AMERICAN BULLDOG BREED STANDARD
Classic Type
General Appearance
The first impression of a proper Classic American Bulldog is that of a powerful, agile and well-muscled animal. His expression is alert and confident and he exudes an aura of strength and fitness. He is a squarely built, medium large dog with a short, tight-fitting coat. Bred as both a herding dog and family guardian, his disposition may vary from aloofness to friendly acceptance of strangers. The large, round head and sturdy and powerful yet compact frame impart to the Classic American Bulldog a unique stamp. Dogs are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches, however a masculine bitch should not be penalized. Overly aggressive or shy dispositions are serious faults. Lack of muscle, lack of undershot bite and narrow tapering head are disqualifications.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Dogs-23 inches to 26 inches. Bitches-22 inches to 25 inches with preferred size being mid-range of each sex. Correct proportion is of primary importance and there is no size disqualification as long as size is within the standard’s range. Proportion- The body in profile is of square proportion in that a horizontal line from the front of the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh should be just short of the length of a vertical line dropped from the top of the withers to the ground. The depth of chest is approximately fifty percent of the height of the dog and his chest should reach to his elbow. His bone should be heavy and his muscle should be obvious and hard to the touch. Disqualification- Lack of chest and muscle, bitchy dogs.
Head
The head should be large and broad in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. It should be flat on top but have an overall round appearance, with a defined furrow between the eyes and a distinct, deep stop. The head is well-muscled throughout with prominent cheeks. Disqualification-A narrow head. Muzzle- Bridge is straight, broad at base with a slight tapering towards tip. The end of muzzle is broad with a well-developed chin. The desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is 3 to 1. Nose is broad, rather than round. Bite and Dentition- Teeth 42 in number, large and strong. Canines should be slightly curved toward the rear and incisors straight and even. Bite is ¼” to ¾” undershot. Disqualification- Overshot, even or scissor bite. Faults- teeth showing when mouth is closed. Allowances -Missing or broken teeth on this working breed, while not desirable, are to be accepted with veterinary documentation a copy of which should readily be presented to the judge. Eyes- The eyes should be set moderately low and be round or almond shape, medium sized, and wide set. Black or dark brown is the preferred color. Faults- Blue, gold or yellow color. Black eye rim pigment preferred. Pink eye rims to be considered a cosmetic fault. Ears- Ears are to be set well apart, medium in size with a rose set or full drop. When full drop, the ear should terminate at mid-cheek. Disqualification- Cropped ears.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck- The neck is where the American Bulldog exerts power to bring down livestock. The neck must be long enough to exert leverage, but short enough to exert power. The neck is muscular and, at its widest point, is nearly as broad as the head. The neck is slightly arched, tapering slightly from shoulders to head, with a slight dewlap allowed. Faults- overly long neck. Topline- The back should be of medium/short length, strong and broad with the rear sitting slightly higher than the shoulders. Loins should be slightly tucked. The back should not be narrow or excessively swayed. Body- The chest is wide and strongly muscled, with the forechest well defined and visible in profile. The brisket is deep, reaching down to the elbows, well-spring ribs. Tail- the tail may be docked or undocked. When undocked the tail should reach to the hock, be high set and taper to a fine point. Tail should not be held over back nor should it be curled.
Forequarters
Shoulders- The shoulders should be well-muscled with good definition and wide sloping blades well laid back and giving the appearance of great strength. Elbows- should set on a plane parallel to the body and should not press too closely to the chest wall nor point outward. Faults- Tied in or bowed out elbows. Forelegs-The forelegs are long and straight and heavy boned. When viewed from the front they should stand parallel to one another. The pastern is strong, short and straight when viewed from front and stand almost perpendicular to the ground, with a very slight slope allowed when viewed from side. Feet are round, compact with well-arched toes turning neither in nor out. Pads are thick and hard, nails short and strong, any color. Serious Faults- Weak pasterns, hare foot.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and powerful with well-defined, extensive muscle leading into a strong hock joint. Rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, hind legs are straight, strong and wide enough apart to fit with a properly built body. Rear legs slightly longer than front legs. Angulation should be in balance with that of the forequarters. Feet are compact with well-arched toes, turning neither in nor out. Pads are thick and hard, nails short and strong, any color. Faults- Insufficient or excessive angulation, slight turning in or out of hock. Serious Faults- Moderate turning in or out of hock. Disqualification- Severe turning in or out of hock.
Coat
Short, lying smooth and tight to the body, stiff to touch. Disqualification- long coat, wavy coat.
Color
American Bulldog color is white or white with patches of color. Up to 85% color allowed. Head must have some white color. Patches of color may be fawn and/or brindle. Fawn shades vary from tan to mahogany. All shades of brindle accepted. Disqualification- More than 85% color, black mask, patches of solid black, patches of solid gray.
Gait
An American Bulldog should move with speed, agility and power. His movement should be balanced, sure and powerful with strong forereach and a powerful rear drive. The legs are parallel but as speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a center line, but should never cross. A rolling gait is acceptable due to muscle mass.
Temperament
Developed to serve as a guard, working and companion dog the American Bulldog is alert, courageous and self-assured. At times aloof with strangers, the American Bulldog tends to take cues from his master and react accordingly. When appropriate, the American Bulldog is either quick to form friendships or quick to stand guard. With his family, the American Bulldog longs for attention and approval and can be quite clownish in nature. The behavior of the American Bulldog in the show ring should be animated and the dog should submit without objection to examination. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master, it should not be nervous or show nervous reactions. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Some assertiveness toward other dogs is not considered a fault.
Standard Type
General Appearance
The first impression of a proper Standard American Bulldog is that of a powerful, agile and well-muscled animal. His expression is alert and confident and he exudes an aura of strength and fitness. He is a squarely built, medium large dog with a short, tight-fitting coat. Bred as both a herding dog and family guardian, his disposition may vary from aloofness to friendly acceptance of strangers. The large, square head and sturdy and powerful yet compact frame impart to the Standard American Bulldog a unique stamp. Dogs are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches, however a masculine bitch should not be penalized. Lack of muscle, narrow tapering head and overly aggressive or shy dispositions are serious faults.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Dogs-23 inches to 26 inches. Bitches-22 inches to 25 inches with preferred size being mid-range of each sex. Correct proportion is of primary importance and there is no size disqualification as long as size is within the standard’s range. Proportion- The body in profile is of square proportion in that a horizontal line from the front of the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh should be just short of the length of a vertical line dropped from the top of the withers to the ground. The depth of chest is approximately fifty percent of the height of the dog and his chest should reach to his elbow. His bone should be medium heavy to heavy and his muscle should be obvious and hard to the touch. Serious faults- Lack of chest and muscle, bitchy dogs.
Head
The head should be large and broad in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. It should be flat on top giving a square appearance. There is a defined furrow between the eyes with a distinct, deep stop. The head is well-muscled throughout with prominent cheeks. An excessively narrow head is unacceptable. Muzzle- Bridge is straight, broad at base with a slight tapering towards tip. The end of muzzle is broad with a well-developed chin. The desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is 3 to 1. Nose is broad, rather than round. Bite and Dentition- Teeth 42 in number, large and strong. Canines should be slightly curved toward the rear and incisors straight and even. Bite is reverse scissor to ½” undershot. Disqualification- Overshot or scissor bite. Faults- teeth showing when mouth is closed. Even bites. Allowances -Missing or broken teeth on this working breed, while not desirable, are to be accepted with veterinary documentation a copy of which should readily be presented to the judge. Eyes- The eyes should be round or almond shape, medium sized, and wide set. Black or dark brown is the preferred color. Faults- Blue, gold or yellow color. Black eye rim pigment preferred. Pink eye rims to be considered a cosmetic fault. Ears- Ears are to be set well apart, medium in size with a rose set or full drop. When full drop, the ear should terminate at mid-cheek. Disqualification- Cropped ears.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck- The neck is where the American Bulldog exerts power to bring down livestock. The neck must be long enough to exert leverage, but short enough to exert power. The neck is muscular and, at its widest point, is nearly as broad as the head. The neck is slightly arched, tapering slightly from shoulders to head, with a slight dewlap allowed. Serious Faults- overly long neck. Topline- The back should be of medium/short length, strong and broad. Loins should be well tucked. The back should not be narrow or swayed. Body- The chest is wide and strongly muscled, with the forechest well defined and visible in profile. The brisket is deep, reaching down to the elbows, well-sprung ribs. Tail- the tail may be docked or undocked. When undocked the tail should reach to the hock, be high set and taper to a fine point. Tail should not be held over back nor should it be curled.
Forequarters
Shoulders- The shoulders should be well-muscled with good definition and wide sloping blades well laid back and giving the appearance of great strength. Elbows- should set on a plane parallel to the body and should not press too closely to the chest wall nor point outward. Faults- Tied in or bowed out elbows. Forelegs-The forelegs are long and straight and medium heavy to heavy boned. When viewed from the front they should stand parallel to one another. Pasterns are strong, short and straight and stand almost perpendicular to the ground, with a very slight slope allowed when viewed from side. Feet are round, compact with well-arched toes turning neither in nor out. Pads are thick and hard, nails short and strong, any color. Serious Faults- Weak pasterns, hare foot.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong and powerful with well-defined, extensive muscle leading into a strong hock joint. Rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, hind legs are straight, strong and wide enough apart to fit with a properly built body. Rear legs slightly longer than front legs and angulation must be sufficient to compensate length and not contribute to a sway or weak back effect. Angulation should be in balance with that of the forequarters. Feet are compact with well-arched toes, turning neither in nor out. Pads are thick and hard, nails short and strong, any color. Faults- Insufficient or excessive angulation, slight turning in or out of hock. Serious Faults- Moderate turning in or out of hock. Disqualification- Severe turning in or out of hock.
Coat
Short, lying smooth and tight to the body, stiff to touch. Disqualification- long coat, wavy coat.
Color
American Bulldog color is white or white with patches of color. Up to 85% color allowed. Head must have some white color. Patches of color may be fawn and/or brindle. Fawn shades vary from tan to mahogany. All shades of brindle accepted. Disqualification- More than 85% color, black mask, patches of solid black, patches of solid gray.
Gait
An American Bulldog should move with speed, agility and power. His movement should be balanced, sure and powerful with strong forereach and a powerful rear drive. The legs are parallel but as speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a center line, but should never cross. A slightly rolling gait is acceptable due to muscle mass.
Temperament
Developed to serve as a guard, working and companion dog the American Bulldog is alert, courageous and self-assured. At times aloof with strangers, the American Bulldog tends to take cues from his master and react accordingly. When appropriate, the American Bulldog is either quick to form friendships or quick to stand guard. With his family, the American Bulldog longs for attention and approval and can be quite clownish in nature. The behavior of the American Bulldog in the show ring should be animated and the dog should submit without objection to examination. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master, it should not be nervous or show nervous reactions. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. Some assertiveness toward other dogs is not considered a fault.
