Continental Bulldog
Written by Jana Schubert
© Karoline Thalhofer / stock.adobe.com
The friendly Continental Bulldog is a sturdy bundle of muscles with a short coat.
The Continental Bulldog is a young dog breed from Switzerland that was only recognised by the FCI in 2022. It was bred as a healthy and cruelty-free alternative to the English Bulldog. These dogs stand out with their child-friendly and balanced nature, making them perfect for families.
Table of contents
- Appearance: How big do Continental Bulldogs get?
- Temperament and Behaviour of the Continental Bulldog
- Ideal as Family Pets
- Nutrition: What does a Continental Bulldog eat?
- Health and Care: How prone is the Continental Bulldog to health issues?
- Origin: Where does the Continental Bulldog come from?
- Purchasing: What does a Continental Bulldog cost?
- Conclusion: Friendly Bulldog for Beginners and Families
- Profile of the Continental Bulldog
Appearance: How big do Continental Bulldogs get?
The Continental Bulldog, also known as a Conti, is a compact, medium-sized dog. The males stand at 42 to 46 centimetres at the withers, and the females at 40 to 44 centimetres.
Their short legs are striking. They support a sturdy, muscular body that gives off an athletic appearance. This little powerhouse weighs in at 20 to 30 kilos. However, it is not stiff but rather agile and resilient.
Even under great strain, it breathes quietly and freely. The typical wheezing found in English Bulldog is not seen in this continental breed. The head looks almost square with high-set, small, and thin ears. The forehead is often wrinkled.
The muzzle of the Continental Bulldog is typically equipped with a large mouth, and the lips are thick. The upper lips usually overlap the lower jaw.
Short and shiny coat
The fur of the Continental Bulldog is short, smooth, and glossy. The undercoat is often completely absent. Accordingly, the grooming effort is quite low.
All coat colours are allowed, except blueish shades are undesirable as they can indicate a genetic defect. The nose should always be black. The breeding standards allow for solid colours, brindled patterns, or combinations with white.
A pet-friendly remake of the English Bulldog
With the Continental Bulldog, Swiss breeders wanted to reinvent the English Bulldog. They have positively changed the characteristic features that so often cause health problems in English Bulldogs: the extremely short legs, the numerous folds, the restricted breathing, and the mutilated rod.
The Continental Bulldog shows no signs of cruel breeding. It can breathe without wheezing, walk normally, and carries a proud straight rod. Also, the folds are not so deep and numerous.
New to the FCI The Continental Bulldog is part of FCI Group Two, along with Schnauzers, Pinschers, Molossers, and Swiss Mountain Dogs.
© Daniela Hofer / stock.adobe.com
Temperament and Behaviour of the Continental Bulldog
The Continental Bulldog is a calm and balanced character. Hustle and bustle are foreign to it; it prefers to take things cosily. Those who think of a lazy sausage on four legs are mistaken: representatives of the breed are quite agile and have varied interests. They can always be enticed for a round of fun.
Shyness? Not a trace! The Continental Bulldog is a self-assured dog. It has no qualms about connecting with people, other animals, and other dogs. Rather, it is trustful and quickly makes new contacts. Its friendly nature and great need for cuddles quickly win over hearts.
Are Continental Bulldogs aggressive?
Though other bulldog breeds may tend towards aggression due to their breeding history, this is not the case with the Continental Bulldog. Of course, it has its own will. However, with proper training, the dogs are very loyal. They hang on their owner’s every word, always eager to please their favourite person.
Ideal as Family Pets
Looking for an uncomplicated, peaceful family dog? Then the Continental Bulldog is a match. It thrives in a family setting. It usually has no issues getting along with other pets and children. It tends to make friends with them quickly and lives out its playful side.
No High-Performance Athlete
The Continental Bulldog can easily be kept in an apartment, though a garden is optimal. Here, the four-legged friend can feel grass under its paws or simply enjoy a nap in the sun. Since it loves exercise, it enjoys multiple or extended walkies as part of its daily routine.
While known to enjoy moving around, the Continental Bulldog is not a sports hound. It takes pleasure in shared activities as a means of being part of the community.
Bare exertion as seen in other breeds doesn’t suit it and is not demanded. When exercised, always remember to offer these strong dogs plenty to drink.
The Two Sides of the Conti Outdoors, the Continental Bulldog is cheerful and energetic, but indoors it becomes surprisingly inactive. Many dog lovers find this especially convenient.
Suitable for First-Time Owners
As the Continental Bulldog is inherently kind and family-oriented, it is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. The training effort is low as the dog is eager to please and not particularly stubborn. Basic consistency in training is beneficial, and attending a dog school is a good idea for novices.
Nutrition: What does a Continental Bulldog eat?
The Continental Bulldog is not particularly demanding in terms of feeding. Whether dry, wet, or raw feeding – try out what your furry friend prefers and meets its needs best.
It’s essential to tailor the type and amount of food to it’s age, health, and exercise routines. This way, your pet always has the right amount of nutrients. Feeding twice a day is generally sufficient.
Health and Care: How prone is the Continental Bulldog to health issues?
The breeding of Continental Bulldogs is still in its infancy, as the breed was only officially recognised by the FCI in 2022. Even so, it’s noticeable that the common problems seen in other bulldogs, such as the English Bulldog or the American Bulldog, rarely occur in this breed. Continental Bulldogs are generally healthy and live up to 12 years.
Regular Vet Visits are Essential
Despite the breed’s robust health, you should plan regular vet visits. Your vet checks vaccination status, performs necessary check-ups, and can intervene early at the first sign of illness.
Home Wellness Programme
Caring for your Continental Bulldog will not take up much of your time in everyday life. However, the following should be part of your routine:
Conduct a tick scan, especially after walking through tall grass.
Brush the dog occasionally with a soft brush.
Regularly check paws and claws – clean and trim as needed.
Carefully remove dirt from ears, nose, and eyes.
Origin: Where does the Continental Bulldog come from?
The Continental Bulldog is a relatively new breed that originated in Switzerland in 2005. The aim was to breed a bulldog that resembled the breed’s original image before it was severely over-bred.
This has indeed been successful: the result is a good-natured dog with a healthy physique and a more original exterior. The Continental Bulldog is becoming increasingly popular with dog lovers who no longer want to support the cruel breeding practices of other bulldog breeds.
Purchasing: What does a Continental Bulldog cost?
The purchase price is about 2,000 euros for a young Continental Bulldog from reputable breeders. Keep away from apparent bargains that are far below this price point. There’s usually more than meets the eye.
Breeders are becoming more common, even outside Switzerland. Memberships in clubs suggest a commendable breeding facility.
Tips for Purchasing Your Continental Bulldog
- Ideally, visit several breeders before purchasing. Ask to see the mother and the conditions on site. This way, you get a good impression and can see if you agree with the goals, care, and training provided to the dogs.
- Don’t be rushed into a hasty purchase. A good breeder will ask about your living situation and typically invite you for a second visit. As cute as the furry friends may be – compare and sleep on the decision for a few nights.
- Remember: The dogs live up to 12 years. During this time, you take on full responsibility for the animal. To avoid unpleasant surprises, insist on a veterinary check-up before taking one home.
Conclusion: Friendly Bulldog for Beginners and Families
The Continental Bulldog places great importance on a functioning social structure. It enjoys moving around but is not hyperactive, fitting in well with family life. Its cuddly nature is also suited to families with children.
Its health and standard breeding practices promise an uncomplicated, long dog life. If the Continental Bulldog has piqued your interest, you may also like these breeds:
- French Bulldog
- English Bulldog
- Olde English Bulldogge
- American Bulldog
- American Bully
Profile of the Continental Bulldog
| Quick Facts: | A new dog breed from Switzerland. Known as the healthy bulldog without breeding-related health issues, it’s considered a cosy and friendly family pet. |
| Height at the withers: | Females: 40-44cm, Males: 42-46cm |
| Weight: | 20-30kg |
| Average Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Price: | approx. 2,000€ |
| Temperament: | Balanced, gentle, child-loving, loyal |
| Coat: | Short, smooth |
| Coat Colours: | Various; solid, brindled, or combined with white |
| Training Effort: | Moderate |
| Grooming Effort: | Low |
| Exercise Needs: | Medium |
| Origin: | Switzerland |
| Suitability: | Simple |
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Since I was a baby, I preferred to cuddle with our Persian cat rather than with my teddy bear. Later I got on my parents' nerves until I was allowed to adopt a horse. I have had many memorable experiences with my pets. And even though life with animals is not always easy, I wouldn't consider any other because pets touch my soul like nothing else. I even feel this magic when I write about them, and I hope some of it touches you as well.
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