How Smart Are Bulldogs?

Quick Take

• English bulldogs rank near the bottom of canine intelligence tests, though the real reason has nothing to do with how smart they actually are. See how anatomy affects rankings →
• Standardized dog IQ tests may be rigged against certain bulldogs before the test even begins. Explore the testing bias →
• One bulldog breed can understand your command perfectly and still choose to ignore it. See why Frenchies ignore commands →
• The smartest of the three bulldog breeds is the one most people know the least about. Meet the smartest bulldog breed →

Bulldogs are famous for their stocky frames, loose skin, myriad facial wrinkles, and distinctive underbites. Originally bred in 13th-century England for the brutal sport of bull-baiting, they have since been carefully bred to have gentle, affectionate, and courageous personalities. Today, they rank among the most popular companion dogs in the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizes two distinct bulldog breeds: the English bulldog and the French bulldog. Although the AKC provides a registry to track the American bulldog’s lineage, the breed cannot compete in official AKC conformation shows. However, American bulldogs are fully recognized by other major kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club (UKC). Are bulldogs smart? Continue reading to learn more about the intelligence of English, French, and American bulldogs.

Are English Bulldogs Smart?

Dog intelligence is typically evaluated in three main areas: instinctive, adaptive, and working intelligence. Instinctive intelligence refers to a dog’s innate abilities and the specific tasks it was bred for. Adaptive intelligence measures a dog’s ability to learn from its environment, adapt to new situations, and solve problems. Working intelligence, also known as obedience intelligence, reflects how well a dog can learn, remember, and follow commands taught by humans.

English bulldogs typically rank near the bottom of traditional canine intelligence rankings. In Dr. Stanley Coren’s landmark evaluation metric (1994), which heavily emphasizes working and obedience intelligence, the English Bulldog ranks 77th out of 131 dog breeds placed in 79 ranked spots. According to Coren’s research, English bulldogs typically require 100 or more repetitions to grasp a new command. However, their low score may be more accurately attributed to their independent streak. Their reluctance to comply stems more from a lack of desire than from a lack of comprehension.

However, bulldogs excel at social cognition. Instead of expending unnecessary energy on a difficult task, they often seek help from their humans. When faced with a challenging or insurmountable problem, a bulldog will typically look to its human for assistance.

Some standardized cognitive tests put bulldogs at a disadvantage due to their unique anatomy. Puzzles that require fine motor skills are physically more difficult for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds with wide paws.

Are French Bulldogs Smart?

French bulldogs, commonly called Frenchies, are affectionate, compact, and adaptable companions who have become one of the most popular dog breeds in America. These adorable, low-maintenance dogs are full of personality and intelligence. Compared to their English cousins, Frenchies are faster learners, highly observant, and much more emotionally intuitive.

While English bulldogs can be famously stubborn and independent thinkers, French bulldogs are typically much more eager to please and highly sensitive to human emotion. Their emotional intelligence makes them quick at reading household routines and learning basic commands, though they still retain a delightful streak of playful mischief.

French bulldogs ranked 58th out of 79 ranked spots in Coren’s hierarchy.Frenchies are grouped with other small companion dogs, including many terriers, that were bred to keep humans company or hunt small pests independently. Because they were not bred to follow a handler’s commands like herding dogs, Frenchies may understand a request but simply choose to ignore it.

How Smart Are American Bulldogs?

American bulldogs are considered the smartest of these three bulldog breeds. Because the American Bulldog is not officially recognized by AKC as of 2026, it lacks the standardized data from obedience judges required for a formal ranking in Coren’s matrix.

However, trainers and canine behaviorists believe that the American bulldog surpasses both the English and French bulldogs in problem-solving and task execution. Unlike English and French bulldogs, which were bred down in size over generations for companionship, the American bulldog is an all-around working farm dog.

American bulldogs have a much stronger desire to please and are highly motivated by vocal praise and approval. Despite their higher cognitive abilities, they are still bulldogs at heart. If they sense that a handler is passive or inconsistent, they may choose to ignore commands. Because they are not brachycephalic (flat-faced), American bulldogs do not face the anatomical limitations that affect English or French bulldogs. As a result, American bulldogs can easily manipulate objects, tilt cups, and retrieve hidden toys, tasks that English bulldogs and Frenchies often find difficult.