The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
A joyful, tireless sporting dog with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, love the outdoors, and make wonderful active family companions.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose English Springer Spaniel if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Bulldog
Attribute
English Springer Spaniel
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
English Springer Spaniel needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The English Springer Spaniel has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
English Springer Spaniel tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. English Springer Spaniels live 12–14 years on average, while Bulldogs live 8–10 years.
Bulldog is calmer; English Springer Spaniel is more energetic.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Bulldog and English Springer Spaniel bring very different personalities to the table. Bulldogs are docile, willful and friendly, while English Springer Spaniels tend to be friendly, playful and obedient.
English Springer Spaniel is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Trainability
Intelligence
Training difficulty is a major difference. The English Springer Spaniel (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
English Springer Spaniel is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the English Springer Spaniel's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,350 difference just to bring your puppy home.
English Springer Spaniel is better suited for families with children.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The English Springer Spaniel has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the English Springer Spaniel's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (3/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Expect a moderate amount of loose fur from both.
Both breeds are similar in size.
Bulldog
English Springer Spaniel
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Bulldog weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) and the English Springer Spaniel weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Bulldog and English Springer Spaniel are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: English Springer Spaniel needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, English Springer Spaniel is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the English Springer Spaniel by roughly $300/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
Choose English Springer Spaniel if...
Looking for more options?
The English Springer Spaniel is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bulldog's 4/5. The English Springer Spaniel is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The English Springer Spaniel is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The English Springer Spaniel's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a English Springer Spaniel costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years. The English Springer Spaniel tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the English Springer Spaniel (2/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.