Bulldog
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.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
medium
Size
large
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
Better5/5
Apartment
2/5
1/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Exercise & Activity
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
2/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs2/5
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Labrador Retriever (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
Health & Lifespan
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs10–13Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years on average, while Bulldogs live 8–10 years.
Temperament & Personality
Bulldog is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
2/5
vs5/5
The Bulldog and Labrador Retriever bring very different personalities to the table. Bulldogs are docile, willful and friendly, while Labrador Retrievers tend to be friendly, outgoing and active.
Training & Intelligence
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labrador Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Family & Social Life
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Cost of Ownership
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Labrador Retriever's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,350 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Size & Appearance
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Bulldog is more compact.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs25–36
Height (cm)
31–40
vs55–62
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Labrador Retriever (25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Bulldog (18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)).
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Bulldog (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bulldog has a slight edge.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
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).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $200/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Bulldogs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Labrador Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bulldog's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Bulldog or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Labrador Retriever?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bulldogs or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.