Male and female Bulldogs are lovable pets and amazing family companions. However, there are some distinct differences between these two genders you need to consider before deciding which one to get.
When it comes to physical characteristics, male and female Bulldogs exhibit quite similar features and proportions, with males being slightly more muscular. However, in terms of temperament, female Bulldogs tend to be more independent, territorial, and protective, while male Bulldogs are typically more outgoing and energetic.
This article will discuss the differences between male and female English Bulldogs in more detail. As you read through, this will help you know which gender fits your preferences and lifestyle better!
Physical Differences
Male Bulldogs
Despite their bulky appearance, Bulldogs are considered medium-sized dogs. In terms of looks, the differences between male and female Bulldogs are hard to spot, especially in puppies.
Bulldogs reach adulthood once they reach one year old but might continue growing in terms of chest size and weight until about two years old.
This is usually when the size difference between the two genders becomes more apparent.
Although male and female Bulldogs both stand at about 12 to 16 inches, the male Bulldog weighs around 50 to 55 pounds when fully grown, which is about five pounds heavier than the female Bulldog.
Males also have slightly bigger heads and more solid bodies compared to their female counterparts.
Female Bulldogs
Except when pregnant, female Bulldogs are slightly smaller than male Bulldogs. They also stand at a height of 12 to 16 inches but weigh only about 45 to 50 pounds. In other words, they are five pounds lighter than males on average.
Aside from the size difference and having a slightly smaller head than the male, both Bulldog genders look almost exactly the same.
Regarding their coats, both males and females share the same colors, like tri-color and blue, and may have the same patterns, such as merle.
Temperamental Differences
Male Bulldogs
Temperament is one of the aspects where you can see distinct differences between the male and the female Bulldog.
Generally, male and female Bulldogs are friendly, calm, and courageous. However, males are more sociable and clingy compared to females. They also seek attention more and demand more cuddle time.
They are also likelier to bond with all family members, even children and are less suspicious of strangers than their female counterparts.
Male Bulldogs are also more motivated by food than their female counterparts. This also means they tend to be more possessive with their food, so it is best to leave them alone when eating.
Further, male English Bulldogs are more playful and energetic compared to females. Moreover, males also mature much later than female Bulldogs.
Female Bulldogs
Female Bulldogs are less sociable and are more independent than their male counterparts. They do not need too much attention and respect your time alone as an owner.
However, females also tend to grow a special bond with their owners, making them very protective of their humans.
They also make better guard dogs than males since they are more suspicious of strangers and are more territorial, brought about by their maternal instincts to protect their young.
Though they appreciate their time outdoors, female Bulldogs are less playful and energetic. They also tend to be more laid-back at home and less stubborn than male Bulldogs.
Behavior and Training
Male Bulldogs
Male English Bulldogs mature at a much slower pace than their female counterparts. They are fond of just playing and eating, making them even more distracted and stubborn.
Due to this, they easily get distracted and are harder to train compared to females. However, since they are highly motivated by food, treats, and crackers may be used in training them.
Given their short attention span, you will find more luck when frequently training them in short sessions. You must also ensure that the activities you do are mentally stimulating for your Bulldog.
On the other hand, they might also display possessive aggression with their food. Without the proper obedience and socialization training, it would be best to stay clear of male Bulldogs when they are eating.
Male Bulldogs also have the tendency to mark their territory by urination. This is especially true for intact male Bulldogs.
They also become difficult to control in the presence of a female dog in heat. Neutering should help manage these unwanted behaviors, but it is best to consult with a vet first regarding this procedure.
Female Bulldogs
Female Bulldogs are more focused and are not easily distracted. Hence, they will do better at training compared to males. Treats and other types of positive reinforcement training also work well with them.
Females are also more territorial and are more suspicious of strangers than male Bulldogs. Hence, they need early socialization training to manage this behavior and prevent them from being too aggressive.
They also have streaks of being stubborn and moody, especially when they are in heat. That said, it is still easier to housebreak female Bulldogs since they do not roam around to mark territories as often as male Bulldogs do.
As expected, spaying your female Bulldog should help eliminate or lessen unwanted behaviors they display when in heat.
Health Differences
Male Bulldogs
I used to breed English Bulldogs during the first few years of my breeding career, and I can say that these dogs are a better fit for those with enough experience in caring for dogs. The breed is predisposed to many health issues for both genders, and it becomes even harder as you try to survive newborn pups.
Though it becomes easier to manage health issues as Bulldogs grow older, it is still relatively challenging compared to other breeds.
To start, male Bulldogs are more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to their anatomy. The urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, is longer in males than in females, making it more susceptible to blockages and infections.
Additionally, unneutered male Bulldogs are more likely to develop testicular cancer and prostate problems. Neutering greatly reduces the risk of such illnesses.
They may also experience aggression and behavioral issues due to hormonal imbalances.
Female Bulldogs
Female Bulldogs are prone to dystocia due to the large size of English Bulldog pups, along with their large heads. Hence, to ensure safety, it is recommended that Bulldogs undergo a cesarean section when giving birth.
Unspayed female Bulldogs are also at higher risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. They are also prone to pyometra, a condition where cysts may develop within the uterine tissues.
A good way to prevent these issues is through spaying. Although spaying is a bit more complicated than neutering and may add to the costs of owning an English Bulldog, its benefits are worth it.
On top of that, females are also more prone to obesity than males.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Bulldogs
Male Bulldogs do not have issues interacting with female dogs. However, they tend to display same-sex aggression towards other male dogs. This is because they instinctively perceive other males as threats.
Generally, male Bulldogs do not get along very well with other dogs, but this depends heavily on their upbringing. In reality, well-trained male Bulldogs can get along with anyone.
That said, early socialization is a must for this breed, especially male Bulldogs. Socializing them will ensure that they do not become aggressive around other dogs and pets.
Both male and female Bulldogs are not known for their prey drives. However, given their playful nature, male Bulldogs will surely find chasing after smaller animals irresistible.
Leash training should be effective in managing this type of behavior outdoors, especially when outdoors.
Female Bulldogs
Like males, female Bulldogs can get along well with male dogs better than with other female dogs in the house. However, their calm and laid-back disposition allows them to tolerate other dogs more than males can.
Females also like to have their own space, so if other dogs do not respect her boundaries, that may result in conflict. Similarly, early socialization and frequent exposure to other dogs should be able to address this issue.
With Children
Male Bulldogs
Male Bulldogs are very playful and a tough yet gentle breed, making them a perfect match for children of all ages. They are also very patient, so expect they won’t display aggressiveness towards kids.
They are also more likely to bond with kids as they are generally friendly towards all members of the family.
However, kids need to be taught not to disturb male Bulldogs during mealtime as they may show possessive aggression over their food and may accidentally hurt your little one accidentally.
Female Bulldogs
The protective nature of the female Bulldog does not only apply to its own puppies but also extends to the family’s children. Expect that they will do their best to guard the young family members from any perceived threat.
On the other hand, female Bulldogs are moodier and have more boundaries than male dogs. So although they will still play with children, they will definitely require space from time to time.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Bulldogs
Male Bulldogs
Similar to other breeds, there are particular advantages and disadvantages to owning a male and a female English Bulldog.
Male Bulldogs clearly have an advantage in terms of their size, along with their slightly larger heads and more solid body. However, this will still depend on your size preferences.
Males are also very sociable with all family members and are perfect playmates for the children due to their playful and energetic disposition.
Male English Bulldogs are also very motivated by food, so this may be used as an advantage in training these stubborn pooches. However, this may also make them more aggressive when someone else approaches their food.
They mature mentally quite slower than females, and they love eating and playing no matter their age. This kind of behavior makes them more distracted, especially during training sessions.
Intact male Bulldogs are prone to territorial marking, which means they may urinate indoors or outdoors to claim their territory. Neutering can help manage this particular behavior.
This heavy breed with a flat face is prone to many health issues in both genders and has a relatively shorter lifespan. However, males are also subject to illnesses related to their being intact, like prostatic diseases.
Further, male Bulldogs are not the type to get along well with other male Bulldogs, which they perceive as a threat, nor are they highly amicable with other dogs in the household, except when properly socialized.
Due to their playful nature, they may also chase after small animals, even if they are not known for their high prey drive. Hence, leash training may be required to manage this behavior.
Here is the summary of the discussed pros and cons of a male English Bulldog:
| Pros | Cons |
| More playful and energetic | More stubborn |
| More robust build | Mature slower mentally and more difficult to train |
| Can get along well with children | Frequently marks territories |
| Highly motivated by food | May chase after small animals |
Female Bulldogs
Female Bulldogs are smaller in size than their male counterparts. They are also more independent, laid-back, and not too fond of attention compared to male Bulldogs.
They are also more respectful of personal space, and though they are less sociable, they tend to be attached to their owners a lot, making them very protective of their masters.
Females also get along better with other dogs and animals compared to male Bulldogs. This is due to their calm and carefree disposition, allowing them to tolerate other dogs more.
Further, female Bulldogs are also more protective of children in the family because of their maternal instincts.
Female English Bulldogs also mature faster mentally, making them more focused and respond faster during training sessions. Their territorial and protective nature also makes them better guard dogs than males.
However, intact females may have episodes of moodiness and stubbornness, especially when they are in heat. Further, unspayed female Bulldogs are also more prone to reproductive system-related illnesses.
Aside from these, females may also encounter dystocia when giving birth, leaving owners to proceed with a more expensive caesarian section. They are also more prone to obesity due to their sedentary lifestyle.
Here is the summary of the discussed pros and cons of a female English Bulldog:
| Pros | Cons |
| More independent and respectful of personal space | Less sociable |
| Matures faster mentally and more focused with training | Very suspicious of strangers |
| Gets along better with other dogs and animals | Can be overprotective at times |
| Makes better guard dogs | Costly to breed due to the possibility of dystocia |
Should You Get a Male or Female Bulldog?
The decision on whether to get a male or a female Bulldog ultimately lies in your hands. It is not an easy choice due to the number of lovable traits that exist in both genders.
If appearance matters a lot to you, a male Bulldog’s larger build and more solid body might fit your taste better. However, if you want a slightly smaller dog, the female Bulldog would be a better choice.
Meanwhile, having an active lifestyle would mean that the energy and playfulness of male Bulldogs might suit you better.
On the other hand, females might lure you if you are a more laid-back owner who loves their personal space.
If you love the challenge and accomplishment of having to train a stubborn dog fully, then you can try raising a male Bulldog. However, if you do not have too much time on your hands, females would be easier to train.
Further, owners with multi-dog environments at home would have an easier time when adding a female Bulldog to the mix. However, large families may be entertained more by male Bulldogs.
Indeed, choosing the right gender is one of the most important decisions to make when acquiring an English Bulldog. Regretting a decision might just end up with your dog being in an adoption center!
Regardless if you get a male or female Bulldog, make sure to acquire your pet from credible breeders or rescue organizations. This ensures that your dog comes with health guarantees, proper vaccination, and deworming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Bulldogs Calmer?
Generally, female Bulldogs are calmer than their male counterparts, which is primarily due to their more laid-back and reserved nature. They are also more focused on what they do and love to have their personal space.
On the other hand, male Bulldogs are more playful and energetic, making them more reactive to their environment.
Are Male or Female Bulldogs More Affectionate?
Male Bulldogs are more affectionate and sociable compared to females. They love to seek affection from their owners and cuddle, regardless of age.
Further, they are not partial to any specific members of the family. They can show equal affection to all family members, making them well-loved by everyone.
Female Bulldogs can also be affectionate, but they would require space every now and then.
Are Male or Female Bulldogs Easier to Train?
Female Bulldogs are easier to train than males. They also have a shorter mental maturity period, which makes them less stubborn and more focused on what they do. This trait allows female Bulldogs to learn commands faster.
On the other hand, males love to play and eat, so they have shorter attention spans compared to females. However, males are highly motivated by food, so treats may be used to encourage them during training.
Final Thoughts
The English Bulldog is a breed with many likable characteristics, regardless of gender. They are well-loved by families due to their appealing appearance and desirable temperaments that fit almost every household.
However, whether you go for a male or a female Bulldog, “nurture” matters greatly in forming their characteristics. Hence, our relationship and the time we spend with them are significant in molding their overall behavior.
Also, prospective owners must consider what would better fit their preferences, lifestyles, and environment when contemplating what gender of English Bulldog to acquire.
As this guide has articulated all the distinct differences between male and female Bulldogs, let us know what gender you are leaning towards by commenting your thoughts below!
