Sorry to hear about your loss. Welcome to the board.
I know you said bulldog, but I can't pass on a saying what a good dog a Boxer is.
I had a Boxer name Chewy. Great family dog. Never barks never whines. Very athetic and hyper sometimes.
loves to jog with me.
Female: There are some Boxers that get really big and some that are around 50-70lbs. Mine was around 65lbs
Instinctively a hearing guard dog, his bearing is alert, dignified, and self-assured. In the show ring his behavior should exhibit constrained animation. With family and friends, his temperament is fundamentally playful, yet patient and stoical with children. Deliberate and wary with strangers, he will exhibit curiosity, but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened. However, he responds promptly to friendly overtures honestly rendered. His intelligence, loyal affection, and tractability to discipline make him a highly desirable companion. Any evidence of shyness, or lack of dignity or alertness, should be severely penalized.
Or American Staffordshire Terrier or also known sometimes as APBT. Very loyal, atheltic, outgoing, strong, friendly and very intelligent. These dogs are also masculine, which is a plus with most men. They can range from 50-70lbs. I would check the breeding first before deciding. People are now breeding 100lbs Pits
"The Pit Bull is goofily friendly towards people--family, friends, and strangers alike. Known for its sound character, strong nerve, and great intelligence, the breed makes an ideal companion for households with children, while remaining strong and vigilent enough to protect its loved ones if need be. It is never necessary to embark on guard or attack training with this breed, as they are naturally attuned to their environment and intuitive about real threats. Although never aggressive towards people without real need, the Pit Bull is dog-aggressive, to varying degrees. The properly socialized and trained Pit Bull should not be an instigater, yet neither should he shy away from a challenge. The breed is known for its high prey drive, and so due caution should be exercised when cats, rabbits, domestic fowl, and other such animals are present. Aggression towards other animals should not be viewed as a fault, although excessive, uncontrollable aggression is neither desired nor correct. Aggression towards humans should be viewed as a serious fault."
I would get a female puppy.