but was renamed 'Continental Bulldog' in 2004 by the Swiss Kennel Club to clearly distinguish it from the English Bulldog and to emphasize its continental European origin.7
I wake up with a big stretch and a yawn, then follow my human to the kitchen. After a quick cuddle, we head out for a gentle walk. I greet every person with a wag and a sniff. Back home, I play tug with my rope toy, then settle on my bed for a nap. In the afternoon, my human takes me to the garden where I patrol the fence and chase a butterfly. Later, I sit by the sofa as my human watches TV, leaning against their leg. At bedtime, I curl up in my basket, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganContinental bulldog history
Swiss breeder Imelda Angehrn, who had bred Bulldogs since 1966, began crossing English Bulldogs with the Olde English Bulldogge in 2001 to create a lighter, more agile bulldog. The Swiss Kennel Club recognised the breed in 2004, and it gained provisional FCI recognition in 2022.213
Bulldog
Olde English Bulldogge
French Bulldog