The Continental Bulldog is a new breed that was developed in Switzerland in 2005. The Continental Bulldog is so named because it is considered to be the “continental” counterpart to the English Bulldog, which is one of its parent breeds. The Swiss breeder Imelda Angehrn created this breed by crossing the English Bulldog with the Leavitt Bulldog.

Breed Overview

While bulldogs sometimes have a reputation for being aggressive or dangerous, the Continental Bulldog is actually very affectionate. These dogs also adapt more easily to apartment living than other breeds, making them popular with dog owners who don’t have a lot of space. Keep reading our guide to learn more about whether the Continental Bulldog is right for you and your family.

Continental Bulldog Puppies

These dogs are still relatively rare in the United States. It may be difficult to find a Conti breeder in the U.S. for this reason. However, you should still do your due diligence in finding a trustworthy breeder and avoid puppy mills and pet stores where dogs are neglected.

You will also want to make sure you know as much as possible about your dog’s parentage before you invest in a new pet. Since the Continental Bulldog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, Conti puppies will not come with the comprehensive pedigree papers that an AKC-recognized dog would. A good breeder will let you meet your dog’s parents and give you an overview of their health history so that you have an idea of what to expect in terms of your own dog’s health and behavior.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Continental Bulldog

Continental Bulldogs are overall very loving and affectionate pets. Though they rarely bark, they are good watchdogs who may be leery of strangers at first. Once your Conti gets to know your guests, he will be just as friendly and sociable around them as he is toward his own family.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Continental Bulldogs are great family dogs due to their even-keeled nature. They can be very playful animals, making them wonderful companions for your children. As with any breed, you should always supervise your Continental Bulldog and your children when they are playing together, especially if your children are young. Teach your children how to properly pet and play with your dog so that they do not accidentally upset him by pulling his tail or otherwise harming him.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If properly socialized, Continental Bulldogs get along well with other animals, including other dogs. Keep in mind that males may tend to display dominance or aggression when they are around other male dogs.

Things to Know When Owning a Continental Bulldog:

Food & Diet Requirements

The exact amount of food you should feed your dog depends on his age, weight, and activity level. However, generally speaking, you should give your Continental Bulldog between 2.5-3.5 cups of high-quality kibble per day, usually split into two or more meals. Continental Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so you should refrain from allowing free eating if possible.

Exercise

Continental Bulldogs need a moderate amount of exercise. If you are accustomed to other bulldogs, you should know that the Conti is more energetic and needs more exercise than most other bulldog breeds. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour each day. That being said, they are fairly calm and inactive when they are indoors, which makes them good candidates for apartment living.

Training

Continental Bulldogs are moderately easy to train. However, like their ancestors, they can be stubborn animals. You should be consistent and firm with your training and begin teaching your Contis simple commands from a young age. If you have never owned or trained a dog before, you may want to consider bringing your Conti to a professional trainer.

Grooming ✂️

A Continental Bulldog’s coat sheds an average amount. As such, you should be prepared to brush your dog one to two times per week. These dogs have fewer wrinkles than other bulldogs, but the wrinkles they do have will need to be cleaned regularly as your Conti can get food or dirt in the folds of his skin. You can use a damp cloth to clean between your dog’s wrinkles, but make sure to fully dry him afterward. If you leave excess moisture under your dog’s wrinkles, it could lead to infection.

Health and Conditions

Contis are fairly healthy dogs, especially compared to other breeds of bulldogs. However, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health conditions that you should be aware of.

Male vs Female

Both males and females can make wonderful pets. Any stated differences between the sexes are based on generalizations; at the end of the day, each dog is an individual with an individual personality. That being said, your dog’s sex can influence different factors such as their size and behavior, so it’s worth considering whether a male or female dog might be more suitable for your family.

Physically, there isn’t too much of a difference between males and females; unlike other breeds, male and female Contis are relatively similar in size and weight. Behaviorally, there are a few small differences that you may see between the two sexes. Males are more likely to try to assert their dominance around other male dogs and protect their territory as watchdogs. They can also be a bit more stubborn—and therefore more difficult to train—than their female counterparts. Females, on the other hand, are generally not as sociable as males and tend to bond with just one member of the family. They are also a little bit less playful than males and more likely to keep to themselves.

• See also: Victorian Bulldog

3 Little-Known Facts About the Continental Bulldog

1. The Continental Bulldog Is a Very New Breed

The Continental Bulldog was first established as a new breed in 2005 when it was accepted into the Swiss Kennel Club.

2. The English Bulldog Once Faced Extinction—And May Be Facing It Again

The English Bulldog was bred for bullfighting. When bull-baiting was outlawed in the U.K. in 1835, bulldogs no longer served their purpose and became much less popular. However, the breed was saved by dog lovers who saw the animal’s potential as a companion or even as a herding dog. But over time, breeders selected for some of the bulldog’s unique traits—such as its protruding jaw—which have unfortunately led to health issues for modern English Bulldogs. One study, published in 2016, concluded that English Bulldogs do not have the genetic diversity to help overcome physical abnormalities that can contribute to a life of pain and even endanger a dog’s life. The idea of crossing the English Bulldog with the Leavitt Bulldog was to achieve a dog with fewer health problems.

3. The Leavitt Bulldog, Or The Olde English Bulldogge, Is Not The Same As The Old English Bulldogs Of The 17th Century

The Leavitt Bulldog has a relatively short history, as it was created in the 1970s. The Leavitt Bulldog’s ancestors include the English Bulldog, the American Bulldog, the American Pit Bull Terrier, and the Bullmastiff.

Conclusion

Overall, Continental Bulldogs make wonderful pets. If you are specifically looking to get a bulldog, these dogs are a great option as they are less prone to health issues than other bulldog breeds. They are even-tempered, energetic, and affectionate animals that can make great companions for kids and even other animals. If you live in an apartment and are looking for a dog that can adjust to a smaller space, the Continental Bulldog could work for you as long as you are able to take him out frequently for walks or to play in your local dog park. On the other hand, if your family isn’t particularly active or if you have a busy schedule that prevents you from being able to take your dog out to exercise regularly, you may want to consider getting a different pet—especially if you don’t have a yard for your dog to run around in.

See Also:

• Olde Pit Bulldogge
• EngAm Bulldog (English Bulldog & American Bulldog Mix)

Featured Image Credit: thka, Shutterstock