Pet Wiki

Continental bulldog

Also called Conti, Continental Bulldog, Swiss Bulldog

A confident, attentive and friendly dog that is neither timid nor pushy.

SizeMedium
Weight25 to 30 kg (55 to 66 lb)males 25 to 30 kg, females 25 kg12
Height40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)males 42 to 50 cm, females 40 to 48 cm12
CoatShort, smooth
OriginSwitzerland.32
GroupFCI group 2
Provisionally recognisedShort profile
friendly and self-assured
attentive family companion
athletic with good stamina
12

Personality what they are like

A confident, attentive and friendly dog that is neither timid nor pushy. It is a cheerful family companion with a steady nature.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth

A compact, muscular, medium-sized bulldog with a short, flat, glossy coat and a more athletic, longer-legged build than the English Bulldog.12

Coloursfawn from sand to redbrindleblackany of these with or without white markingswhite with coloured markingswith or without dark mask1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Continental bulldog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderately active: daily walks and play keep it fit, and it has more stamina than many bulldog types.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal: weekly brushing, wiping any facial folds, regular nail trims and ear checks.1

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to house or flat life with daily outings; like other short-coated dogs it appreciates shade in hot weather.1

Company who they like around

Made as a family and companion dog, it thrives on close contact with its people.1

The story where it all began

Swiss breeder Imelda Angehrn, who had bred Bulldogs since 1966, began crossing English Bulldogs with the Olde English Bulldogge in 2001 to create a lighter, more agile bulldog. The Swiss Kennel Club recognised the breed in 2004, and it gained provisional FCI recognition in 2022.213

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Fans often call the breed simply the 'Conti'.2

  2. 2

    The breed needed eight independent bloodlines before it could be put forward for FCI recognition, a goal reached by 2017.2

  3. 3

    It is one of the newest breeds on the FCI list, accepted provisionally in 2022.3

  4. 4

    The breed was designed to look closer to the original, older bulldog type.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed was originally called 'Pickwick Bulldog Old Type' but was renamed 'Continental Bulldog' in 2004 by the Swiss Kennel Club to clearly distinguish it from the English Bulldog and to emphasize its continental European origin.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BrunoGretaHeidiMaxLottiFritzRosaKlausLinaEmilNoraPoldi

A day in the life told by a Continental bulldog

I wake up with a big stretch and a yawn, then follow my human to the kitchen. After a quick cuddle, we head out for a gentle walk. I greet every person with a wag and a sniff. Back home, I play tug with my rope toy, then settle on my bed for a nap. In the afternoon, my human takes me to the garden where I patrol the fence and chase a butterfly. Later, I sit by the sofa as my human watches TV, leaning against their leg. At bedtime, I curl up in my basket, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Provisionally accepted 30.03.2022, standard no. 369, Group 2 Section 2.1 Molossoid, mastiff type, without working trial; standard dated 11.02.2026.3
Swiss Kennel Club (SKG)
Recognised nationally in September 2004.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Continental bulldog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Continental bulldog at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. This routine supports their digestion and energy levels.5 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Continental bulldog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Choose a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and size, following the label and your vet's advice. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.6

How often should I bathe a Continental bulldog?

Bathe your Continental bulldog about every eight weeks, or at least once every three months. Their short coat stays clean easily, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty or have skin issues.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Continental bulldog need brushing?

Brush your Continental bulldog weekly with a soft brush to keep their short, glossy coat shiny and remove loose hair. This is a quick, pleasant routine that also strengthens your bond.17 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Continental bulldog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Continental bulldog need?

Your Continental bulldog needs daily walks and playtime to stay fit and happy. They are moderately active with more stamina than many bulldog types, so a good walk each day is ideal.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Continental bulldog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week using dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks. Clean ears gently with a vet-recommended solution, never pushing anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Continental bulldog live?

The lifespan of a Continental bulldog varies, but with good care they often live into their senior years, typically around age 8 and beyond. Regular vet checkups help ensure a long, healthy life. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Continental bulldog good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Continental bulldog is a confident, friendly, and steady family companion that is neither timid nor pushy. They thrive on close contact and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized.12

Can a Continental bulldog be left alone?

This breed thrives on close contact with its people and may not enjoy long periods alone. They adapt well to house or flat life, but daily outings and companionship are important for their happiness.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 369 Continental Bulldog fci.beused for size, coat, colours, temperament, purpose
  2. Wikipedia: Continental bulldog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, national recognition, weight, fun facts
  3. FCI nomenclature: Continental Bulldog fci.beused for recognition status and dates
  4. fbkc.fr fbkc.fr
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.