Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by Fumipets
Height: | 15 – 18 inches (females); 17 – 22 inches (males) |
Weight: | 48 – 60 pounds (females); 55 – 66 pounds (males) |
Lifespan: | 12 – 14 years |
Colors: | Fawn, brindle, white, black |
Suitable for: | Apartment living, active families |
Temperament: | Energetic, friendly |
A brand-new breed, the Continental Bulldog, was created in Switzerland in 2005. The English Bulldog, one of its progenitor breeds, is known as the “continental” equivalent to the Continental Bulldog, thus the name. This breed was developed by Imelda Angehrn, a Swiss breeder, by mating the Leavitt Bulldog and the English Bulldog.
Bulldogs can get a bad reputation for being vicious or dangerous, yet the Continental Bulldog is very loving. These dogs are also better suited to apartment life than other breeds, which makes them well-liked by dog owners with limited room. To find out whether the Continental Bulldog is the best choice for you and your family, continue reading our guide.
3 Little-Known Facts About Continental Bulldogs
1. The Continental Bulldog Is a Very New Breed
When the Swiss Kennel Club approved the Continental Bulldog as a new breed in 2005, the breed officially became recognized.
2. The English Bulldog Once Faced Extinction—And May Be Facing It Again
For bullfighting, the English Bulldog was developed. When bull-baiting was made illegal in the United Kingdom in 1835, bulldogs lost their use and lost a lot of their appeal. However, dog enthusiasts who saw the breed’s potential as a companion or even a herding dog helped to conserve it. However, throughout time, breeders chose to emphasize some of the bulldog’s distinctive characteristics, such as its protruding jaw, which, regrettably, has resulted in health problems for contemporary English Bulldogs.
According to a 2016 research, English Bulldogs lack the genetic variety to enable them overcome physical defects that might cause them discomfort and possibly put their lives in jeopardy. To produce a dog with fewer health issues, the English Bulldog and the Leavitt Bulldog were crossed.
3. The Leavitt Bulldog, Or The Olde English Bulldogge, Is Not The Same As The Old English Bulldogs Of The 17th Century
Given that it was developed in the 1970s, the Leavitt Bulldog really had a little history. The English Bulldog, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Bullmastiff are the ancestors of the Leavitt Bulldog.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Continental Bulldog
Overall, continental bulldogs make wonderful, devoted companions. Although they don’t often bark, they make effective watchdogs and initially may be wary of strangers. Your Conti will become as amiable and gregarious with your visitors as he is with your own family once he gets to know them.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The even-tempered character of continental bulldogs makes them excellent family pets. They are excellent pets for your children since they are lively creatures. As with any breed, you should always keep an eye on your children while they are playing with your Continental Bulldog, particularly if they are young. Teach your kids how to touch and play with your dog appropriately to prevent them from unintentionally upsetting him by yanking his tail or causing him damage.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The Continental Bulldog gets along well with other animals, especially other dogs, if properly socialized. Remember that when with other male dogs, males can exhibit dominance or hostility.
Things to Know When Owning a Continental Bulldog:
Food & Diet Requirements
The precise quantity of food your dog needs depends on his age, weight, and degree of activity. To be on the safe side, you should feed your Continental Bulldog between 2.5 to 3.5 cups of premium kibble each day, often divided into two or more meals. You should try to limit free eating if you can since Continental Bulldogs are prone to obesity.
Exercise
Continental Bulldogs need an average level of activity. The Conti is more active and requires more exercise than the majority of other bulldog breeds, so if you are used to other bulldogs, you should be aware of this. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes every day. But while they’re inside, they tend to be quiet and passive, which makes them suitable for apartment life.
Training
Continental Bulldogs can be trained rather easily. However, they may be obstinate creatures, much like their forebears. You should start teaching your Contis basic instructions at an early age and be persistent and tough with your training. Consider taking your Conti to a qualified trainer if you have never owned or trained a dog before.
Grooming
a European Bulldogs shed rather often, on average. As a result, you should be ready to give your dog a weekly or biweekly brushing. Compared to other bulldog breeds, these dogs have less wrinkles, but those that do need to be cleaned often since your Conti could acquire food or debris lodged in his skin folds. Your dog’s wrinkles may be cleaned with a moist towel, but be sure to completely dry him afterward. It might cause an infection if you leave extra moisture beneath your dog’s wrinkles.
Health and Conditions
Particularly in comparison to other bulldog breeds, contris are generally healthy dogs. They are susceptible to several health issues, however, just like any dogs, so you should be aware of them.
Minor Conditions
Eye problems
Ear infections
Serious Conditions
Joint dysplasia
Bloat
Male vs Female
Males and females may both be excellent pets. All claims of gender differences are based on generalizations; in the end, every dog is a unique individual with a distinct personality. However, since a dog’s gender may affect other traits like size and disposition, it’s important to think about whether a male or female dog will be better suited for your family.
Physically, male and female Contis are quite equal in height and weight; unlike other breeds, there isn’t much of a variation between them. There are a few minor behavioral variations between the sexes that you could notice. Male dogs are more inclined to attempt to dominate other male dogs and act as watchdogs to defend their area.
They may also be a little bit more obstinate than their female counterparts, which makes training them harder. Females, on the other hand, prefer to connect with only one family member and are typically less gregarious than men. Additionally, they tend to stay to themselves more often and are a little less lively than men.
Conclusion
Continental Bulldogs are fantastic pets in general. These canines are a wonderful choice if you want a bulldog particularly because they are less likely to have health problems than other bulldog breeds. They are friendly, vivacious, and well-mannered creatures who may be wonderful companions for children and even other animals.
As long as you are able to take him out often for walks or to play in your neighborhood dog park, the Continental Bulldog can be a good choice for you if you live in an apartment and are seeking for a dog that can adapt to a smaller environment.
On the other hand, you may want to think about acquiring a different pet if your family isn’t very active or if your busy schedule prevents you from taking your dog out for exercise on a regular basis—especially if you don’t have a yard for your dog to run about in.