Bulldog vs Glen of Imaal Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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
Glen of Imaal Terrier
A sturdy, dwarf-legged terrier from a remote Irish valley, bred for silent, tenacious badger hunting. Glens are gentler and quieter than most terriers, with a strong work ethic and a calm home presence.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Glen of Imaal Terrier if you want easier to train and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Glen of Imaal Terrier
medium
Size
medium
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
14–18 kg (31–40 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
30–36 cm (12–14 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
10–15 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
3/5Better
2/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
Better5/5
Apartment
4/5
1/5
Health
4/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,500–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Which Is Healthier — Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier? Health Compared
Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs10–15Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs4/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Glen of Imaal Terrier: 10–15 years versus the Bulldog's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Glen of Imaal Terrier.
Bulldog vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Glen of Imaal Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,180 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$4,000 for a Bulldog and $1,500–$2,500 for a Glen of Imaal Terrier. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Bulldog vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Energy and Exercise Compared
Glen of Imaal Terrier needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Energy Level
2/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Bulldog (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to low energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Glen of Imaal Terrier.
Bulldog vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Training and Intelligence
Glen of Imaal Terrier is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Trainability
2/5
vs3/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs4/5Better
The Glen of Imaal Terrier has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to catch on a bit faster.
Which Sheds More — Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier? Grooming Compared
Bulldog sheds more; Glen of Imaal Terrier is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Shedding
3/5
vs2/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
The Bulldog sheds a bit more (3/5) than the Glen of Imaal Terrier (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a slight edge.
Family and Social Compatibility: Bulldog vs Glen of Imaal Terrier
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better3/5
vs2/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Bulldog vs Glen of Imaal Terrier: Size and Coat
Bulldog is the larger breed; Glen of Imaal Terrier is more compact.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs14–18
Height (cm)
31–40
vs30–36
The Bulldog stands 31–40 cm (12–16 in) and weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), while the Glen of Imaal Terrier measures 30–36 cm (12–14 in) and 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs). The Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Bulldog and Glen of Imaal Terrier Temperament: What to Expect
Bulldog is calmer; Glen of Imaal Terrier is more energetic.
Bulldog
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Playfulness
3/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
2/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Bulldog is typically docile, willful and friendly, making them well suited for apartment living, families, seniors and first-time owners.
Summary and Final Take: Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier?
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 Glen of Imaal Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Glen of Imaal Terrier by roughly $400/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Glen of Imaal Terrier if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Glen of Imaal Terriers cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Glen of Imaal Terrier at 4/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier easier to train?
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Glen of Imaal Terrier's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Glen of Imaal Terrier costs $1,500–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,180 for the Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bulldogs or Glen of Imaal Terriers live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Glen of Imaal Terrier lives 10–15 years. The Glen of Imaal Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Glen of Imaal Terrier live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Glen of Imaal Terrier (4/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.