Although French bulldogs are making the headlines, there are 14 other recognized breeds of bulldog. The Frenchie, the most popular dog in the Bay Area, is also the most popular of all the bulldogs.
Bulldogs, no matter their breed, share some common traits — wrinkled skin on face and body, a short snout and a flat face.
French bulldog — Frenchies are among the smallest of bulldog breeds, but they have all of the bulldog personality. Despite their name, the dogs originated in the United Kingdom, where the English were deeply involved in cross-breeding dogs to develop new breeds.
The mini-bulldogs were popular with lace makers in Nottingham, England, many of whom lived in tiny apartments. When the lacer makers were displaced by the Industrial Revolution, a good many immigrated to Normandy, France, taking their dogs with them. There, the dogs were cross-bred with Parisian terriers. Their popularity in France grew, as it waned in England.
American bulldogs — These brave dogs are often viewed as menacing because of their size and muscular build, but they have a reputation for being loveable and good with children. It’s believed they are descended from the Old English Bulldog, and were brought to this country in the early 17th century by immigrants from England.
English bulldogs — Size-wise, the English bulldog falls between the Frenchie and the American, and could be considered the quintessential bulldog. They are best described as loving and loyal, and have a need to be near their owners as much as possible.
Other recognized bulldog breeds are the Australian, Olde English Bulldogge, Victorian, Catahoula, Ca de Bou, Alapaha blue-blood, Serrano, Spanish, Valley, Campiero, Bullmastiff, and Red-Tiger.