French Bulldog Dog Registration

General Appearance

The French Bulldog is compact, well-balanced, and powerful for its small size. Its most notable features are its large, erect bat-like ears, short muzzle, and broad, square head. Despite its small stature, it should never appear frail or overly refined.

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Size and Proportion

• Height: 11–13 inches at the shoulder

• Weight: Under 28 pounds (ideal range 16–28 pounds)

• Proportion: The body is short and well-knit; the distance from withers to ground is approximately equal to the length from shoulder to rump.

Head

• Skull: Large, square, and broad. The forehead is almost flat between the ears, and the skin forms symmetrical folds.

• Stop: Deep and well-defined.

• Muzzle: Broad, deep, and set well back. The top line of the muzzle is nearly parallel to the line of the skull.

• Nose: Black is preferred; lighter noses accepted only in lighter-colored dogs. Nostrils should be wide and open.

• Lips: Thick and hanging over the lower jaw.

• Jaw: Undershot, broad, square, and deep. The lower jaw turns up slightly.

• Eyes: Round, dark, and set low and wide apart. No haw or white of the eye should be visible when looking straight ahead.

• Ears: The hallmark "bat ears" are broad at the base, rounded at the top, set high yet wide apart, and carried erect with the opening to the front.

Neck, Topline, and Body

• Neck: Thick, well-arched, and slightly loose-skinned.

• Topline: A slight roach (arching of the back) is distinctive, rising slightly over the loins.

• Body: Deep and broad chest with well-sprung ribs, tucked-up belly.

• Back: Short, strong, and broad.

• Tail: Short, hung low, thick at the base, and tapering to a fine point. May be straight or screwed but not curly or carried above the topline.

Forequarters

• Shoulders: Muscular, wide-set, and sloping.

• Forelegs: Short, straight, and muscular with strong bone. Feet turn slightly outward.

• Feet: Compact, tight, and well-knuckled. Toes are compact and evenly spaced.

Hindquarters

• Thighs: Strong and muscular.

• Hocks: Well let down and parallel to each other.

• Hind Legs: Slightly longer than the forelegs to elevate the loin above the shoulders slightly.

• Feet: As in the forefeet.

Coat

• Texture: Smooth, short, and fine.

• Condition: Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles.

• Color: Acceptable colors include brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white. All other colors (solid black, black and white, black and tan, blue, liver, and merle) are considered disqualifications for show purposes under many registries.

Gait / Movement

The gait is free, smooth, and powerful. The French Bulldog moves with a reach and drive typical of a sturdy, compact dog, with no looseness in the shoulders or hindquarters.

Temperament

Affectionate, playful, and alert. The French Bulldog is a well-behaved, companionable breed that is adaptable to both active and relaxed lifestyles. It is generally sociable with people and other pets but can be protective of its family.

Faults (penalized)

• Snippy or overly long muzzle

• Weak pasterns

• Excessively long or heavy body

• Poor movement or lack of coordination

• Light or protruding eyes

Disqualifications

• Any coat color not recognized (e.g., blue, chocolate, liver, merle)

• Eyes of different colors (wall-eye)

• Dudley nose (flesh-colored)

• Over 28 pounds in weight

• Temperament displaying aggression or excessive shyness

 

Ideal Owner

The French Bulldog is ideal for individuals or families seeking a loyal, low-maintenance companion. They thrive in apartments or homes with minimal space and appreciate moderate exercise and lots of companionship.