How to Identify a Bulldog

Look at the general appearance of the bulldog. It is a medium-sized breed with a smooth coat and a heavy, low-swung body. The massive and short-faced head sits on wide shoulders--qualities that suggest stability, vigor and strength. The disposition is kind, resolute and courageous, and should never be vicious or aggressive.

Check that the size and proportion of the mature dog is correct. The males should weigh about 50 pounds and females should weigh about 40 pounds. The circumference of the skull (measured in front of the ears) should be at least the same as the height of the dog measured at the shoulders. The eyes are low down in the skull and are far from the ears. They are in front of the head and wide apart. They are round and of moderate size, and should not be sunken or bulging. The ears are set high in the head and wide apart. The ears are small and thin. They fold inward at the back lower edge and the upper front edge curves over, out and back to show part of the inside. The ears are not carried erect and should never be cropped.The face is very short, as is the muzzle. The muzzle is turned up and very deep from the corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth. The large nose is broad and black, with a well-defined line between the nostrils.

Look at the body of the bulldog. The short neck is very thick and deep, and is well-arched at the back. The well-rounded ribs fit a full-sided body and are very deep from the shoulders down to the lowest part where they join the chest. The deep chest is very broad. The back is short and strong, and is quite broad at the shoulders. It narrows to the loin and into the tail, which may be straight or screwed, but never curved or curly. The tail is short and hangs low with a fine tip. If straight, it should have a uniform taper. If screwed, the bends or kinks should be well defined.

Check that the shoulders are muscular and heavy. They should be wide and slant outward. The front legs are short, stout and very muscular. The feet are moderately-sized, compact and are set firmly, with compact toes that are well split with high knuckles and stubby nails. The muscular rear legs are strong and longer than the front legs. The loins should be elevated above the shoulders. The rear feet turn outward and are moderately-sized and compact as are the front feet.

Feel the smooth, glossy coat. It is short and of fine texture. The skin is soft and loose, especially around the head, neck and shoulders. The head and face is covered with heavy wrinkles. There are two hanging folds that hang from the jaw to the chest. These form the dewlap. There are various colors found in this breed: red brindle, all other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn or fallow and piebald.