Bulldog companion Medium size 23-36 kg

Leavitt Bulldog

A more athletic, less exaggerated bulldog bred for better health and family life - the trade-off is a still-shortened face and skin folds that need care and heat caution.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
23-36 kg, 43-51 cm tall
Moderate
Activity
Enjoys activity but tires in heat
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Companion dog; prefers people around
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but can be stubborn
Low
Coat care
Short coat; clean skin folds regularly
Excellent
Fit with kids
Affectionate, sturdy family dog
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
Breathing, skin and joint issues to watch

The Leavitt Bulldog typically weighs 23-36 kg, stands 43-51 cm, and lives 9-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a bulldog look with a more athletic, healthier build,
you want an affectionate, sturdy family dog that adores kids,
you can keep skin folds clean and watch for heat sensitivity,
you can offer moderate daily exercise in cool conditions.

Do not consider this breed if…

you live somewhere hot and cannot manage heat carefully,
you want a jogging partner or a highly athletic dog,
skin-fold care and possible breathing issues would frustrate you,
your budget cannot absorb bulldog-type health costs.

A typical day with a Leavitt Bulldog

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Cool-hour walk of 20-30 min at an easy pace
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Chew or gentle play, then a nap
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Rest indoors, avoid midday heat
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Short training session and family time
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second cool-hour walk and play
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily near the family

Temperament and training

Affection Very high
Sturdiness High
Stubbornness Moderate
Energy Moderate
Guarding tendency Moderate
Trainability Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Exercising in the heat and risking dangerous overheating · Neglecting skin folds until they become sore or infected · Assuming this healthier bulldog has no brachycephalic risk at all

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Affectionate and sturdy; great with children.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable; early socialization helps.
Cats Good
Usually fine, especially when raised together.
Apartment Conditional
Calm enough indoors, but needs cool conditions.
House with a yard Suitable
A shaded yard for cool-hour play works well.
City Manages
Adapts well with moderate walks and stimulation.
Countryside Suitable
Fine as long as it can avoid working in heat.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Brachycephalic airway syndrome Shortened face limits breathing; avoid heat and overexertion
Allergies and skin issues Skin folds and diet need ongoing management
Obesity Manage portions to protect joints and breathing
Luxating patella Watch for a skipping hind gait

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another healthier, more athletic bulldog remake
Continental Bulldog
A healthier, more athletic bulldog bred for a better muzzle - a friendly family companion, though brachycephalic risks remain.
View profile →
The exaggerated classic it was bred to improve on
English Bulldog
An affectionate, low-energy companion that suits apartment life, but the flat face brings serious breathing problems, heavy vet bills, and a short lifespan.
View profile →
Larger, athletic working bulldog type
American Bulldog
A confident, athletic working bulldog that is loving with family, but its size, power, and drive need structure and training.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Leavitt Bulldog cost in the US?
Also sold as the Olde English Bulldogge, the Leavitt Bulldog is a niche breed, so availability varies and waitlists are common. Puppies commonly run about $2,000-$4,000. Over a 9-14 year life, food, skin and dental care, and vet bills typically add $15,000-$25,000 or more, and breathing or skin problems can raise that further.
Is the Leavitt Bulldog healthier than an English Bulldog?
That was the goal. David Leavitt bred it to recreate the older, more athletic bulldog with a longer muzzle, better hips, and easier breathing than the modern English Bulldog. Many are noticeably more active and sound, but it is still a bulldog type, so skin folds, heat sensitivity, and some airway risk remain.
Can a Leavitt Bulldog handle hot weather?
Only with care. The shortened face still limits how well it cools itself, so it is more heat-sensitive than a long-nosed breed. Walk in the cool parts of the day, provide shade and water, never leave it in a warm car, and watch closely for heavy panting or distress.
Are Leavitt Bulldogs good with children?
Yes, they are typically affectionate, patient, and sturdy enough to handle family life, which makes them popular with kids. As always, supervise young children and teach gentle handling, and keep play from overheating the dog on warm days.