Continental Bulldog
Also known as Conti, Swiss Continental Bulldog
- Height at the withers
- 40 to 50 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 30 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Switzerland
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A medium-sized, compact and athletic molosser, the Continental Bulldog keeps the look of the English Bulldog but with a longer muzzle, meant to let it breathe quietly even at a full run. Attentive, self-assured and friendly, neither aggressive nor fearful, it is above all a companion and family dog, playful and very close to its people.
History and origins
The breed was born in Switzerland in the early 2000s, in the kennel of Imelda Angehrn, who crossed English Bulldogs with Olde English Bulldogges to bring back a healthier, sportier bulldog close to the original Bulldog. The Société cynologique suisse (Swiss Kennel Club) recognized it in 2005 under the name Continental Bulldog, to set it apart from the English Bulldog. The FCI provisionally accepted it in 2022 (no. 369) and its standard was revised in 2026. In France, the “Conti” is growing fast, with 773 dogs registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome (milder form)
- Skin fold dermatitis and skin allergies
- Entropion or ectropion
- Cruciate ligament rupture
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: fawn (from sand to red), brindle, black, white, with or without white markings or a dark mask.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Continental Bulldog FAQ
How big does the Continental Bulldog get?
The Continental Bulldog stands 40 to 50 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 30 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Continental Bulldog shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Continental Bulldog live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Continental Bulldog need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Continental Bulldog good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Continental Bulldog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as brachycephalic airway syndrome.
